Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at New Otani Garden Tower
    • 2. 11:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 3. 13:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 4. 14:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 5. 16:20 Dismissal at New Otani Garden Tower

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Europe and were planning to join a cruise ship tour starting on the weekend, dedicating the three days before that to touring Tokyo. Since they had visited Shinjuku the previous day, I decided to guide them around the eastern area of the city. Because they requested that we include a museum or art gallery, as spending the whole day outdoors would be too hot, I took them to the Tokyo National Museum. Finally, I guided them to Hamarikyu Gardens, a standard stop, before seeing them off at their hotel, where we parted ways. The guests were very cheerful and full of laughter, which made them the kind of guests who are easy to guide. They seemed a little tired from jet lag and the heat, but I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. ＜Information＞ As guides may already know, the 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour subway passes for foreign visitors cannot be purchased at Akasaka-mitsuke Station. They can be purchased at the electronics store located right next to the station, on the B1F or 1F, but since it opens at 10:00, they can only be used on tours starting after 10:00. A passport must be presented when purchasing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 3Free PassUeno～Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShimbashi～Akasaka-mitsuke0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Center Street & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Center Street & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 13:30 In front of Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace
    • 14:30 Shinjuku Center Street
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:10 Takeshita Street
    • 17:00 Shibuya
    • 17:20 End of the tour

    What's a 4-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had completed a cruise around Japan the previous day in Yokohama and were spending time sightseeing in Tokyo before returning home from Narita the next day. This tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Since the guests wanted to see the major sights within four hours, I first took them to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, where I introduced the history of the Imperial Family, its present role, and the history of the palace. We then headed to Shinjuku's central shopping area. The guests were delighted, to my surprise, by the Godzilla building and the 3D cat advertisement. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and the influence each has had on Japanese culture. Although the guests had already visited several shrines in various parts of Japan, they said they were finally able to understand their meaning and background. After enjoying sweets on Takeshita Street, we moved on to Shibuya, where I recommended a ramen shop near their accommodation and concluded the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.930 Hotel
    • 2.930-1000 Otemachi
    • 3.1000-1020 Otemachi-Asakusa
    • 4.1020-1115 Asakusa
    • 5.1115-1135 Asakusa-Akihabara
    • 6.1135-1245Yodobashi buy Sim card and mascots
    • 7.1245-1305 Akihabara-Tsukiji
    • 8.1305-1415 Tsukiji Uogashi and lunch
    • 9.1415-1445 Tsukiji-Meijijingu mae
    • 10.1445-1530 Meiji-Jingu
    • 11.1530-1550 Takeshita Street and Finish

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Anime-Themed Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were from North America and were interested in anime. We decided to skip the visit to Kappabashi and instead went to a large discount store in Asakusa, then to a major electronics retailer in Akihabara. There, the guests wished to purchase a SIM card for travel in Japan and Korea, so I first helped them buy and swap the SIM card. Afterward, I guided them to the anime floor, where everything caught their interest, and they looked around in great detail. In the end, each purchased a mascot item and was very satisfied. One of the guests mentioned that they also draw manga-style illustrations. We then went to Tsukiji, as they wanted to eat sushi, so I guided them there. They enjoyed toro, uni, ikura, anago, and more, finding them delicious. After that, I guided them to Meiji Shrine, and as we were nearly out of time, I introduced other highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto before taking them to the entrance of Takeshita Street, where we parted ways. They expressed their gratitude. As shown in the photos, they were also delighted by taiyaki.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Akihabara180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkihabara～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Market～Meiji-Jingumae290JPY
    Total830JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

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    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ The Westin Miyako Kyoto
    • 10:40-11:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:40-12:20 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:20-12:45 @ Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka
    • 13:20-14:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji
    • 14:10-14:45 Lunch @ Arashiyama Yoshimura
    • 15:00-15:30 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 16:00 Dismissal @ The Westin Miyako Kyoto

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Covering Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since none of them had eaten breakfast, we first stopped at a convenience store where they bought bread and drinks to enjoy in the car. At Fushimi Inari, the guests tried the Omokaru-ishi (lifting stone) and passed under the Negari-no-matsu pine. After exploring Kiyomizu-dera, they bought shaved ice and salted pickled cucumbers at shops along the approach and enjoyed eating while strolling. At the Starbucks on Ninenzaka, they enjoyed looking around inside the store. They did not seem to care much for the slightly dark stories, such as the tale that people once actually jumped from the Kiyomizu stage, or the legend that if you fall on Sannenzaka you will lose your life within three years. Considering how to allocate the remaining time, I decided to combine the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji temple, and for Tenryu-ji in particular we simply passed through the garden. Due to seating availability, the guests ended up having lunch on their own at a restaurant in Arashiyama. Given the time and the heat, I gave most of the explanation about Kinkaku-ji in the car, and within the temple grounds the guests mainly enjoyed taking photos. After exploring Kinkaku-ji, they were unsure whether to be dropped off at Nishiki Market or to return to the Hotel, but since it looked like it was about to rain, they chose to return to the Hotel. I saw the guests off at the Hotel and we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00　Meet up @ Intercontinental Yokohama Grand By IHG
    • 2. 9:45　@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Pharmacy)
    • 3. 10:00　@ Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:40　@ Pharmacy
    • 5. 11:00　@ Takeshita Street
    • 6. 11:30　@ Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Imperial Palace Plaza)
    • 7. 12:10　Lunch @ Toriou (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 8. 13:20　@ Tokyo Station (Station Building, Station Plaza, Pokemon Shop)
    • 9. 14:00　@ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine, Azumabashi Bridge)
    • 10. 16:00　Disband @ Shibuya Station, Toyoko Line platform (direct connection to Minatomirai Line)

