Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08：45　Meet ＠ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 09：15　Meiji Shrine
    • 10：30　Imperial Palace
    • 11：20　Lunch ＠ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 12：40　Sensoji Temple
    • 14：10　Dismissal ＠ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were visiting Japan from North America for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to continue on to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. For lunch, they enjoyed sushi. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae700JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku0JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Fukagawa Edo Museum & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Fukagawa Edo Museum & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Pick up at lyf Hotel
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 10:30 Fukagawa Edo Museum
    • 11:30 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 12:30 Stop by Cocokara Fine near Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station
    • 13:30 Lunch at the food court inside Meiji Shrine → Iris Garden in the Inner Garden → Meiji Shrine visit
    • 15:30 Disband at Harajuku Station

    Title: What's a Private Baby-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Kiyosumi Garden, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because the itinerary needed to prioritize the comfort of the group, I planned the tour with that as the top priority. We first headed to Tsukiji Market. The guests enjoyed one thing after another — tuna sushi, fried corn, oysters, and salmon — so I was glad I had brought them there. They said they would like to come again the next day. Our next stop was the Fukagawa Edo Museum, chosen partly for the exhibits but also because it offered facilities for changing and feeding. There was a clean nursing room available, and the group was able to rest comfortably in a cool indoor space. Inside the museum, a senior volunteer explained the details of the exhibits in fluent English, which I truly appreciated. At Kiyosumi Garden, the group strolled slowly around the pond and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. Since the garden has many stones, the stroller was left at the entrance and the exhibits were viewed while carrying the child. At Meiji Shrine, we also stopped by the Gyoen iris garden. The irises were in full bloom at this time of year, and the guests took many photographs. As I am a member of the Meiji Shrine reverence association, up to three people can enter free of charge, and it was nice to be able to make use of this benefit. For the meal, the group had curry and tendon at the food court in Forest Terrace, and it was good that the group could take a break in a cool place. At the main hall, it was memorable to see the guests worship slowly following the Shinto style of prayer. This time there were many tasks — using elevators at stations, finding a drugstore, securing a place for diaper changes, and coping with the extreme heat — but I was relieved that everything went smoothly and without incident.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Market～Kiyosumi-Shirakawa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-Shirakawa～Meiji-Jingumae210JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

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    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Depart AirBnB Shinjuku Yamabukicho
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:50 mipig cafe Asakusa Branch
    • 13:45 Lunch @ Asakusa
    • 14:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 16:00 Arrive AirBnB Shinjuku Yamabukicho

    What's a Private Taxi Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Harajuku As the second day of a multi-day tour, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) conducted a private taxi tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from North America. The group had slept well the previous night and recovered from their fatigue, so everyone seemed more energetic than the day before. At Meiji Shrine, the guests enjoyed the shaded approach path where a cool breeze was still blowing, and then dedicated an ema votive tablet written in an Asian language. They shared stories about the time before they moved to North America and about how they now run a temple. After experiencing the lively atmosphere of Takeshita Street, we moved to Asakusa and I took them to a cafe where guests can interact with piglets, which they had reserved in advance. The guests told me, "We even came up with names for the piglets!" so I could tell they thoroughly enjoyed it. After lunch, to avoid the crowds of Nakamise, they took their time shopping for small items at a hundred-yen shop in ROX, and then I guided them to Senso-ji Temple. We returned to their accommodation in Shinjuku, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Tour Report by Ken

    Hi, my name is Ken. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan.
    I’ve been living in Yokohama, west of Tokyo, for more than 20 years.
    Since 2018 I have been enjoying guiding guests from all over the globe to various attractive places in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, and so on.
    I can also bring you unique experiences such as sake tasting, car factory, beer brewery, fish markets as well as rural town in Miyagi pref., where I was born, by riding on the Shinkansen bullet train.
    Please think I’m your friend in Japan. Tell me where you want to go, see, or experience. I can customize the tour for you.
    My hobby is walking and jogging. I made 42K runs 9 times so far but I take it easy now.
    Having worked globally in the food industry for 35 years, I love local foods of Japan and other countries.
    I’ll try my best to make your visit a memorable one.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!

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    Oct 4, 2025
    Ivette_S
    Tour in Tokyo
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Ken, kept in touch with…

    Jun 25, 2025
    DTLALynn
    The best tour & guide we had!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo was our last stop…

    Jun 8, 2025
    christophern458
    Amazing time in Hakone
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Private Tour(Tokyo DEP.) with Government-Licensed Guide
    My family and I can not speak…

    Apr 5, 2025
    lisajayneherewini
    Happy happy happy
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely half day with…

  • Kurashiki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kurashiki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kurashiki Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kurashiki Ivy Square 9:30 Kurashiki-kan 9:50 Shopping and dining in the Bikan Historical Quarter 11:20 Kurashiki Monogatari-kan 11:40 Ohara Museum of Art 12:10 Ohashi House 13:00 Kurashiki Ivy Square

