Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 9:00 Tenryu-ji Temple ~ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk ~ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:00 Disband at the entrance of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America. It was surprisingly hot from early in the morning, so frequent hydration was necessary throughout the day. We began by strolling through Arashiyama, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. There were slightly fewer people than usual, and the guests were delighted with the beautiful Tenryu-ji garden. The lotus flowers were just beginning to bloom, and they were lovely. Afterward, we moved on to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, but it was quite hot there as well, so rather than taking our time, we needed to see the highlights efficiently. The Senbon Torii was not too crowded, and the guests were happy to be able to take some good photos. Despite the heat, I believe they enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Cruise ship terminal meet
    • 10:25-10:57 Travel from Ujina Port to Miyajima by high-speed boat
    • 11:00-13:45 Miyajima
    • 11:55-15:00 Travel to Peace Memorial Park (using ferry, JR, and streetcar)
    • 15:00-16:30 Peace Park (Dome, museum, etc.)
    • 16:40 Disband at the taxi stand near the museum (Guests will travel to the cruise terminal by taxi)

    Title: What's a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour from a Cruise Ship Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. From the cruise ship terminal, we took a shuttle bus to the ferry terminal for Miyajima. In the early morning there was heavy rain, and I was worried about the poor weather, but after arriving at Miyajima the rain stopped, and there was no more rainfall until the end of the tour, so we were able to carry out the tour and the guests seemed satisfied. For lunch, as arranged in advance, we had light snacks from food stalls and vendors rather than at a restaurant. After sightseeing in Miyajima, we traveled to the Peace Memorial Park using the ferry, JR, and the streetcar. After visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, since it involved the whole group, the guests took a taxi to the cruise ship terminal while I used the streetcar, and we parted ways at the Peace Memorial Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUjina Port~Miyajima1,150JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae~Kaigan-dori240JPY
    Total1,960JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

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

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya
    • ② 10:05 Explanation of today's itinerary and the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:50 At Nijo Castle, explanation of the relationship between the Emperor, the shogunate family, and the shogunate
    • ④ 12:00  While looking out over Kyoto from the top of the Sanmon Gate at Nanzen-ji Temple, explanation mainly about religious culture such as the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires
    • ⑤ 13:00 At Konchi-in, explanation of Toshogu and Ieyasu, the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, and the famous dry landscape garden and wabi-sabi
    • ⑥ 13:50 At Sanjusangen-do, explanation of this country's faith in Kannon Bodhisattva, and since there was a Jizo Bodhisattva, folklore-related topics such as the stone piling at Sai no Kawara
    • ⑦ 14:45 Disband around the Nishiki Market area

    Title: What Is a Half-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. They planned to travel from Tokyo directly to Kyoto, then to Hiroshima, and back to Tokyo to wander around the outskirts of the city. The guests showed great interest in history, culture, and many other topics, and listened intently to a variety of stories. The attached photo was taken atop the Sanmon gate of Nanzen-ji Temple, where a pleasant breeze kept blowing and it was very comfortable. We ended up talking there for quite a while, mainly about religion. When I explained that this is a very famous spot in Japan due to the kabuki play "Sanmon Gosan no Kiri" and Ishikawa Goemon's famous line "What a magnificent view," they understood, even if not fully, that it was a renowned place. The guests also shared differences between European cultures and told me about differences in ways of thinking between people in the Scandinavian countries and other European nations. Having traveled to various countries in Asia in the past, when I asked which country was the best, the answer came immediately: "Japan by far!" Apparently Saudi Arabia was quite good as well. When I asked which city in Japan was the favorite, after a little thought the quiet reply was Kyoto. When I said, "Ah, so it's Tokyo then," it brought a laugh. It was a half-day tour in scorching 37-degree heat, so it was tough, but I hope the guests had an enjoyable time.

    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

    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…

  • Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour

    Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①8:30: Kochi New Port
    • ②9:00: Kochi Castle
    • ③11:00: Hirome Market
    • ④12:15: Chikurin-ji Temple
    • ⑤13:00: Katsurahama Beach
    • ⑥14:20 Kochi New Port

