Category: Uncategorized

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Nagamachi Samurai District ruins

    Ishikawa in One Day: Nagamachi Samurai District ruins

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Tour starts from Choan, walk to Nishi Chaya District
    • 10:30 Visit the geisha teahouse "Hana no Yado" in Nishi Chaya District
    • 11:00 Visit the Ninja Weapon Museum in Nishi Chaya District, and try throwing shuriken.
    • 11:45 Take the route bus to the Nagamachi Samurai District ruins.
    • 12:00 Stroll around the Nagamachi Samurai District ruins
    • 12:20 Visit the Nomura Family Residence
    • 12:55 Have lunch at "Uohan" near the Nagamachi Samurai District ruins
    • 13:40 Walk to Oyama Shrine
    • 13:50 From Oyama Shrine, pass through Nezumita Gate Bridge and head to Kanazawa Castle Park. On the way, visit Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
    • 14:20 Enter Kenrokuen through the Ishikawa Gate
    • 15:10 Take the bus from Kenrokuen-shita to Higashi Chaya District
    • 15:20 Receive an explanation of the manufacturing process at "Kinpaku no Sakuda" near Higashi Chaya District. Then do some shopping.
    • 15:50 In front of the Kenban in Higashi Chaya District, receive an explanation about the life of Kanazawa geisha and geisha culture
    • 16:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Full-Day Private Kanazawa Walking and Bus Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a very hot day, but the group visiting from Europe actively enjoyed sightseeing in Kanazawa. The guests included some with an interest in samurai and ninja, and others with an interest in gardens and geisha, and I was able to fulfill both wishes. Their accommodation was a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house near the Sai River, which the whole group loved. First, they asked me about the tokonoma alcove in the house. Since the location was excellent, we were able to walk to the downtown area on the tour. However, as they gradually grew tired, we also used the bus. First, we went to Nishi Chaya District, a 15-minute walk away, visited the Ninja Weapon Museum, and enjoyed a throwing-star (shuriken) experience. Then, at "Hana no Yado," an active geisha house nearby, they paid for matcha and sweets and were delighted to tour the interior. Incidentally, this place can only be visited by guests brought by local guides whom the owner personally knows. After that, we took the bus to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where they enjoyed strolling and visiting the Nomura Family Residence. For lunch, at a local Kaga cuisine restaurant on the nearby Seseragi-dori, all of the guests had a set of matcha soba and tempura of Kaga vegetables, and became interested in Kaga vegetables. Then we walked from Kanazawa Castle Park into Kenroku-en Garden and strolled through it. They were impressed by the beauty of Kenroku-en and by the people who maintain it every day. After that, we headed toward the Higashi Chaya District by bus. First, at the guests' request, we bought matcha at a tea shop, then entered a gold leaf shop, where we toured the gold leaf manufacturing process. Since guests from Europe often have a strong interest in craftsmanship, everyone asked questions very enthusiastically here. Then, in front of the kenban in the Higashi Chaya District, I explained about Kanazawa geigi, and as it reached 16:00, the tour ended. The guests said they would then stroll through the Higashi Chaya District before heading to the Omicho Market.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City) / Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Korinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hashibacho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Masayo

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

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    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel　Departure
    • 10:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple　　Arrival
    • 11:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple　　Departure
    • 12:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple Arrival
    • 12:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple　　Departure
    • ～13:50 Lunch
    • 14:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　Arrival
    • 15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　Departure
    • 15:10 Tofuku-ji Temple　　　Arrival
    • 15:40 Tofuku-ji Temple　　　Departure
    • 16:00 JR Kyoto Station　Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was arranged as a hotel in Kyoto, and I had shared this information with the driver as well. However, at 15:50 in August, a message came in via a messaging app saying, "The guests would like to check the meeting point since they will be coming from another city tomorrow. Is there an appropriate place?" I had heard that a hotel could be used as a meeting point even without staying there, so I informed them that we would meet at the Kyoto hotel as planned. I also contacted the driver, and it was a start filled with some anxiety about whether we would be able to meet up. Since they were not staying overnight, I confirmed the drop-off point as well before starting. First, we went to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guests were moved by the view of the Kyoto cityscape from the temple. They reacted with disbelief to the stories that the main hall was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633, and that 234 people had jumped from the stage of Kiyomizu, of whom 200 survived. Second, we visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The guests were interested to learn that the admission ticket is in the form of a talisman, which is said to ward off misfortune when placed at the entrance of a home. They were also moved by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji across the pond, and were interested to hear that it has been featured in many novels, including works by Yukio Mishima. Third, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I explained how to purify the hands and mouth at the water pavilion before worship. I then guided them to the main hall and taught them the etiquette of two bows, two claps, making a wish, and one final bow. After passing through the thousand torii gates, you reach the "Oku-no-in." To the upper right of it is a stone called "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern, then lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The guests were interested in the story that if the stone feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and they tried hard to lift it. Finally, we visited Tofuku-ji Temple. The "Sanmon" gate is located at the southernmost part of the grounds. The current gate was rebuilt around 1405 and is the oldest and largest Sanmon gate of a Zen temple in Japan. The guests admired its grandeur, and at the end, looking at the view of the Tsuten-kyo Bridge, they said they would like to come back again in November.

