Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Cruise Terminal

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Cruise Terminal

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Cruise Ship Terminal Meet
    • 10:20-10:40 Move to Shukkeien Garden by taxi
    • 10:45-10:30 Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:35-10:55 Move to Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:00-11:30 Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:35-11:45 Move to Peace Park by taxi
    • 11:50-14:15 Peace Park (including Dome, Museum, and a break at a cafe)
    • 14:20-14:45 Move to Cruise Terminal by taxi
    • 14:50 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hiroshima Castle and Peace Memorial Park The guests were visitors from North America. On the day of the tour, the temperature was around 30°C and the weather was relatively pleasant, so at the guests' request we also visited Hiroshima Castle, which had not been part of the original plan. Since the guests appeared a little tired, I suggested taking a break at a cafe in Peace Memorial Park, which allowed us to complete the tour comfortably. I also took the guests to the cenotaph honoring the victims of the atomic bombing in Peace Memorial Park. The guests visited the museum with great interest and viewed the exhibits carefully, after which we took a taxi from Peace Memorial Park to the cruise terminal and parted ways there.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by TO

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Request Booking

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 11:20　Ueno Park. Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Great Buddha, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Shinobazu Pond, Shinobazu Benten-do
    • 12:30　Nezu Shrine.
    • Stroll through the old town areas of Nezu, Sendagi, and Yanaka. Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:10　Lunch at Ameyoko
    • 15:00　Escort to the hotel in Shimbashi and end the guide

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Ueno and Yanaka Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania. We visited Ueno Park, where I explained the history of Kaneiji Temple and how the area came to be a park. At Toshogu Shrine, I explained about shrines and Shinto, the dazzling Toshogu itself, and the ascending and descending dragons carved by Hidari Jingoro, which the guests found very interesting. I guided them around Kannon-do Hall, Shinobazu Pond, and Bentendo Hall, explaining that the Tokugawa shogun had modeled these on Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and Chikubu Island. They found this fascinating. At Nezu Shrine, they enjoyed the customary walk through the row of torii gates. In the old town, they smiled while looking at the narrow streets, the public bathhouse, the potted plants placed along the road, and the bicycles. While I was guiding them through Ameyoko, they suddenly said they wanted to eat yakitori, so we went to an izakaya. We had a lunch of yakitori, gyoza, and edamame.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi～Ueno170JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 3TrainOkachimachi～Shimbashi170JPY
    Total490JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Yanaka to Nezu Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Yanaka to Nezu Shrine & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
    • 11:50 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu to Kaneiji Temple
    • 12:30 From Yanaka to Nezu Shrine
    • 14:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 14:20 Snacks @ Seven-Eleven Nezu Station Front Store
    • 15:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street ~ Cat Street
    • 16:05 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:40 Shinjuku Golden Gai, take a little break and drink beer
    • 17:15 Disband at Shinjuku Golden Gai

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was fairly good, with no rain and not too hot, making it a pleasant day for walking. After visiting three shrines and temples in Ueno Park, we continued to Yanaka Cemetery and a walk through the Yanaka neighborhood. In the cemetery, after seeing the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, we lost track of the exit and spent a little time asking construction workers for directions. The guests did not show any particularly strong reaction. I had expected we would spend some time on Takeshita Street, but they left without stopping anywhere at all, and thinking we would have time left to fill, we walked along Cat Street to Shibuya and I showed them the confectionery section in a department store's basement food floor. In Golden Gai we stopped at one establishment and had a little beer. After leaving there, they said they would explore the rest on their own, so we ended the tour at that point.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza～Ueno700JPY
    Section 2Free PassNezu～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya～Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Museum of History

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Museum of History

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Hotel Namba Dailokucho Meet up
    • 15:40~16:30 Osaka Museum of History
    • 16:40~17:30 Osaka Castle Park – Osaka Castle Main Tower
    • 18:15~19:00 Jan Jan Yokocho – Shinsekai

