Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Osaka in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet Candeo Hotels Osaka the Tower
    • 11:00 to 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:10 to 12:30 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 12:50 to 13:10 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Lunch at Arashiyama
    • 15:10 to 15:20 Nishiki Market
    • 15:30 to 15:50 Gion
    • 17:00 Dismissal Keihan Yodoyabashi Station

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. The guests had requested a more attraction-based tour rather than a purely temple-and-shrine focused itinerary, which is how the above route was arranged. They were disappointed that we could not visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, as it happened to be closed that day. Coming from a spacious region such as theirs, the guests were surprised at how crowded it was everywhere they went, whether in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. It seemed to be the first time in their lives that all of them had ridden a bus in Kyoto, and they appeared to enjoy the experience very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Umeda (Subway)190JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Kyoto580JPY
    Section 3SubwayKyoto~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus260JPY
    Section 4BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 6BusShijo-Omiya / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo-Takakura / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7TrainGion-Shijo~Yodoyabashi490JPY
    Total2,230JPY

    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 & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Conrad
    • 10:35 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Hoppy Street, back alleys)
    • 11:45 Break & light meal @ McDonald's
    • 12:30 Yanesen (Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza, Snake Road, Nezu Shrine)
    • 14:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 16:15 Disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa, Yanaka, and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. Although this was a last-minute booking, I was able to reach them the day before, and they said they wanted to see Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and the Old Town, which led to the itinerary above. In Asakusa, in addition to the standard course, I took them into the back alleys, where they were delighted to find no other international visitors. The guests mentioned that they enjoy stopping by McDonald's wherever they travel around the world, so we went inside. At Yanaka Cemetery, I explained the practice of grave closures in connection with Japan's demographic changes, and at a temple that allows burial together with pets, I explained the situation regarding pets. Seeing a car parked in a very narrow driveway of a house along Snake Alley, the guests were amazed at Japanese driving skills. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, one of the guests was moved, saying it was even more beautiful than Shinjuku Gyoen, which they had visited on their own the previous day. Since they asked about the historical relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun in Japan, I explained starting from the rise of the samurai in the Heian period. Because we limited the number of sites today, it was good that we were able to take our time and explore at a relaxed pace.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Shimbashi150JPY
    Total550JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Toyoiwa Inari Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Toyoiwa Inari Shrine & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Hotel Celestine Ginza
    • 9:30 Toyoiwa Inari Shrine
    • 9:40 Eel Restaurant Takanoya (exterior only)
    • 10:10 Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Hatoya Asakusa, Azumabashi Bridge)
    • 13:00 Ueno Park (Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Hanazono Shrine, Great Buddha of Ueno, Ueno Toshogu Shrine)
    • 14:40 Shibuya (Travelex, Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing)
    • 15:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa, Ueno, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Tokyo Report The meeting was set for 9:00, and although the guests did not appear right away and I was a little worried, we were able to meet safely and begin the tour. Since no destinations had been decided at all, I asked about their wishes and started from there. The guests were visitors from North America, and they were wonderfully kind and considerate. Their hotel was near Shimbashi, so as I usually do, I introduced them to Toyoiwa Inari Shrine and Takanoya, and they were delighted, saying these were places they would never have stopped at or even noticed on their own. Takanoya is a traditional Japanese house with "udatsu," so after explaining the meaning of "udatsu ga agaranai," the punchline about "not being able to get a promotion" always gets a laugh, making it a great spot. The guests actively took part in the experiences available at each location. At Sensoji, they rarely happened to draw the "great blessing (dai-kichi)" fortune and were overjoyed, and they were also moved by the carp in the pond, taking photos the whole time. It felt like their most excited visit to Asakusa I had ever seen. The guests wanted to have matcha at Hatoya Yasohachi, so we stopped by, but there was already a long line. When I checked with the staff how long the wait would be, they said about 30 minutes. Usually most guests give up at that point, but they said "No, we absolutely want to drink it," so while I waited in line for them, they went to take photos of the Skytree and the Asahi Beer flame monument (though perhaps out of concern, they came back quite quickly). It seems popular because the matcha is made right in front of you from the powder over the counter, and the guests were filming video the whole time. In addition to the drinks, they purchased matcha powder for over 3,000 yen, but they were surprised at the amount — it contained only 20g, and we both stared blankly, thinking "Wait, is this all?" It is said to be enough for five servings: for each serving, mix 4g with 20ml of water (to avoid lumps), then add 20ml of hot water to finish. I wasn't quite sure how to translate "tama" (lumps), but after talking it through, they understood fairly quickly. At Ueno Park, the lanterns at Ueno Toshogu Shrine were lined up very beautifully and made a strong impression, so they enjoyed looking at the lanterns rather than the main hall itself. At the end, they wanted to go to Shibuya and also wished to exchange money into Japanese yen somewhere, so on the way from the Ginza Line to the Shibuya Crossing, we stopped at a currency exchange in Mark City, then enjoyed Hachiko and the crossing. One of the guests had seen a bit of the movie and was interested in Hachiko. As always, there were many people lined up, so they took photos from the side so as not to get in anyone's way. They were in good spirits, and although it was already past 15:00, they said they would now have lunch, head to Shinjuku, and go to Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. I introduced them to a bar in Golden Gai that I have been to (Zeami: the staff speaks English), and that concluded the tour. At the end, I received many words of thanks, and while I am very grateful that they enjoyed themselves, I also had a wonderful time myself, so I am thankful to the guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Shibuya210JPY
    Total600JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji Temple & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tokyo: ASAKUSA / Senso-ji Temple & MEIJI JINGU SHRINE

