Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel lobby
    • 10:50 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 12:30 Rikugien Garden
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 15:45 To the hotel
    • 16:10 Tour ends / Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Japanese Garden Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The hotel was located in Kabukicho, and although the surrounding area was a busy entertainment district, the guests were not particularly bothered by it, which was reassuring. The guests had hoped to take photos of autumn leaves, but the colors had not yet fully developed, so they seemed a little disappointed. However, they had a strong wish to visit Japanese gardens, so we first went to Koishikawa Korakuen, then Rikugien, and finally Hamarikyu. Since Shinjuku Gyoen, which we had originally planned to visit, was closed for the day, we changed the itinerary to Hamarikyu instead. At each garden, the guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, the trees, and the ponds, and took many photographs. For me as well, since my usual tours often involve walking through bustling city streets, this garden tour was a valuable experience.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku West Exit~Iidabashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKorakuen~Komagome180JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Hamamatsucho210JPY
    Section 4SubwayShiodome~Shinjuku220JPY
    Total830JPY

    Hello, I’m Yuki.
    With a decade of experience as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government volunteer guide, I embody the spirit of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. I’ve introduced Tokyo from the observatory at the height of 202 meters and guided visitors to popular spots in the city. I have also lived in several foreign countries for studying, working, and staying as an expatriate. Additionally, I guide both individuals and large groups of around forty people, primarily in the Kyoto and Tokyo areas.
    I enjoy watching movies and visiting temples and shrines, both in Japan and abroad. Eager to share Japan’s seasonal beauty and culture, I invite you to join me in exploring the excitement of Japan and creating a memorable tour together.

    Sep 20, 2026
    7
    713sharonh
    Worth every penny. Great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Superb experience. Our…

    Sep 17, 2026
    lauriceprudente
    Tokyo city tour with driver
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful experience…

    Sep 11, 2026
    alicefV1886CG
    A day with Yuki
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuki was brilliant! We agreed…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Venture659059
    Shinjuku tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuki was a great guide. She…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel-11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens-12:30 Kappabashi Kitchen Town-13:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple-14:30 Meiji Shrine-15:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-16:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-16:40 Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho-17:10 Dismissal at Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. As they would be staying for about ten days, I began the tour with a briefing on an overview of Tokyo and the history and culture of Japan. From the hotel, we walked to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace for a stroll. The guests were amazed by the contrast between the ruins of Edo Castle, with its four hundred years of history, and the cluster of modern buildings in Otemachi and Marunouchi. We enjoyed the old-town atmosphere with a walk through Kappabashi Kitchen Town and Asakusa, and as everyone was getting hungry, we had ramen for lunch. The guests seemed surprised by how delicious it was. Through a walk in the forest and the bustling crowds of Takeshita Street and Shibuya, they were able to experience many different sides of Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Yoyogi360JPY
    Section 3BusJingumae 1-chome / Toei Bus~Shibuya Station West Exit / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total920JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:50 Meet up @ Hotel Gracery Ginza
    • 12:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 13:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Takeshita Street
    • 14:45 Converse shoe store @ Shibuya Cat Street
    • 16:00 Senso-ji Temple
    • 16:50 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Observation Terrace and Cafe)
    • 18:05 Disband @ Hotel Gracery Ginza

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and this was their first time in Japan. They mentioned they were planning to visit Osaka and Kyoto after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. On Takeshita Street, the guests looked with great interest at the sweets shops and other stores. At a Converse shoe store on Cat Street in Shibuya, which the guests strongly requested to visit, they purchased customizable shoes. At Senso-ji Temple, the guests listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about Kaminarimon Gate. Since I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Total830JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 新幹線中央口の京都駅
    • 13:00 JR電車で竹林へ
    • 徒歩で嵐山へ
    • 14:30 タクシーで金閣寺 (500)
    • 15:30 タクシーで清水寺 (500)
    • 徒歩で八坂の塔
    • 17:00 徒歩で祇園
    • 徒歩で花見小路
    • 18:00 徒歩で寺町商店街
    • ツアー終了

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The meeting point was set for 12:00 at the Central Shinkansen Exit of Kyoto Station, but despite asking about the type of train and the arrival time, I received no reply, so we ended up sending photos to each other on-site to find one another. The guests were scheduled to stay at a rented accommodation for the following three days, and they had already made reservations to visit Kokedera (Moss Temple) and Katsura Imperial Villa. I advised them that when visiting Katsura Imperial Villa, they should check the back side of the Katsura hedge, and that after seeing it they should try the mugite mochi at Nakamuraken. Since we kept walking with no lunch break, by the time we reached the final stops of Teramachi shopping street and Nishiki Market, the guests were quite tired. As their accommodation was within walking distance of Teramachi shopping street, I recommended some izakaya and eateries in the shopping street area.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Nagasaki in One Day: Atomic Bomb Museum & Glover Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 11:30 Peace Park・Hypocenter Park
    • 12:15 Sofukuji Temple
    • 12:30 Lunch (Suwa Shrine)
    • 14:30 Glover Garden
    • 15:30 Farewell at the port