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Museum of History and Shinsekai The guests were a group from Asia visiting Japan for the first time. After traveling around Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, they arrived in Osaka today. According to the guests, their home region is said to be about 50 years behind Japan, so everything they saw here was new and impressive to them. At the museum of history, they learned about the history of Osaka and had an enthusiastic discussion about the ancient capitals of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, the imperial family, the history of the samurai, and the postwar economic development of Japan. They also took many photographs. Finally, they felt a sense of familiarity with the natural, welcoming atmosphere of the people in Shinsekai, and at the izakaya they were delighted to say that the fatigue of their journey had been washed away. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaikokucho～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2OtherTanimachi 4-chome～Dobutsuen-mae240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae～Daikokucho190JPY
    Total670JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Daitoku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Daitoku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meet
    • 9:45 Daitoku-ji Temple
    • 11:20 Lunch
    • 12:20 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:15 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The group had booked through a travel agency, and one of them was unable to join due to feeling unwell, so I guided the rest of the group. Since they had already visited the major sights on their own the previous day, they chose places that would be difficult to reach by themselves. They were deeply moved by the garden at Daitoku-ji Temple, the stone Buddhas and stone pagodas at Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. They also planned to head to Koyasan starting today, so at Nenbutsu-ji Temple I included stories about Kukai in my guiding. I accompanied them to the station one stop before the station nearest their hotel, explained the route back to them, and said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall Front～Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus260JPY
    Section 2OtherKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Daitoku-ji Temple Front230JPY
    Section 3OtherDaitoku-ji Temple Front～Nishinokyo Enmachi230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi～Saga-Arashiyama180JPY
    Section 5OtherNonomiya / Kyoto Bus～Toriimoto230JPY
    Section 6TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 7TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:00 Meet @ Hyatt Regency Tokyo
    • 2.8:40 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.9:50 @ Asakusa
    • 4.11:30 @ Shibuya
    • 5.12:00 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6.13:00 Lunch @ Ippudo Harajuku
    • 7.13:40 @ Takeshita Street
    • 8.14:00 Dismissal @ Takeshita Street

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and planned to travel around the country for their trip. They had been concerned about the heat even before arriving, but on this day it was cloudy with a high of 26 degrees, and they said it was very comfortable. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed nigiri sushi made with tuna and said it was delicious. In Asakusa, they tried ningyo-yaki and were delighted to draw the best fortune (daikichi) at the omikuji. After experiencing the Shibuya Crossing, we headed to Meiji Shrine, which they said was very beautiful. On Takeshita Street, they ate ramen, and one of the guests was surprised by the wide variety of crepes and enjoyed one as well. Since they wanted to continue exploring Takeshita Street on their own, I explained how to get back and we parted ways there. It was a very cheerful and warm group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae～Tsukiji Market280JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Daitoku-ji Temple / Obai-in

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Daitoku-ji Temple / Obai-in

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at Ibis Styles Kyoto Station
    • 11:05　Discuss today's itinerary + historical significance of Kyoto + about Japan's beverage industry
    • 11:30　Check out the soft drink sales scene at the 7-Eleven next to the hotel / Explanation of various drinks
    • 12:30　Nijo Castle
    • 14:00　Daitoku-ji Temple / Obai-in
    • 15:00　Check out the soft drink and snack sales scene at Daily Qanat (supermarket) next to Daitoku-ji Temple
    • 16:00　Pontocho～Gion Shirakawa～Yasaka Shrine～Ishibei-koji
    • 17:00　Disband at Pontocho