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet in the lobby of Hotel
    • 10:00 1 ASAKUSA / Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:00 2 TOKYO SKYTREE
    • 14:15 3 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 15:00 See off in Meiji Jingu Shrine

    What Is a Private Tokyo Meiji Shrine Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I went to pick up the guests at the Hotel. As this is a hotel and recreation facility for military-related visitors, I contacted the guests at the entrance and was allowed into the lobby. Security there is very strict. The group consisted of eight guests. Managing and guiding a group of eight was challenging in terms of keeping the itinerary on schedule. Everyone responded in a relaxed and easygoing manner, and I took my leave in front of the main hall of Meiji Shrine. Afterward, I also sent recommendations for dinner via a messaging app.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroo~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Section 3TrainOshiage~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total680JPY

    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 spare 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.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 JR Nara Station (Start of Guided Tour)
    •       taxi 1900y
    • 10:40-11:10 Shinyakushiji Temple 
    • walk 10 minutes
    •    (We are already in Nara Deer Park
    •    and stay in the park almost to the end of the day.)
    • 11:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance: 700 yen
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:00-20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's etc.
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:30- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:30-13:00 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • (Lunch at Emado Chaya)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:10-20 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:30-14:00 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-20 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:30-50 Yoshikien garden
    • walk 3 minutes
    • 14:55-15:15 Former Residence of Irie Taikichi
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 15:40- Nara-machi (Old Merchants' Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, Nakatani-do, shopping etc.
    • walk 20 minutes
    • 17:05 back at JR Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What's a Private Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The tour was scheduled to start at 11:00, but I received a message via messaging app that they had caught an earlier train, so I hurried to Nara Station to meet them. Since they specifically wished to visit Shinyakushiji Temple, we first took a taxi there. Then we walked pleasantly along the Negi-michi path through the forest to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. They were strong walkers and truly enjoyed the walk. They listened with great interest as I explained fundamental topics, such as how present-day Shinto and shrines differ from those before the Meiji era, how they differ from those before the Ritsuryo system, and how Japanese Buddhism today differs from the Buddhism of the historical Buddha. Even though we started 40 minutes earlier than planned, I forgot about that and ended at the originally scheduled time. In a sense it was a loss, but since it was such an enjoyable day, I suppose it was fine — haha.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Osaka: Shitennoji Temple & Doguyasuji

    Osaka: Shitennoji Temple & Doguyasuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Osaka
    • 09:30 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 10:45 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:30 @ Umeda Sky Building (light meal included)
    • 13:45 @ Doguyasuji
    • 14:30 Disband @ Hotel Osaka

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Osaka Castle and Doguyasuji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private car tour in Osaka for a group visiting from Oceania. The tour proceeded at a slow pace with rest breaks, as some of the guests needed to take things easy. At Osaka Castle and Doguyasuji, some of the guests waited in the private car or at rest areas near the entrances. Although this was a tour using a private car, I felt the day was quite demanding for some of the guests. The guests were also very attentive to one another, and it seemed they did not have much room to focus on the guide's explanations. As the group was tired, we stopped for a light meal at the Umeda Sky Building, which had not been part of the original plan. In the end, since some of the guests were tired, we finished about 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Note: Recently I have been guiding many guests who are elderly or who have difficulty walking, and I often feel that guests tend to underestimate walking tours. It is also a fact that even on tours using a private car, there are still many situations at each spot where walking is necessary.