    What Is a Private Tour of the Atomic Bomb Museum Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. Coming from a country with a well-established education system regarding the Second World War, it was striking to see how earnestly they viewed the Atomic Bomb Museum. They also asked about the process of postwar reconstruction, but since I did not know much about that history, I could only share my own thoughts, and it made me realize this is an area I need to study more. When I explained that Sofukuji is a Chinese-style temple, the guests were very interested.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNanko Uramon-mae / Nagasaki Bus~Oura Cathedral-shita / Nagasaki Bus190JPY
    Section 2TrainPeace Park~Sofukuji Temple150JPY
    Section 3TrainOura Cathedral-shita / Nagasaki Bus~Nanko Uramon-mae / Nagasaki Bus190JPY
    Total530JPY

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Port Matsugae Terminal & Glover Garden

    Nagasaki in One Day: Nagasaki Port Matsugae Terminal & Glover Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30  Nagasaki Port Matsugae Terminal
    • 9:00  Atomic Bomb Museum〜Hypocenter Park~Peace Park
    • 11:00 Meganebashi Bridge
    • 11:30 Hamanomachi Arcade
    • 11:45 Shinchi Chinatown
    • 12:00 Confucius Shrine (entrance only)
    • 12:30 Glover Garden
    • 13:15 Lunch@Gusto
    • 14:15 Confucius Shrine (14:30~Face-Changing Show)
    • 15:00 Disperse near Nagasaki Port

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Nagasaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very keen walkers, covering the entire route on foot from Meganebashi Bridge all the way to Glover Garden. The tour started at the Atomic Bomb Museum, but since the group had already visited the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, I confirmed their wishes before guiding them through it. They talked about the differences between the two museums. For lunch I suggested Chinatown, but as the group was not yet hungry, we first visited the Confucius Shrine and Glover Garden. There are few dining options around Glover Garden, and the guests preferred somewhere other than a hotel restaurant. I took them to a family restaurant for the first time, and it was surprisingly well received because there were many choices. The guests were very curious about the cheese hamburger steak I chose, and I realized it may indeed be something not commonly found in North America. The bian lian face-changing show was spectacular and the guests were thrilled.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOura Kaigan-dori~Atomic Bomb Museum300JPY
    Section 2TrainPeace Park~City Hall (Nagasaki Prefecture)150JPY
    Total450JPY

    Hello. My name is Hiromi Murata. Sometimes called Minnie.
    I work as an interpreter guide in Tokyo, Nikko, Nagasaki, etc.
    I was born in Nagasaki, graduated from a university in Tokyo, and had overseas experience due to my husband’s work.
    In the United States, I lived in Connecticut and California for a total of 10 years.
    Especifically, in California, I completed a course on teaching English as a second language at UCI Extension.
    My motto is to be a fun guide.
    I’m interested in art, architecture, gardens, etc.
    I also like Japanese culture and have experience in tea ceremony, kendo, calligraphy, and flower arrangements.
    Japan is a country with beautiful nature and history. The town is clean and full of delicious food.
    I would like to help guests create fun memories in Japan.
    Sincerely,
    Hiromi

    Jul 28, 2026
    Valerie_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of beautiful Nagasaki
    Honestly, I had no idea…

    Jun 14, 2026
    lozzaj81
    Excellent way to get your bearings after arriving
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiromi was exceptionally responsive…

    Apr 23, 2026
    pbh2015
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Beautiful port day in Nagasaki
    Arriving in Nagasaki on a…

    Mar 3, 2026
    Robert_Q
    More than WW2, Nagasaki has been leading changes in Japan for 500 years
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Seinan Gakuin University

    Fukuoka in One Day: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Seinan Gakuin University

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:40 Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
    • 10:30 Kyushu National Museum
    • 11:00 Kamado Shrine
    • 12:00 Lunch (Hakata Station)
    • 13:00 Seinan Gakuin University
    • 14:00 Farewell at the Port

