Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Okura Tokyo
    • 9:45 Nezu Shrine > Walk through Yanaka to Ueno Park
    • 10:50 Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple
    • 11:45 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:30 Lunch @Mendokoro Ichiryu
    • 13:40 Korakuen Garden
    • 14:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 15:40 Disband in front of the National Archives

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report Occasional light rain fell during the day, but overall it did not cause any major problems for guiding. Since the guests had a Mobile Suica, the tour proceeded smoothly. There were many places to visit, so the tour was somewhat fast-paced. At Nezu Shrine, I gave a general explanation, and I was a little surprised to see so many international visitors there. I spent a good amount of time explaining aspects of religion. From there, along the way to Ueno Park, I introduced three or four small temples and a Fujizuka mound. The guests seemed interested. In Asakusa, the idea of having ramen for lunch came up, which surprised me a little, but fortunately the shop was not crowded, so it worked out well. We continued on to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and after leaving the gardens, the guests caught a taxi to head back. A notable stop on the tour was the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The East Gardens are part of the former site of Edo Castle and are open to the public free of charge. Visitors can see the remaining stone walls and moats of the old castle, as well as landscaped gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. It is a peaceful green space in the heart of Tokyo that offers a glimpse into the history of the Edo period.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToranomon Hills~Nezu210JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Asakusabashi180JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusabashi~Suidobashi160JPY
    Section 5TrainSuidobashi~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total910JPY

    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…

  • Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at hotel 10:00 Hotel shuttle car to Gora Station 10:24 Cable car to Sounzan Ropeway to Owakudani 11:30 Ropeway to Togendai
    • 12:00 Pirate ship 12:40 Motohakone Port Stroll along Lake Ashi Bus at 13:20 Hakone Checkpoint Maruyama Bussan Donburi Chaya lunch 14:20 Bus from the checkpoint
    • 14:48 Transfer at Renaissance To Gora Station Customers head home on their own 15:00 End

    Title: What's a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. The scenery seemed quite different from their home surroundings, and it helped that Mount Fuji was briefly visible in part, so they took many landscape photographs. They were very curious about the black eggs and enjoyed eating them. At the rice bowl teahouse, they enjoyed Japanese food while listening to my talk about kanji characters, and finished everything on their plates. Being interested in Japanese culture, they listened attentively to talks about Shinto, Buddhism, the Emperor, and the shogun. They had heard of the marquetry woodwork before and were familiar with it, but upon seeing the real presentation they were thoroughly impressed and bought souvenirs. A notable stop on the tour was Owakudani in Hakone. Owakudani is a volcanic valley created by the eruption of Mount Hakone thousands of years ago, and it is known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. One of its most famous attractions is the black eggs, which are boiled in the naturally hot sulfuric spring water, turning their shells black. According to local tradition, eating one black egg is said to add seven years to one's life. On clear days, the area also offers scenic views of Mount Fuji, making it a popular stop for visitors touring the Hakone region.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    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!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Hotel
    • 2.9:10-10:00 East Gardens
    • 3.1020-12:00 Tsukiji, meal
    • 4.1220-1300 Hamarikyu
    • 5.1310-1350 Fukagawa Edo Museum 6.1400-14:40 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 7.15:00-16:40 Asakusa
    • 8.17:00 Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Before settling in North America, part of the family had roots in the Caribbean, and members of the family now split their time between two homes across different regions. The guests could speak several languages, including English, French, and Spanish. We talked about a variety of topics during the tour, including current events and how global oil prices were affecting different industries. Since a wide range of Japanese food is available where they live, including udon, soba, and ramen, for lunch they chose Japanese curry from among my recommendations. They were delighted, noting that it tasted different from both Indian curry and the curry they were used to at home, and found it delicious. They mentioned that they were going to watch grand sumo the following day. Sumo highlights are even broadcast on television where they live. When I mentioned that I am a fan of the wrestler Aonishiki, they said they were fans too. They remarked, "Aonishiki's leg injury still hasn't fully healed," which showed they were quite knowledgeable about sumo. Today was an 8-hour course, so afterward the guests planned to relax at the rooftop hot spring of their accommodation in the Otemachi area. A notable stop on the tour was the Otemachi district in central Tokyo. Otemachi is one of Tokyo's major business and financial centers, located near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. Despite being a bustling commercial hub, the area is also home to quiet green spaces and is within walking distance of the tranquil grounds of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, making it a place where modern city life and historic scenery exist side by side.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTakebashi~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji Market~Shiodome180JPY
    Section 3TrainShiodome~Kiyosumi-shirakawa220JPY
    Section 4TrainKiyosumi-shirakawa~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 09:15-10:45 Stroll around Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya District (Shima tour, Utasu Shrine)
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:00-PM 12:15 Kenrokuen Garden and Seisonkaku tour
    • Transfer on foot to Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 12:30-13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District (Takada House, Ashigaru Museum tour)
    • Transfer by bus to Kanazawa Station Tour ends