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

    Tour Report by Kaji

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

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    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet at Hotel
    • 11:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13:10 Odaiba
    • 13:50 Lunch at food court @ DiverCity
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:45 Disband at Harajuku

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan, and one of them had studied a little Japanese and seemed able to hold everyday conversations. They were interested in animals and insects, so at Hamarikyu Gardens they enthusiastically photographed birds, butterflies, and more. This was another extremely hot day, so we took breaks as needed to cool down while touring, but even so, a 6-hour tour felt tough. The pace naturally slowed, and as we ran short on time, I had to end the tour at the entrance of Takeshita Street, which was our final stop. Even so, I believe the guests enjoyed the tour itself very much. Also, due to the extreme heat, my smartphone started malfunctioning, and I was only able to take one photo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Shiodome280JPY
    Section 2TrainShiodome～Daiba330JPY
    Section 3TrainDaiba～Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 4SubwayShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    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

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    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…

  • Kyoto: Transit & Monkey Park

    Kyoto: Transit & Monkey Park

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (@Hyatt Regency Kyoto)
    • 9:00-10:20 Transit (Keihan Electric Railway; Keihan Shichijo → Gion-Shijo, Hankyu Railway; Kawaramachi-Shijo → Arashiyama)
    • 10:20-11:30 Monkey Park Walk
    • 11:30-13:00 Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple Garden [Sogenchi Garden, Hyakkaen], Bamboo Grove) Walk & Visit
    • 13:10-14:00 Lunch (@CafeDiningSera)
    • 14:00-15:00 Transit (Keifuku Electric Railroad; Arashiyama → Randen Tenjingawa, Subway; Uzumasa Tenjingawa → Karasuma-Shijo)
    • 15:00 Tour ends at Nishiki Market
    • ※I took the guests to Nishiki Market, gave a brief explanation, and said goodbye at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour to Arashiyama Monkey Park and the Bamboo Grove Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had specifically requested a visit to the monkey park. I took the group to Iwatayama Monkey Park, the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, and the bamboo grove. The climb up to the monkey park took place in intense summer heat of 38 degrees, but some of the guests climbed energetically, while others in the group found it a bit challenging. The whole group seemed to really enjoy the monkey park. At the bamboo grove that followed, one of the guests commented that it was even more wonderful than expected. After that, we finished lunch, and I took the group to Nishiki Market, where I gave a brief explanation about the market before we said our goodbyes.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Shichijo / Princess Line～Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi～Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4TrainUzumasa Tenjingawa～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)260JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 to 10:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:30 to 11:30 Shopping on the Kiyomizu-dera approach
    • 12:00 to 12:30 Gion
    • 12:30 to 13:10 Lunch at Gion
    • 13:50 to 14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple

    What Is a Private Group Tour of Tokyo Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. However, one of them had reportedly fallen ill since the previous day, so the tour started with the rest of the group. After the tour began, some of the guests felt tired and unwell, with headaches or a sprained ankle, and three of them returned to the hotel, leaving four to continue until the end. Given the jet lag, the difference in food, consecutive days of touring, and this intense heat, it is understandable that some would feel unwell. I hope they all recover as soon as possible.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto～Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo-Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station)／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3SubwayShijo (Kyoto City)～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 4BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo-Takakura／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

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    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 Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:55 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 08:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 08:45 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 09:05 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 09:15 Stay @Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 6. 10:30 Stay @Takeshita Street
    • 7. 11:10 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 11:45 Stay @Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 9. 12:05 Lunch @Tsukiji Sushisei Tsukiji Shinkan, Stay @Tsukiji Nakadori
    • 10. 13:25 Travel: Subway
    • 11. 13:50 Stay @Akihabara
    • 12. 14:30 Travel: Subway
    • 13. 14:45 Stay @Asakusa
    • 14. 16:20 Travel: Subway
    • 15. 17:00 Disband @Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Subway Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Asakusa Body: The guests were a group from North America. They purchased a one-day pass at Tochomae Station, and we traveled entirely by subway. We first visited Shibuya, and since it was still early in the morning, it was uncrowded and ideal for taking photos. On Takeshita Street some shops had not yet opened, but there was still plenty of shopping to enjoy. In Akihabara, the guests purchased figures of their favorite characters, and their bags kept getting heavier. Since they wished to buy stationery, I took them to a popular stationery shop in Asakusa. They especially enjoyed taking their time shopping there, so their stay in Asakusa ended up being longer than expected. Kuramae Station is a little away from the center of Asakusa, but since it allows travel to Tochomae Station, the nearest station to the Hotel, without transferring, the guests made the effort to walk there. I saw them off at their Hotel, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae～Shibuya900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji～Akihabara0JPY
    Section 5Free PassSuehirocho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassKuramae～Tochomae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meet at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa　10:20 Hakone Open-Air Museum　13:15 Arrive at Owakudani　13:30 Light meal　14:45 Togendai　15:10 Board pirate ship　15:40 Hakonemachi Port　15:55 Board bus　16:30 Arrive at Kowakidani Station　Dismissal

