Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Shimizu Port 8:30 – Miho no Matsubara 9:40 – Yume Terrace 11:30 – 100 Yen Shop Lemon 12:30 – Dream Plaza 13:30 – Coco's 14:20 – Shimizu Port 14:30

    What Is a Private Shimizu Port and Miho no Matsubara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met successfully at Shimizu Port and headed to Miho no Matsubara as the guests had requested. Along the way, Mount Fuji became faintly visible, so I was truly glad to have taken them there. The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and when I mentioned that the boards along the Path of the Gods are made from eucalyptus imported from Oceania, they were delighted to hear it since that was the region they came from. First we climbed the observation deck at Mihoshirube, where they were moved to see Mount Fuji, even if only faintly. They listened carefully to my explanations of the Hagoromo Pine and the monument, and also enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes at the shrine and stacking small stones on the beach. After that we went up to Yume Terrace, but unfortunately Mount Fuji became hidden by clouds. After hearing the story of the statue of the mother and child with the red shoes, we headed to the ropeway station, but it was very crowded, so we gave up and returned toward the port. At a nearby 100-yen shop, the guests bought a large amount of souvenirs and snacks, then did more shopping at Dream Plaza, and after having a meal at the family restaurant they had requested, we said our goodbyes at the port.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHatoba Fellker Museum~Miho no Matsubara Entrance340JPY
    Section 2BusMiho Matsubara Entrance / Shizutetsu Just Line~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)440JPY
    Section 3TrainShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Higashi-Shizuoka200JPY
    Section 4BusHigashi-Shizuoka~Nihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 5BusNihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line~Higashi-Shizuoka570JPY
    Section 6BusShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Minatobashi / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Section 7TrainHigashi-Shizuoka~Shimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)200JPY
    Total2,520JPY

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ginkakuji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ginkakuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 The Hilton Kyoto meeting point
    • 8:45 Gion Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji Street
    • 9:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:00 Lunch at Omen Ginkakuji
    • 13:00 Ginkakuji Temple
    • 14:00 The Hilton Kyoto dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Because of the extreme summer heat and the fact that they preferred not to walk for long periods, I conducted the tour with heat-stroke prevention and a relaxed pace in mind. Both Gion Tatsumibashi Bridge and Hanamikoji Street were not crowded, which allowed me to explain things at a leisurely pace, which was wonderful. Fushimi Inari Taisha was quite crowded, but the guests seemed to enjoy the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates). They also viewed the Buddhist statues at Sanjusangendo with great interest. At Ginkaku-ji, since climbing the hill would be difficult, we focused mainly on the lower garden and walked around slowly while I explained. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle Park

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Osaka Port Cruise Terminal Meeting
    • 13:15 ~14:15 Umeda Sky Building
    • 14:40~15:30 Osaka Castle Park
    • 16:00~16:30 Namba, Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori The guests were on their first trip to Japan, visiting from North America, and had arrived by cruise ship in Yokohama. Today we first went to the Kuchu Teien Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building. The weather and visibility were excellent, and they were deeply impressed by the views of Osaka and its surroundings, taking many photos. We also talked about the history, industry, and economy of Osaka. At Osaka Castle, they had many questions about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the flow of history from the Warring States period through Toyotomi Hideyoshi to the Tokugawa shoguns, and the relationship with the Emperor, which made for a lively discussion. Finally, we moved to Namba and Dotonbori, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Umeda (Subway)290JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Total710JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Tempozan Terminal
    • 13:30-12:20@Osaka Castle
    • 12:50-13:15@Shinsekai
    • 13:30-14:10 Kuromon Market, Doguyasuji
    • 14:105 Disperse @ Namba City

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Cruise-Day Tour in Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America who arrived in Osaka by cruise ship. Since they wished to see sights other than Osaka Castle and temples, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour covering Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Kuromon Market, with a free dismissal in Dotonbori so the guests could return to Osaka Port on their own in time for the ship's departure. It was extremely hot, but we managed the heat with hats and shaved ice and enjoyed the tour. In particular, one of the guests who wanted to buy a paper lantern was able to find a desired lantern at Doguyasuji and was delighted. Instead of my guiding them to Dotonbori as planned, the guests decided to rest in a cool spot and then head there on their own, so we parted ways in front of a cafe inside Namba City.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
    Total720JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meeting point: Hotel Keihan Universal Tower
    • 13:30 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori
    • 15:50 Sightseeing ③: Kuromon Market
    • 16:30 End of guide

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Kuromon Market The guests this time were a group visiting Japan from North America. Prior discussions about the itinerary were handled through the group's main contact. At the time of the initial request in early May, the group was smaller, and later in May additional members were added. As the tour day approached, the guests had not yet communicated their preferred destinations, so I proposed the "standard" 4-hour Osaka tour route of "Osaka Castle → Dotonbori → Kuromon Market," and they agreed. On the day, despite the continuing intense heat, we were able to move around smoothly by using public transportation such as JR and the subway. The guests had traveled to many places around the world and had a deep interest in Japanese history and culture, and they listened attentively to my explanations. At Osaka Castle, they learned about the transition from the Warring States period to the Tokugawa shogunate, and at Dotonbori and Kuromon Market they experienced the culture of the common people, especially food culture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUniversal City~Osakajokoen240JPY
    Section 2OtherTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi (Osaka Prefecture)190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-10:40 Meiji Shrine-11:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-12:40 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-13:50 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple-14:10 Asakusa Dismissal

