09:30 Depart from Shimizu Port by reserved taxi. 10:30 Arrive at Nihondaira Yume Terrace and view the scenery of Shizuoka City and Shimizu Port from the terrace. 11:00 Head to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine by ropeway and tour the shrine. 12:20 By taxi, use the Tomei Expressway to head to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha in Fujinomiya. 13:00 Arrive at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha and tour the shrine. 13:50 Use the Tomei Expressway to head to Miho no Matsubara. 14:20 Tour Miho no Matsubara. 14:50 Depart for Espulse Dream Plaza.
Title: What Is a Private Fuji-Area Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were very pleasant visitors from Europe. One of them could communicate only in French, so another guest listened to the English explanations and translated them into French. They listened to the explanations very attentively. Since it was an extremely hot day, I had prepared cold wet wipes and frozen mineral water, and the guests were touched, saying that guides in Japan are kind and very considerate. As it was a cloudy day, we were unable to see Mount Fuji anywhere we went, which was a great disappointment for the guests.
I am glad to introduce myself to the prospective tourists visiting Japan from abroad. My name is Yasuo Ochiai, but please call me “Yasu” if you have a chance to be my guests in Japan. I have been an English tourist guide for 37 years and having a good reputation from my guests. I am proud of having a good knowledge not only about the scenic spots in Japan but also about Japanese cultures, such as Kabuki, Noh, and Flower Arrangement. When I show you around the sightseeing spots, I always promise to treat you warmly and give the best explanation as much as possible. I hope that you will go back to your countries with good memories of Japan.
What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a group visiting from Europe. They had already visited Osaka, the Expo, and Nara. We first went to Nijo Castle, and perhaps due to the intense heat of recent days, there were few people, so we were able to view it in a relaxed way, which was nice. They were especially interested in the Japanese garden. They were also very pleased with lunch at a soba restaurant in the Pontocho area. After that, we strolled from Gion to Sannenzaka. At a teahouse on Sannenzaka, they enjoyed shaved ice. We also looked at Kyoto-ware ceramics at a shop, and they purchased small plates. Because of the intense heat, we took things at a slow pace, but I believe they enjoyed it.
Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day…
Jul 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 with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
★★★★★
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 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
★★★★★
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 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
★★★★★
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…
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 with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. There had been little email correspondence beforehand, so the destinations were decided on the day at the Hotel. I brought a document I had prepared, which grouped Kyoto's most popular spots and hidden gems by area along with notes on their highlights, and we cheerfully decided where to go based on that. Throughout the day the guests kept referring to this document as we walked, even reading it carefully in the taxi, and those small gestures made me quietly happy.
The temperature was around 36–37°C, and the humidity was extremely heavy. Since we started late, we agreed to skip lunch and began the tour. After walking through Daitoku-ji Temple, Pontocho, Gion Shirakawa, and Yasui Konpira Shrine, we took an ice cream break. Then, after climbing Sannenzaka, the fatigue peaked and one of the guests could no longer continue right in front of the ticket office at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They asked to stroll a little around Sannenzaka and then cool down at the Hotel, so although there was still time remaining, we parted ways.
Even I, who should be used to this muggy heat, found my energy considerably drained. It was a demanding tour, but for that very reason I hope it becomes a fond, warm memory. I hope the guests will remember the concept of "ichigo ichie" (once-in-a-lifetime encounter) that I explained at the Zen temple.
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
★★★★★
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
★★★★★
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
★★★★★
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.
14:00 Dismiss @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace View
The guests were visitors from North America who were visiting Japan for the first time, having arrived the previous evening and explored Golden Gai. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to Kyoto and Osaka. At the Hotel, I explained the history of Japan and Tokyo, and we viewed the Imperial Palace from the 39th floor before setting off. I like the Hotel in Otemachi precisely because it allows for this. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing was quiet since it was 10:00 on a weekday. At a drugstore, the guests purchased deodorant and sunscreen. The guests loved the forest of Meiji Jingu, so we continued walking through the woods and exited toward Yoyogi via the Kita-Sando approach, which lets you keep walking through the forest. In the gardens, even though the temperature was high, they kept saying "Beautiful," which was wonderful. While cooling off at a traditional Japanese confectionery shop, I gave advice on how to spend the remaining three days in Tokyo as the temperature was set to rise further. After we parted ways, the guests joined a tea lesson in Asakusa. They were surprised by how quiet it was inside the trains and how inexpensive the fares were, while also being amazed by the high cost of taxis. An extension fee was received.
Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
1. Cross-cultural communication
2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews
Jun 14, 2026
tiffany_w
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Phenomenal experiance
Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…
Jun 14, 2026
tiffany_w
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Phenomenal experiance
Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable and easy to understand. While planning our time together he helped me understand the various areas things I wanted to see were in. He designed a great tour for us. We had a delicious fresh seafood lunch, and yummy Japanese treat. He even helped me interpret with shopkeepers and my fortunes from the temples. I cannot recommend him enough!
★★★★★
Jun 13, 2026
Joshua_A
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The Best Guide I Had in Japan
Hideki was, without question, my…
Jun 13, 2026
Joshua_A
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The Best Guide I Had in Japan
Hideki was, without question, my favorite guide during my month-long trip in Japan.
He is an amazing, kind, and genuinely thoughtful gentleman. Before guiding, he had a successful career at a major conglomerate in Tokyo, with experience in business development and marketing, and you can immediately tell that he brings a level of professionalism, perspective, and depth that goes far beyond a standard tour.
What makes Hideki special is that he does this because he truly enjoys it. He told me, “You can use ChatGPT to get all the history, but it’s my job to explain what it can’t.” That perfectly sums up the experience. He did not just point things out or recite facts. He added context, judgment, personality, and a real human understanding of Japan that you simply would not get from a guidebook or online search.
The morning of our tour, I told him I wanted to completely change the plan. Not only did he accept it, he took it as a challenge and immediately sprung into action. A few hours later, I was completely off the beaten path in a place that would never show up in travel guides or magazines. We ate locally, and it ended up being the best lunch I had in Tokyo. We walked around, bantered, explored, and had an amazing time.
Being with Hideki felt less like being on a tour and more like spending the day with an old friend or a fun uncle who happens to know Tokyo incredibly well. His knowledge, friendliness, calm demeanor, and willingness to go above and beyond made the day unforgettable.
I could not recommend Hideki more highly. If you book with him, you are lucky to have his time. Treat him well.
★★★★★
May 2, 2026
Bruce G
Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…
May 2, 2026
Bruce G
Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation that worked well.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Using the subway and minimizing time in the rain we saw many of the most important sites and experienced a variety of interesting and fun neighborhood cultures. We had lunch at a local gem for a fun meal of tempura and rice. Some of the sites were spectacular, all were worthwhile. Time and money well spent.
★★★★★
Apr 30, 2026
johnbD9596UO
Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I had a great…
Apr 30, 2026
johnbD9596UO
Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I had a great time being shown around the sights of Tokyo by our guide Hideki, walking and travelling on the transport network. We were able to learn about some of the history and culture of Japan. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable and was a great experience. We can highly recommend the private tour with Hideki who was very knowledgeable and helpful and can tailor the tour to meet your interests.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Beyond
Today's guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. The original plan was to visit Nishiki Market, but since they had gone there the previous day, I recommended visiting the Sagano Bamboo Grove followed by the Monkey Park instead, and we decided to go there. However, the uphill path at the Monkey Park seemed to be a bit demanding for the guests today. We had planned to visit Kinkaku-ji afterward, but they no longer seemed to have the energy to continue the tour. After finishing at the Monkey Park, we went directly to the Hotel. I regret that I should have recommended Okochi Sanso Villa instead.
Personal data
Born in : May 1st, 1957
Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
historic spots, Japanese
gardens and old townscape
Former career : Worked for electric
company and engaged in
international sales for
about 40 years.
Travel history in the former career :
Visited about 20 countries about 200 times
Career as guide interpreter
Acquisition of guide license : 2016
Career of guide : 8 years
Genre of my specialty :
Japanese historic structures such as
temple, shrine, castle and garden.
Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
Himeji
Dec 30, 2024
shannono1010
Haru is a Rock Star
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…
Dec 30, 2024
shannono1010
Haru is a Rock Star
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained the history of the sites on our tour. He even prepared a book that helped explain the historical significance of each site we visited. He was really fantastic, funny and engaging and connected with every member (young and old) in our group. We all learned a lot! Thank u Haru!