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kochi Day Tour from the Ferry Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family group visiting from Asia. The advance information stated four adults, but the group actually included a child. Because destination selection differs greatly depending on whether the guests are all older travelers or include children, I understand this may be difficult to change quickly due to system constraints, but if possible I would appreciate receiving accurate guest information. The day before, the guests requested to visit Ryugado Cave, but it is located outside Kochi City and was not listed in the "What to Expect" section, so I was unable to meet their expectation. The guests explained that when they checked the same course on the travel review site, they saw comments from people who had visited Ryugado Cave, and had therefore assumed it was included, and I agree this could be misleading. If possible, I would also hope for an improvement to a display that avoids such misunderstandings. The guests had entered Japan from Asia and were ferry passengers touring Beppu, Hiroshima, Kochi, Kobe (Kyoto), Shimizu (Shizuoka), Nagoya, and Tokyo before departing. They had a strong determination to thoroughly enjoy western Japan and were seeking one-of-a-kind experiences unique to Kochi that could not be had in other prefectures. Ryugado Cave is on a completely different scale from limestone caves in other prefectures and is very authentic; rather than descending underground, you climb upward, making it feel closer to mountain climbing, and when the season is right you can also enjoy an endangered orchid species near the exit. There are challenges inside the cave, such as many narrow sections that larger visitors cannot pass through, slippery footing that can lead to injury, and no other attractions nearby, but even so it can become an unforgettable and impressive experience and memory of Kochi Prefecture. I would like to ask you to consider adding it as one of the "What to Expect" options. The guests were eager sightseers with a strong desire to learn, and on the day they wished to minimize time spent on restaurant meals and incorporate more sightseeing into the itinerary. Since the Makino Botanical Garden they had hoped to visit was closed that day, we quickly added Chikurinji Temple and Katsurahama Beach instead. Under food labeling laws, seasonings containing fish as an ingredient may be used even when not listed on the label, so I was concerned about whether the local cuisine that appeared acceptable at the pre-check stage could truly be enjoyed, but the local dishes made with only vegetables at Hirome Market, including inaka-zushi, were fine. The guests loved the myoga sushi and noted down its name. They also happily drank ginger ale made with local ginger, saying its flavor was strong. At Katsurahama they enjoyed sweets such as soft-serve ice cream made with Kochi's specialty hojicha and mochi topped with red beans, which delighted the guests. Finally, after resting a little with feet dipped in the sea at Katsurahama, we returned to the port. With key attractions closed or inaccessible, along with dietary considerations and language challenges, it was a trip full of concerns for someone with limited experience like me, but thanks to the prompt advice from KOBAYASHI of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), the driver's kindness, and the guests' wonderful character, I feel I was able to enrich the content. I have nothing but gratitude for everyone involved.

    Medical interpreter. ::: I am living in both Tokyo and Kochi now:::
    I was born and raised in Tsukiji, and was brought up in a big family.
    Shibuya is my home ground and Jiyugaoka is my backyard. I can take you the places where locals visit instead of the famous tourist spots.
    Cooking and eating are my hobby so maybe that is why I am familiar with many local restaurants that serve delicious Japanese meals. So please trust me with restaurant recommendation!
    I love Tokyo more than any place in the world. Tokyo has many different sides and that is what Tokyo makes charming. Let me take you around my home town and let’s enjoy Tokyo with five senses!

    Jul 29, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kimy was great!…
    Our guide Kimy was great! On…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Dawnery_V
    Viator review: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Wonderful guide and beautiful sites
    Kimy was wonderful. She was so…

