Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at the Hotel
    • 8:30 Go by bus to the museum
    • 8:50 Arrive at the museum
    •    Museum Monument tour
    • 12:00 Finish the monument tour
    • 12:10 Lunch at Okonomiyaki Micchan
    • 13:10 Finish lunch and head to Sogo
    • 13:20 Tour the Sogo department store basement food floor
    • 14:30 Finish the basement food floor tour Disband

    What Is a Private Hiroshima City Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Originally the tour was planned to cover both central Hiroshima and Miyajima, but since they had booked a separate Miyajima tour for the following day, this day focused only on central Hiroshima. However, as they were not particularly interested in Miyajima, they ended up cancelling the Miyajima tour. At the Peace Memorial Museum, the guests viewed the exhibits carefully. When I introduced the paper crane actually folded by President Obama, they were delighted. For lunch, they enjoyed Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local restaurant. I explained why okonomiyaki is called Hiroshima's soul food. One of the guests ordered a Miyajima beer, while others ordered ramune soda. Since the ramune label featured an illustration of momiji manju, I also introduced momiji manju to them. When I mentioned that Hiroshima accounts for about 60% of Japan's oyster production, they said they would love to have oysters for dinner. In the afternoon, I guided them through the basement food floor of a department store. The staff member in charge of the Japanese sweets section kindly explained the sweets in detail and offered samples, which the guests greatly enjoyed. In order to research the preferences of international visitors, the section manager also joined and introduced local Hiroshima sake in detail. The guests seemed very satisfied with the department store food floor tour. As it was raining and the guests appeared tired, at their request we ended the tour 30 minutes early.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station (4)/Hiroshima Kotsu~Peace Memorial Park/Hiroshima Bus240JPY
    Total240JPY

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

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Shimizu Port 9:30 – Dream Plaza 10:30 – Miho no Matsubara 12:00 – Kashi no Ichi 12:30 – Nihondaira Ropeway 14:30 – Shimizu Port 15:30

    Can You Do a Private Sightseeing Boat and Nihondaira Tour from Shimizu Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The group was met successfully at Shimizu Port, where Mount Fuji was also visible, and we headed to the water bus terminal, but it was full, so we had to wait for the next departure. We did some shopping at the nearby Dream Plaza and then returned to the terminal. The guests were a group. Since one of the guests could not walk for long, they moved mostly by wheelchair. We slowly enjoyed the water bus journey to Miho no Matsubara via Ejiri. At Miho no Matsubara the boat stopped for about five minutes, and then we returned to Ejiri via Hinode. Mount Fuji gradually became covered by clouds and disappeared from view, but it felt wonderful cutting through the pleasant breeze. At the Ejiri riverside market where we arrived, we simply shared some rice bowl dishes, then some of the guests returned to the boat, and the rest of us headed to Nihondaira. In the heat, one of the guests took only the ropeway and waited at the point where they got off. We happily climbed all the way up to the Ieyasu mausoleum while I explained the history of the Toshogu Shrine and its connection with Shizuoka. We rejoined the guest at the ropeway station and said goodbye at the port.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Higashi-Shizuoka400JPY
    Section 2OtherHigashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line~Nihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 3OtherNihondaira Ropeway / Shizutetsu Just Line~Higashi-Shizuoka Station South Exit / Shizutetsu Just Line570JPY
    Section 4BusShimizu (Shizuoka Prefecture)~Minatobashi / Shizutetsu Just Line200JPY
    Section 5JGA Pre-Approved FeeHinode~Ejiri1,600JPY
    Total3,340JPY

    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…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:45 Meet up @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery collection
    • 2. 11:25 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 3. 12:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 4. 13:50 Lunch @Maruyama Class
    • 5. 15:08 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 6. 17:10 Disband @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection

    Can You Do a 6-Hour Private Sapporo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who had just arrived in Japan the night before. Although they must have been tired from the journey and dealing with jet lag, the tour started at 11:00, which may have helped, as I believe they enjoyed the full six-hour tour energetically until the end. Unusually, early that morning a typhoon made landfall in Hokkaido, and the weather was a major concern, but the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was operating as usual, so we were able to keep the itinerary unchanged. At Shiroi Koibito Park, both guests took on the challenge of making original cookies and enjoyed it immensely. They were also impressed by the building of this facility, as well as the flower fields and the garden with its various creative features.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayBus Center Mae~Maruyama Koen250JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen~Miyanosawa250JPY
    Section 3OtherMiyanosawa~Bus Center Mae290JPY
    Section 4OtherMaruyama Koen Bus Terminal~Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium240JPY
    Section 5OtherOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium~Maruyama Koen Bus Terminal240JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel – Nishi-Shinjuku St. – Tokyo St. – Kokyo Gaien National Garden – Marunouchi Street Gallery – Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum –
    • KITTE – 12:00 Lunch @ Butasute – Tokyo St. – Ueno St. – 13:30 Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple – Nishi-sando – Shin-Nakamise – Asakusa St. –
    • 15:30 Tokyo Skytree St. – Solamachi – 16:30 Disband at Tokyo Skytree Gate

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Marunouchi, Asakusa, and Skytree The guests, who came from Europe, were a very pleasant group. Despite the rain in the morning, they enjoyed walking around. At the Marunouchi Street Gallery, they took photos of each artwork one by one and delighted in what a beautiful street it was. In Asakusa, they were fully absorbed in searching for souvenirs, as they would be returning home the next day — at Nakamise they had ningyo-yaki, had shichimi togarashi blended at Yagenbori, and bought matching kanzashi hair ornaments. However, it was difficult to find a souvenir that suited another member of the group, and although I recommended the Pokémon Center, the Jump Shop, and kendama at Solamachi, none of them appealed, which was a shame. Afterward, I saw them off at the entrance to Skytree and we said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Tokyo210JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel – 5:40 Toyosu Market – 7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market – 8:20 Disband at Tsukiji 4-chome