    # What Is a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like for Senior Travelers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They had met on a previous cruise and were now enjoying this trip together. They had arrived in Japan the previous day on separate flights from different areas, and the day after this tour they were scheduled to board a large cruise ship from Yokohama. Over about ten days, they planned to visit various parts of Japan. One of the guests had forgotten to bring a regular medication to Japan and wanted to purchase a similar one. So, right after we arrived in Shibuya, I guided them to a pharmacy. However, even at a large drugstore, we were told that this type of medicine could only be obtained at a prescription pharmacy. We went to a prescription pharmacy, but ran into obstacles there as well — the pharmacist did not come in until after 10:00. Eventually, after visiting Meiji Shrine, we went just after 10:30 to a prescription pharmacy located right next to the entrance of Takeshita Street. When we showed the prescription, we were told they could only handle prescriptions issued by a Japanese doctor. Since the guest had no intention of visiting a clinic in Japan, they gave up on purchasing the medication and decided to consult the doctor stationed on the cruise ship they would board the next day. Also, at the pharmacy, one of the other guests purchased an anti-itch product called "Muhi." When I asked about it, they explained that a change in their regular medication had caused skin itchiness as a side effect, which they wanted to relieve. They also mentioned that direct sunlight should be avoided for this symptom, but on this walking tour it was impossible to completely block out the sun. By their own judgment, the guest chose to continue the tour. As people age, various health considerations tend to increase, but fundamentally everyone in the group enjoyed each place we visited with a bright and positive attitude. During our conversations along the way, they showed me photos and shared stories about their families. At the newly reopened Pokémon shop in Tokyo Station, they were delighted to be able to buy a Pokémon plush that had been requested — the one whose Japanese name is "Fushigidane" and whose English name is "Bulbasaur." To make sure we bought exactly the right item, I checked with the staff just to be safe, and I learned that some Pokémon have different Japanese and English names. For lunch, they wanted to eat something Japanese, so I guided them to a restaurant I recommend, but it was very crowded and the wait was expected to be quite long. So we had lunch at a chicken specialty restaurant that the guests chose. They thoroughly enjoyed dishes like oyakodon and grilled chicken rice bowls, exclaiming "Delicious!" At Asakusa, our final sightseeing spot, the fatigue from a day in the extreme heat seemed to set in. Since they wanted to enjoy as much of Tokyo as possible, we had agreed that at the end of the tour they would be dropped off not at the Hotel, but somewhere along the way where they would not get lost on the way back. We arrived in Shibuya a little before 4:00 p.m., and I said goodbye to them as they boarded the 4:04 p.m. express train that runs directly to Minatomirai Station without any transfers.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai～Shibuya510JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Meiji-jingumae Station～Nijubashimae Station900JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line, Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line, Asakusa Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Total1,560JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Nishi Chaya District & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Nishi Chaya District & Higashi Chaya District

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:10 Head to Nishi Chaya District by taxi
    • 9:30 Visit the Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum
    • 9:50 Visit the interior of "Hana no Yado," an active teahouse in the Nishi Chaya District, and enjoy matcha and local sweets.
    • 10:20 Visit the Ninja Weapon Museum and enjoy a shuriken throwing experience.
    • 11:00 Head to the Nagamachi Samurai District by bus
    • 11:10 Stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the Nomura Family Residence
    • 11:40 Head to Shinbido near the Higashi Chaya District by a taxi called at the Nomura Family Residence
    • 11:55 At Shinbido, see Kutani ware, Ohi ware, Yamanaka lacquerware, Wajima lacquerware, kintsugi, and more, and enjoy shopping for Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware
    • 12:20 Purchase matcha at Amano Tea Shop
    • 12:30 Stroll through the Higashi Chaya District
    • 13:00 Catch a taxi at Hashiba-cho, and the two guests head to Omicho Market. The tour ends for me here
    • The guest couple had come to the Higashi Chaya District on their own yesterday, so they said they would like to enjoy strolling around while having the guide show them the Higashi Chaya District, have shops introduced to them, and enjoy shopping for traditional crafts of this area. In the afternoon, they said they had made a reservation for a tea ceremony experience at 15:00 at a shop inside Kenrokuen, after having lunch at Omicho Market and then going to Kenrokuen.