    Jun 24, 2026
    Deborah_S
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Delightful Day at Kochi
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    May 4, 2026
    Jackim2009
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our Day in Kochi
    We had a great time in…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji - Eat lots of snacks & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji – Eat lots of snacks & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku
    • 12:10 Tsukiji – Eat lots of snacks
    • 13:25 Hamarikyu
    • 14:50 Akihabara
    • 15:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 17:00 Disband at Ochanomizu Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Akihabara, and Asakusa It was a very hot day, so the guests used parasols. We went from Okubo to Tsukiji via Akihabara. Everyone seemed hungry, and just as I was about to guide them around Tsukiji, they scattered to buy grilled meat and seafood rice bowls first. After regrouping, we took a walk around and then headed to Hamarikyu. At Hamarikyu, the guests marveled at the beauty of the scenery. In Akihabara, we spent a lot of time looking around the Radio Kaikan building. In Asakusa, I gave a relaxed, thorough tour and talked about history, though some of the guests did not seem very interested. We had planned to part ways in Asakusa, but at their request I decided to guide them to their hotel. I arranged tickets and guided them to the JR line, and as the time came, I got off partway and we said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOkubo~Akihabara178JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi~Kanda0JPY
    Section 4TrainSuehirocho~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Asakusabashi178JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusabashi~Ochanomizu146JPY
    Total1,202JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meeting place: Tsukiji Hongwanji Main Gate
    • (on foot)
    • 8:40 Tsukiji Lunch: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 9:30 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Tawaramachi Station
    • Asakusa Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 12:00 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • 13:00 Disband: Shibuya Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Kappabashi, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous night via a connecting flight and taken a taxi to their accommodation. They were on a leisure trip and planned to stay in Japan only briefly, spending part of that time in Tokyo before continuing to Kyoto and then traveling onward to another destination in Asia before returning home. They said, "In Tokyo, we would like to enjoy a variety of Japanese foods," and also, "We would like to learn how to use the subways and trains before we leave." It was a hot and humid day under clear skies. We met in front of the main gate of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained the history of Tokyo's fish markets since the Edo period, as well as the differences between the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market. We first looked around the Tsukiji Uogashi, then went into the outer market. Since they said, "We came without eating breakfast," we first stopped for sushi. They remarked, "This is the freshest sushi we have ever had." After that, we toured the Tsukiji Uogashi and continued through the outer market, where they purchased and sampled grilled crab, grilled eel, and strawberry daifuku. They also asked questions and made comments such as, "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" and "It's crowded, but it looks like there are a lot of tourists." We then moved to Asakusa, which as always was very crowded with people. After taking in the view of Asakusa from the rooftop of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, we headed to Kaminarimon. Starting from in front of the gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, an introduction to Buddhism, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda, then strolled slowly along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as, "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" From there, at their request, we went to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. We walked around slowly, and they seemed particularly interested in kitchen knives, going into several shops to browse. They commented, "This is a truly fascinating place." They then said, "After this, we would like to go to Shibuya," so I accompanied them there. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing, and there was a question of, "Why do so many people gather here?" They also remarked, "It's surprising that there is no litter on the streets," "This was our first time riding the subway, and it was very comfortable and convenient," and "The heat is quite challenging; our hometown isn't this hot and it's drier." We parted ways at Shibuya Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Tawaramachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTawaramachi Station~Shibuya Station252JPY
    Total639JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine & Asakusa Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine & Asakusa Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:10 Stroll through the old town of Nezu, Sendagi, and Yanaka
    • 12:20 Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:50 Ueno Park. Guide through Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Shinobazu Pond, Benten-do, etc.
    • 13:30 Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • 13:50 Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • 14:40 Introduce a restaurant in Asakusa, end of the guide

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Yanaka and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour in Tokyo for a group of eight guests visiting from North America. After the guests purchased PASMO cards, the tour began. At Nezu Shrine, the "Chinowa Kuguri" ritual had just started, so the guests were able to experience it. They also enjoyed walking through the shrine's rows of torii gates. After that, I guided them on a walk through the Nezu, Sendagi, and Yanaka areas. As it was hot, we ate shaved ice along the way as we strolled. At Ueno Park, I explained that Kan'ei-ji Temple had originally been built here to protect Edo Castle, and the guests listened with great interest. After enjoying Ameyoko, we headed to Asakusa. The guests took photos of the five-story pagoda and the Nio guardian statues. I recommended a restaurant to them, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Ueno150JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno-hirokoji~Asakusa180JPY
    Total510JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Gathered at the Hotel lobby (just before, Yupeng contacted us to delay by one hour from the schedule and start at 9:00, so we started at 9:00). Reconfirmed the pre-arranged route and departed for Sensoji Temple.
    • 09:35 -11:20 Arrived at Asakusa. Guided them through Azumabashi Bridge → Kaminarimon → coffee break at Starbucks → Nakamise Street → Hozomon → Main Hall → Stone Bridge → Asakusa Shrine. When we finished, Yupeng and Liam requested "we'd like to try shaved ice," so we went to Kimuraya, took our seats, and enjoyed shaved ice. After finishing, we made the long-distance move to Gotokuji Temple.
    • 11:20-12:40 From Asakusa to Gotokuji, traveling via the Ginza Line → Chiyoda Line → Odakyu Line.
    • 12:40-13:45 Walked from Gotokuji Station to Gotokuji Temple. Guided them through the temple grounds, and on the way back to Gotokuji Station, they requested "we're hungry and would like to have lunch," so we entered the ramen shop Kurumaya in the Gotokuji shopping street.
    • 13:45-14:20 Lunch at the ramen shop Kurumaya. After finishing, we moved to Omotesando.
    • 14:50-15:00 Got off at Omotesando Station and introduced Omotesando Street and the Harajuku shopping spots (as they requested to come again another day to shop). After that, we moved to Shinjuku 3-chome via the Fukutoshin Line.
    • 15:10-15:25 Took them to Isetan Men's Building and said goodbye.

