Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:30 Tsukiji Higashi Honganji Temple
    • 12:10 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:10 Shibuya
    • 15:10 Shinjuku / Hanazono Shrine, Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho
    • 16:15 Tour ends at Shinjuku Station

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Shinjuku The guests had just arrived the previous night from Oceania. They were visiting Japan on a leisure trip. Since they had no particular destinations they wished to visit in advance, I introduced them to a general route. We first walked through the Tsukiji Outer Market, where I explained the history of Tsukiji and the culture of the outer market. Along the way, they sampled seafood at several spots and were delighted. At the Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple in the outer market area, I explained Shinto and Buddhism while showing them the actual sites, along with the influence each has had on Japanese culture and the methods of worship. In front of the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, I explained the history and current state of the Imperial family, the history of the palace, and the Meiji Restoration. They were surprised to learn why cars in Japan drive on the left side, just as in Oceania. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the etiquette of Japanese culture, after which we headed to Shibuya to see the crossing. As they wished to have ramen for lunch, I introduced them to "Ichiran." Finally, I introduced them to Hanazono Shrine, Golden Gai, the Godzilla building, the 3D cat advertisement, and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku, and after explaining the route back to the guests' hotel, the tour came to an end.

    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.

    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…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Miyaginobashi bus & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Miyaginobashi bus & Chokoku-no-Mori Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
    • 10:10 Depart Miyaginobashi bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Miyanoshita bus stop
    • Miyanoshita Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:15 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 11:45 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:00 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 12:00 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Lake Ashi・Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 12:40 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Hakone Shrine
    • Yosegi zaiku shop: Issa
    • Lunch: light meal/convenience store
    • 13:30 Depart Motohakone Port bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Kowakudani bus stop
    • Kowakudani Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 14:00 Arrive Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:30 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Arrive Odawara Station
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Odawara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Some of the group had visited Japan about twenty years earlier, while others were visiting for the first time. The trip was to celebrate a special occasion. This was a visit of roughly two weeks. After arriving at Narita Airport on a direct flight from North America, the group first headed to the Kansai region. After visiting Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, they came to Hakone the previous evening. They planned to stay one more night in Hakone, then travel to Tokyo the next morning. After one night in Tokyo, they were scheduled to return home from Narita Airport. The guests expressed the wishes: "We would like to visit as many spots as possible," and "We would like to buy yosegi marquetry as a souvenir." The tour took place in very hot and humid weather, and with thick clouds spreading overhead (there were repeated announcements warning of the possibility of thunderclouds), we were unfortunately unable to see Mount Fuji. We met at the Hotel where the guests were staying. Transferring between the bus, the Hakone Tozan train, and the cable car, we made our way via Sounzan to Owakudani. I explained the geological formation of Hakone and the overview and history of Owakudani. Everyone tried the famous "black eggs," and we also visited the Geo Museum. There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" Transferring by ropeway, we went to Togendai. After a short wait, we boarded the "pirate ship." The guests stayed on the upper deck the whole time and took many commemorative photos. There were questions such as "How deep is Lake Ashi?", "Can you swim in it?", and "Can you fish here?" We disembarked at Motohakone Port and strolled around Hakone Shrine and the cedar avenue. We bought sandwiches and other items at a convenience store for a light lunch. Next, we went to a yosegi marquetry shop. Everyone purchased their own favorite items. Transferring between the Hakone Tozan bus and the Hakone Tozan train, we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Despite the heat and humidity, we walked around the entire grounds. Some of the guests enjoy photography as a hobby and took pictures in many places. They particularly liked the Picasso Pavilion and enjoyed it very much. There were comments such as "Everywhere in Japan, the towns are orderly and clean. There's no litter on the ground," "Everyone is polite," and "There are no trash cans in the streets." The guests said, "We'd like to head to Odawara and stroll around the town," so I saw them off at Odawara Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel 9:45 Ta Waterfall River Trekking 11:20
    • 11:30 Lunch at Kunigami Port Restaurant 12:10
    • 12:15 Shopping at Kunigami Roadside Station 12:25
    • 13:05 Kouri Bridge & Heart Rock Beach 13:25 
    • 13:50 Nakijin Castle Ruins 14:20
    • 16:00 Arrive at Hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Northern Okinawa (Yanbaru) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because we discussed the plan thoroughly in advance and customized it to the guests' wishes, the group was delighted from the river trekking onward. Since one of the guests loves fish, they enjoyed lunch at "Kunigami Port Shokudo," which serves fish caught on its own fishing boat. Hearing that one of the guests likes cinnamon, we went shopping at "Kunigami Roadside Station," where they happily purchased bitter doughnuts (karagi flavor), karagi tea, whale shark–patterned socks, and a Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle–patterned T-shirt as a souvenir. They seemed very pleased to be able to buy what they wanted. They were also soothed by the stunning scenery of Kouri Island, and although it made for a tight schedule, with their consent we visited "Nakijin Castle Ruins" for the history-loving member of the group. They found it fascinating to learn about a history different from that of mainland Japan, and the spectacular view from the fortress walls was a wonderful surprise! With a beaming smile, the guests thanked me, saying, "Unlike the tours in Tokyo, this was so unique and relaxing. We truly had a wonderful day today."