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Africa. They planned to stay three days each in Tokyo and the Kansai region before continuing to another destination. A guide previously guided a person from Africa who was mentioned as an acquaintance of the group. Under mildly overcast skies that were less hot than the previous few days, we started the tour from Meiji Shrine and Shibuya. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests were impressed by the contrast between the cluster of high-rise buildings in Otemachi and the historical remains dating back to the Edo period.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Yoyogi150JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Total690JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at Hotel Ueno Shin-Okachimachi
    • 2. 10:00 Imperial Palace (East Gardens, Outer Garden)
    • 3. 12:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:30 Lunch at Towada
    • 5. 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 15:40 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 7. 16:00 Disband at Shibuya

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America. They wished to visit the main highlights of Tokyo, including Meiji Shrine, so I also guided them to the Imperial Palace and Asakusa, ending the tour in Shibuya. Although the temperature was slightly lower than the previous day, the discomfort index was quite high, so I guided them at a relaxed pace, taking breaks in cool places along the way. One of the guests seemed to have a great deal of knowledge about Japan and asked many detailed questions. Since they wanted to try soba for lunch, I took them to a soba restaurant in Asakusa, where they had cold soba for the first time. One of the guests ordered horse sashimi to try it, and was surprised at how delicious it was. We ran a little over the scheduled time, but we completed the planned itinerary, and I believe the guests fully enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Okachimachi~Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto: Heian Shrine & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Heian Shrine & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 to 10:30 Heian Shrine
    • 11:00 to 11:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30 to 13:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:30 to 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 15:30 to 16:00 Kinkaku-ji

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were very fond of taking photographs, so it took a considerable amount of time to see each site. We had originally planned to visit Nijo Castle as well, but there was simply not enough time, and I concluded the tour partway through Kinkaku-ji once we reached the eight-hour mark. As we parted, I was firmly told to make sure to cover all six planned locations even if it meant going over the scheduled tour time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto City Hall Front/Kyoto City Bus~Okazaki Park ROHM Theatre Kyoto・Miyakomesse Front/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusOkazaki Park ROHM Theatre Kyoto・Miyakomesse Front/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Keihan Front/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Shichijo/Princess Line170JPY
    Section 5BusMuseum Sanjusangendo Front/Kyoto City Bus~Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusGojozaka/Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama-Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total1,540JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0800 Hotel Yokohama Kannai (3 min from JR Kannai Station North Exit) meet up Help purchasing SUICA
    • 0910 Shibuya Scramble Crossing Hachiko Statue
    • 0945 Harajuku Meiji Shrine visit
    • 1120 Shinjuku 3D Cat Display Godzilla Head Omoide Yokocho
    • 1230 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 1350 Asakusa Nakamise Senso-ji Temple
    • 1600 Kannai

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived at Haneda the day before and enjoyed a short guided tour of Yokohama. Today was the main day of sightseeing in Tokyo, and the following day they were scheduled to board a cruise ship traveling to various places within Japan and to Korea. Some of the guests had visited Japan about 20 years earlier, but only for meetings, with no sightseeing at the time, while for others it was a first visit to Japan. The guests had traveled on business in connection with the automotive industry in Korea and China, visiting those places many times, so they were somewhat familiar with East Asian culture. However, features unique to Japan, such as the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, were a completely new experience for them. At Omoide Yokocho, they eagerly tried yakitori and were delighted. At Koishikawa Korakuen, the lotus flowers were in full bloom. At Asakusa, preparations for a fireworks festival that evening had already begun, and groups of visitors were sitting within the temple grounds to secure their spots. It was likely that things would be reorganized from the evening onward, but it made for an unusual scene. The guests came to understand the history of Tokyo and the distinction between Shinto and Buddhism. Under a temperature of 35 degrees (feeling close to 40 degrees), I paid careful attention to keeping everyone hydrated, and we safely made our way to Kannai, bringing the tour to a successful close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKannai~Yokohama (Negishi Line)~Yokohama~Shibuya (Shonan-Shinjuku Line)580JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku West Exit~Iidabashi220JPY
    Section 5SubwayIidabashi~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi210JPY
    Section 7TrainShimbashi~Kannai490JPY
    Total2,090JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
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    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9;10 Hotel meeting. Since they came directly from Tokyo and wanted to have coffee, we stopped by a coffee shop and introduced the history of Hakone. 10:11 Take the train from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora. Cable car. Sounzan. Ropeway. Owakudani. Ropeway. Togendai. 12:40 Pirate ship. Hakonemachi Port. Arrive 13:05. After lunch, Maruyama Bussan. Presentation and shopping. 14:16 Bus from Sekisho-ato (Checkpoint ruins). 15:15 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto. 15:20 End

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from the Middle East, and they mentioned that the hot and humid weather felt familiar to them and did not bother them. For the first time in a while, part of the summit of Mount Fuji was visible, though this did not particularly resonate with the guests. I was the only one excited about it, and, perhaps overwhelmed by my enthusiasm, they kindly posed for photos. They said their home region also has plenty of greenery, but they found the blue-green colors of Hakone in midsummer beautiful. Some of the guests preferred hot dogs to Japanese cuisine, so that is what they ate. The Maruyama yosegi marquetry is always well received, and the staff there kindly prepare a presentation as soon as I arrive. On the way back, one of the guests seemed tired and, holding the snacks purchased at Owakudani, fell fast asleep on the bus.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…