Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: TSUKIJI Outer Market & KAPPABASHI Kitchen Town

    Tokyo: TSUKIJI Outer Market & KAPPABASHI Kitchen Town

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the 5th fl lobby in the Okura Tokyo
    • 9:30 1 TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 10:45 2 ASAKUSA(i.e. Senso-ji Temple)
    • 11:45 3 KAPPABASHI Kitchen Town
    • 12:55 See off at the Patia Kojimachi

    Title: What Is a Private Chauffeur-Driven Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Everything was carried out as planned. The driver from the chauffeur service was excellent in both operation management and thoughtful attention. The guests' travel agency also coordinated with me several times in advance, which was very helpful. Unlike the days before, the weather was not extremely hot, and because we traveled in a private vehicle, I feel the guests were able to enjoy the tour comfortably. The guests mentioned that they planned to return to Kappabashi Kitchen Town after their afternoon sushi-making experience program. I took part in a skill-improvement training session for licensed tour guides organized for the Tokyo area via ZOOM. It was one of about ten sessions in the program, and the content was as follows. Theme: Recent trends among inbound guests, etc. Overview: Now that the number of foreign visitors to Japan is at a record high, three active [National Guide-Interpreters](https://www.j-g-a.org/) share the latest guest trends and hospitality techniques, drawing on real examples from the field. During the panel discussion, there was a talk about common complaints and how to handle them, and it made me wonder whether I might be receiving complaints without realizing it. Is there any platform through which complaints or negative evaluations from guests about my own guiding, submitted to the office, can be shared with me?

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 11:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • ② 11:05 Itinerary explanation & explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:50 Zuiho-in (Daitoku-ji)
    • ④ 12:45 Obai-in (Daitoku-ji)
    • ⑤ 14:00 Lunch break
    • ⑥ 15:40 Nijo Castle
    • ⑦ 17:00 Return to the hotel and disband

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Zen Gardens and Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. This was their first trip to Japan, and they planned to stay for several weeks. Based on their wishes, we chose destinations that included quiet gardens and dry landscape (karesansui) gardens they wanted to see first, as well as popular historic spots they hoped to visit. As the day naturally unfolded, I spent a great deal of time explaining Zen Buddhism, karesansui gardens, Nyorai and Bosatsu, Jizo, and the concept of wabi-sabi. Obai-in is a temple with a very beautiful garden, and I think the group was astonished by the breathtakingly beautiful and serene atmosphere of that garden. The garden also has a small shrine and torii gate, so we talked a great deal about the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism (shinbutsu-shugo). I always ask my guests about various things, and today they taught me about Napolitan spaghetti. For lunch, one of the guests wanted to eat gyoza, so we went to a gyoza restaurant, but since we had talked so much about spaghetti, in my heart I found myself wishing I could eat spaghetti too. They were a very cheerful group, and I truly enjoyed spending the day together with them. Today I was greatly helped by the driver. Thanks to their support, we were able to travel around Kyoto in a lively and enjoyable way. I am very grateful.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet (took time for everyone to gather) 9:15 Hotel 9:55 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple 11:00 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge (photos and shopping)
    • 11:40 Tenryu-ji Temple (pond only) 12:00 Lunch (Shigetsu, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) 12:45 Tenryu-ji Temple (touring areas other than the pond) 13:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple 15:10 Fushimi Inari
    • 16:10 Break and meal at McDonald's per customer's request 17:00 Return to hotel, tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report This was a slightly unusual tour organized by a travel agency, and it also included a Japanese tour conductor accompanying the group. The group consisted of the guests. Whether it was simply their nature or not, they seemed a bit tired and low on energy from the morning. After we reached Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple and then Togetsukyo Bridge, the tour conductor requested some time for shopping, so we took a 30-minute break for shopping. After lunch, we visited Tenryu-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple, but in the heat the guests appeared quite tired and had no questions. At our final destination, Fushimi Inari Shrine, we took another break just after passing through a small torii gate. They did not have the energy to try the "Omokaru-ishi" stone located nearby, and there was a request to "go to McDonald's," so we headed out from Fushimi Inari Shrine. It seemed they had long wanted to visit a McDonald's in Japan, and everyone's steps suddenly became lighter. We had an early dinner at McDonald's. Some of the guests were enthusiastic about collecting goshuin temple stamps. The photo was taken at Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama.

