Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Gion

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:45 Photo shoot of the exterior at Nijo Castle
    • 10:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 11:25 Fushimi Inari
    • 12:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:05 Lunch
    • 14:05 Gion
    • 15:20 Drop off at the hotel and end the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guest arrived in Kyoto on the Shinkansen departing Tokyo at exactly 6:00 in the morning, and as of 9:30 a.m. had not yet checked into the hotel. Before the tour, replies had been slow and some emails came from another sender, so I wondered whether the party might consist of more than one person, but as assigned, the guest participated alone. The guest walked slowly but steadily, and seemed to have gathered some advice in advance, showing a bit of knowledge about Japanese shrines. The weather was clear from the morning, making it pleasant to be out during the first half of the day. No shopping was done until reaching Gion, so everything progressed very smoothly. Thanks to this, lunchtime came a little earlier, and I was able to guide thoroughly in Gion. Photos were taken at Kiyomizu-dera. The guest was fine with the photos being posted on the website but asked that no name be included. I replied that this would not be a problem, as the previous photos do not include names either.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Toranomon & Imperial Palace Tatsumi Yagura

    Tokyo in One Day: Hotel Toranomon & Imperial Palace Tatsumi Yagura

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Toranomon
    • 9:30 Tsukiji
    • 11:10 Asakusa (Nishi-sando Kagetsudo, Kingyo, Kadomatsu, Mini Pig Cafe, Bandai)
    • 13:30 Ueno Ameyoko (Center Building underground shopping street, insect food vending machine, Futaki Sweets, Jogyo Bosatsu)
    • 14:00 Ueno Park (Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Hanazono Inari Shrine)
    • 14:50 Tokyo Station
    • 15:20 Imperial Palace Tatsumi Yagura
    • 15:40 Disband in front of Wadakura Fountain Park

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Ueno The guests were a group visiting from North America. In our correspondence beforehand, there had been a request to move quickly and skip parts if needed in order to see as many places as possible, but at some spots there were points of interest that caught their attention, so things did not always go exactly as planned. Overall, I built the itinerary around the curiosity of the younger members of the group. The upbringing within the group was clearly attentive: at one point on the train, when one of the guests was talking, another gently reminded them that in Japan you should not speak loudly on the train. They also listened carefully to historical and cultural explanations, trying to understand and even asking questions. Tsukiji was specifically requested, as one of the guests loves seafood so much that sea urchin is a favorite. I was surprised that quite a number of shops were closed even though it was a weekday. However, since dinner that day was planned to be at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, they only looked with interest at the sushi and sashimi without eating any. In Asakusa, as it was around lunchtime, I recommended the melon bread from a well-known shop, which was very well liked. After that, they enjoyed the goldfish scooping across the street, and then had A5 wagyu cheeseburgers (beef between slices of bread) at a nearby shop, which everyone praised highly, with one of the guests even asking for a second helping. Apparently this was a new menu item introduced about a month earlier, replacing the previous wagyu skewers only, and there was a constant stream of foreign tourists coming in. After taking commemorative photos with an anime statue, we headed to Ueno. The atmosphere of Ameyoko was to their liking, and visiting a well-known confectionery shop there was also very well received. I do not know the details, but it seems one of the guests is involved in work related to the sale of KitKat, so after confirming that KitKat was on display, they took a photo and said, "Thank you for bringing us here." Since one of the guests began to look tired, part of the group rested near the entrance of Ueno Park, while the rest and I visited only Kiyomizu Kannon-do and Hanazono Inari Shrine. The Ana Shrine is always a good place to convey Japanese ways of thinking. Finally, we viewed only the exteriors of Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace before ending the tour. The younger members of the group said "thank you" many times, even from inside the taxi, and everyone waved, which made me very happy. It was a very enjoyable day spent with such a close and warm group.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKamiyacho～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno～Tokyo200JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Visit & Ginkaku-ji Visit