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report As mentioned at the outset, the tour was originally scheduled to start at 9:00, but because the transfer from Yokohama took time, it began at 9:45; since I had informed them in advance, there was no particular problem and it turned out to be an enjoyable tour. The guests were a group visiting from North America. They liked the first spot, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, far more than I had expected, showing interest in every exhibit and trying everything that could be experienced hands-on (the maze, the underground exhibits, the children's play area, shaved ice, and so on). They had no interest in eating proper meals; for lunch, one was satisfied with a single steamed pork bun and the other with a single hot dog. When we arrived at Owakudani, they did not know about the black eggs, so I told them about them, and they immediately bought and ate some — they were curious and full of initiative. For the Lake Ashi cruise, I upgraded their seats to first class, which made it comfortable and delighted them greatly. By the time the boat arrived at Hakonemachi Port, our time was up and we were not able to go as far as Hakone Shrine, but I saw them off by bus to Kowakudani Station and we parted ways. It was a very rich and fulfilling tour with no wasted time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKami-Gora～Chokoku-no-Mori5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Shinji

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Request Booking

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Jidaiya

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Jidaiya

    Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15　Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
    • 09:55　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:15　Meiji Shrine
    • 11:15　Imperial Palace
    • 11:50　Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Aka-noren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:10　Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:20　Jidaiya (Asakusa)
    • 14:25　Disband @ Jidaiya

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to depart on a cruise tour from Yokohama the next day. In Shibuya, they enjoyed taking photos at the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was strikingly different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Edo Shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration. At Senso-ji Temple, they were fascinated by explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. I guided them to a tea experience facility in Asakusa, where we parted ways. It was an extremely hot day, but since I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Tour & Tea Ceremony with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIidabashi～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station　9:25 Fushimi Inari　10:40 Kyoto Imperial Palace　11:45 Lunch (Sushi) 12:45 Kinkaku-ji　13:50 Gion　14:40 Shopping guide at Kyoto Station　14:55 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. They came to Kyoto from Tokyo on an early-morning bullet train. They had been on the move since early in the morning and had not been able to have a proper breakfast. Perhaps because of this, everyone became very lively after having sushi for lunch. The conveyor-belt sushi was especially enjoyable for some of the guests, and the group was pleased that it was inexpensive and delicious. One of the guests was looking for a place to smoke, but there are few designated smoking areas within Kyoto city, so it was difficult to find one. One of the guests asked many questions, and their English was the easiest to understand within the group. They had apparently injured a leg playing basketball, and although there was no pain, they were wearing a support brace. Some of the guests did not seem very interested in shrines and temples, but at Fushimi Inari Taisha they happily made a fox-shaped ema votive plaque and tried the omokaru-ishi (lightness-testing stone). After Gion, the guests said they wanted to shop at Kyoto Station, so I guided them around the shopping area near Kyoto Station and the tour ended. The photo was taken while a fox-shaped ema was being made at Fushimi Inari.

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    Tour Report by KAZU

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 12:30 Tour starts from Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal
    • Transfer Cruise Shuttle Bus Kanazawa Station
    • Transfer Bus Korinbo
    • PM 13:15 -14:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area (Takada Family, Ashigaru Museum)
    • Transfer Bus Hirokoji
    • PM 14:30-15:15 Participate in Myoryuji Temple tour
    • Transfer Bus Higashi Chaya District
    • PM 15:45-16:20 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District (Gold leaf soft serve ice cream)
    • Transfer Bus Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 16:40- 17:15 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Transfer Bus Kanazawa Station PM 17:40 Tour ends at the taxi stand

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Cruise-Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Regarding the meeting point, I had recommended starting from Kanazawa Station during our prior communication, but in the end, at the guests' request, we started from the cruise terminal, which meant extending the schedule by one hour. On the day, there were also some changes to the planned destinations at the guests' request, but we managed to cover the desired sites within the time available, including the Myoryuji Temple tour. Unfortunately, however, at the final stop, Kanazawa Castle Park, one of the guests was unable to join the visit.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Korinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hashiba-cho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 4BusHashiba-cho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 5BusKenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Kanazawa Station／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。