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM8:30 Rinn Gion Shirakawa Meeting
    • AM9:00 Fushimi Inari
    • AM10:30 Sanjusangendo
    • AM11:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • PM12:30 Gion

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who had relocated over ten years ago. They seemed a little reserved and spoke sparingly at first, but as time passed they began to talk more openly and casually. We were able to move through the itinerary as planned, but as the guests had come from a winter climate, they struggled with the scorching heat, and by the time we reached Kiyomizu-dera Temple they appeared quite tired. I myself had never found the slope up to Kiyomizu so challenging. The guests wanted to return to their hotel to rest, so we kept the stroll through Gion brief and I saw them off near their hotel before parting ways. As they would be staying in Kyoto for a few more days, I told them to take care not to overexert themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo Keihan-mae/Keihan Kyoto Kotsu170JPY
    Section 3BusMuseum Sanjusangendo-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total620JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (@ Hotel Kyoto)
    • 9:00-9:20 Travel (Subway: Karasuma Oike → Kyoto Station)
    • 9:20-10:00 Obtaining the customer's JR Pass at the JTB Kyoto Station Front Store and providing support for train reservations from tomorrow onward
    •        (August 7; Hiroshima round trip, August 9 Kyoto → Nagoya → Takayama) Ticket reservation
    • 10:00-10:30 Travel (City Bus; Kyoto Station → Sanjusangendo-mae)
    • 10:30-11:30 Visit Sanjusangendo
    • 11:30-11:50 Travel (Taxi; Sanjusangendo → Nishiki Market)
    • 11:50-12:10 Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • 12:10-13:00 Lunch (Karada ni Simple)
    • 13:00-13:20 Travel (Taxi; Shijo → Nijo Castle)
    • 13:20-14:10 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 14:10-14:30 Travel (Taxi; Nijo Castle → Hotel)
    • 14:30 Tour ends (At the customer's request, we switched to taxi travel after visiting Sanjusangendo, so with the customer's consent, the tour
    •      ended earlier than scheduled)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour with JR Pass Support? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an older group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan, and when planning the tour they first requested support with a trip using the JR Pass, including how to obtain it and how to reserve trains to other regions using it. They were planning a day trip to Hiroshima during their stay in Kyoto, as well as weekend travel (Kyoto → Nagoya → Takayama). We first headed to Kyoto Station, where I assisted with picking up the JR Pass and making reservations for the round trip to Hiroshima and the journey to Takayama. At Kyoto Station, I also walked them through the actual routes to the Shinkansen platforms, explaining the way from both the Hachijo exit side and the Kyoto Tower side. The guests requested that I accompany them on the following day's Hiroshima day trip, but as this was a sudden request, I politely declined. After completing the ticket reservations, I took them to Sanjusangendo, Nishiki Market, and then, after lunch, to Nijo Castle. One of the guests had difficulty walking and could not walk very far, and also did not want to walk in the intense heat, so after visiting Sanjusangendo we switched to traveling by taxi. For this reason, with the guests' agreement, the planned tour ended about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. In particular, one of the guests commented on their interest in the historical significance of Nijo Castle.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2BusKyoto~Museum Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total450JPY

    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…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Ritsurin Garden & Takamatsu Castle Historic Site

    Kagawa in One Day: Ritsurin Garden & Takamatsu Castle Historic Site

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:20 JR Takamatsu Station, at the ticket gate [Meet]
    • by taxi
    • 09:40~11:10 Ritsurin Garden
    • by taxi
    • 11:50~13:10 The Top of Mt Yashima
    • Yashimaji Temple, Shishinoreigan-the Observatorty for The Seto Inland Sea
    • 13:18 Yashima-Sanjyo Bus Stop
    • by shuttle bus
    • 13:24 Shikokumura Bus Stop
    • 13:30~14:10 Lunch at Waraya (a famous Udon noodle shop near Shikokumura Village)
    • 14:15~15:30 Shikokumura Village
    • by taxi
    • 15:50~16:20 Takamatsu Castle Historic Site
    • 16:25 Takamatsu Castle West Gate in front of JR Takamatsu Station [Say Goodbye]