    Title: What's a Relaxed Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the start of the tour, we reviewed the itinerary in the hotel lobby, and the guests requested a relaxed pace—rather than visiting many places, they preferred to explore a few spots thoroughly, with breaks along the way since it was hot. Following that request, at Sensoji Temple we saw the Kaminarimon Gate and then immediately took a coffee break at the Starbucks next to the gate (there was no line at all in the morning). After finishing at Sensoji, the guests wanted to try shaved ice, so we relaxed and enjoyed kakigori at Kimuraya. It was their first time having shaved ice, and they were delighted. Likewise, after seeing Gotokuji Temple, they were hungry and wanted lunch, so we went to Kurumaya in the Gotokuji shopping street—a creative ramen shop that makes dashi using salmon flakes from Shibetsu (salmon processed like bonito flakes)—and they were very happy, saying it was "very delicious," which was great. Afterward, based on their prior request to shop for men's fashion on their own, I took them to Isetan Men's and Omotesando, and when they saw the Men's Tower, they said it was exactly the kind of interesting shopping they had hoped for, which was wonderful. The guests were friends visiting from North America, and this was the second day of an eight-day trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, taking place the day after their arrival. With the temperature at 35 degrees and the possibility of jet lag, I was a little concerned, but both were full of energy, and we were able to finish as planned at the Isetan Men's Tower without any trouble, which was great.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Yoyogi-Uehara0JPY
    Section 3TrainYoyogi-Uehara~Gotokuji170JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji~Yoyogi-Uehara170JPY
    Section 5SubwayYoyogi-Uehara~Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku)0JPY
    Section 6SubwayMeiji-jingumae (Harajuku)~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hiiragiya Ryokan
    • 9:20-10:00 Ninenzaka・Sanneizaka~Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:25-11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:20-11:45 Shinmonzen Street
    • 12:00-13:00 Lunch (Yoshikura)
    • 13:20-13:50 Nijo Castle
    • 14:05-14:20 Nishiki Market
    • 14:30 Kyoto Station

    Title: What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Antique Shopping The guests were visitors from North America. The itinerary was: ryokan → Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera → Fushimi Inari Taisha → antique shop hopping along Shinmonzen Street → lunch (Yoshikura) → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Kyoto Station. The guests had a deep appreciation of Japan, which was evident from their choice to stay at a long-established ryokan, and they even specified Shinmonzen Street, a street name that even Kyoto residents are not very familiar with, as a place to visit. What they were looking for there were netsuke, the small toggles used to display items such as inro cases. They visited several antique shops and purchased a piece from the late Edo period. For lunch, they requested a place with a Kyoto atmosphere, so I guided them to Yoshikura, where they enjoyed an assortment of obanzai and other dishes. During the meal, they spoke about business, studies and future employment plans, the progress of the Texas high-speed rail project, and the domestic effects of tariff policy. On this trip to Japan the guests visited various cities, and they expressed their impression of how old traditions and urban modernity coexist in a distinctive way, saying "Japan is older than the United States, and newer than the United States." On this day the temperature in Kyoto rose to 36 degrees, and in the afternoon they said they wanted to make the itinerary easier, so we skipped Kinkaku-ji and substituted Nishiki Market instead. Afterward, although there was still a little time left, the guests were tired from the intense heat, so we ended the tour at Kyoto Station a bit earlier than planned.

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Kyokoyado Yasaka Yutone, depart on foot ➡ Gion ➡ Fushimi Inari Taisha by Keihan Electric Railway ➡ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by taxi ➡ Garden of Tenryu-ji Temple ➡ Lunch at Soba restaurant Yoshimura ➡ Kinkaku-ji Temple by taxi ➡ Nishiki Market by taxi ➡ End at Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street (18:00)

    Since there had been no reply to messages even three days before, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) kindly followed up as well, but the first contact came only by email on the morning of the tour day. When we met, the guests were lovely people who were very much looking forward to the day's tour. In Gion, they liked a konpeito (traditional sugar candy) shop and purchased various kinds of konpeito. They also greatly enjoyed the soba noodles at lunch. Kyoto was hot today. A thermometer set up on the roadside showed 37°C. Because of the blazing heat, we used the train only at the beginning and traveled by taxi the rest of the time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…