Category: Uncategorized

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:41 Meet at the Tobu Nikko bus stop. Leave luggage at the station.
    • 9:50 Board the bus
    • 9:57 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15 Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden
    • 10:30 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 11:10 Rinnoji Temple Gomado Hall
    • 11:30 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Maruhide Shokudo
    • 13:30 Fujiya Tourist Center
    • 13:50 Lawson
    • 14:15 Nikko Saryo
    • 14:50 Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 15:56 Board the bus
    • 16:10 Tour ends @ Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Rainy-Day Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had stayed at a ryokan in front of Lake Chuzenji the previous night, and we met at the station on the day of the tour. In an email that morning, one of the guests mentioned not having much of an appetite, perhaps due to fatigue, and asked for something light like rice or noodles. However, by lunchtime the appetite had returned, and they finished a bowl of oyakodon completely, which was a relief. The forecast was cloudy with rain in the evening, but around noon, just as we entered the last building at Toshogu Shrine, there was a sudden downpour. In no time the stairs turned into what looked like a waterfall, water was flowing down the paths, and even with umbrellas we got completely soaked. We had planned to visit one more place before lunch, but decided to head straight to the lunch restaurant instead. When we arrived at the restaurant, the owner, who is a familiar face, kindly gave towels to all three of us, so we were able to dry our wet hair and clothes. However, since our T-shirts and socks had also gotten wet, after lunch we bought a change of clothes at a souvenir shop and a convenience store. One of the guests changed into a T-shirt with a sleeping cat design, and since the insides of the shoes were wet, changed socks as well when taking off shoes at the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. Although it was cold after getting caught in the rain, at the tea house in front of the villa the guests enjoyed the matcha and shaved ice made with natural ice that they had been looking forward to. Due to the rain we gave up on Kanmangafuchi Abyss and Futarasan Shrine, but we spent a relaxed time over lunch and at the tea house. Since it was the tenth day of the trip and fatigue had built up, I think this was actually for the best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Section 2BusTamozawa Imperial Villa~Tobu Nikko Station350JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Met at the ANA iHotel lobby. As they had not yet had breakfast, I waited for 30 minutes, and at the same time reconfirmed the previously discussed itinerary, deciding to proceed along the following route. Sensoji Temple → Ueno Station (JR Pass activation) → Meiji Shrine → Takeshita Street.
    • 10:00-11:30 Guided them in the order of the Sumida River bank → Kaminarimon → Nakamise Shopping Street → Sensoji Temple main hall. Along the way, they purchased 3 hair ornaments (kanzashi) at the kanzashi shop WARGO for the three daughters. After finishing, we moved to Ueno Station and to the JR EAST Travel Center.
    • 11:50-12:30 At the JR EAST Travel Center, activated the JR Pass and obtained reserved seat tickets for the HIKARI train for Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Kyoto–Tokyo. After finishing, we moved to Meiji Shrine.
    • 13:10-13:45 Guided them at Meiji Shrine. When finished, they requested to have lunch, so we went for lunch. We went to Ichiran Ramen but there was a 30-minute wait in line, so we went to Oreryu Shio Ramen.
    • 13:55-14:30 Went to Oreryu Shio Ramen Harajuku branch and had ramen and gyoza for lunch. After finishing, we walked to Takeshita Street.
    • 14:40-15:10 Shopping on Takeshita Street. When finished, I asked what they wanted to do next, and since the wife was becoming quite dazed from jet lag, they decided to return to the hotel, so I took them to Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station on the Chiyoda subway line and said goodbye.

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report During the breakfast briefing, the request that had been mentioned in an earlier email came up again — that six hours might not be enough time to see everything, and that they would be happy to pay an additional fee to extend the tour if needed. Since I had no schedule after 3:00 p.m., I confirmed once more that extending the tour would be no problem. However, after finishing our visit to Meiji Shrine, one of the guests became quite exhausted, so we decided to have lunch and then return to the hotel right afterward. Since they had arrived in Japan around 9:00 a.m. the previous day, this being the day after arrival, the effect of jet lag turned out to be significant. Yesterday's forecast had predicted heavy rain, but fortunately it changed so that almost no rain fell, which reduced that source of stress. It was unfortunate that the guest became tired, but given the guests' own wishes, it could not be helped. I heard that they plan to visit Mount Fuji tomorrow, then continue to Kyoto, including a round trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto in a single day, so I provided useful information for each destination. Combined with the fact that activating the JR Pass was completed very smoothly with zero waiting time, the guests were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-sanno~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku)0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet the guest at the hotel→9:30~10:00 Travel to Asakusa→10:00~11:00 Explore Asakusa→11:00~11:30 Travel to Tsukishima→11:30~12:30 Enjoy monjayaki in Tsukishima→12:30~13:00 Travel to Nihonbashi→13:00~14:00 Shopping at the Pokemon Center→14:00~14:30 Travel to Akabanebashi→14:30~15:30 Explore Tokyo Tower and disband