    **What's a Private Kanazawa Samurai and Geisha Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report** The guests were visiting Japan from North America and had requested a tour focused on samurai and geisha culture, as well as shopping for traditional crafts. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. The guests had visited the Higashi Chaya District the previous afternoon but were unsure where to find good shops, so they asked me to guide them. They also mentioned that, since it was hotter than where they had come from, they wanted to walk as little as possible and travel by taxi where possible. First, we took a taxi to the Nishi Chaya District. After visiting the Nishi Chaya Museum in Kanazawa, we went to the Ninja Weapon Museum, where the guests viewed authentic displays of samurai swords, armor, and ninja weapons, and they also enjoyed a shuriken throwing experience. Afterward, we toured the interior of "Hana no Yado," a working teahouse in the Nishi Chaya District, and I explained Kanazawa's geiko culture in a room that is actually still in use. Next, we strolled through the Nagamachi Samurai District and visited the Nomura Family Residence, where the guests became very interested in the life of samurai and how it evolved from the late 16th century to the late 18th century, and I received many questions. Finally, at a local shop near the Higashi Chaya District, the guests were able to leisurely enjoy shopping for the traditional crafts they had been looking forward to.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Korinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Masayo

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (including a local bakery)
    • 12:00 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:30 Disband @ JR Sannomiya Station

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Nunobiki Herb Gardens The guests were visitors from North America. Even in today's intense heat, we were able to move smoothly throughout the tour. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge far exceeded their expectations, and they told me they were very satisfied. As they were a little hungry, they purchased sweet buns at a local bakery near the station that I recommended. They ate them right there at the station and said they were very pleased. I also gave them a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive. At the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, thanks to the clear weather, they could see not only the Kobe cityscape but also the view all the way to Osaka in the distance, and they loved it, saying "wonderful" and that they were glad they had come to Kobe. They also purchased some souvenirs. As they planned to watch a grand sumo tournament after the tour, they requested that we finish a little early, so after I explained which train to take at JR Sannomiya Station, we parted ways about 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya～Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko～Sannomiya320JPY
    Section 3SubwaySannomiya～Shin-Kobe210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShin-Kobe～Sannomiya210JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
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    Jul 20, 2026
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    Castle journey worth your time!
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    A wonderful time!
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  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Takayama Station 11:25 → 11:40 Hida Kokubunji Temple 12:00 → 12:10 Sanbu Shoten (Hida Beef Charcoal Grill) 13:10 → 13:20 Kusakabe Folk Museum & Yoshijima Heritage House District 13:30 → 13:40 Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall 14:30 → 14:40 Shimoninomachi 14:45 → 15:00 Takayama Station (board the 15:19 Hida Express)

    Solo Private Tour of Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa: A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from North America, visiting Japan for the third time and seeking destinations beyond the well-known Golden Route, having traveled to places such as Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama. The guest's main purpose was to capture photographs of their travel scenes to share on social media, so I took photos for them in various settings that evoke a sense of traditional Japan. The charcoal-grilled Hida beef restaurant, which is a butcher shop and dining establishment that I (the guide) have long recommended as a top pick, drew high praise from the guest for its beautifully marbled flavor. In the old townscape, the guest discovered a vintage clothing shop and purchased a yukata, which added color to the photos taken afterward, leaving them very satisfied. Excluding the somewhat over-touristed areas such as Kami-Sannomachi from the course, based on prior discussion, was also well received.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

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    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
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    We had a fantastic…

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    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

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  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at eph Kyoto
    • 0910 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1050 Kinkaku-ji
    • 1200 Nishiki Market
    • 1230 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Before the tour, one of the guests had requested information about cold-brew coffee in Kyoto, so I researched it online and prepared a list of well-known shops to hand over. Since Inoda Coffee's main store near Nishiki Market is famous, I pointed out its exact location when I guided them through Nishiki Market. It was a very hot day, but by taking a taxi partway and other adjustments, the tour proceeded smoothly.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Kitaoji Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total810JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

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    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & 14;00 @ Harukas Garden

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & 14;00 @ Harukas Garden

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
    • 11:10-12:15 @ Osaka Castle
    • 12:45-13:20 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:40-14;00 @ Harukas Garden
    • 14:20-14:45 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji
    • 14:45 Disband @ Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shitennoji and Harukas The guests were visitors from North America on a memorial trip. On the day of the tour, they came to Osaka from Kyoto by Shinkansen, and after the tour they planned to visit the EXPO. The previous day they had done an 8-hour tour in Kyoto and were so tired that they fell asleep without even having dinner, then hurried over to Osaka this morning. Even so, some of the guests were full of energy and enjoyed walking while taking photos at their favorite spots. One of the guests liked the heatstroke-prevention tablets I gave them and searched from shop to shop to buy them for practice, but many stores were sold out. They finally found a shop and bought a large quantity. Another of the guests was very fond of Shitennoji Temple and expressed much gratitude, but due to the heat and hunger, after seeing only the area around the main hall, they said they could not walk another step and soon took a taxi to Harukas. The plan is to head to Nara the next day and make a long trip to Ine in Kyoto the day after — a demanding schedule the guests arranged themselves. I hope they enjoy it while taking care in the heat.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji～Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Total670JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    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!

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    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
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    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
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    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…