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Nihonbashi

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Nihonbashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 11:40 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:10 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond
    • 14:30 Snack @near Shinobazu Pond
    • 15:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 16:20 Nihonbashi
    • 16:50 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno Park, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Upon hearing that the guests planned to visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens on Monday, and knowing that the gardens are closed on Mondays, I quickly adjusted the itinerary and replaced the Meiji Shrine visit with the Imperial Palace East Gardens. We proceeded through Asakusa and Ueno Park, and when I asked about their meal plans, they expressed a preference for street stalls or snacks, so I showed them the street stalls in Ueno Park and we bought some snacks at a convenience store, which they enjoyed in Ueno Park. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, since it was late in the day, we were unable to see the model of the castle keep (it closes at 15:30 in October). As we had a little time to spare, we stopped by Nihonbashi, which they had mentioned as a candidate destination, and then I saw them off at their hotel to end the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Ginza~Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 3Free PassYushima~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTakebashi~Nihonbashi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassNihonbashi~Ginza0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 13:00 Wait at the hotel lobby Tour starts from PM 13:15
    • Travel Bus Hashiba-cho
    • PM 13:45 -PM 14:45 Kazue-machi & Higashi Chaya District Stroll Utasu Shrine
    • Travel Bus Kenrokuen
    • PM 15:15-16:15 Kanazawa Castle Park Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura Tour
    • PM 16:15-16:50 Kenrokuen Tour
    • Travel Bus Musashigatsuji Omicho Market PM 17:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. On the day of the tour, they had arrived in Kanazawa and had lunch at Omicho Market before our meeting, so the tour started after I waited about 15 minutes for the guests at the Hotel. At first the tour proceeded with translation being provided within the group, but as everyone grew more comfortable, the energy really came out, with running around on the lawns of Kanazawa Castle Park and in Kenrokuen Garden. It became a lively tour, enjoying treats such as fruit daifuku mochi and ice cream along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji & Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashiba-cho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita & Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHirosaka & 21st Century Museum/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji & Omicho Market/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
    • 9:20 Tsukiji
    • 10:10 Hamarikyu
    • 12:05 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:05 Snack (inside the subway)
    • 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Disband at Conrad Tokyo

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The weather was neither too hot nor rainy, so we had good conditions for the tour. At Tsukiji Market I gave a full walkthrough, but there was no particular shopping, and we headed to Hamarikyu. At Hamarikyu, the guest was delighted to get a photo capturing both the pond and a modern high-rise building together. We returned to Shimbashi and I guided them around Asakusa. There were many tourists. At the next stop, Meiji Shrine, the guest was surprised at how different the atmosphere was compared to Asakusa. Since the guest was not in the best physical condition, we skipped the planned Takeshita Street, saw them off at the hotel, and ended the tour. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShiodome~Tsukiji Market900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShimbashi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shimbashi0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Nanzoin Temple & Tochoji Temple

    Fukuoka in One Day: Nanzoin Temple & Tochoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50am Meet up
    • 10:45am Nanzoin Temple
    • 12:50pm Hakata Station Lunch & Shopping
    • 2:00pm Kushida Shrine & Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
    • 2:40pm Tochoji Temple
    • 3:00pm Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour Around Fukuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a friendly group visiting from Europe, and I was very grateful that they suggested using a taxi. They mentioned wanting to eat ramen, but since a few people were waiting in line, we instead had a chirashizushi lunch at a less crowded sushi restaurant next door. I did notice that some of it was left uneaten. They wanted to buy chopsticks and souvenirs made in Japan rather than in China, so they purchased a large number of chopsticks, Arita ware chopstick rests, and Hakata-ori textiles. They seemed moved not only by the reclining Buddha statue, the yamakasa float, and the walk through the interior of the Buddha statue, but also by the beauty of things we tend to overlook — the still turtles, the carp, and the mountains of Sasaguri (especially the bamboo).

    Hello everyone .
    Please call me Peko.
    I’m National government licensed Guide Interpreter.
    I like travelling, Japanese archery, and tea ceremony.
    I visited 17countries.
    Also I lived in Netherlands for a year and three months.

    local people always showed me their hospitality. So, I think it’s my turn to show visitors to Japan the spirit of hospitality.
    Currently, I live in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka.

    Fukuoka has been an important place of defense and trade since ancient times, because it is close to the continent,
    So, Fukuoka is blessed with historic, cultural sites, as well as beautiful scenery and fresh seafood.

    Especially, channel between Yamaguchi and Moji is must see spot for you.
    If you come to Mojiko, I highly recommend the “Shimonoseki & Moji Port Full Day Tour”.
    Kanmon Strait round tour is so fascinating, varied and exciting for you.
    You can enjoy breathtaking scenery ,historical places, walking under the sea tounnel, ferry ride, bus, stream of first current and gourmet.
    Let’s enjoy Kanmon with me!

    Also Kitakyushu city got the first prize of “New three Major Night Views of Japan in 2023.
    We can see and enjoy panoramic night view from mountain.
    Why don’t you go around and enjoy Fukuoka with me.
    Endless discover is waiting for you.

    Apr 6, 2026
    Sandra_V
    Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Peko was delightful,…
    Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned…

    Mar 27, 2026
    junk1961
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Great day in Fukuoka
    Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide…

    May 25, 2025
    Susan_L
    Peko was a very nice &…
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Peko was a very nice…

    Mar 20, 2025
    Florencio_J
    I had a great time! My…
    Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    I had a great time! My…