Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Sagano Bamboo Forest

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 to 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30 to 12:15 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:30 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:20 to 14:20 Sagano Bamboo Forest

    What's a Private Day Trip from Kobe Port to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Cruise Excursion Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. With their cruise ship arriving at 8:30 in the morning and departing at 5:30 in the afternoon, they requested a 9-hour tour. Other guests from the same cruise ship reportedly went to nearby sightseeing spots such as Kobe, Osaka, and Himeji, but the group very much wanted to visit Kyoto, so they applied for a guide through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). We traveled to Kyoto by public transportation, and the guests covered all the taxi fares within Kyoto city. We were able to visit all of the popular spots they had hoped to see, and they seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal~Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2OtherSannomiya~Osaka420JPY
    Section 3OtherOsaka~Inari840JPY
    Section 4OtherSaga-Arashiyama~Osaka960JPY
    Section 5OtherOsaka~Sannomiya420JPY
    Section 6TrainSannomiya~Port Terminal210JPY
    Total3,060JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Island & Daishoin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 a.m. Meet at Hotel
    • 10:30 a.m. Arrive at Miyajima Island
    • 10:45 a.m. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:20 a.m. Visit Daishoin Temple
    • 12:20 p.m. Lunch & Shopping Street
    • 1:30 p.m. End of tour

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They planned to stay in Japan and came to Hiroshima toward the end of their trip. They were a very warm and friendly group, and it was delightful to hear how much they appreciated their time together throughout the tour. They had originally planned a day trip to the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, but changed their plans to stay longer in order to visit Miyajima. The weather was beautiful today, and the guests were thrilled with the wonderful scenery and took many photographs. They enjoyed the restaurant with a lovely view where I took them for lunch, and there they shared stories about their hometown and their previous travels in Japan. At the end of the tour, they told me they were truly glad they had changed their itinerary to see Miyajima, and that it had become the best memory of their trip to Japan, which made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi (Highway & Connecting Bus)420JPY
    Total420JPY

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

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

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

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

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

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

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Rinnoji Temple

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Rinnoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30    Meet the guests
    • 08:35~08:40 Travel to Shinkyo Bridge by bus
    • 08:40~09:00 Sightseeing at Shinkyo Bridge
    • 09:15~11:45 Sightseeing at Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00~13:15 Lunch
    • 13:30~14:15 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Temple
    • 14:30    Tour ends in front of Futarasan Shrine and Taiyuin

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu and Local Dining Some of the guests were very curious and quite knowledgeable about Japanese culture, so they listened attentively to more in-depth explanations. At Toshogu Shrine, the highlight of the day, they seemed amazed by the beauty of the decorative details and studied them closely, so we ended up spending nearly twice the usual amount of time there. For lunch, I had suggested a slightly upscale Japanese-style restaurant, and they wanted to go there, so I made a reservation on short notice. In a calm restaurant blending Japanese and Western styles, they enjoyed delicious food and pleasant conversation. They seemed to like Nikko very much, and although the tour was originally planned to end at JR Nikko Station, we changed the plan so that they could spend the remaining time exploring on their own from there. I later received an email from the guests saying they had a wonderful day. I believe they were very satisfied throughout the entire day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo Bridge600JPY
    Section 2Free PassIn front of Futarasan and Taiyuin~JR Nikko Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
    In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
    But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
    However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
    That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
    I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
    If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

    Sep 5, 2026
    Adventure06097262461
    Wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was a truly…

    Aug 30, 2026
    inbyten
    A perfect day in Nikko with Taka
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Taka crafted…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Onno_P2000
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and joyful day trip with Taka
    We…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Rolando_A
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A fantastic day!
    We had an amazing day. Our guide was Taka.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi Front ➡ By private car to Kiyomizu-dera Temple ➡ Bamboo Grove ➡ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden ➡ Arashiyama Shopping Street ➡ Kinkaku-ji Temple ➡ Nishiki Market ➡ Disband at Nishiki Market (15:00)

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour with Kids Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. During our correspondence beforehand, the guests asked whether a child seat could be provided, as they had heard that child seats are required by law in Japan for children under six. After checking with the taxi company in charge, I learned that this requirement applies only to private vehicles and not to taxis, and I relayed this information back to the guests. Today we visited the four locations the guests had requested. Every place had more tourists compared to September. Since one of the guests loved trains, I guided the group to the Randen station in Arashiyama. They were delighted by the charming single-car train and took many photos.

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:55 Meet up @ Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:55 Stay @ Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 13:20 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 14:10 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 14:35 Stay @ Sensoji Temple
    • 8. 15:25 Disband @ Toei Subway Asakusa Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo During a Cruise Stop? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were in Japan on a cruise. Since they mentioned they only needed a transit pass for this single day, we purchased a one-day subway pass at Shinjuku Station, taking into account their return journey. At our first stop, Hamarikyu Gardens, the guests happened to run into acquaintances (possibly fellow passengers from the cruise) and enjoyed a lively conversation, so we ended up staying there a little longer than planned. Since I had heard they did not intend to have lunch, I wondered how much they would enjoy Tsukiji, but it turned out to be surprisingly well received. After finishing the tour of Sensoji Temple, we concluded the tour slightly behind the original schedule.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Shiodome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Total690JPY

    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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Kamakura Station >> 11:15-12:15 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine > Komachi Street (Hatsune Art Museum) > 13:04 Depart Enoden Kamakura Station >> 13:20-13:50 Kotokuin (Great Buddha) >> 14:00-14:50 Hasedera Temple >> 15:00 Guide ends at Sakanoshita Beach

    Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. Although the booking was originally for two people, in the end I attended one guest. The guest had a deep interest in history and religion, listening intently to the explanations at each site and asking many detailed questions (for example, the difference in enlightenment between Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism), so I was fully engaged in drawing on all of my knowledge throughout the tour. On this occasion, I guided the guest to an antique shop on Komachi Street that deals in items from the Edo to Meiji periods, where a genuine sword was brought out for the guest to touch (and photograph), which was greatly appreciated. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, we happened to encounter a family celebrating Shichi-Go-San, and we were able to share in that happiness. At the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple, the guest saw Japanese people lighting incense and praying, and I believe this gave a good understanding of how Shinto and Buddhism are woven into everyday life in Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Hello, my name is Sawako. I grew up in Shizuoka, but I’ve been living in Kamakura for over 25 years, so it now feels like my second home.

    I’ve been working as a volunteer staff member for an English community newspaper in the Shonan area for 25 years, and as a volunteer tour guide in Kamakura for the past 6 years.

    Currently, I also work part-time as an English teacher for children and am studying the art of the tea ceremony.

    Kamakura is known as the home of the samurai and the birthplace of Zen, both of which have had a profound influence on Japanese culture and customs.

    If the weather allows, I’d be happy to guide you in a kimono, making your visit an even more memorable experience.

    I look forward to meeting you and sharing a delightful time together. Thank you!

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:30 Shibuya Station: Assistance with purchasing Welcome Suica at the Ekitabi Concierge.
    • 10:50 Faithful Dog Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:20 Starbucks Coffee WITH HARAJUKU
    • 13:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:30 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:10 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 16:00 Disband at Hotel Tokyo

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had checked in the day before and planned to stay in Tokyo before returning home by cruise ship. Since they wished to visit many places on their own going forward, I offered several tips so they could use the trains without confusion. Some of the guests took a liking to the beautiful purple leather shoes and the various platform shoe designs on Takeshita Street, and planned to visit Harajuku again the next day. It was a very warm and friendly group, and they responded with smiles when I shared a cheerful comment during the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Hyogo in One Day: Kobe Port Terminal & Ikuta Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:20-11:00 Ijinkan-gai (Foreign Residences District)
    • 11:10-12:10 Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:30-13:50 Lunch
    • 14:10-14:50 Ikuta Shrine
    • 15::10-15:40 Port Tower
    • 15:45-16:10 Nankinmachi, Motomachi Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Kobe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In the foreign residences district, the guests visited two of the historic Western-style houses and then headed to the Nunobiki Herb Garden, where they enjoyed taking photos. Despite the hot day, they walked down on foot to the mid-point ropeway station. Since they wanted to try local food, we went to an izakaya-style lunch spot near Sannomiya, where they enjoyed sashimi, yakitori, edamame, tempura, and more, and they even treated me. At Ikuta Shrine, we walked all the way around and offered a prayer, and then we went to the Port Tower, but since it would take at least 30 minutes to go up to the top, we decided not to and returned to Nankinmachi by loop bus. We confirmed the location of the shuttle bus, and as the time was up, the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSannomiya~Nankinmachi South800JPY
    Total800JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Ofuna Station via Yokohama & Komachi Street

    Kanagawa in One Day: Ofuna Station via Yokohama & Komachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Yokohama Shinko Terminal
    • 10:00 Head to Ofuna Station via Yokohama Station.
    • 10:40 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 11:30 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:30 Hokokuji Temple
    • 14:00 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 14:40 Komachi Street
    • 15:20 Tour ends at Yokohama Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kamakura Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived in Yokohama after a Pacific crossing by cruise ship and were scheduled to continue on another cruise around Southeast Asia the following day, so this Kamakura tour was fit into the time in between. Since they wanted to visit as many places as possible and were interested in trying new experiences, we traveled from Ofuna Station on the Shonan Monorail via Enoshima toward the Great Buddha. They already had some knowledge of Buddhism and Shinto, so I took the opportunity to explain their meanings, their influence on Japanese culture, and the differences in how prayers are offered. At Hasedera Temple, they were delighted by the unique beauty of the garden and took many photographs. We continued on to Hokokuji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. They took a liking to the ema (votive wooden plaques) and bought several as souvenirs. Finally, we visited a mameshiba cafe on Komachi Street, where they enjoyed a form of entertainment that can only be experienced in Japan. At the end, since they wanted to do some shopping, we finished the tour at Yokohama Station.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kagurazaka

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Kagurazaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • Guide to the Love sculpture, Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla, 3D Cat, etc.
    • 10:45-11:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:45 Lunch at Yoyogi Station
    • 13:00 Shibuya Station: Hachiko, Scramble Crossing, fruit shop, souvenir shops
    • 14:00-15:00 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 15:10-15:40 Kagurazaka stroll
    • 16:10 Hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who planned to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo and around Mount Fuji before joining a cruise. Since they had no particular requests, I suggested a route that would minimize travel time, covering Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and we followed that course. As we had time to spare, we also included Shinjuku and Kagurazaka, which the guests seemed to enjoy. The guests were very interested in Japanese food, and for lunch at a sushi-style izakaya they had grilled fish. The weather held up nicely, which was fortunate. The guests were looking for souvenirs for their grandchildren; there were many character goods options suited to one of them, but they were not able to find a suitable souvenir for the other.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae~Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya~Iidabashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassIidabashi~Tochomae0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…