    What's a One-Day Private Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America on their first trip to Japan together. Since they would be staying in Kanazawa for only one day, the tour was arranged so that I could introduce places where the guests could enjoy themselves on their own in the afternoon. At the sites we visited, including Shima teahouse, Seisonkaku Villa, and the samurai district, the guests showed great interest and enjoyed the explanations. Because it was the Silver Week holiday period, events such as the Kanazawa Jazz Street and the evening light-up at Kenrokuen Garden were being held, so after the tour the guests decided to return to the Hotel for a rest before heading back out into town again. A notable stop on the tour was Kenrokuen Garden. Kenrokuen is considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan, alongside Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama. Originally developed as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle by the ruling Maeda clan over nearly two centuries, it features winding paths, ponds, streams, teahouses, and carefully arranged trees. The garden is celebrated for offering distinct beauty in every season, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered pines supported by rope structures in winter, and its evening illuminations during special events draw many visitors.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total660JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Depart from hotel meeting point 8:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 9:40 Kinkaku-ji 11:10 Kiyomizu-dera 12:05 Lunch 12:40 Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Ishibei-koji 13:20 Yasaka Shrine
    • 13:45 Tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came to Japan from Europe. One of the guests had visited Japan several times for other reasons, but it was the first visit for the other. The tour was originally scheduled to start at 8:30, but it was changed to 8:00 at the guests' request. On a previous visit, sightseeing in Kyoto had been affected by heavy rain and had not been very enjoyable. Today the weather was clear from the morning, making it a perfect day for sightseeing, and the guests were able to take their time and enjoy it. Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple were being visited for the second time by one of the guests. Since one of the guests did not speak much English, the other frequently helped with translation. Travel by car went smoothly, and we were able to move faster than planned. After the tour ended, the guests made their own way back to Ninenzaka. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji Temple. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto's most famous Zen Buddhist temples, and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a temple and is beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond, making it one of the most photographed sights in Japan.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: AKIHABARA & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tokyo in One Day: AKIHABARA & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet at the Grand Hyatt
    • 10:45 1 AKIHABARA
    • 12:30 2 TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 14:15 3 ODAIBA District
    • 15:45 4 TAKESHITA STREET
    • 16:15 See off in Takeshita street

    Title: What Is a Private Shopping and Food Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akihabara, Odaiba, and Tsukiji The guests were a cheerful group visiting from Oceania. They were all wonderful in their words and manner, and I was able to build a friendly rapport with everyone in the group. They all enjoyed shopping, and on our itinerary of Akihabara, Odaiba, and Takeshita Street, they made many purchases at the shops I introduced and were very satisfied. They were also delighted with the sashimi, wagyu beef, and sushi I recommended at the Tsukiji Outer Market. The attached guest photo shows the group enjoying sashimi. A notable stop on the tour was the Tsukiji Outer Market. The Tsukiji Outer Market is one of Tokyo's most famous food destinations, lined with numerous shops and stalls offering fresh seafood, produce, and Japanese culinary specialties. Visitors can sample a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, sushi, and grilled seafood, as well as purchase kitchen tools and local ingredients. It remains a lively and popular spot for both locals and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Japanese food culture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAkihabara~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3TrainTsukiji Market~Odaiba510JPY
    Section 4TrainOdaiba~Meiji-jingumae510JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel meet-up 8:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 9:25 Ryoanji Temple 10:35 Kinkakuji Temple 11:40 Lunch 12:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace 13:50 Nanzenji Temple 15:00 Drop off at hotel and tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Nanzen-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had finished some business in Asia and were then enjoying their trip to Japan. Everyone was very earnest and listened attentively to my explanations. The weather was fine, and it felt hot around midday. Since the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was a strong wish of the guests, and because one of the guests preferred to avoid crowds, we headed to Arashiyama first thing in the morning. We departed at 7:30 and arrived at Arashiyama just after 8:00. There were still some tourists, but it was not very crowded. One of the guests took the most photos. After that, Ryoan-ji was also not very crowded, and they sat for a while in front of the rock garden, gazing at it. The dragon painting by Morihiro Hosokawa had been completed, so we were able to see more dragons than before. When I explained that he was a former prime minister, they were very surprised. After lunch, they were a little tired, but as planned I guided them to Nanzen-ji and then took them back to the hotel, ending the tour. The photo was taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A notable stop on the tour was Ryoan-ji Temple. Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple in Kyoto famous for its rock garden, considered one of the finest surviving examples of a Japanese dry landscape garden. The garden consists of fifteen carefully arranged stones set on a bed of white gravel, and it is said that no matter where you stand, you can never see all fifteen at once. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular place for quiet contemplation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Nijo260JPY
    Section 2TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama Tenryuji-mae (Randen Arashiyama Station)/Kyoto City Bus~Ryoanji Temple250JPY
    Section 4BusRyoanji-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusWaratenjin-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma-Imadegawa (Subway Imadegawa Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa~Keage260JPY
    Total1,430JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji & Tenryuji Garden

