Category: Uncategorized

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Odori Park & Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Odori Park & Former Hokkaido Government Office

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:56 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Odori Park
    • 11:00 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 11:40 Mount Moiwa Observatory
    • 13:20 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick)
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Hotel

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Sapporo? A Licensed Guide's Report The group had originally planned to join the tour, but some of the guests were affected by a typhoon and could not depart from Oceania as scheduled, so only some of the guests took part on this day. This was their first trip to Japan, including Hokkaido. Perhaps because of this, they showed great interest in Sapporo's underground shopping arcade and subway system, and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying their first trip to Japan. After taking in the view from Mount Moiwa, we finished by visiting the former Hokkaido Government Office (the Red Brick Office) located very close to the Hotel. However, I only guided them around the exterior this time, so that they could enter and enjoy the interior facilities together once the whole group had reunited.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Maruyama Park210JPY
    Section 2BusMaruyamakoen Station / JR Hokkaido Bus~Mount Moiwa Ropeway / JR Hokkaido Bus240JPY
    Section 3SubwayMaruyama Park~Odori210JPY
    Total660JPY

    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.

    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 2. 9:30 Guide to Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 3. 11:00 Guide to Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 4. 12:30 Guide around the Arashiyama area, then disband

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since today's itinerary had been arranged in advance, I began the guiding with a plan to visit Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and, if time allowed, Arashiyama. At Kinkaku-ji, I explained Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, and we viewed the temple, where the guests were deeply impressed by its shimmering golden appearance. After Kinkaku-ji, I guided them to the rock garden made famous by well-known figures such as Apple's founder Steve Jobs and Queen Elizabeth, and here again the guests seemed interested in the philosophical aspects of Zen Buddhism. Finally, since they wished to see the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, we moved there, and as it was around lunchtime, I introduced several places to eat before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto Municipal Bus260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto Municipal Bus~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 3OtherRyoan-ji-mae~Arashiyama Station250JPY
    Total740JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Todai-ji Nigatsu-do & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Todai-ji Nigatsu-do & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel: 330 Shichocho, Kamigyo-ku
    • By car
    • 10:00-30 Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
    • On foot
    • 10:40-50 Todai-ji Bell Tower
    • On foot
    • 11:00-30 Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
    • On foot
    • 11:40-50 Todai-ji Nandaimon Gate
    • On foot
    • 12:00-30 Yoshikien Garden
    • By car
    • 12:40-13:10 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • By car
    • 13:20 Hotel
    • By car
    • 13:40-14:50 Joruri-ji Temple Lunch at the soba restaurant in front of the gate
    • By car
    • 15:50 Hotel (Ending early as guests are tired)

    Title: What Is a Private Car Tour with a Licensed Guide in Japan Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. A travel agency was involved as an intermediary, and unfortunately they provided little useful information beforehand, relying instead on unreliable input from the agency contact, which caused a great deal of confusion in advance. For example, when asked to take the guests to a tea plantation, I confirmed whether this was the guests' own wish, only to be told it was the agency's idea. The situation continued in this manner throughout the preparations. The agency had described the itinerary as "Perfect!", but in reality the guests' wishes were entirely different, and the actual trip turned out to be quite unlike the planned itinerary. Both the driver and I were kept on our toes. This experience reaffirmed how important it is to align expectations in advance. This time, most of the coordination was done with the agency, while the actual coordination with the guests happened in the car. Even so, at parting the guests told me, "I'm satisfied. Thank you." As the guide, however, I felt "I'm not satisfied!" — and since the guests showed little interest in history or religion, I was even more unsatisfied! The driver kindly helped in many flexible ways to adapt to the situation. I am grateful for such a sincere and dependable person.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts at hotel 
    • Travel Bus Kenrokuen
    • AM 09:20 -10:40 Kenrokuen tour, Kanazawa Castle Park
    • AM 10:40- AM-11:00 Travel Taxi Korinbo  Atrio Pharmacy
    • Travel Bus Hashiba-cho
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:30 Kazue-machi Higashi Chaya District Visit Gold Leaf Ice Cream, Visit Shima
    • Travel Bus Musashigatsuji Omicho
    • PM 13:00 Tour ends at hotel