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Visit & Ginkaku-ji Visit

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Gion Ichirin)
    • 9:30-10:00 Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka Visit & Stroll
    • 10:00-11:00 Kiyomizu-dera Visit
    • 11:00-11:30 Transfer (Keihan Train; Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 11:30-12:20 Fushimi Inari Visit
    • 12:20-13:20 Transfer (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, City Bus; Sanjo Keihan-mae → Ginkakuji-michi)
    • 13:20-14:00 Ginkaku-ji Visit
    • 14:00-14:30 Transfer (City Bus; Ginkakuji-michi → Shijo)
    • 14:40-15:30 Nishiki Market Stroll (including Quick Snack, Shopping)
    • 15:30 Tour End Said goodbye to the guests at Nishiki Market.

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Ginkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. They had come to Japan as a graduation trip. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Ginkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market. Originally, the plan did not include Ginkaku-ji; after Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, we had agreed to visit Sanjusangen-do and Chishaku-in, and a restaurant had also been arranged. However, the day before the tour, a request came to change the itinerary to Ginkaku-ji, so I had to cancel the restaurant reservation. Since I had informed them that a restaurant had been booked, I strongly considered declining the change request, but I accepted it. The guests seemed to especially enjoy Fushimi Inari and took many photos.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo Station (Highway/Connecting Bus)～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)240JPY
    Section 3BusSanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Ginkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Shijo (Kyoto City)230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi-Koen Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi-Koen Station & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Yoyogi-Koen Station
    • 9:50 Asakusa
    • 11:30 Akihabara
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Ushi no Tatsujin
    • 13:50 Shibuya
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Disband @ Harajuku Station

    What's a 2-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and Meiji Shrine This was the second day of guiding for a group visiting Japan from North America. They had arrived the day before and taken the subway to Ginza, but because they did not tap out when exiting the subway on the way back, an error appeared this morning, so we had to call a station attendant. Since their accommodation was not a hotel, we arranged to meet at the nearest station. As soon as we met, they asked me many questions about how to get to Kamakura, where they planned to go from the next day onward, and how to send their luggage, so I wrote explanations on paper along the way. They were impressed by how people formed neat lines to board the escalators even at a crowded station. They enjoyed shopping and spent quite a lot of time browsing in Asakusa and Akihabara. For lunch they wanted wagyu, so we had lunch at a wagyu yakiniku restaurant, which they were very satisfied with. They had many things they wanted to do and preferred a relaxed, free-flowing pace. By the time we left Meiji Shrine it was already the end time, but they said they wanted to stop by a souvenir shop, so we ran about 30 minutes over. I guided them around Harajuku and explained how to get back, and the tour ended. They were lovely people, and I hope they thoroughly enjoy Japan.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYoyogi-Koen～Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa (TX)～Akihabara230JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo in Half a Day: @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & @ Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:15 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 11:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:00 @ Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 13:30 Disband @ Nankinmachi Chinatown (Roushouki)

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Nunobiki Herb Garden, and Nankinmachi The guests were visiting from North America and had visited Japan several times before. We were able to move around smoothly throughout the day. Despite it being the rainy season, we were blessed with clear weather, and the guests were delighted by the wonderful views from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. On the ropeway heading to Nunobiki Herb Garden, they were able to spot the cruise ship they were traveling on, which they thoroughly enjoyed. At the herb garden, there was a corner that assesses your personality based on the scents you like and dislike, and the guests were impressed at how well it seemed to capture their own character. They also purchased some souvenirs. At our final stop, Nankinmachi, I introduced them to "Roushouki," said to be the birthplace of the butaman (steamed pork bun), and they were eager to try it, so we parted ways as they lined up in the long queue. As one of the guests wanted to purchase a "furoshiki" wrapping cloth as a souvenir, I introduced a nearby department store. I also showed them the shuttle bus stop to the cruise ship terminal, and we said our goodbyes there. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by a member of my family, which they were very pleased to receive. They mentioned they would like to visit Tokyo and Kobe again, and kindly said they would like to request my guiding services once more for a future Kobe tour.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Maiko320JPY
    Section 3TrainMaiko～Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 4SubwaySannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 5SubwayShin-Kobe～Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)210JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 09:25 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 3. 10:35 @ Kobe Kitano Ijinkan Foreigners' Residence District
    • 4. 11:30 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 5. 13:45 @ Kobe Catholic Central Church
    • 6. 14:30 Dismissal @ Kobe Port Terminal