    A Private Family-Friendly Tour of Tokyo: What Can You See in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. A typhoon was approaching, so the weather was unstable and it was hot and humid, but everyone seemed to enjoy the tour. We first visited Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Perhaps because of the weather, the number of tourists was considerably lower than usual. The guests drew omikuji fortunes together and also purchased omamori charms. Next, we enjoyed monjayaki in Tsukishima. After that, since one of the guests was a big fan of character goods, I took the group to a specialty store where they bought souvenirs. Finally, I took them to Tokyo Tower, where we parted ways. [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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukishima220JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukishima~Nihonbashi286JPY
    Section 4SubwayNihonbashi~Akabanebashi220JPY
    Total1,012JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00 Arrive at Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Arrive at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:15 Depart from Otemachi
    • 12:45 Arrive at Asakusa
    • 15:15 Farewell at Asakusa

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, and they were celebrating a family milestone. We followed the itinerary we had discussed in advance by email, visiting Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa. They mentioned they were fans of a popular drama, so they listened with great interest to the stories about the Edo Tokugawa era at the Imperial Palace. They were surprised by the high humidity of Tokyo at this time of year, as the climate where they live is much drier. Although there were occasional heavy downpours, there were also many stretches when we could walk without umbrellas, so I believe they were able to enjoy the walk. After the tour, they wanted to visit Kappabashi, so I guided them part of the way there before we parted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIriya~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa178JPY
    Total639JPY

    Hello.
    Thank you for choosing Japan as your travel destination.

    I am Michi.
    It has been over 40 years since I was born and raised in Tokyo.
    And I live with my husband and two children.

    I love history,Japanese gardens,cooking,traveling,and more recently,camping.

    I have been working as a National Licensed Guide since 2016.
    Because of my husband’s job,I lived in Western part of Japan from 2012 to 2017 and spent nearly two years working as a guide in Kyoto.

    Afterward,I moved back to Tokyo,my hometown,and continued my work.

    I am truly passionate about my work as a tour guide and am very proud of it.
    Also,I am flexible and happy to adjust to your needs.

    I am looking forward to sharing lots of wonderful discoveries with you.

    Michi

    Sep 21, 2025
    Q7599JLstellav
    Tokyo Walking tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful guided tour with Michi
    Couldn’t ask…

    Jun 25, 2025
    R9003QBcindyk
    Michi-san is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Michi-san was our amazing guide. The communication for…

    May 31, 2025
    Molly_G
    Highly recommend this private tour and Michi as your guide!
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was…

    May 12, 2025
    Anonymous
    We had the absolute…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending the…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Gora Park

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Gora Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 11:30 Motohakone Port
    • 13:30 Togendai Port
    • 14:00 Owakudani
    • 14:30 Gora Park
    • 15:30 Tour ends at Hakone-Yumoto

    What Is a Rainy-Season Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Asia and North America. They had already stayed in Osaka and Kyoto before their stay in Hakone, and planned to head to Tokyo later that day. Due to heavy rain from an approaching typhoon, there was concern about whether the tour could go ahead, and I also proposed alternative destinations, but in the end we decided to proceed as originally planned. At the first stop, Hakone Shrine, I explained the meaning of the shrine, its influence on Japanese culture, and how to worship. Despite the rain, the guests were deeply moved by the mystical scenery. Unfortunately, at Owakudani the volcanic gas meant there was almost nothing to see, but riding a gondola for the first time was a great delight to the younger members of the group. At Gora Park, the roses and hydrangeas were just in season, and the guests took many photos of the beautiful scenery in this unexpected spot. One of the guests was very knowledgeable about Japan and asked many questions, and seemed especially satisfied with the explanations about Shinto and Japanese culture. Finally, we returned to the accommodation area in Hakone-Yumoto, where we ended the tour.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:05 Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
    • 2. 10:10 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:45 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 4. 12:35 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 13:05 Lunch @ Sansada
    • 6. 13:45 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 7. 14:40 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:50 Stay @ Akihabara
    • 9. 15:15 Travel: Train
    • 10. 15:40 Stay @ Takeshita Street
    • 11. 16:10 Disband @ Jingumae Intersection

