Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Tokyo Hilton (Buy a 1-day subway pass at Nishi-Shinjuku Station)
    • 11:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:20 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 13:00 Buy snacks at FamilyMart, eat them on the train
    • 13:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
    • 15:35 Disband at Tokyo Hilton

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Compared with the previous days, the temperature was slightly lower and the sunshine was a bit weaker, but I proceeded carefully with the tour, watching out for heatstroke. I provided a parasol and had the guests use it when the sun was out. After departing, the guests bought a one-day subway pass at Nishi-Shinjuku Station, but as usual their overseas credit card could not be used, so they had to pay in cash. I always wonder why overseas credit cards cannot be used. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens the sun was strong at times, but we toured smoothly. There were many questions about history. In Asakusa, after taking photos of the Skytree, we went on to Senso-ji Temple. Almost all of the visitors were from overseas, to the point that I wondered what kind of tourist spot it was. Many questions came up about religion, which I answered. At Meiji Shrine it became a little cooler. When I talked about the Meiji Restoration, I was told, "So this is the era of The Last Samurai," which made me smile wryly. Since we were running ahead of schedule, I asked whether they would like to take a quick look at Takeshita Street, but they said it was not necessary, so we saw the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck and headed back. It had been agreed in advance that we would finish 30 minutes early, and on parting I received a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNishi-Shinjuku～Takebashi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Tochomae330JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 08:40 Move∶Subway
    • 3. 09:25 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 09:45 Move∶Subway
    • 5. 10:00 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 11:45 Move∶Subway
    • 7. 12:15 Stay @ Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 8. 12:40 Lunch @ Sushizanmai Annex, Yonemoto Coffee
    • 9. 14:20 Move∶Subway
    • 10. 14:35 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens (Ninomaru Garden)11. 15:40 Disband @ Toei Subway Otemachi Station

    What Is a Private Group Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens The guests were a large group visiting from Europe. This was an assignment given to me right before the tour date, so there was no time to discuss the itinerary in advance, and I prepared to guide them mainly along the standard course. Since the Hotel was close to Daimon Station, the guests purchased a one-day subway pass at the station. I had expected that, because of the large group size, we would spend more time than usual at each spot, and that is exactly how it went. As it happened to be a group with many smokers, we took cigarette breaks at Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji. The guests ate a great deal and also wanted a coffee break after their meal, so we ended up staying about two hours at Tsukiji alone. After finishing the tour of Tsukiji, as it felt a bit incomplete to end there, I suggested guiding them briefly through the East Gardens, and we strolled through the Ninomaru Garden together. In the end, we extended the time a little and parted ways at Otemachi Station on the Toei subway.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassDaimon～Shibuya900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji～Otemachi0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Meet (@Hotel)
    • 10:30-11:25 Travel (City Bus: Kyoto Station → Gojozaka)
    • 11:25-12:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit (including Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do, Yasaka Shrine)
    • 12:40-13:00 Travel (City Bus; Yasaka Shrine front → Higashiyama Shichijo)
    • 13:00-13:50 Lunch (Sato / near Sanjusangendo)
    • 14:00-14:50 Sanjusangendo visit
    • 14:50-15:20 Travel (Keihan Train; Keihan Shichijo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 15:20- 16:20 Fushimi Inari visit (including bamboo grove)
    • 16:20-16:30 Inari → Kyoto Station
    • 16:30 Tour ends in front of Kyoto Station.　　　We parted with the guests in front of Kyoto Station (in front of the guests' hotel).

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from Europe. It was their first time in Japan. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Especially at the final stop, Fushimi Inari Taisha, the crowds and the high temperatures made for a challenging tour. Since the guests managed well, we were able to complete the tour safely. I suggested taking a break along the way, but they said they were fine. Some of the guests seemed to particularly enjoy Sanjusangendo. They even thanked me for bringing them there. During this midsummer season, I believe indoor sites such as Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and Sanjusangendo are ideal destinations for guests to escape the heat.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station front / Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusGion / Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Shichijo / Princess Line～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 4TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total780JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting: Kyoto Station, Shinkansen Central Gate
    • 12:10 Travel to Fushimi Inari Taisha by private car
    • 12:30 Sightseeing ①: Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:20 Travel to Nishiki Market by private car
    • 13:30 Sightseeing ②: Nishiki Market
    • 14:10 Travel to Arashiyama by private car
    • 14:40 Sightseeing ③: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove Path ⇒ Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 15:20 Travel to Kyoto Station by private car
    • 16:00 End of guide (Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit)

