Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nishiki Tenmangu & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Nishiki Tenmangu & Ryoan-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40 Meet (Nishiki Market, in front of Nishiki Tenmangu)
    • 10:40-11:00 Visit Nishiki Tenmangu
    • 11:00-11:45 Travel (taxi; Keihan Sanjo → Nijo Castle)
    • 11:45-13:00 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 13:00-13:30 Travel (taxi; Nijo Castle → restaurant/CoCo Hanana, near Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:30-14:20 Lunch (@CoCo Hanana)
    • 14:30-15:20 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:20-15:30 Travel (taxi; Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji)
    • 15:30-16:20 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • 16:20-16:45 Travel (taxi; Ryoan-ji → hotel/Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto)
    • 16:50 Farewell in front of the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto. At the guests' request, we used taxis for all transfers due to the heat, so all movement between sites was done by taxi. Since I was able to meet the guests early (20 minutes before the scheduled time), we visited Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine at the meeting point before proceeding to the originally planned sites: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, and Ryoanji. Some of the guests said Ryoanji was their favorite, while another said Kinkakuji was the one they liked best. One key point of this tour was arranging the meals for some of the guests. As some of the guests had a very serious reaction to nuts, I placed the orders only after carefully confirming with the restaurant staff. (I had been informed of this in advance, so I selected a restaurant that could accommodate such needs.)

    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 !

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM8:30 Hotel Meeting Point
    • AM9:20 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • AM10:20 Nijo Castle
    • AM11::50 Arashiyama
    • PM12:30. Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Arashiyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who often travel but were visiting Asia for the first time. I prepared three itinerary options in advance and guided them along the course they selected. The guests enjoyed taking in the scenery, delighting in photography, and savoring meals throughout Japan. They especially seemed to love the views from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, taking many photographs. They commented that there was a lot to learn from the cleanliness of Japan's towns, the way people follow rules, and the kind national character. They had reserved lunch in advance at a restaurant in Arashiyama, so I paid close attention to arriving on time, and we managed to arrive five minutes early, for which the guests thanked me.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayImadegawa~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 3TrainUzumasa Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)230JPY
    Total710JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:45 Stay @Ueno Park
    • 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:25 Stay @Asakusa
    • 6. 12:50 Lunch @Doutor Kaminarimon 2-chome Store
    • 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:10 Stay @Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 9. 15:20 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:35 Stay @Takeshita Street
    • 11. 16:10 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 16:30 Disband @Toei Mita Line Hibiya Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had a wonderful rapport with one another. At Onarimon Station, which was nearest to their Hotel, they purchased a one-day pass, and we traveled entirely by subway. I suggested Ueno Park as our first destination. At this time of year, lotus flowers can be enjoyed in the morning, and I believe the guests found this delightful. It was an extremely hot day, but one of the guests had a habit of sitting down as soon as a bench was found, and since everyone kept to that relaxed pace, we were able to take breaks and comfortably walk to the very end. Shinjuku Gyoen was a spot the guests had particularly wished to visit, and although the seasonal flowers were not in bloom, they seemed very satisfied with the beauty of the Japanese garden. Since the guests said they knew how to make their way back from Hibiya Station to Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line, we parted ways at Hibiya Station. The admission fee for Shinjuku Gyoen was paid by the guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOnarimon~Ueno900JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Hibiya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①10:30 Meet at the hotel
    • ②10:50-11:40 Tsukiji (Tsukiji Honganji Temple, stroll through the Outer Market)
    • ③12:00-13:50 Akihabara (shopping at Yodobashi Uniqlo, Radio Kaikan)
    • ④14:20-15:30 Solamachi (lunch at Saboten)
    • ⑤15:30-16:30 Tokyo Skytree
    • ⑥16:50 Uber arrives, departure to hotel, see-off

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like with Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Tokyo Skytree? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since they had a pre-booked reservation for Tokyo Skytree at 15:00, we timed our day around it and explored Tsukiji and Akihabara as requested. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed treats such as tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and matcha latte. In Akihabara, they first did some shopping at Uniqlo for clothing, then at the Radio Kaikan building they purchased about ten items, including figures and Pokémon cards as souvenirs, and were very pleased. After lunch at Solamachi, they headed to the much-anticipated Tokyo Skytree (the observation deck and the observation corridor). They bought commemorative photos and had an enjoyable time. Although the original plan had included a stop in Asakusa, the guests became tired from the heat and decided to return to their hotel, so I called a large taxi via Uber, saw them off, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHatchobori (Tokyo)~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2OtherTsukiji~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Asakusabashi150JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusabashi~Oshiage180JPY
    Total690JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:40 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
    • 3. 13:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:50 Lunch at Ramen Watanabe
    • 5. 15:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 6. 16:00 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 7. 16:15 Dismissal at Shibuya

    What's a Private Tokyo Photography Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group visiting from Europe, and they seemed to enjoy photography, taking many pictures at each spot. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before, and I was surprised to hear that they had even been to a factory where I used to work. For lunch, there was a request for ramen, so I took the group to a ramen restaurant in Asakusa. The ramen was delicious. Overall, I believe the guests enjoyed the tour throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Hibiya700JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Gotokuji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Gotokuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up Hotel
    • 9:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 10:35 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:20 Lunch @Meiji Jingu Forest Terrace
    • 12:35 Meiji Jingu
    • 13:40 Shibuya Station, buy Welcome Suica > Scramble Crossing, Hachiko
    • 14:30 Gotokuji Temple
    • 15:50 Disband Tokyo Dome