★★★★★
Dec 29, 2024
Ali O
Amazing!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…
Dec 29, 2024
Ali O
Amazing!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was very knowledgeable about the various cites and came prepared with a binder and useful images. He was organized and even found a delicious ramen place for our family of 6 (not an easy task in the middle of busy Nara). He really cared about the cites and the history of the temples and spoke great English. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Dec 4, 2024
D5658ZEjohnr
Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…
Dec 4, 2024
D5658ZEjohnr
Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
We were able to customize our trip to the top places we wanted to see. We were able to get to all of them. Our guide Haru was great and the places we visited were amazing and interesting. Our guide gave us a lot of history around the different sites. Our favorites were Kiyomizudera temple, Sanjyu Sangendo Temple and Kinkakuji Temple. We also visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine which was pretty great. We did a lot of walking and public transportation to get around. All in all it wasn’t bad and our guide got us to all the sites with ease. Haru was great as he took most of our family pictures. He did a great job.
★★★★★
Dec 3, 2024
Charlie_Jane00
Kyoto Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…
Dec 3, 2024
Charlie_Jane00
Kyoto Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He added a lot to our trip and
allowed us to experience a lot in the limited time we had available.
What Is a Full-Day Private Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were cheerful visitors from North America. The meeting point had been arranged at a hotel, but the guests were staying at a different hotel. Since I had arrived early, we were able to move on right away.
At Tsukiji, the guests showed great interest in many items and purchased things such as chopstick rests and wasabi sesame. In Asakusa, despite the heat, the guests happily walked along Nakamise Street.
We had lunch at Gonpachi, and the guests said it was very delicious.
After walking through Meiji Shrine, we strolled around Harajuku and then parted ways. The guests planned to leisurely enjoy Omotesando and Takeshita Street on their own before heading back to their hotel.
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
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took us on an efficient and enjoyable afternoon tour. Very much enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend the tour
★★★★★
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 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 Hosoya, and it was a real pleasure. She introduced us to Japaneese culture and was a very skilled guide, indeed.
★★★★★
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 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 a comprehensive overview and tour of the highlights of Tokyo, navigating the complex subway system with ease. It was a long day but well worth it!
★★★★★
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…
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 knowledgeable and took us to major tourist attractions like Meiji Shrine Senso ji temple as well as Gina shopping district. She helped us navigate the confusing train and subway system
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They arrived at Haneda Airport last night via a connecting flight and took a taxi from Haneda to their hotel. Their trip includes an eleven-day stay in Japan, after which they plan to continue traveling to other destinations in Asia and North America before returning home. In Tokyo they would stay four days, then visit Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka before flying out from Kansai Airport to another destination in Asia. Last night they explored the east side of Shinjuku.
The tour took place under cloudy skies with very hot and humid weather.
First, following their request, we headed to Asakusa. As always, it was extremely crowded. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the development from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto.
We first took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate, then more photos in front of the five-story pagoda. We strolled leisurely through the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?", and "Are there Catholics in Japan?".
We then moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained about Shinto, the torii gates, Emperor Meiji, and why sake barrels are displayed, as well as why wine barrels are displayed. There were also questions such as "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?".
Because of the intense heat, we took a break for a while at a cafe near Meiji Shrine.
After that, we strolled through Takeshita Street and Cat Street, then headed to Shibuya. First, we took photos looking down at Scramble Square from the entrance of the Keio Inokashira Line platform, then actually crossed the intersection. There were questions such as "Why do so many people gather here?" and "Why did it become famous?".
We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "Japanese people are all quiet and polite," "The city is clean and there is no litter on the streets," and "Why are there no trash bins on the streets?".
They asked to be taken to Shinjuku Station, so I escorted them there, and we parted ways.
Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…
Jul 21, 2026
Christelle_G
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour guide
Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and lovely company. My 13-yr-old daughter and I had a great day walking around the sites we had picked with him. He tooks his time to explain all the history and then kindly walked us to the spot of our next booking as it was quite confusing. I would very highly recommend him. Of all the tours we did in Tokyo Masa Sam was my favourite tour guide.
★★★★★
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…
Jul 1, 2026
97TexAg
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Tokyo
Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an amazing tour guide that communicated extremely well ahead of time about the sites we would like to see in Tokyo, picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel, was very friendly and well prepared and finally but most importantly made our day in Tokyo very memorable.
We went to the Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shinto Temple, imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Gatden, and Shibuya Crossing. All were great and amazing suggestions by Masa.
Would highly recommend this tour as it was a private tour guide for a full day and provided discretion on which 5-6 sites you want to see. Also highly recommend our tour guide Masa who was a wealth of knowledge and very friendly and charming.
15/10 would do again.
★★★★★
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our…
Jun 2, 2026
Tagare S
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour and guide!
