Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour During a Typhoon? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Tokyo for the first time via cruise, visiting from North America. Due to an approaching typhoon, we moved the start of the tour one hour earlier. Since public transportation might have stopped, we gave up on Asakusa and instead visited Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. Meiji Shrine was quiet with few people, so we were able to enjoy it slowly and peacefully. We were able to show them the center of Tokyo, including Kasumigaseki, the Imperial Palace, and Marunouchi. After that, we enjoyed Hachiko and the scramble crossing in Shibuya, and while looking at fruits, beef, and fish in the basement of a department store, I introduced Japanese food culture before returning to Shinjuku. After guiding them through Kabukicho, we stopped at Joenji, a small but quiet temple. We then had lunch together, and while checking the weather forecast, I consulted with the guests and, to ensure safety, wrapped up the tour early and saw them off at the Hotel, bringing it to an end. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a vast, tranquil forest of some 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Located near the busy Harajuku district, it offers a peaceful retreat from the city and is one of the most visited shrines in Tokyo, especially during the New Year period.

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Tour Report by Motoko

Hi,
Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
Regards,
Motoko

What Is a Private 8-Hour Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Quiet Temples and Shrines The guests came to Japan for the first time from Europe. Their itinerary included Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, three days in Kyoto, and then Osaka before returning home. For this tour, the guests specifically requested that we avoid all crowded tourist spots entirely, while still finding places where they could immerse themselves in history and culture — somewhere quiet and truly evocative of Kyoto. They wished to see Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and also to visit a shrine. Based on these requests, I decided on today's destinations. The timing was fortunate, as Shimogamo Shrine happened to be in a period when the interior of the main hall was open to the public. This shrine is a treasure house of history, with ties not only to the imperial family but also deep connections to the Kamo clan dating back to the ancient days of Nara, as well as extremely significant links to the Tokugawa shogunate. I was able to speak at length about the world of Shinto and the world of Onmyodo. At the Zen temple, the conversation naturally turned to what Buddhism is, what Zen is, the spirit of the dry landscape garden, the meaning of wabi-sabi, and wabi-cha. When this happens, the question almost always comes: is Shinto or Buddhism the main religion in this country? There are many answers, and this is where we on-site guides can show our skill. In Arashiyama, we visited two temples that are like treasure houses of religious culture and history, and I wove in folk traditions such as Kannon Bodhisattva, Jizo Bodhisattva (Sai no Kawara), Obon, and the Sento Kuyo lantern memorial. Today, at a relaxed pace over eight hours, I thoroughly conveyed what the guests had requested — Japan, its form and its heart. They listened carefully to my explanations throughout, and were wonderful listeners. At the same time, there was plenty of laughter. The guests loved joking around, and whenever I explained something they would immediately tease me, and when I retorted "What on earth am I even talking about? (laughs)," they were delighted. While I was showing a photo of a monk chanting a sutra before a Buddhist altar as one scene of Obon, they teased me by asking, of all things, "Is this you?" The moment I shot back "I don't have a shaved head!" the laughter would not stop, and we could hardly continue. And so, in this manner, we wandered here and there through a quiet and peaceful Kyoto all day, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In the end, we spent some time in Gion before parting ways. A notable stop on the tour was Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. This tranquil mountain temple is famous for its more than 1,200 stone statues of rakan (disciples of the Buddha), each carved with a unique and often humorous expression. Nestled among the greenery away from the busier tourist areas, it offers a peaceful atmosphere that reflects the quieter, more contemplative side of Kyoto.

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Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka's Mount Fuji Viewpoints Like from Shimizu Port? A Licensed Guide's Report We met successfully at the port, and while chatting happily with the group as they walked energetically, we set off on the long-awaited tour of Mount Fuji viewing spots, visiting Nihondaira Yume Terrace, the Tea Museum, and Miho no Matsubara. At Yume Terrace, part of the corridor was closed off and some of the video displays were unavailable, but we could just barely see Mount Fuji. At the Tea Museum, the group was delighted to see tea flowers and fruit for the first time along with the view of Mount Fuji. We enjoyed some tea and bought tea candies to take home. For lunch, we took a quick look at the riverside market, but since the guests preferred somewhere the locals usually go, we decided against it. When we went to Miho no Matsubara, Mount Fuji was beautifully visible. On the way back, we stopped at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant and had fun ordering our favorite sushi and udon using the touch panel. Finally, we visited spots connected to Shimizu's local hero Jirocho, including the Suehiro, and a 100-yen shop before returning to the port. It was a full and varied day, and I believe the guests were satisfied. A notable stop on the tour was Miho no Matsubara. Miho no Matsubara is a scenic pine grove along the coast of Shizuoka, famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay. The area is registered as part of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site and is associated with the legend of Hagoromo, in which a celestial maiden left her feathered robe hanging on a pine tree. Its rows of ancient pine trees, combined with the sea and the silhouette of Mount Fuji, have long inspired artists and travelers alike.