    Title: What Happens if a Guest Falls Ill? A Licensed Guide's Private Kanazawa Tour Report The guests were visitors from Europe. At the meeting point, I was informed that one of the guests was feeling slightly unwell, with stomach pain, diarrhea, and mild nausea. We decided to visit Kenrokuen Garden during the tour and then go to a pharmacy at Korinbo Atrio that opens after 10:00. At the pharmacy, we explained the symptoms and purchased medicine, after which one of the guests left the tour to return to the hotel. The tour then continued with the remaining guest, including a stroll through the Higashi Chaya District. As a precaution, I introduced a nearby hospital covered by travel insurance, and the tour concluded at the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo/Hokutetsu Bus~Hashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Himeji Jibasan Building

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Himeji Jibasan Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:45 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 12:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 13:30 @ Himeji Jibasan Building
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station Food Court

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and the tour proceeded smoothly. They both showed keen interest in each spot, and I received many detailed and thoughtful questions from the guests. At Sangoku-bori in Himeji Castle, they were delighted to see a "white heron," the bird that gave Himeji Castle its nickname "White Heron Castle" and of which it is said, "If you can see one, you will have a happy year." At Koko-en Garden, one of the guests had a background related to landscaping and viewed many of the plants with great interest. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed a tasting experience and purchased various souvenirs. As they wished to see Himeji's specialty leather products, I guided them to a local products building in the area. Before returning to Kyoto, they wanted to have lunch, so I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station, where we parted ways. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were happy to receive. In return, the guests gave me a rare pouch and a ballpoint pen as gifts.

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Sapporo-Minami-Otaru & Sapporo Station

    Hokkaido in One Day: Sapporo-Minami-Otaru & Sapporo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Lobby
    • 9:10 Sapporo-Minami-Otaru
    • 10:00 Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
    • 11:00 Music Box Museum-Sakaimachi Street
    • 12:00 Tatsumi Sushi
    • 13:00 Otaru Canal
    • 14:00 Mt. Tengu Ropeway
    • 15:33 Otaru-Sapporo
    • 16:10 Sapporo Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Otaru Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the art museums the guests had hoped to visit were all closed for the day, I suggested Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura instead. As the guests had experience working at a winery, they were very interested in the methods and varieties of sake production. They purchased a rich mirin that can be used like brandy. On Sakaimachi Street, they showed great interest in the buildings unique to Otaru, including the udatsu and shachihoko ornaments. Although it was a full itinerary that included the canal and the Tenguyama Ropeway, the guests were very pleased with the history of Otaru, the structure of the buildings, and the nature. They also enjoyed the sushi and sweets they had been looking forward to.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSapporo~Minami-Otaru800JPY
    Section 2OtherIronai 1-chome/Hokkaido Chuo Bus~Mt. Tengu/Hokkaido Chuo Bus240JPY
    Section 3OtherMt. Tengu/Hokkaido Chuo Bus~Sangyo Kaikan-mae/Hokkaido Chuo Bus240JPY
    Section 4TrainOtaru~Sapporo800JPY
    Total2,080JPY

    Hello! I am Miki from Hokkaido! I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Chiba prefecture. I live in Hokkaido now and I can show you around beautiful places, good food and nice sake, wine and especially good beer in every town!

    I am interested in Japanese culture, history, arts, and education.

    As I had been working as a teacher for 40 years, I can tell you many interesting points of Japanese educational system.
    I belong to a mushroom club because I love the nature of Hokkaido. I also work as a volunteer to rescue cats. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful experiences in Hokkaido and many other places in Japan!

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station West Exit & Komachi Street

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station West Exit & Komachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Kamakura Station West Exit
    • 10:50 Hasedera Temple
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Magokoro
    • 12:30 Kotoku-in Great Buddha
    • 1:40 Hokoku-ji Temple
    • 2:20 Komachi Street
    • 2:40 Disband @ Kamakura Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kamakura Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America who were returning visitors to Japan. They requested Kotoku-in (the Great Buddha), Hase-dera, and Hokoku-ji, along with a meal at a plant-based restaurant, so I made a reservation just to be safe. We enjoyed a relaxed meal at a spot overlooking the beach along the coast, and the guests were very satisfied with the food. From the Great Buddha we took the bus, and although traffic was somewhat heavy and it took a while, we were able to sit down, which made it comfortable. One of the guests was very fond of the bamboo garden at Hokoku-ji. When they bought rice crackers on Komachi-dori Street, I was asked to check the ingredients, and they avoided ones containing bonito extract. During our conversation, I mentioned that tote bags from a certain store are popular, and it turned out they had brought one of those bags to give me as a surprise at the end, so we laughed together about how the surprise had been spoiled. One of the guests shared a story they had heard from a monk, expressing an interest in Buddhism, and when I asked about their background, the memorable reply was that they identified as a universalist.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 2BusDaibutsu-mae / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus200JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Hachimangu / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Total840JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at a shrine near the accommodation 8:15 Yasaka Pagoda 8:35 Kiyomizu-dera Temple 9:50 Higashiyama area (Kongo-ji Temple, Ninenzaka, Ishibei-koji Alley, Yasaka Shrine) 10:50 Gion
    • 12:10 Lunch (ramen shop near Nijo Castle) 12:45 Nijo Castle 14:05 Tour ends at Nijo Castle