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel-10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens-11:20 Meiji Shrine-12:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-13:10 Ura-Harajuku dismissal

    What's a Private Tokyo Family Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour in Tokyo for a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since the guests mentioned they would also be traveling to the Kansai region, I explained some Japanese history before heading to the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. On the way from there to Meiji Shrine, I explained that the number of Michelin-starred restaurants is highest in Tokyo, followed by Paris, Kyoto, and Osaka, which surprised everyone. After that, we headed to Ura-Harajuku. In Ura-Harajuku, the guests first needed a break, so we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant. While enjoying the air conditioning, they savored delicious okonomiyaki and yakisoba.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuitengu-mae~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Kita-sando210JPY
    Total390JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet (@Nagomi Kyoto Okazaki)
    • 8:00-8:45 Travel (Tozai Line; Keage → Nijojo-mae)
    • 8:45-10:10 Nijo Castle visit
    • 10:10-10:45 Travel (City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 10:45-11:40 Kinkakuji visit
    • 11:50-12:40 Lunch (@CoCo Hanana)
    • 12:40-13:20 Travel (City Bus; Waratenjin-mae → Imadegawa)
    • 13:20-14:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace visit
    • 14:00 Tour ends   
    • After the tour, we escorted the guests near their booked tea ceremony experience (Gion) to (Sanjo Keihan) and said goodbye.

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. I had initially been told there would be a certain number of guests, but I was informed that one person would not be joining. Since this information came only after we met, I quickly changed the reservation number at the restaurant. It was a very hot day, so I proceeded with the tour while carefully looking after the well-being of one member of the group. At Nijo Castle, this person waited partway rather than climbing up to the former keep, and in the afternoon, when it became especially hot, waited in the waiting room at the Imperial Palace. What I felt sorry about for everyone was not only the heat but also that the buses during our transfers were more crowded than usual, which I think made things uncomfortable. Fortunately, I was able to arrange a seat for the member who needed it. Some of the guests said Kinkaku-ji was their favorite, one preferred Nijo Castle, and another liked the Kyoto Imperial Palace best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusWaratenjin-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Imadegawa230JPY
    Total720JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①11:00 Meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • ②11:10-40 Travel by bus to Motohakone Port
    • ③11:45-12:40 Narukawa Art Museum
    • ④12:45-13:15 Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise
    • ⑤13:15-14:00 Lunch at Togendai Restaurant
    • ⑥14:00-14:20 Ropeway to Owakudani
    • ⑦14:20-14:45 Owakudani
    • ⑧14:45-15:00 Ropeway to Sounzan
    • ⑨15:15-15:40 Cable car to Gora
    • ⑩15:40-16:00 Gora Park
    • ☆16:10-16:50 Mountain train to Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • See off passengers boarding the 16:59 train bound for Odawara, then disband

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were staying at a hotel in Tokyo and had planned a day trip to Hakone, so we arranged to meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Since they had come from Tokyo by Shinkansen to Odawara Station, we purchased the Hakone Free Pass. To avoid the crowds, we traveled the loop route in reverse. The guests were very pleased with the Narukawa Art Museum and the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise, and they took many photos. The lunch at the Togendai restaurant, including hamburg steak, was also very well received as delicious. At our final stop, Gora Park, the guests cooled off by the fountain, and we arrived back at Hakone-Yumoto Station right on schedule. I saw them off on the train bound for Odawara, and we parted ways after what seemed to be a thoroughly enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto~Motohakone Port5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Royal Park Iconic
    • 9:40 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Okuyama Omairimachi, Hoppy Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 11:00 Akihabara (Chuo-dori, Radio Kaikan)
    • 11;50 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:00 Dismiss @ Hotel Taxi Stand