    What Is a Private Kurashiki Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had initially assumed a different family situation, but some of the guests were waiting back in North America, and after this group returned home, others would set off for Europe. They were able to travel because the school break had begun in June. I had heard that one of the guests had experience studying in Japan and was fluent in Japanese; when I asked, I learned they had studied at a graduate school in Tokyo and earned a degree in a field of engineering. Even so, they were very modest. Originally born in Europe, they had later acquired citizenship in North America, and spoke an international, mid-Atlantic style of English. Friends from their study days some twenty years ago now live in various parts of Japan, and visiting them was one of the purposes of the trip. The previous afternoon they had traveled from Himeji to Kurashiki, and around 2:00 PM today they planned to head to Hiroshima, where they would meet a friend from their study days and have dinner together. A major purpose of this Kurashiki visit was educational, and I provided various explanations. The guests took an unusual interest in Bizen ware from Okayama, so we visited a relatively large Bizen ware shop, where they examined the pieces carefully and made a purchase. Along the way, a local broadcasting company requested an interview, but it was politely declined with the comment, "I'm not sure my answer would be helpful." The topic was "What do you think of the accommodation tax that Kurashiki City is considering introducing," which I personally found interesting, though the offer was declined. There was interest in the history of Ivy Square, and at the Kurashiki Story Museum they learned about local history. Every time I visit, I am struck by how wonderful this facility is. It preserves an Edo-period residence, and despite being free of charge, the information provided and the way it is presented are excellent. As a guide, it makes my work very efficient. Along the Kurashiki River in the Bikan Historical Quarter, a baby was born to the swans that have long lived there, but sadly two of the three cygnets died for some reason. The sight of the surviving one gliding across the water alongside its parents is heartwarming. It has been very hot recently, with daytime temperatures reaching 34 degrees, and I am grateful that the guests toured so enthusiastically even as their skin reddened in the heat.

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

    Tour Report by Sam

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

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    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Ginza – Ginza st – 10:50 Asakusa – Sensoji Temple – 12:30 Lunch @ Aoi-Marushin
    • – Asakusa st – 13:30 Omotesando – Harajuku – Meiji Shrine – Gyoen – 14:40 Disband at Harajuku

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. Before coming to Japan, they had stopped in other parts of Asia, with Tokyo being their third destination. Since this trip was only about three days in Tokyo, I selected the most iconic spots, Asakusa and Meiji Shrine. I had recommended downloading a PASMO in advance, but it had not gone smoothly, so we had to purchase one again at the station before departure, which took a little time. In addition, the transfer from Asakusa to Omotesando alone took about 30 minutes, and since a tempura lunch in Asakusa was also requested, we ended up going over by about 40 minutes in the end. However, it was the very last peak season for irises, so I guided them through the inner garden as well, where the lotus flowers and irises were beautiful. One of the guests was very fond of irises and was delighted. After showing them Takeshita Street, we said our goodbyes. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Omotesando252JPY
    Total461JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Request Booking

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:45　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:15　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30　Imperial Palace
    • 13:20　Lunch @ Yakiniku Toraji Marubiru Branch
    • 14:40　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:50　Disband @ Ikebukuro Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kochi, Osaka, and Shimizu on a cruise tour departing from Asia. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Since I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIkebukuro～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae700JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 7TrainUeno～Ikebukuro180JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Request Booking

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Kabin Minamiza
    • 9:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove stroll
    • 9:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 12:15 Lunch at Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 13:35 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 14:35 Disband at Kiyomizu-dera entrance

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America on a private one-day tour of Kyoto. The early-morning visit to Arashiyama had few crowds, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. Kinkaku-ji was surprisingly crowded, but Nijo Castle was less busy, so the group was able to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. The guests liked the lunch spot, enjoyed a walk through the garden, and also enjoyed a yuzu shaved ice for dessert. At the final stop, Kiyomizu-dera, it was probably the hottest day of the year so far. Fortunately, the crowds were a bit lighter there, which was a relief. I believe the guests had a wonderful time.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    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.

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    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…

  • Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Tour starts from in front of Hachiko
    • Travel by subway & bus to Toyosu
    • AM 10:45 – PM 12:00 Tour of Toyosu Market and meal at a sushi restaurant
    • Travel by bus to Tsukiji Market
    • PM 12:30 -13:20 Stroll around Tsukiji Market
    • Travel by subway to Shibuya
    • PM 13:50 Tour disbands at Shibuya

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the guests' request, the tour started from Shibuya, near their accommodation. Since they were staying in Tokyo from a cruise ship, they seemed a little anxious about getting around. By the time we reached Toyosu, the excitement of the tuna auction had already passed, so the visit was limited to an explanation of the site. Because of this, I strongly recommended that the guests try sushi at a sushi restaurant directly run by an intermediate wholesaler. As it was still morning and not crowded, they were able to enjoy a relaxed meal, and it was rewarding that coming to Toyosu proved worthwhile. After that, we moved to Tsukiji. Due to the intense heat and the guests' wish to skip further shrines and temples, we did not visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple or Namiyoke Shrine, and instead strolled around Tsukiji. Since the guests were already full from Toyosu, we sat down in the air-conditioned food court at Tsukiji Uogashi, where they enjoyed ice cream while I provided information. Afterward, I took them back to Shibuya, ending the tour. If Toyosu is to be included in a tour, I think it would be better to set the meeting time so that the start allows time to observe the tuna auction.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya～Ginza209JPY
    Section 2BusGinza Yonchome～Shin-Toyosu Station210JPY
    Section 3BusShin-Toyosu～Tsukiji Rokuchome210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Shibuya209JPY
    Total838JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    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。