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji & Tenryuji Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 09:30 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 10:30 Ryoanji (600) by taxi
    • 12:00 Otaginenbutsuji by taxi
    • Lunch(Satsukitei)
    • 13:30 Gioji (500) by walking
    • 14:00 Bamboo Path by walking
    • 14:10 Tenryuji Garden by walking
    • Arashiyama area by walking
    • 15:00 Hotel Kyoto by taxi
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like When Guests Focus on Food and Photography? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. There had been a good deal of communication beforehand, and after reporting on the places they had explored on their own the previous day, they even sent me the itinerary results they had asked ChatGPT to generate. Based on all of this, I put together the plan for the day. One of the guests was an avid social media user and took a great many photos and videos, often re-recording the same video several times until it came out just right. This person bought no souvenirs at all and simply focused on taking pictures. The others in the group seemed to have come more for the food than for sightseeing, and talked about meals throughout the day. Their tastes differed within the group, with one preferring plant-based dishes while the others were keen to enjoy hearty meat dishes, so I balanced the day around both interests. A notable stop on the tour was Asakusa. Asakusa is one of Tokyo's most historic districts and is home to Senso-ji, the city's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century. Visitors approach the temple through the Kaminarimon, or "Thunder Gate," with its iconic giant red lantern, and then walk along Nakamise-dori, a shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and crafts. The area is a popular spot both for experiencing old Tokyo atmosphere and for sampling a wide variety of Japanese street food.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Miyagi in One Day: Matsushima Sightseeing Boat Basho Course & Ojima

    Miyagi in One Day: Matsushima Sightseeing Boat Basho Course & Ojima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet near the Shinkansen ticket gate at Sendai Station
    • 11:08~11:39 Train ride from Aoba-dori Station to Hon-Shiogama Station
    • 12:00~12:40 @Matsushima Sightseeing Boat Basho Course
    • 12:50~13:30 Lunch @Gyutan Rikyu Godaido Branch
    • 13:35~13:50 @Godaido
    • 14:00~14:50 @Fukuura Bridge & Fukuura Island Stroll
    • 15:00~15:50 @Zuiganji Temple + Treasure Hall & Zuiganji Temple Approach
    • 16:00~16:30 @Ojima Stroll
    • 16:44~17:22 Train ride from Matsushima-Kaigan Station (Disband on board)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Matsushima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the sixth time and wanted to visit the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost tips of the Japanese archipelago on each trip. This was their first time in the Tohoku region, and since they wanted to visit an island, they specified Matsushima. The requested destinations included walks around Fukuura Island and Oshima Island, so the schedule was expected to be quite tight. For that reason, we discussed beforehand whether to cut something out or to end the tour at Matsushimakaigan Station, and the guest agreed that ending at Matsushimakaigan would be fine. Since I was informed before departure that the guest had booked an earlier Shinkansen than planned, we were able to catch an earlier train. The guest walked quite briskly, so we were also able to catch a train one earlier than scheduled on the way back. As the guest enjoys touring through nature, choosing the Basho course from Shiogama for the sightseeing boat turned out to be the right decision. The guest took many photos and had a wonderful time. For lunch, the guest requested Sendai's specialty beef tongue, so we went to Rikyu. There was a perk where riding the Marubun boat included a free soft drink. On the train back, the guest showed me photos from a trip to Lapland, which made me feel that they truly love nature. The guest listened with great interest to the history of Zuiganji Temple and Oshima Island, and it was memorable how they gazed out at the sea for a while from the observation deck on Oshima Island. The photos from this tour are from that moment. A notable stop on the tour was Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima. Zuiganji is one of the most famous Zen temples in the Tohoku region, originally founded in the early ninth century and later rebuilt in the early seventeenth century under the patronage of a powerful feudal lord. The temple is renowned for its beautifully decorated interiors, ancient cedar-lined approach, and meditation caves carved into the surrounding rock, making it a highlight for visitors exploring the scenic bay of Matsushima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAoba-dori~Hon-Shiogama350JPY
    Section 2TrainMatsushima-Kaigan~Tagajo260JPY
    Total610JPY

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Harajuku Lunch @ Maisen
    • 13:20 Asakusa (Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 14:50 Ginza (Mitsukoshi, Nissan Crossing)
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Ginza The guests were visiting from Europe. The day before, they had visited Meiji Shrine and Shibuya on their own, but since they said they wanted to hear an explanation, we went to Meiji Shrine again. The temperature was just right, and we could walk comfortably along the approach path. When I asked about lunch, they said they had never tried tonkatsu, so I took them to a restaurant. Luckily, we were able to get in right away without waiting. Both of the guests said the hire-katsu was very delicious and finished every bite. The matcha ice cream they had in Asakusa was also well received. After that, we saw Mitsukoshi in Ginza and the Nissan Crossing, and then parted ways at Shinjuku Station. They had walked quite a lot and seemed a little tired, but it appeared they enjoyed themselves. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, it is set within a large forested area of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors pass through towering torii gates and walk along a wide gravel approach lined with tall trees before reaching the main shrine buildings, making it one of Tokyo's most popular spots for experiencing traditional Japanese culture and quiet reflection.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Ginza210JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…