This is a great tour, and our guide, Masa was really great. Although it was raining, he had no
hesitations in completing his tour and showing us great places around Tokyo. If you are still
on the fence about this, please don’t, you won’t regret it. Thank you, Masa!
★★★★★
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was…
Jun 1, 2026
Lisa_A
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Adler Family Tour
Our tour with Masa was incredible and filled with interesting facts and history, he gave us incredible insight on each location. We loved that we were able to choose 3-4 sites from a large selection and really spend enough time at each spot. Masa was kind and knowledgable and even helped us with a restaurant reservation for later in the evening when were unable to find one.
What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe, spending three days in Tokyo before boarding a cruise ship.
Since they were joining a bus tour toward the Fuji Five Lakes area the following day, this was the only day set aside for sightseeing within the city.
Although it was slightly cooler than the previous days, it was a hot and humid day well over 30°C, so I guided them while taking frequent breaks and being careful about heat exhaustion.
We completed the itinerary almost as planned, and just as I was about to finish at Ikebukuro Station, the guests said they were unsure of the route to their hotel, so in the end I accompanied them to the nearest station, Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, before finishing.
They were the type who preferred to talk about themselves rather than listen, so partway through I kept my explanations more concise and spent more time listening.
I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the tour and were satisfied.
I have now had four tours in a row without lunch, which is personally a bit tough.
Lunch is important as an icebreaker with the guests and also serves as a cool-down, so I would like to include it when possible, but it seems many guests feel that spending time on lunch is a waste.
Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He showed us the hight lights of Tokyo and was very
helpfull with getting us a Suica card.
★★★★★
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide who showed us around our selected 4
destinations and their surroundings.
★★★★★
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide. It was a great introduction to Tokyo – a busy and vastly interesting city. We learned about Japanese history and toured some of the major sites including the Imperial gardens, a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Nobu helped us get familiar with the subway system and explained some of Japanese cuisine. We greatly enjoyed our tour and recommend it to others!
★★★★★
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect start to our
Japan trip.
11:00-11:30 Stroll around Kochi Castle Otemon area
11:40-12:10 Shopping at Kochi Daimaru
12:15-13:15 Lunch at "Tosa no Kuni Nijuyonmangoku"
13:40-14:40 Stroll around Chikurinji Temple
15:00 Return to port
What Is a Private Guided Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
On this tour under the blazing sun, some of the guests found it physically difficult to walk for long periods or to go up and down stairs, but thanks to the vehicle, we were able to get around without placing too much of a burden on them. Museums can be hit or miss in terms of interest, but the guests were very engaged and listened closely to my explanations. The interior was cool and not crowded, so we spent our time leisurely, and from the third floor they also enjoyed the views of the castle keep and the Otemon gate. Afterward, I took the guests to take commemorative photos at the statue of Yamauchi Kazutoyo and the Otemon gate. At the guests' request, we went to the basement of a department store to help with shopping. We had lunch at a reserved restaurant nearby, and they were very pleased with the meal. Our final stop was Chikurinji Temple, where they viewed the garden, rang the bell, worshipped at the main hall, and enjoyed the five-story pagoda. Although I had confirmed food allergies by email in advance, I felt I should have asked in more detail about food preferences. Also, since I was not fully aware of the guests' physical condition or walking ability until the day itself, I felt I could have found a more courteous way to ask about this in advance by email. I am very curious about how Kochi appeared to guests who work in the travel industry and are highly experienced travelers.
Hi! I’m Miyako Ogami. Please call me Miya. I was born and raised in Kochi, but I spent most of my life time in Kyoto. I’ve been teaching English to children at home for over 20 years. At the same time, I’ve met many homestay students from abroad as a host family. I enjoyed sharing time with new people and going sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Now I returned to Kochi and started learning a lot about great attractions about my hometown. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking local food, singing in the chorus and dancing Japanese folk song dance.
In Kochi,I love the warm and mild weather under the sunshine and feel peaceful atmosphere surrounded by beautiful mountains, clear rivers, and the dazzling sea. Kochi’s abundant nature gives us fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood!
And the people in Kochi is friendly, laid back, funny and energetic which makes you so happy and brisk! I’ll do my best to show you around this amazing land as much as possible!
Jul 18, 2025
L
Lisa M
Wonderful Way to Spend a Day in Kochi!
Tripadvisor review: Kochi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Miyako Ogami…
Jul 18, 2025
L
Lisa M
Wonderful Way to Spend a Day in Kochi!