  • Hiraizumi Customized Half-Day Tour

    Hiraizumi Customized Half-Day Tour

    Hiraizumi Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Matsu no Kaori　10:00 Depart from Ichinoseki Station by bus to Genbikei　10:21 Arrive at Genbikei　Stroll around and order and eat the "Flying Dango" (Kakko Dango)　10:50 Depart by taxi to Takkoku no Iwaya　11:00 Arrive at Takkoku no Iwaya　Tour Bishamon-do and other sites　12:00 Depart from Takkoku no Iwaya by taxi to Genbikei　12:10 Arrive at Genbikei　Stroll around and tour and shop at Sahara Glass Park　13:30 Depart from Genbikei by bus to Ichinoseki Station　13:51 Arrive at Ichinoseki Station　End of guide

    What Is a Private Tour of Hiraizumi and Genbikei Gorge Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the request of the guests visiting from North America, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide arranged a private tour to Takkoku no Iwaya in Hiraizumi. On the way from Ichinoseki Station, we first stopped at Genbikei Gorge, got off the bus, and strolled around the area. After searching for the best scenic spots and taking photos, I introduced the local specialty of Genbikei, the "flying dango" (kakko dango), which the guests ordered themselves from the rocky riverside and enjoyed happily at a pavilion overlooking the gorge. Afterward, we took a taxi to Takkoku no Iwaya, where the guests looked with fascination at the cliff-hanging Bishamon-do hall, the rock-carved Buddha, and Gama-ga-ike Pond. Although taking off shoes seemed a bit troublesome, the guests entered the Kondo hall and viewed the main image as well as the Eleven-Faced Kannon and Sho-Kannon statues. After finishing, we returned by taxi to Genbikei and entered the Sahara Glass Park in front of the bus stop (free admission), where the guests looked with great interest at the overwhelming number of glass crafts. One of the guests collects frog figurines as a hobby (reportedly owning as many as 25 kinds) and purchased a frog figurine made by this workshop. The guests had very much enjoyed a brand of sake called "Nito" that they had tried in Shibuya, Tokyo, and wished to buy some before returning home, so I looked into it and found that it could be purchased at GRANSTA Tokyo in Tokyo Station, and handed over a note about it. The guests watched with curiosity how Japanese people are keen to use parasols and hats to protect their skin from the sun.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIchinoseki Station～Genbikei520JPY
    Section 2TrainGenbikei～Ichinoseki Station520JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Hitoshi

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

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    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara & Naramachi

    Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara & Naramachi

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Leave the hotel "Hotel Kyoto"　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 　　There were various troubles, so it took longer than expected to reach Nara
    • 10:50 Arrive at Kintetsu-Nara
    • Taxi to Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • 11:10-40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 11:50-12:20 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 12:30-45 lunch at Mizuya Chaya
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 13:00-30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's shop 　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 13:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 13:40-14:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall (walk 5 minutes)
    • 14:50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 15:00-30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall　 (walk 5 minutes)
    • 15:40-50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • 　 (walk 5 minutes & taxi)
    • 16:00- Naramachi (Old Merchant Quarters):
    • 17:05 (End of Tour) back at Kintetsu-Nara Station

    What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Working Around Agency Miscommunication A travel agency was involved as an intermediary between the guide and the guests, and the coordination was extremely difficult. There are occasional cases where the guide is not allowed to contact the guests directly, and this was one of them, but it was an especially problematic situation. In practice, the intermediary did very little while creating a black box that made it appear to the guests that work was being done. This caused significant trouble. Below are some of the details, which may be difficult to convey fully. – The phone number I had been led to believe belonged to the guests turned out to be a number I could not identify. Even though the messages I repeatedly sent to that number via a messaging app showed as read, they never reached the guests at all. – The messages I sent through Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) also never reached the guests. – I learned that even the itinerary had not been delivered when I received a message via the messaging app the night before from a member of the group traveling with the guests. I am pasting that message as it was received: Hello, I am one of the guests. Tomorrow we have a tour in Nara with you. I was wondering where we would meet tomorrow. Thank you. – More than a month in advance, the intermediary had instructed me that the meeting place would be a hotel, and I created and sent the itinerary accordingly during May, yet it never reached the guests. – In the end, it was only through the message I received via the messaging app the night before the tour that I was able to communicate directly with the guests, and it was then that I discovered nothing had been conveyed to them. The tour itself was very much enjoyed by the guests. There were also some baffling developments and many amusing moments that I would like to include in this report, but I will leave them out, since I believe the most important thing to convey is how unreliable the intermediary was.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo～Tanbabashi280JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Tanbabashi～Kintetsu-Nara1,200JPY
    Total1,480JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…