    What Can You See on a Private Dazaifu and Fukuoka Tour on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Because of the bad weather, we mainly traveled by taxi. The guests had an interest in architecture, so I took them to the Starbucks in Dazaifu, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (currently housed in a temporary main hall), and the Kyushu National Museum. They seemed especially interested in the Starbucks in Dazaifu and looked at it very intently. After Dazaifu, we had discussed either Nanzoin or Kushida Shrine, but since Nanzoin takes time and going there in such bad weather would be risky considering the ship's departure time, I recommended Kushida Shrine. I mentioned that there was time to visit one more place, and since at the Kyushu National Museum they had looked at materials related to the Mongol invasions, I took them to Seinan Gakuin University, where the stone walls built against the Mongol invasions remain. When I told them it was my alma mater, they were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHakata~Nishijin260JPY
    Section 2OtherMuromi~Tenjin260JPY
    Section 3OtherTenjin Solaria Stage Front / Nishitetsu Bus~Hakata Port International Terminal Chuo Pier / Nishitetsu Bus260JPY
    Section 4OtherHakata Port International Terminal~Tenjin260JPY
    Section 5OtherTenjin~Muromi260JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    Hello, I’m Rikako, but please call me Coco. It would be my absolute pleasure to show you around my hometown of Nagasaki. Having performed in the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in my childhood, I developed a deep interest in history and cultural exchange. This motivated me to become a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter during my university years. Since then, I have gained valuable experience—from assisting ambassadors at the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Ceremony to handling a wide variety of tours, including private and coach tours, site inspections, international conference support, and VIP hospitality.
    Explaining about Nagasaki’s history and culture is the most important to me. It is not only about this. I would love to provide genuine care so that your time in Nagasaki remains in your heart forever.
    I’m truly looking forward to guiding you in Nagasaki 🙂

    Jul 21, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful city. Great guide.
    Rikako was a great guide. She…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a very nice…
    Had a very nice experience. Coco was very…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Explore34946025848
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nagasaki
    Really good day out with a local guide, very informative about…

    Apr 4, 2026
    Giovanni_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Good
    Nagasaki is a very interesting tour
    I would recommend…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 1300→Higashi Chaya District→Kenrokuen Garden/Kanazawa Castle→Nagamachi Samurai District→1700 Korinbo

    What Is a Private Family Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Following the arrangements made in advance through a messaging app, we visited the places they wished to see. While strolling through the Higashi Chaya District, it became clear that the guests wanted to experience Kanazawa's culture together and do some authentic shopping, so I was able to guide them to well-established shops offering items such as miso bowls and gold leaf products they had hoped for, which they greatly appreciated. Toward the end, I understood that they were also looking for an area where they could choose a place to eat, so I guided them to the Katamachi district.

    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.

    Aug 7, 2026
    D1494MYdanielleg
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    One day walking tour in Tokyo
    Yoshi was great!…

    Aug 6, 2026
    dg89
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Private Führung in Kyoto
    Die Tour mit Yoshi war…

    Aug 3, 2026
    PaulaLondon2017
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A customized tour with guide around Kyoto
    We had…

    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.…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:45 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyu
    • 2. 09:55 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:30 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:35 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 12:25 Lunch @ Mori no Terrace 2nd
    • 7. 13:05 Travel: Walk
    • 8. 13:20 Stay @ Omotesando
    • 9. 14:10 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine and Omotesando in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a person visiting Japan. At the station nearest the Hotel, the guest purchased a PASMO card. Since I had received a message beforehand saying that the guest wished to decide on the spots after we met, I asked about their preferences when we gathered. The guest was looking for a vintage Hermès bag, and since all the shops they wanted to visit were located in Omotesando, we decided to explore Meiji Shrine first and then head to Omotesando at the end. On this day, there happened to be a wedding ceremony taking place at Meiji Shrine, which made for a nice surprise. At the East Gardens, I limited the guidance to the Ninomaru Garden only.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Nara in One Day: Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park

    Nara in One Day: Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 JR Nara Station (Start of Tour) I'll be at the ticket gate.
    • (bus 250y or taxi 1200y)
    • 11:20-40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • We will be in the park almost to the end of tour  (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:00-40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance 700 yen (walk 10 minutes)
    • lunch at Mizuya Chaya
    • 12:50-13:00 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's, craft shop etc.
    • (They no more produce katana but make awesome knives.)
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 13:10- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 13:10-13:40 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall (walk 5 minutes)
    • 13:50-14:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower (walk 10 minutes)
    • 14:20-50 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall:
    • World's largest bronze statue from 8th century entrance 800 yen
    •    (walk 5 minutes)
    • 15:00-10 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate): World's largest wooden statues
    • walk 5 minutes and taxi
    • 15:20- Naramachi: Sake tasting at Harushika shuzo, Traditional Japaese house
    • taxi 1200y
    • 17:00 back at JR Nara Station: Shopping etc.
    • 17:41 on the train at JR Horyuji station (End of Tour)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Despite some discomfort, the guests patiently walked the entire route throughout the day. At the Binzuru statue in the Great Buddha Hall, I shared a tip about gently moving the kneecaps to reduce discomfort and how, continued over several months, it may even help restore cartilage. The guests were very pleased. Toward the end, we enjoyed a sake tasting at a sake brewery in Naramachi, followed by a visit to a traditional townhouse. After experiencing the comfort of lying down on tatami mats, the guests said they wished they could take a nap right there! Our conversation grew lively, touching on topics ranging from Japanese politics to broader current affairs, but we simply ran out of time. The guests kindly invited me to continue the conversation in North America, though with the current weak yen I regret I won't be able to make the trip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNara~Horyuji240JPY
    Total240JPY

    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…