Tripadvisor review: Kochi Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Miyako Ogami provided us with a wonderful overview of Kochi. We got a true feel of this city
in a day. Miyako also provided a tea ceremony, which was so special and just perfect. You
won’t go wrong with this tour. Enjoyed tremendously!
Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan from Oceania. One of the group had visited Japan around 17 years earlier, while for the other it was a first visit, with a strong interest in food and shopping. During this trip, in addition to Tokyo, they would also be visiting Osaka and Kyoto, but since it turned out they would be spending a total of five or more days in Tokyo, I guided the tour while also recommending sightseeing spots, shopping areas, and dining options that we could not cover during this tour. Each time, they recorded the place names and locations on their smartphones. Tokyo enjoyed a brief respite from the recent intense heat that day, but for guests arriving from the winter of the Southern Hemisphere, it still felt quite hot. After visiting our first stop, Meiji Shrine, the guests ordered lemon-flavored and strawberry-flavored "kakigori" (shaved ice), which one of them had wanted to try, and enjoyed them at a rest table in front of a souvenir shop. At the souvenir counter, they purchased two dorayaki, which I had introduced as a representative Japanese sweet, to try later at their hotel. As we continued strolling along Takeshita Street, the guests agreed with each other that they would like to come back here again.
The guests were delighted to spot a cute robot at the Pepper Parlor in Shibuya FUKURAS, and again when visiting the NISSAN showroom in Ginza. They also mentioned having booked go-karting during their stay in Tokyo. Passing through department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya seemed to spark a strong desire to shop, and one of the guests joked with a laugh that they had better keep the group away from such shopping spots.
For lunch, the guests said they wanted something substantial rather than something light, so after visiting the Imperial Palace, I guided them to the Suju restaurant in the Shin-Marunouchi Building, where they thoroughly enjoyed a lunch of wagyu beef and sashimi and appeared very satisfied. In the basement food hall of Takashimaya, they were amazed at the variety of delicious-looking bento boxes and the size of Japanese apples. It was also a pleasant discovery that the oranges they had assumed were imported from California were actually imported from Oceania. In Asakusa, the guests were pleased to be able to make an unplanned, distant view of the Asahi Beer headquarters, which they had heard about from an acquaintance who had visited Japan a few months earlier. Since they planned to continue spending time in Asakusa after the tour ended, I recommended Yoroiya as a place for ramen, in which they had shown strong interest, and we parted ways on Denpoin Street.
Hello, I’m Noripy.
I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a…
Sep 10, 2026
Sonal_G
Noripy is just the best
Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Noripy is such a great guide and just a wonderful human being that felt like an old friend. We had first visited Tokyo eight years ago, so we had not planned on getting a tour, but we felt like we got both a Food Tour and a cultural tour with her and we were so grateful for both. My daughter is moving to Japan, and so we were excited to be here but we were disappointed that we had not been able to find vegetarian food as easily. Noripy had tips and tricks and language she suggested we use and helped us with our first vegan ramen which was excellent. I highly recommend anything you can do with a Noripy, you should run and go do it! She trained at Boston University and international relations, and had ties with both my daughters from her schooling which tickled us with delight. She is a spry woman and the kindest soul and I’m so glad our paths crossed as Tokyo came to life through her welcoming eyes. We were nervous about going on this tour because we had a bad experience with a different tour with someone else the night before, but she restored our faith in humanity and tour guides and that was a tall order.
★★★★★
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
Best Post cruise tour ever
It was…
Jul 3, 2026
Jody D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
Best Post cruise tour ever
It was a GREAT TOUR with Noripy! With a family of many different ages and walking levels this was fantastic. We were picked up from our cruise in Yokohama and dropped off at Haneda airport. We had about 10 hours before our flight and it went flawlessly.
★★★★★
June 19, 2026
Alec T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo in 4 hours
Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…
June 19, 2026
Alec T
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo in 4 hours
Noripy was excellent! She guided us through several parts of the city: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, Tokyo Tower, Sangedatsumon, Zojo-ji, Meiji Jingu, and Golden Gai. A great way to see many Tokyo sites and get acquainted with the city on your first day!
★★★★★
Jun 16, 2026
Hema_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely experience. My…
Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…
Jun 16, 2026
Hema_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely experience. My…
Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady who managed to fit all the iconic Tokyo spots into my 6-hour tour without anything feeling rushed. She was knowledgeable, organised, and genuinely kind. Toward the end she even helped me with some shopping, which I really appreciated. A wonderful introduction to Tokyo and a guide I’d happily recommend….