    Title: What's a Private Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, traveling from North America. Some of the guests had spent about three weeks traveling throughout Japan with friends and had become big fans of the country. In a light drizzle, we took a taxi to Toyosu Market, and by the time we were exploring Toyosu the rain had stopped, so it was cool and comfortable as we strolled through Tsukiji. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, and the guests came to understand how the market's complex system forms the foundation of Japan's food culture. They said they would love to visit Japan again. They were also delighted with the sandwiches we had at a coffee shop.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu Market / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    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: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 to 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:45 to 11:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:15 to 12:45 Lunch at Randen Arashiyama Station (junk food such as kushikatsu, chicken, etc.)
    • 13:00 to 13:45 Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of them had been to Kyoto once before and had wanted to return, while the others were visiting Kyoto for the first time, so today's itinerary focused on three of Kyoto's classic must-see spots. Because it was a larger group traveling by car, moving around took some time, and over the course of six hours we were able to visit three places. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves in their own way, so I felt it turned out well.

    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 One Day: Hamarikyu & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Nezu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:10 Asakusa・Sensoji Temple
    • 10:15 At Ueno Station, JRPass procedures, and reservations for shinkansen and other transportation during your stay
    • 11:50 Hamarikyu
    • 13:20 Lunch near Nijubashi
    • 14:20 Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 15:05 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:40 End of guide

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Rainy Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day Tokyo tour for a group visiting from Europe. Despite an approaching typhoon, the tour began at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. While walking along Nakamise Street, heavy rain began to fall, so we continued the tour while taking shelter. When the guests drew omikuji fortunes, everyone received "great blessing" or "blessing," which delighted the whole group. We then went to Ueno Station to complete the JR Pass procedures and to reserve train tickets from Tokyo to Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, and on to Hiroshima. I guided the group through Hamarikyu Gardens, including the duck hunting grounds and the landscaped gardens. For lunch, the guests requested "an ordinary everyday meal," so we went to a casual restaurant where they had a tonkatsu set meal and other dishes, which they praised as delicious. From the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace we continued to Nezu Shrine, and by then the rain had stopped and the sky cleared. Because the train reservations and other arrangements took some time, the tour ran slightly over the scheduled time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Shimbashi170JPY
    Section 3SubwayShimbashi~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Total710JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Foot Bath Cafe

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Foot Bath Cafe

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Pickup at the hotel
    • 9:30  Hakone Shrine
    • 11:30  Owakudani
    • 13:00 Pola Museum of Art
    • 15:15 Foot Bath Cafe
    • 16:10 Tour ends at the hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like in Bad Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had already finished sightseeing in Tokyo and Kyoto, and Hakone was to be their next place to stay. Despite unfortunately poor weather, which even raised concerns that the ropeway might be suspended, we managed to complete the tour. Although they had visited many shrines and temples in Tokyo and Kyoto, they said the Hakone Shrine left the strongest impression on them. To ensure the day would be enjoyable even in the rain, I added the Pola Museum of Art, and finally, to let them enjoy the nature of Hakone, we stopped by a footbath café with a spectacular view before I saw them off at their hotel, ending the tour.

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Honen-in Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Honen-in Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet-up
    • 9:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:10 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:50 Philosopher's Path
    • 12:05 Honen-in Temple
    • 12:55 Kyoto Station Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the group visiting from Europe. Another member of the group was not feeling well and stayed at the hotel. We first headed to Nijo Castle, but I had completely forgotten that the Ninomaru Palace is closed on Tuesdays during the summer season. After getting the guests' consent, we quickly changed our plans and took the city bus to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). Perhaps because of the heat, there were few people, which was a pleasant surprise. After that, we visited Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), the Philosopher's Path, and Honen-in Temple as planned. None of the sites were very crowded, so it was wonderful to be able to explore them at a leisurely pace.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Ginkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusJodo-ji / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama-Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwaySanjo-Keihan~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Tour begins, walk toward Nishi Chaya District→9:20 Explore Nishi Chaya District and visit the museum→10:00 Visit the Ninja Weapon Museum in Nishi Chaya District and try throwing shuriken→10:40 Visit "Hana no Yado," a geisha house in Nishi Chaya District, and enjoy matcha and sweets→11:20 Take a route bus to Korinbo and walk to the Nagamachi Samurai District
    • →1135 Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit the Nomura House and Takada House ruins→12:20 Lunch at "God Burger" on Korinbo Seseragi Street→
    • 13:00 Walk toward Kanazawa Castle Park→13:15 Visit Gyokusen'inmaru Garden and explore Kanazawa Castle Park→13:45 Explore Kenrokuen Garden→14:20 Take a route bus to the Pokemon Center on the 5th floor of Forus in front of Kanazawa Station→14:40 Arrive at Pokemon Center→15:00 Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Kanazawa Tour Focused on Ninja, Samurai, and Geisha Culture Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and Kanazawa was the final destination of their trip in Japan. At the guests' request, the tour focused on ninja, samurai, and geisha culture. Also at the guests' request, I took them to the Pokémon Center. At the ninja weapon museum, the guests listened attentively to the staff's explanations of the exhibits and greatly enjoyed the throwing star (shuriken) experience. In the Nishi Chaya district, we were fortunate that a volunteer at the local museum introduced us, and we were able to arrange an inside visit to an actual working geisha house that only operates for a few hours a day. The guests had not been able to see the inside of a geisha house in Gion, so they were very happy that their wish finally came true in Kanazawa, their final destination. Since it was a hot day, we walked in the shade and took occasional short breaks while enjoying a stroll through Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden, and took many photographs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Korinbo/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total420JPY

    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,

    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…