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Takamatsu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe. They were a very cheerful and friendly group, which made them easy to guide. They especially loved Ritsurin Garden. This was their first visit to Japan, and during a two-week trip, in addition to popular spots in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, they seemed to have chosen Takamatsu as a local spot where they could enjoy nature and culture. It was a day trip from Kyoto. At Yashimaji Temple, they showed particular interest in the Shikoku Pilgrimage. For lunch at a soba restaurant, they very much enjoyed the cold bukkake udon and the shoyu-mame (soy-simmered beans). They liked that udon was also inexpensive for lunch. Despite the intense heat, they seemed to enjoy the representative spots of Takamatsu.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherYashima Summit / Kotoden Bus~Shikokumura / Kotoden Bus100JPY
    Total100JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 & Shinagawa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 & Shinagawa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Haneda Airport Terminal 3
    • 9:10 Depart Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station
    • (Keikyu Airport Line / Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Starbucks
    • Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:45 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:45 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:10 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • 13:00 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:20 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:20 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:40 Shinagawa Station
    • (Keikyu Airport Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station

    Can You Do a Same-Day Private Tokyo Tour Before a Flight? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The main purpose of their visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise around Japan, departing from and returning to Yokohama Port. This morning they arrived at Yokohama Port and traveled by taxi to Haneda Airport. They were scheduled to fly home from Haneda Airport this evening. They expressed the wish to "see the main spots in central Tokyo as much as time allows," but "not in a rush — we'd also like to take our time and do some shopping." Also, the day before, there was a request via a messaging app to change the departure time from 10:00 am to 9:00 am. It was a tour under intense sunshine and extreme heat. We met in front of the airline counter at Haneda Airport Terminal 3. We took the Keikyu Airport Line and the Toei subway, transferring to reach Asakusa first. As always, it was extremely crowded, and we could only move very slowly. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." First, we took a commemorative photo in front of Kaminarimon Gate. After that, we went to the Starbucks by the gate. One of the guests said, "Whenever I travel abroad, I always buy a mug as a souvenir from the local Starbucks." We also took commemorative photos in front of the five-story pagoda. We took a leisurely stroll through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What is the main religion in Japan?" "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" From here, we moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the history of Edo," "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," and "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace." There were questions such as "What happened to the shogun and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" and "How do Japanese people feel about the next Emperor?" In the East Gardens, they eagerly took photos in various places. We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained about "Shinto," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," and "why the wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "What kind of teaching is Shinto?" "When did Shinto originate?" and "How many shrines are there in Japan?" We rested for a while at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. We moved to Shibuya. First, we took photos looking down at Shibuya Scramble Square from the platform of the Keio Inokashira Line, then actually crossed the intersection. There was also a question: "Why do so many people gather here?" We took photos in front of the Hachiko statue as well. There was a request to "buy a Rolex watch," so we stopped by two shops in Shibuya, but they did not find a product they liked. There were also comments and questions such as "Tokyo feels like a clean and safe city" and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" There were also comments such as "It is hotter where we live than in Tokyo, but it is dry. We struggled with the humidity in Japan," and "Even on the cruise, three passengers were rushed to the hospital by helicopter along the way. I think it was due to heatstroke." We saw them off to Haneda Airport Terminal 3 and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHaneda Airport Terminal 3 (Keikyu)~Asakusa610JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Shinagawa180JPY
    Section 6TrainShinagawa~Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Keikyu)330JPY
    Total1,690JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:15 Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:50 Omotesando, Sneaker Street, Takeshita Street
    • 12:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:30 Introduce a restaurant inside Meiji Shrine, end of the guide