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) The guests were visitors from North America, on their first sightseeing trip to Japan and Kyoto. They run a beverage business and mentioned that they had already entered some Asian and Oceanian markets, but had not yet fully entered the Japanese market, and that they hoped to secure sales channels in Japan in the future. When we met at 11:00, the tour began abruptly with, "Could you tell me a little about the products in that vending machine over there?" During my earlier career I had worked in the quality control and quality assurance division of a company that manufactured and sold glass bottles, so I was familiar with many aspects of the industry, and I gradually found it fascinating myself. When one of the guests asked about the historical significance of Kyoto and I began to explain, the other became restless and said, "Actually, let's first go to that convenience store next door — please explain the drinks displayed there one by one, since I can't read Japanese." In the end, the tour started at a convenience store, and after visiting Nijo Castle and a temple, we spent a long time doing market research at a supermarket, where they bought snacks and drinks and we headed toward Gion while snacking. I believe they were checking out matcha lattes. This was roughly how it went, and although I have guided many tours around Kyoto, this was the first tour of its kind and it felt refreshing. As we parted, they laughed heartily and said, "When you come to America, let me know, and I'll show you around the American supermarkets." They said they planned to have dinner in Pontocho and then return straight to their hotel in Tokyo today. Since they had come from Tokyo on the first bullet train of the morning, I wondered what the hotel in front of Kyoto Station listed as the meeting point actually was — it seemed they had simply set a convenient meeting point. They were a very interesting group.

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

    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

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40 to 11:50 Umeda Sky Building
    • 12:10 to 13:15 Shinsekai (including lunch)
    • 14:00 to 15:15 Osaka Castle
    • 15:50 to 16:00 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

    What's a Private Family Day Tour in Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Oceania. This tour was arranged through a travel agency, and it was a fairly structured tour with predetermined visiting times at each facility, travel times, walking times, and the transportation to be used, requiring that I bring them to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan by 4:00. The guests were friendly toward me as their guide and cooperated with the tour, so we were able to proceed almost exactly as planned. The whole group tried okonomiyaki and enjoyed it very much, finding it delicious.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Municipal Subway～One-day pass820JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 09:25 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:05 Visit @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:40 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:00 Visit @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 6. 12:30 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo, Visit @ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 7. 13:30 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple
    • 9. 14:55 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:10 Visit @ Akihabara
    • 11. 15:25 Travel: Train
    • 12. 16:15 Disband @ Hotel

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the East Gardens, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from Oceania, and they were very good walkers. Since there had been little mention of preferred spots in the emails beforehand, we adjusted the itinerary while talking at the meeting point. It turned out they were unexpectedly interested in the Tsukiji market, so I added it to the course. However, since they did not seem to be very fond of raw fish, we decided to have lunch at the fish market food hall. The guests appeared to be interested in both historical sites and Japanese gardens, so our time at the East Gardens was longer than usual. Because there had been a request to be shown where to board the Shinkansen, after guiding them around Akihabara we stopped by Tokyo Station once, and then I saw them off at the Hotel before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara～Shibuya210JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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  • Hyogo in One Day: Egret Himeji rooftop & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in One Day: Egret Himeji rooftop & Sosha Shrine

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    September, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet at JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 at Egret Himeji rooftop
    • 10:45 at Himeji Castle
    • 13:00 at Koko-en Garden
    • 13:45 at Sosha Shrine
    • 14:45 disband at JR Himeji Station food court

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had injured a knee the previous week, so I had checked in advance whether visiting Himeji Castle, which involves steep stairs and slopes, and Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji Temple, which requires walking a steep mountain path, might be difficult. The reply was that it would be fine, so we proceeded on the day as planned. When I first met the guest in question, I sensed that both Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji Temple would be challenging. In the end, we managed to complete Himeji Castle by taking frequent breaks, but afterward another guest asked me whether Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji Temple would be harder than Himeji Castle. A simple comparison is difficult, but I had to conclude that it would be impossible for that guest, so I explained that it would be quite hard, and we decided to cut it from the itinerary. Instead, I guided the group to Soja. After that, the guests said they were hungry, so at the food court inside Himeji Station they enjoyed Akashi-style takoyaki, station soba, and katsu rice bowls. They then planned to return to Kyoto, so I explained which train to take, and we parted with more than an hour to spare. One of the guests, after visiting Soja, expressed a wish that I guide the other two guests to Mount Shosha / Engyo-ji Temple while the rest returned to Kyoto. However, I explained that returning within the available time would be impossible, though I could guide them as far as the ropeway station. On hearing this, they decided to give up on the idea, and that guest repeatedly apologized to the other two. I presented the guests with handmade drawstring pouches made by my sister, which delighted them greatly. I am scheduled to meet these guests again next month for a Kobe tour.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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