    What Is a Private Kobe Cruise Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests arrived in Kobe by cruise ship from North America. I met the group at the Kobe Port Terminal. The first thing I noticed was that walking long distances might be difficult for the group. After consulting with the guests, we decided to use taxis for transportation. The group consisted of three guests (four including the guide). The first taxi had a configuration that allowed for an additional seat behind the rear seats, so we used this taxi to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, the Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences district, and the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden. At the Nunobiki Herb Garden, I recommended using an electric wheelchair (available free of charge), but this was declined each time. As a result, we walked only along the slopes to tour the herb garden. However, by the time we headed from the Glass House toward the Kaze-no-Oka intermediate station, some of the guests were already tired. For this reason, at the guests' request, we stopped by the Kobe Catholic center, then returned to the Kobe Port Terminal, and the tour came to an end. After the tour, I received a thank-you message from one of the guests, which noted that the mobility situation of the clients had not been fully understood in advance, and that it can be difficult to accommodate guests for whom moving around Kobe is challenging, asking that this be relayed to the relevant department. Responding to situations where mobility is limited for the entire group can indeed be quite challenging.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel Gion Ichirin & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Hotel Gion Ichirin & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Gion Ichirin
    • 8:45-10:10 Higashiyama District, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30-11:05 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:15-11:45 Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
    • 11:55 Kyoto Station

    What's a Private Half-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were very calm and pleasant, and since we started early in the morning, we progressed faster than planned, which allowed us time to shop for souvenirs along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. We took a bus to Sanjusangen-do Temple, and even after viewing it at a relatively relaxed pace, we still had an hour to spare at that point, so I invited the guests to visit Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, which was not originally on the itinerary. We spent about 30 minutes there, and since the guests wished to catch the 12:02 bullet train, we headed to Kyoto Station a little early. I saw them off at Kyoto Station, and the tour ended at 11:50.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Sanjusangendo-mae / Queen Line690JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Tempozan Ferry Terminal
    • 10:10 Depart from Hankyu Umeda Station to Arashiyama
    • 11:00 Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple / Bamboo Grove) (Bamboo Grove → Kinkaku-ji Temple by taxi)
    • 13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple (Kinkaku-ji Temple → Demachiyanagi Station by taxi)
    • 14:00 Lunch near Fushimi Inari
    • 14:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 15:40 Depart from Keihan Fushimi Inari Station to Osaka
    • 17:00 End at Tempozan Ferry Terminal

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Trip Like from an Osaka Port Cruise Stop? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They joined a Kyoto tour using a day when their cruise ship made an overnight stop at Osaka Port. As the cruise had started in Tokyo and this was their first port of call, this was their first visit to shrines and temples, so I explained many things to them. Since they were looking for famous, photogenic spots, I guided them to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. As these locations were spread apart along the route, I recommended using taxis, which allowed us to get around efficiently. Since they planned to have dinner on the cruise ship, I made sure we returned to Osaka Port in the evening.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Umeda (Subway)290JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka Umeda (Hankyu Line)～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)410JPY
    Section 3OtherDemachiyanagi～Fushimi Inari300JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Yodoyabashi480JPY
    Section 5SubwayYodoyabashi～Osaka Port290JPY
    Total1,770JPY

    Tour Report by Kuni

    Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
    Please call me first name Kuni.
    My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
    and also lived in London and Paris for work.
    Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
    I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
    I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
    I also like history and gourmet food.
    I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
    I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
    Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
    Looking forward to meeting you !