    What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was mostly cloudy and comfortable, but I provided a parasol and took care to prevent heatstroke. At Nezu Shrine, the guests especially liked the shrine's decorations. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I gave a general tour, and the guests were particularly interested in the history of the Tokugawa family. We bought food at a convenience store in front of Meiji-Jingumae Station and had a meal at the Meiji Jingu Forest Terrace. Although it was not on the original plan, the guests wished to purchase a Welcome Suica, so we stopped in Shibuya and also visited the Scramble Crossing and Hachiko. The guests were delighted. They seemed to have high expectations for Gotokuji, taking many photos and buying a beckoning cat figurine. This was also not on the original plan, but since the guests were planning to watch a baseball game at Tokyo Dome, I guided them there, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassYushima~Nezu0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTakebashi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Sangenjaya180JPY
    Section 7TrainSangenjaya~Miyanosaka160JPY
    Section 8TrainGotokuji~Yoyogi-uehara170JPY
    Section 9Free PassYoyogi-uehara~Korakuen0JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel-5:30 Toyosu Market-7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market-8:05 Disband at Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What Is a Private Toyosu Market Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. They had already spent over ten days touring western Japan by rental car, and on their final day in Japan before returning home, they chose a tour of the tuna auction at Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They mentioned that seafood is eaten just as much in their home region as in Japan, and they appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their tour in Japan. At Tsukiji Uogashi in Tsukiji, they purchased bluefin tuna sushi and sashimi. Since they planned to have breakfast in the free space on the third floor, we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShin-Toyosu Station/Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome/Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 to 10:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:10 to 11:55 Tofuku-ji
    • 12:15 to 13:00 To-ji
    • 13:40 to 14:20 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:40 to 15:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 15:30 Dismissal at Nishiki Market

    What's a 6-Hour Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guest was a solo traveler from North America. The guest seemed used to hot weather and was energetic, walking at a fast pace. The guest had come to Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo and wished to visit as many places as possible within 6 hours, so we ran a fast-paced tour without a lunch break. When a guest walks quickly, guiding becomes much easier. At the end, the guest said they wanted to relax at Nishiki Market until it was time to head back to Tokyo, so that became our parting point.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Tofuku-ji170JPY
    Section 3BusTofuku-ji~To-ji Higashimon-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusTo-ji Higashimon-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7SubwayImadegawa~Shijo (Kyoto City)260JPY
    Total1,500JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 9:10 Asakusa
    • 11:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 11:55 Lunch @ Serafina New York Marunouchi
    • 13:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:35 Dismissal at Shinagawa Station

    A Private Tokyo Walking Tour Report: What Can a Licensed Guide Cover on a Hot Summer Day? It was a very hot day with strong sunlight, so I lent parasols to everyone in the group to help them cope with the heat. Since one of the guests walked with a cane, the group moved more slowly overall. We also used elevators and escalators for all the ups and downs instead of stairs. As the guests did not have Suica cards, we traveled using JR tickets and a 24-hour subway pass. The trip from Shinagawa to Kanda on a crowded train was a little difficult, but the rest of the journey was not very crowded, which was good. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine, some of the guests used wheelchairs. Also, because of the high temperature, at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace I guided them only around the Japanese garden section. At Shinagawa Station, the guests said they would make their own way back from there, so the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Asakusa360JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinagawa180JPY
    Total930JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Main Street & Shijo Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Main Street & Shijo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30Hotel The Mitsui Meet
    • 9:20 Tenryu-ji Temple ~ North Gate ~ Bamboo Grove ~ Arashiyama Park ~ Katsura River ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 10:20 Arashiyama Main Street
    • 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple ~ 12:40
    • 13:30 Shijo Station
    • 13:40 Lunch Nishiki Market
    • 14:20 End at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They asked many questions along the way to each destination, including about Japan's economy and school system. They enjoyed the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. As it was a hot day, we took a break on the main street with some matcha ice cream and baumkuchen before moving on to Kinkaku-ji Temple. We had also planned to visit Ryoan-ji Temple, but with the outside temperature exceeding 35 degrees, we changed our plans. After Kinkaku-ji Temple, we moved to the Shijo area for lunch. Since the guests had made an afternoon reservation at the "Samurai Museum," we said goodbye inside Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainUzumasa Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    Hello, I am Atsuko Hori. My nickname is “Anne” because I’m a big fan of ” Anne of Green Gables”. I am cheerful, talkative and punctual. I’ve been doing guiding more than ten years mainly in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I am especially familiar with ” Geisha Districts”, where traditional Japanese dancers live. I graduated from the university of Education in Nara. I love kids. Actually I have three grandchildren. I like history, architecture and local foods. My motto is giving the best hospitality to my guests. I think we will have a good time during the tour. Would you like to join my tour?

    Sep 13, 2024
    connormA415PD
    Memorable Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very…

    Jul 3, 2024
    Cosmopolitan691874
    Private Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our family had an amazing time with Anne in…

    May 31, 2024
    Clare_A
    Once in a lifetime experience
    Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
    Great tour with Ann who was…