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on their first trip to Japan, staying in Tokyo for about a week. They had arrived at Narita the previous evening but were still full of energy when leaving the Hotel. I helped them purchase PASMO cards at Shimbashi Station, and then we headed to Asakusa. By the time we reached Asakusa the temperature had already risen, so at Nakamise the guests cooled down with mango shaved ice (photo). At one guest's request, we stopped by Akihabara. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, one of the guests seemed a little tired, so we took a break at the information center to rehydrate. The guest said they were fine, so we headed toward the garden, but their face became increasingly flushed. Judging it to be risky, I had them rest again at the Ninomaru rest area, and the rest of us strolled through the Ninomaru Garden. They were impressed by the beauty of the long-finned carp and took a video. It was a harsh heat for guests who had come from wintertime Oceania. Along the way and during our breaks, I used a map to advise them on how to spend the coming days in Tokyo, and I explained how to purchase tickets for the Samurai Ninja Museum, Skytree, Shibuya Sky, teamLab, and more.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Tokyo150JPY
    Total550JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:40 to 10:30 Kinkaku-ji
    • 10:45 to 11:15 Ryoan-ji
    • 11:45 to 12:15 Monkey Park
    • 12:30 to 13:10 Lunch at Arashiyama
    • 13:15 to 13:45 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14;20 to 15;00 Kyoto Imperial Palace

    What Is a Private Family Tour to a Japanese Monkey Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had been very much looking forward to visiting a theme park like the monkey park, as they mentioned there is nothing quite like it where they are from. However, the roughly 20-minute mountain climb was unexpected for them, and combined with the summer heat, they had a very hard time making it up to the monkey park. By the afternoon portion of the tour, their fatigue seemed to have peaked, and they kept yawning. By the time the tour ended, there was a sense of relief all around.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTambaguchi~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainRyoan-ji~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 5SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa~Imadegawa260JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    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: Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 – Meet at Shinkansen Gate, Hiroshima Station
    • 10:45 – Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:15 – Okonomiyaki lunch
    • 13:30 – Peace Memorial Park & Museum
    • 15:30 – Tour ends at Hiroshima station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They arrived from Kyoto by Shinkansen. Since the booking had been made only two days in advance, they politely thanked me at the start for taking on the guide role. As it was a very hot day at 37 degrees, we traveled by bus and took breaks as often as possible along the way. At Shukkeien Garden, they took many photos and enjoyed watching the carp and turtles being fed. They also very much enjoyed the okonomiyaki. The Peace Memorial Park was very hot and extremely crowded, but they listened to the explanations with great interest and asked many questions, including what views I hold as someone born and raised in Hiroshima, and they listened attentively to what I had to say. They said they were able to see and learn more than they had expected, and that they would recommend this tour to others as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae (Shukkeien-mae) / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Section 2BusKenritsu Bijutsukan-mae (Shukkeien-mae) / JR Bus Chugoku~Kamiyacho / JR Bus Chugoku240JPY
    Total480JPY

    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.

    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…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Shinjuku Meeting
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Rikugien Garden
    • 12:30 Ueno Station Soba Lunch
    • 13:10 Ueno Park
    • 14:20 Asakusa
    • 15:00 Tour Ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rikugien, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from Europe. One of them was less comfortable with English, so the other frequently interpreted into their own language throughout the day. Before the trip, they had researched thoroughly through a local agency, and on the day they arrived they had explored famous spots in Shinjuku on their own. At Rikugien Garden, they were captivated by its beauty, taking their time to enjoy it while taking photos and videos. I took them to a soba restaurant inside Ueno Station, where they were delighted by how delicious the tempura and soba were. They were very surprised to learn that tempura had been introduced to Japan from Europe in the 16th century. Finally, I took them to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center to conclude the tour. They expressed their gratitude, saying they had truly enjoyed the beauty of Japan and the local cuisine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Komagome210JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total710JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…