    Kuni

    Request Booking

    Jul 18, 2026
    M2443VKandrewl
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide and support
    Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…

    Jun 9, 2026
    Gail M
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
    The…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Rick_S
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An afternoon in Kyoto
    We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…

    May 16, 2026
    sydneybA4751LA
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
    Kuni was amazing as our private tour…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: on Miyajima Island & Ujina Port

    Hiroshima in One Day: on Miyajima Island & Ujina Port

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 a.m. Meet at Ujina Cruise Port
    • 9:20 a.m. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:20 a.m. Visit the art supply shop "Black Gazai"
    • 12:00 p.m. Take a taxi to Hiroshima Station
    • 12:30 p.m. Take the JR train to Miyajima guchi station
    • 1:15 p.m. Lunch at an okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 2:10 p.m. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island
    • 2:20 p.m. Arrive on Miyajima Island
    • 2:40 p.m. Cafe time
    • 3:10 p.m. Visit the Grand Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine
    • 4:00 p.m. Take the ferry back toward Ujina Port
    • 4:25 p.m. Arrive at Ujina Port
    • 4:45 p.m. End of the tour at Ujina Cruise Port

    What Is a Private Cruise Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America while traveling by cruise. Two days before the tour, I received a request to stop by an art supply store, as one of the guests enjoyed painting, so this was incorporated into the itinerary. Since one of the guests used a cane, we traveled by taxi as much as possible in accordance with their wishes. In the taxi from the port, I shared some of the history of Hiroshima, and the guests also shared their own experiences related to 9/11. At the Peace Memorial Park, the guests took great interest in the individual stories of the atomic bomb survivors. They asked about my own family's experience of the bombing, and listened very earnestly to the story of my grandfather, who was a survivor. They also asked many questions about history education and peace education in Hiroshima regarding the war. At the Peace Memorial Museum, they viewed the exhibits with great interest, and one of the guests, being an architect, was also interested in the building itself, designed by Kenzo Tange. They shared that, amid an unstable global situation, coming to this place to learn was deeply meaningful, and that they had truly wanted to visit Hiroshima. After the Peace Memorial Park, the art supply store we visited at the guests' request was very well received, and they purchased various types of Japanese paintbrushes, saying they had long wanted to buy them. As they planned to visit Kyoto from the port of Kobe the following day and wanted to confirm their Shinkansen tickets, we stopped by Hiroshima Station to check, and they were reassured once everything was confirmed. For lunch, the guests wanted to try okonomiyaki, so we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant near Miyajimaguchi, which they loved, and they even purchased some sauce at the restaurant. They were looking for a Japanese professional baseball T-shirt, so I guided them to a Carp T-shirt shop, which they were also delighted with. At Miyajima, the guests were very delighted by the deer and took many photos. As the rain grew heavier, I asked about their preferences and we waited at a cafe for the rain to ease. The conversation was lively at the cafe, and although the schedule became a little tight, we managed to make the return ferry in time and returned to the cruise ship with plenty of time to spare. At the end, both guests gave me a hug and said they were truly glad to have met me and that it had been the best day. It made me feel very warm inside, and I too was filled with gratitude for having been able to meet them.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima～Ujina1,150JPY
    Total1,570JPY

    Tour Report by Mari

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Hamafukutsuru Museum & Kobe Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Hamafukutsuru Museum & Kobe Herb Garden

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 13:40 Hamafukutsuru Museum
    • 15:30 Kobe Herb Garden
    • 17:30 Kobe Beef Restaurant, dismissal

    What's a Private Nature and Kobe Beef Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Asia who love Japan and have visited the country several times before. Since there were no specific requests in advance, I planned an itinerary so they could enjoy both the sea and the mountains. At a sake brewery museum, they enjoyed tasting sake and trying sake ice cream, and at an herb garden they were very taken with the view from the mountaintop. As the hydrangeas and roses were at their best, we took a slightly longer stroll. Since we walked quite a long distance, I imagine they were tired. At the end, they expressed a wish to have Kobe beef, so I took them to a popular Kobe beef restaurant located close to their accommodation.

    Click here for more details: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi (Hyogo Prefecture)～Uozaki250JPY
    Section 2TrainUozaki～Sannomiya200JPY
    Section 3BusSubway Sannomiya Station/Shinki Bus～Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Ropeway/Shinki Bus300JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Request Booking

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…