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Tour Report by Acchan

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!

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Bad Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Undeterred by the poor weather, they set off in high spirits. From the ropeway, nothing but the ropes themselves could be seen, but even that turned out to be part of the fun. They were eager to try the famous black eggs and enjoyed them thoroughly. The scenery seen from the boat, veiled in mist, was quite unusual, and they took many enthusiastic photos. Incidentally, due to heavy fog the boat was later canceled, so we were fortunate. At the red torii gate, they photographed from various angles (there was no line to wait in). The presentation at Maruyama was delightful, and they enjoyed it with cheerful exclamations. They had a fondness for Japanese food and had been looking forward to the donburi teahouse, where they finished their soba and eel rice bowls completely. Along the way, they listened with great interest to explanations about Shinto, Buddhism, and kanji. A notable stop on the tour was the Hakone ropeway. The Hakone Ropeway connects several stations across the volcanic landscape of the Hakone region and offers sweeping views of the area, including Owakudani, a valley formed by past volcanic activity. On clear days, passengers can even catch glimpses of Mount Fuji in the distance, making it one of the most popular attractions in Hakone.

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Tour Report by Hiro

I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. They had become friends through an online computer game and each lived in a different place. They had arrived in Japan a short time earlier and planned to stay for a while. Their reason for choosing Nikko was to enjoy the scenery of nature and traditional buildings, and to experience Japanese history and culture. In that sense, Nikko seemed to be the best choice, and they thoroughly enjoyed the World Heritage landscape surrounded by forest. They also showed interest in history, and I explained the founding of Nikko, the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, and the greatness of the Tokugawa government of the Edo period in Japanese history. The following are my impressions. On this tour, I felt the difficulty of grasping the essential needs of the guests. In our conversation before the tour via a messaging app, their requests were the Nikko Botanical Garden, Taiyuin, Toshogu Shrine, the Sanbutsudo Hall of Rinnoji Temple, and Kirifuri Falls. Since the tour started at 11:00, and the buses to and from Kirifuri Falls run infrequently, and the falls are in the opposite direction from the World Heritage area across the station, I set an itinerary that skipped the falls and visited the other four places. However, while guiding, I noticed that there seemed to be a slight gap between the itinerary and everyone's underlying needs. At the botanical garden, for example, they were not especially interested in plants but wanted to walk in nature. And from the botanical garden side, they were eagerly taking photos from afar of the group of Jizo statues faintly visible across Kanmangafuchi Abyss. Also, at the temples, they rarely took photos of themselves and instead took many photos of buildings and scenery. It seems that sharing lovely travel photos with their online companions was also a major purpose. In this itinerary, Taiyuin, Toshogu, and the Sanbutsudo Hall overlapped in photographic concept, and the key spots did not allow photography. If I had been able to grasp their unspoken needs in advance, I might have been able to create a more varied and satisfying itinerary in terms of photos. I felt that narrowing it down to three places — the Jizo statues of Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Kirifuri Falls, and either Toshogu or Taiyuin — would have led to higher satisfaction. Grasping underlying needs through a messaging app alone is difficult, but I feel that with some ingenuity in how I pose questions, I can get a little closer to the essence, so I will continue to refine my approach going forward.

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Tour Report by Atsushi

Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Body: The guests were visitors from North America, and they were both very calm and friendly. All the prior arrangements were made through an agency, and the request was to shorten the tour from 8 hours to 5 hours. Since it was the first sunny and hot day in a while, and since one of the guests was using a cane (though there was no problem with walking), we walked slowly and took several breaks along the way while consulting with the guests, so the tour ended up lasting six and a half hours. Although it was hot, the weather was fine, and the guests were pleased to take good photos at Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. At Fushimi Inari, no one was lined up for the Omokaru-ishi stones, so the guests were able to enjoy them at a leisurely pace. One of the guests said they liked plants, and looked closely at the flowers and trees at Kiyomizu-dera. They also told me a lot about the flowers they grow at home. I think they were tired from all the walking, but they kindly told me they had a wonderful time. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, prosperity, and business. It is best known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the tunnels of gates and explore smaller shrines and fox statues along the way, as the fox is regarded as the messenger of Inari.

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Tour Report by Mickey

Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!