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Harajuku The guests arrived a little later than scheduled, but they had gone out to have breakfast and had let me know in advance, so I was able to wait without any concern. The guests were visitors from North America. They seemed interested in Tsukiji, so I guided them there first. Including Namiyoke Shrine, I explained things in more detail than usual, and since they also spent time shopping, we spent about two hours here. We had lunch in Asakusa. In the past I often took guests to one particular restaurant, but another restaurant offers summer-friendly menu items such as soba and usually has shorter waiting times, so recently I have been using this one. Since some of the guests seemed a little tired, I made sure not to spend too much time in the latter half of the tour. As the guests had Suica cards, we traveled from Akihabara to Harajuku by JR. After guiding them along Takeshita Street, they wished to continue exploring Harajuku on their own, so we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya Station~Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa Station~Harajuku Station180JPY
    Total860JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:00 Tour start
    • Travel by train to Arashiyama
    • AM 09:00 – AM 10:00 To the bamboo grove via Tenryu-ji Garden
    • Travel by train & bus to Kinkaku-ji
    • AM 10:45-PM11:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • Travel by bus to Kitaoji Terminal
    • AM 11:50-PM12:15 Lunch at AEON Food Court
    • Travel by train to Nijo Castle
    • PM 12:40-PM13:50 Tour of Nijo Castle Ninomaru and Garden
    • Travel by train, tour ends at Sanjo PM 14:00

    What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report I was worried about a sudden rain, but fortunately it managed to hold off. It was the group's first trip to Japan, with guests visiting from North America. Out of curiosity, I asked about their home region, and they told me that besides fried chicken, horse racing is a famous local attraction there. While I was explaining things at each sightseeing spot, there wasn't much reaction, and I began to wonder if they were finding it boring. However, the reason turned out to be that they did not have much prior knowledge about Japan and were not familiar with some basic points. They said that this visit had sparked their interest in Japanese culture, so they planned to take a closer look at the shogun era. When I asked why they had decided to visit Japan, they said it was on the recommendation of a friend. I had also heard that they wanted to try takoyaki, so I made sure they got to enjoy it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo-Keihan~Nijo220JPY
    Section 3TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 4TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 5BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkaku-ji-mae230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-mae~Kitaoji Bus Terminal220JPY
    Section 7SubwayKitaoji~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 8SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo-Keihan220JPY
    Total1,770JPY

    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!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Shimogamo Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple & Shimogamo Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:45 ~ Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 11:45~ Stroll around the Philosopher's Path (visit Honen-in Temple, Shinnyo-do Temple, Konkai Komyo-ji Temple
    • 13:00~ Visit Shimogamo Shrine
    • 14:00 Disband @ Gion-Shijo

    What Is a Private Family Tour in Japan Like When Booked Through an Agency? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. I had sent two emails, including a proposed itinerary, but there was no reply at all from either the guests or the agency until the day of the tour. It appears my emails were not forwarded to the guests at all. However, since the meeting place and time had been fixed, I went to the guests' hotel accordingly and was able to meet them without any trouble. The guests knew nothing about the itinerary, so at the meeting point I explained it in detail, obtained their agreement, and then set off. During the tour there were many questions, and the group seemed to enjoy touring areas that were not crowded. In the end I believe it was a good tour, though there was a risk it could have led to trouble.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Demachiyanagi~Gion-Shijo230JPY
    Total230JPY

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
    • 12:00 Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Castle
    • 14:30 Disband at Shukkeien Garden

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America around Hiroshima. The guests were very friendly, and we enjoyed a warm and pleasant atmosphere together, including during the drive. A conversation about Hiroshima's local specialty, blue crab, sparked a lively discussion about similarities with their home region, and the mood on the bus stayed relaxed throughout. As we talked, one of the guests mentioned having visited the Peace Memorial Park before, and it was striking to see how surprised they were by the changes in the exhibits during this return visit. It seemed they were able to experience Hiroshima anew from a fresh perspective, which made me very happy as a guide. The guests were also interested in Miyajima and expressed a wish to visit, but since they were scheduled to travel on to Tokyo later in the day, I judged that time would be too tight. Rather than rushing, I suggested saving it as something to look forward to on a future visit. Interacting with such courteous and calm guests throughout was truly heartwarming, and it was a fulfilling time for me as a guide. I sincerely hope they will have the chance to visit Hiroshima again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Coming back to Hiroshima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Coming back to Hiroshima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting at their hotel
    • 12:35 Arriving at Miyajima Island
    • 12:55 Visiting the Shrine, walking to the Torii Gate, and touching it
    • 14:20 eating oysters as their lunch
    • 15:50 Coming back to Hiroshima station
    • 16:10 Visiting the Museum and the monument tour in Peace Memorial Park
    • 18:40 Goodbye in front of the noodle restaurant

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were very interested in the color of the torii gate and how it differs from stone torii gates. They also showed interest in the komainu guardian statues, and in the end, since it was low tide during a light rain, they said they wanted to walk out to the torii gate. When I explained that the torii marks the boundary between the sacred Shinto space and the secular world, it did not seem to fully resonate with them. The guests were interested in the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. I explained in detail the differences from the atomic bomb in Nagasaki, as well as the power of the blast and the heat rays. Everyone seemed tired in the rain, but when I guided them to an udon and ramen restaurant of their choice for dinner, some of the guests appeared to regain their energy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShirakami Shrine~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi840JPY
    Section 3BusHiroshima Station~Peace Park240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…