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine I guided a group visiting from Europe. Since I had once traveled to their hometown, I started the tour by sharing stories about that city. At Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, I explained about Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and the idea that in Japan even people can become deities enshrined at a shrine, which the guests found fascinating. The guests mentioned that it was people from their region who first introduced Christianity and firearms to Japan. Walking from Omotesando through Sneaker Street and Takeshita Street, one of the guests said, "I want to come back here later!" 😀 At Meiji Shrine, I explained the sacred camphor trees and the ema votive plaques, and the group wrote their family's wishes on a paper ema and offered it. The tour ended with the guests kindly saying, "You are a wonderful guide! Thank you."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Omotesando260JPY
    Total540JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up@The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
    • 2.11:00 @Rikugien Garden
    • 3.12:15 @Akihabara (Yodobashi Akiba)
    • 4.13:00 @Pokemon Shop (inside Tokyo Station)
    • 5.13:30 Lunch@Hageten (inside Tokyo Station)
    • 6.14:30 @Tokyo National Museum
    • 7.16:10 @Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • 8.16:40 Disband@Shinjuku Golden Gai

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like in Extreme Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a record-breaking day of extreme heat in Tokyo. Before the tour departed, I reminded the guests once again about heat protection, and they said they were used to hot weather because they came from North America. They had also spent a few days in Asia before arriving in Japan on the morning of the tour. It was their first visit to Japan, but this time they would not go to regional areas such as Kyoto, instead focusing on enjoying Tokyo before returning home at the end of the week. We headed first to a garden for an outdoor stroll while it was still cooler, but the temperature had already reached nearly 37 degrees. The only advantage was that Rikugien was nearly empty and very uncrowded, perhaps because the extreme heat kept many people indoors. Even at the paid teahouse, the staff kindly encouraged us, saying, "You don't have to order anything—please have a seat and take photos." As part of the heat protection, the guests took photos using the traditional Japanese umbrellas lent for free at the garden entrance, and we also took commemorative photos under the large red Japanese umbrella at the Fukiage Teahouse with the pond garden in the background. At the next destination, Akihabara, we visited only Yodobashi Camera as a heat countermeasure. The guests happily browsed the gashapon corner on the sixth floor. After Akihabara, we moved to Tokyo Station, which had not originally been planned. The idea was to have lunch at a place close to the Pokémon Shop and the beloved Ghibli shop. At the Pokémon Shop the guests did plenty of shopping, and then we had lunch at Hageten inside Tokyo Station. Both of the guests enjoyed the "mabushimeshi." I explained the three ways of eating it in a hands-on manner, ending with ochazuke, and the guests said it was "very delicious." The Ghibli shop we stopped at afterward was so crowded that admission was restricted, so we gave up, but the guests mentioned they were planning to visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka during their stay in Tokyo. At the Tokyo National Museum, the guests viewed the exhibits attentively and carefully selected souvenirs at the museum shop. When we arrived at the final drop-off point, Shinjuku Golden Gai, around 4 o'clock, most places were still preparing to open. When we found the first open establishment, one of the guests immediately wanted to go in. Inside the small space, there was a somewhat intoxicated person who commented that "inbound visitors have been behaving badly lately," which was a little concerning, but I helped set up their first drink order, asked the staff to look after them, and said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station~Namboku Line Komagome Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 50 @ Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: 50 @ Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Hotel GINZA
    • 2.10:30 @ Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 3.11:30 @ Hanazono Shrine
    • 4.11:40 @ Golden Gai
    • 5.12:00 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6:12:50 @ Takeshita Street
    • 7.13:30 Lunch @ Kura Sushi Harajuku
    • 8.14:40 @ Takeshita Street (Shopping)
    • 9.15:00 Shibuya
    • 10.1600 Disband @ Shibuya PARCO

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan to attend a friend's wedding, and they themselves also planned to marry after traveling around Japan. They had already traveled to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, and other places. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they visited the Japanese garden and said it was very beautiful. We went to Golden Gai, and they were also delighted by the beautiful forest of Meiji Shrine, where they drew omikuji fortunes that had waka poems written on them. At a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, they said they loved salmon roe and mitarashi dango, and it was charming how they ordered them many times. On Takeshita Street, they enjoyed buying clothes for their pet dog, looking at soccer wear and goods, and drinking tapioca drinks. After that, we went to Shibuya, where they experienced the crossing, and I took them to the Parco building before we parted ways. It was very hot and humid, but I was glad it all ended well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Shinjuku-gyoenmae180JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total510JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…