Category: Uncategorized

  • 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…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.09:00 Meeting point: Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi
    • 2.09:30 Sorakuen Garden
    • 3.10:40 Kitano Ijinkan Street
    • 4.12:30 Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 5.14:00 Dismissal: Aji no Norengai (Sannomiya)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sorakuen, Kitano Ijinkan, and a Sake Brewery Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met at a hotel in the Motomachi area of Kobe, then visited Sorakuen Garden, the Kitano Ijinkan foreigners' residence district, and the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, before I guided them to a restaurant near Sannomiya Station to end the tour. Despite it being October, it was a hot day and the walking distance was considerable. We took several short breaks, and the guests did their best to keep walking, enjoying the tour at each destination. We spent especially long at the sake brewery museum we visited last, but the guests were very pleased with it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKenchomae (Kobe Municipal)~Shin-Kobe110JPY
    Section 2TrainKobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)~Sumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture / Hanshin Line)200JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi (Hyogo Prefecture / Hanshin Line)~Kobe-Sannomiya (Hanshin)200JPY
    Total510JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple & Hamarikyu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 10:00 Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 11:00 Hamarikyu
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba
    • 13:00 Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 14:00 Ueno – Saigo Takamori Statue, Kiyomizu Kannondo, Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ Ueno Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Asakusa, and Ueno I guided a group visiting from North America. Since they were coming into central Tokyo on their own from a ship docked in Yokohama, we arranged to meet at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. I arrived early and waited, checking in along the way to confirm the situation, and they eventually arrived about 20 minutes late. They were very energetic and pleasant, and responded well to everything at Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Asakusa, and Ueno. The bush clover and yellow cosmos at Hamarikyu were beautiful. At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple they bought a gashapon keychain, and at Tsukiji they purchased pears I recommended along with chopstick rests. Since they wanted ramen for lunch, I took them to a ramen shop, and they were delighted, saying it was very delicious. Ueno Toshogu Shrine was holding a dahlia exhibition, and as they love flowers, they viewed it on their own. It was before the scheduled end time, so I considered taking them to Ameyoko, but they said they had enjoyed the day fully and, since they would be touring with me again the next day, would head back. I explained how to return to the ship, and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet the guest at the hotel
    • 2. 9:30: Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 10:30: Guide to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4. 12:00: Guide around the Gion area
    • 5. 13:00: Guide to Kyoto Handicraft Center
    • 6. 14:00: Dismissal @ hotel

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had already seen more than enough shrines and temples in Tokyo, so they hoped that today's tour would avoid shrines and temples as much as possible and show them a different side of Kyoto. However, I suggested that we visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, the two most popular sights in Kyoto, and then explore the Gion area, and we started the tour on that basis. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, I explained Shinto, the fox symbolism, and the Senbon Torii, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much, taking many photos. We then moved from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera. The guests enjoyed the view from Kiyomizu-dera, but by the time we reached Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannen-zaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda, they naturally began to feel tired. After Gion, they wished to buy souvenirs, so they asked me to guide them to a place where they could purchase refined, high-quality souvenirs, and I took them to the Kyoto Handicraft Center. However, they could not find anything they liked and only purchased a few hair clips. They also asked me to find a laundry service near the Hotel, but I could not find any shop in the area around the Hotel that could return the laundry the same day, so I regretfully explained the situation and they kindly understood.

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi Chinatown

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
    • 10:15 at Mount Rokko
    • 12:30 at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 13:45 at Kobe Harborland, Kobe Port Tower
    • 14:15 at Nankinmachi Chinatown
    • 15:15 Disband at Kobe Port Terminal

    Can You Do a Private Kobe Day Tour Visiting Mount Rokko, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Nankinmachi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because of some difficulty with stairs, we moved at a slow pace throughout the day. Mount Rokko is usually accessed by cable car, but I explained that this would be difficult for the group and arranged a private vehicle to reach the summit instead. Everyone seemed very satisfied with the panoramic view of the Kobe cityscape from the observation deck at the summit. Afterward, at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, I believe the group thoroughly enjoyed the full view of the Seto Inland Sea and Awaji Island. They also purchased "Akashi octopus" as a souvenir. At Kobe Harborland, they saw the official standing statue of "Elvis Presley," said to be one of only three in the world. The Port Tower was viewed only from the outside. At the final spot, Nankinmachi, they enjoyed authentic "Kobe beef" and steamed pork buns. They also wished to buy Japanese sake as a souvenir, so I guided them to a nearby liquor store. With about 15 minutes remaining, the group was somewhat tired, so we parted ways at the cruise ship terminal. Today's driver was also courteous in both service and driving. Some of the guests found communication in English somewhat difficult, so the guide's explanations were interpreted into Spanish by one of the group.

    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 Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace
    • 11:50 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:35 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba (Asakusa)
    • 13:10 Disband @ Asakusa

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. In Shibuya, they were fascinated by the lively scramble crossing. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Since they said they could return to their hotel on their own after doing some shopping in Asakusa, we parted ways in Asakusa. As I handled everything according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTamachi (Tokyo)~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
    Total780JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…