What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting from Europe, on their first trip to Japan, planning to board a cruise afterward. At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, they quickly bought some souvenirs, and were surprised at how reasonable the prices were on the Shin-Nakamise arcade. Luckily, the rain stopped only while we were at the Imperial Palace, so we were able to look around at a relaxed pace, and I explained the imperial system, the feudal lord (daimyo) system and the alternate attendance (sankin-kotai) practice, and the stone walls. At Meiji Shrine, we took a commemorative photo in front of the paired camphor trees in the rain. There was no wedding procession, but they were glad to see a bride dressed in a white kimono. At Takeshita Street, they gave up after seeing the crowds at the entrance. They said there is also a famous loyal dog where they are from, so they were pleased to see the Hachiko statue. Instead of Takeshita Street and the Ura-Hara area, we went to Shinjuku, where they enjoyed the Godzilla Head and Omoide Yokocho. Since they mentioned wanting to make a round trip between Tokyo and Odawara the next day to experience the Shinkansen, I showed them the route to the Shinkansen transfer gates at Tokyo Station. As they had arrived the previous day and were experiencing jet lag, I guided them while keeping an eye on their condition, and they both walked a great deal despite the rain.

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Tour Report by Hideki

Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
1. Cross-cultural communication
2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

Tokyo Private Walking Tour Report: What Did a Licensed Guide Cover from Tsukiji to Shinjuku? 1. You had a mintage here? 2. Why is the land so expensive? 3. Yeah, I saw pictures depicting the history of the temple. 4. Oh, this is a kindergarten run by the temple. 5. (A scooter rider) No helmet! They may be hit and get injured. 6. Oh, 2,500 cars were submerged in the floodwater of an underpass. That was last month in Chiba. 7. We have a day for the dead. You have "obon." 8. Is today the 1400th anniversary of the shrine? 9. I want to see the 3D cat in Shinjuku. Oh, Godzilla. 10. I've been to 25 foreign countries. Note: At the request of the guests, we spent extra time exploring the back alleys and street shops in Tsukiji. They chose to skip Meiji Shrine, pass through Shibuya, and be dropped off at the east exit of Shinjuku. This private walking tour began in Tsukiji, where the guests enjoyed the lively back alleys and street shops of the outer market area. A notable stop on the tour was the Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling district in Tokyo famous for its fresh seafood, produce, and street food stalls. While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains a popular destination where visitors can sample local specialties, browse cooking utensils, and experience the atmosphere of one of Tokyo's most iconic food areas. From Tsukiji, the tour continued through Shibuya before concluding near the east exit of Shinjuku, giving the guests a chance to see several distinct sides of the city in a single day.

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Tour Report by Hideaki

Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America and had traveled through Asia before arriving in Fukuoka and Hiroshima, with plans to continue to Kyoto and Tokyo afterward. Because we started early in the morning, the memorial museum was very quiet, allowing the guests to view the exhibits at a leisurely pace. By the time we left the museum, school groups and others had begun to arrive and it started to get crowded, so the guests said they were glad to have seen everything calmly. In the morning there was no rain and the cool, comfortable weather let us stroll through the Peace Park, where the guests took many photos while unhurriedly viewing the cenotaph and the Atomic Bomb Dome. They were also deeply impressed by the pictures made from many folded paper cranes. On Miyajima, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the deer. They also enjoyed shopping for souvenirs in the shopping street. On the way back, we returned to Hiroshima Station by ferry and JR train, where we parted ways. A notable stop on the tour was Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima famous for the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic "floating" torii gate, which appears to rise from the sea at high tide. The island is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well known for its free-roaming deer, scenic mountain views, and traditional shopping streets lined with local crafts and snacks.

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Tour Report by Yoko

Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada.　Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special.　I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Nezu Shrine, and Akihabara The guests came from Europe and were visiting Japan for the first time, and they seemed very much looking forward to the trip. In particular, one of the guests had extensive prior knowledge, being familiar with the general origins of Shinto and Buddhism as well as basic terminology. They were also interested in collecting goshuin (shrine and temple stamps), and purchased a goshuin book at Meiji Shrine. As a result, they were able to collect three stamps in a single day. They were especially impressed by Nezu Shrine, where they could feel a more local atmosphere, and took many photographs. Since they also love card games, we went to Akihabara in line with a request made in advance. As they planned to stay in Akihabara even after the tour, we parted ways on site. They kindly told me, "This was a great start to our tour of Japan." A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a vast forested area of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. Visitors often experience traditional rituals here, and it is one of the most popular shrines in Japan, drawing millions of worshippers, especially during the New Year period.

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Tour Report by LEO

Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.

I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.

With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!