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, and More The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They are currently living in an immigrant district in Europe, where the common language is English. Because the accommodation (a guesthouse) could not be confirmed accurately with the guests beforehand, we met at a nearby shrine. Although they had a striking appearance, they were deeply interested in Japanese culture and eager to understand it more profoundly. One of the guests collects goshuin (temple stamps). Since Kiyomizu-dera Temple opens before 8:00, we went there first. In the early morning, Kiyomizu-dera had fewer tourists and was very easy to walk around. They both took many photographs. At the shopping street along the approach, they purchased several kinds of "otabe" sweets. The ramen restaurant we had planned for lunch was full and we had to wait for a while, but we finished lunch without any problems. The tour ended after we visited Nijo Castle. The photo was taken at Yasaka Pagoda on the way to Kiyomizu-dera.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHigashiyama-Sanjo~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 2OtherGion~Higashiyama-Sanjo230JPY
    Section 3OtherHigashiyama~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total680JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:29 Meet at the Shinkansen platform where Thunderbird No. 2 arrives at Shin-Osaka Station
    • 9:45 Osaka Castle
    • 11:55 Lunch at Eikokuya Cafe in Namba Walk
    • 13:00 Dotonbori – Hozenji Yokocho
    • 13:50 Umeda Sky Building
    • 15:10 Disband at JR Shin-Osaka Station Shinkansen South Ticket Gate

    What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned they would be visiting Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama. They had a long-standing friendship with someone in Japan and planned to be shown around Yokohama. Since they seemed quite tired after walking around Kyoto all day the day before, we took the tour at a slow pace. Osaka Castle was not very crowded, so they were able to enjoy the view from the top. They also experienced the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori, and had a relaxed lunch at a spot that was not too busy. The Umeda Sky Building was also not very crowded, so it was nice to be able to explore it at a leisurely pace. I believe they enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShin-Osaka Station~Shin-Osaka Station150JPY
    Section 2SubwayShin-Osaka~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3OtherBabacho Station~Hokoku Jinja-mae Station600JPY
    Section 4SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Section 5SubwayNamba (Subway)~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Section 6TrainOsaka~Shin-Osaka180JPY
    Total1,650JPY

    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
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  • Osaka in One Day: Shitennoji Temple & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka in One Day: Shitennoji Temple & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @CANDEO hotels osaka the tower
    • 9:30-11:20 @Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:50-12:30 @Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:00-13:40 @Harukas (lunch), Harukas Garden
    • 14:10-14:50 @Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 15:15 End @CANDEO hotels osaka the tower

    What's a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Osaka Castle The guests were visitors from Oceania, who came to Japan through a travel agency. They arrived in Japan for work and, after spending some time working in Tokyo, took a vacation traveling through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara before arriving in Osaka the previous day. One of the guests had a knee issue and used a supporter and pain medication during the tour, but aside from giving up on climbing to the top of the castle keep, there were no other difficulties, and the guests enjoyed the tour together while chatting along the way. The plan had been to end the tour in Dotonbori after visiting Sumiyoshi Taisha, but since the guests were scheduled to visit Dotonbori on a food tour the next day, we skipped it and I saw them off at their hotel to conclude the tour. The guests travel frequently in Asia and had originally hoped to visit Okinawa, but changed their plans due to the risk of a typhoon. They said they would love to go there next time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji-ekimae~Sumiyoshitorii-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba (Nankai Line)240JPY
    Section 5SubwayNamba (Subway)~Yodoyabashi190JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    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!

    Sep 26, 2026
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