    **Title:** What's a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like from Kyoto Station? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests on this tour were a group visiting Japan from North America, who came to sightsee in Kyoto. Advance communication and itinerary arrangements were handled through one member of the group. In fact, it was only after meeting the guests on the day itself that I learned they were sightseeing during a cruise ship's port call (this involved a difference in understanding between me and the guests, which I will note as a lesson at the end). At the initial planning stage, the destinations were (1) Fushimi Inari, (2) Nishiki Market, and (3) Nijo Castle, but the day before, there was a sudden request to replace the final stop, Nijo Castle, with the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama. In any case, since it was a short 4-hour course, this became a tour that required careful time management. On the day, it was initially still extremely hot due to the ongoing heat wave, but the afternoon turned somewhat cloudy, and apart from Fushimi Inari, we walked mostly in the shade at places like Nishiki Market and the Bamboo Grove, making conditions relatively comfortable. However, visiting three locations in a 4-hour course inevitably meant that the time spent at each place was short, and there were aspects where my key explanations had to be somewhat abbreviated. That said, regarding time management, the guests cooperated fully, and we were able to proceed almost exactly according to the itinerary. The vividly colored torii gates of Fushimi Inari, the shops with Kyoto's distinctive character lining Nishiki Market, the serene and calming Bamboo Grove path, and the garden of Tenryu-ji temple — the guests appeared to thoroughly enjoy the culture, history, and nature of Kyoto and Japan while listening to my explanations. Finally, I would like to offer some observations on "sightseeing during a cruise ship's port call." In the case of these guests, at the tour application stage there was no indication anywhere that this was "sightseeing during a cruise ship's port call," so as the guide I had no idea. During our communications, the meeting place changed from "undecided" to "Kyoto Station," so I assumed they would come by Shinkansen and proposed meeting at the Shinkansen Central Gate of Kyoto Station, which the guests confirmed. However, on the day, it turned out the guests came not by Shinkansen but by a local line from Kobe. Fortunately, the guests made their way to the Shinkansen Central Gate, so we did not miss the meeting time, but depending on the circumstances there could have been a possibility of not meeting up. From this experience, I drew the following lessons. (1) When guests are traveling in from somewhere other than the destination, it is necessary to have them clarify, at the advance planning stage, where their accommodation is located and what mode of transportation they will use to reach the site. (2) When guests apply for a tour through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), if travel from a cruise ship or similar is required, it may be necessary to alert them to always state this clearly. I understand that even now many guests coming from cruise ships do state this, but the intent is that this be made even more thorough. I would be grateful if [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) would consider the above.

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

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

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    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　10:00　Nijo Castle
    • ④　11:20　Zuiho-in (Daitoku-ji sub-temple)
    • ⑤　12:30　Obai-in (Daitoku-ji sub-temple)
    • ⑥　13:45　Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • ⑦　15:00　Return to the hotel and disband

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Focused on History and Zen Gardens? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and since it was their first time in Kyoto, they left the itinerary entirely up to me, so this time I introduced them to Japanese history, religion, beautiful Japanese gardens, and dry landscape (karesansui) gardens. There had been a sudden torrential downpour in Kyoto the day before, and because of that, today was extremely hot and humid — even for me, who should be used to it, it was tough. I walked around explaining various things in that heat, but the guests became quite tired and looked exhausted, so the folding umbrella I had brought ended up being used as a parasol for them. They were very grateful for it. Even so, they walked around without even stopping for lunch. Today I devoted a great deal of time to explaining Japanese spiritual culture in connection with this season, including Buddhism and Shinto, the syncretism of the two, dry landscape gardens and Zen meditation, tea rooms, Jizo Bodhisattva, stone lanterns, Obon, the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires, and the shoro nagashi floating lantern ceremony. Since they had a Tea Ceremony booked for late this evening, I spoke at length about wabi-cha and the concept of wabi-sabi. I hope it will be of use to them later. They asked many questions, but as they were rather quiet, I feel like I was the one doing most of the talking today.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    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

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Depart from Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
    • Sanjo➡Fushimi Inari
    • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　9:10➡10:10
    • Fushimi Inari➡Kiyomizu-Gojo　
    • Kiyomizu-dera Temple 10:50➡11:50
    • Sannenzaka　Ninenzaka　Nene no Michi　
    • 12:10 Yasaka Shrine
    • Hanamikoji➡Kennin-ji Temple 12:30 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera At the guests' request for an early start, we changed the start time from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The request came about three days in advance. Regarding the reservation details, the listed representative, email address, and phone number did not belong to the guests themselves. They likely belonged to a travel agency instead. It might be necessary to have the guests provide their own information. We first visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before worship. I then guided the group to the front of the main hall and explained the customary practice of bowing twice, clapping twice, making a wish, and bowing once. After passing through the Senbon Torii (thousands of vermilion gates), we reached the "Okunoin." To the right and back of it stands a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The guests were fascinated by the idea that if the stone feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and they enthusiastically gave it a try. Next, we went to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guests were impressed by the view of the city of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera. They reacted with disbelief to the stories that the main hall was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633, and that 234 people had jumped from the Kiyomizu stage, of whom 200 survived. We strolled along Sannenzaka, past the Yasaka Pagoda, and down Ninenzaka, continuing all the way to Yasaka Shrine. Finally, we visited Hanamikoji Street and parted ways at Kennin-ji Temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto)～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2OtherFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

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    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • At the guest's request, the tour started at 8:30 and ended at 17:30.
    • 8:25 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal　　　8:45 Board the rapid train bound for Kyoto from JR Sannomiya　　10:05 JR Inari　Fushimi Inari　　11:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:30 Short break at Randen Arashiyama　　13:30 Kinkaku-ji　15:00 Gion area　16:00 Head to Kobe by Hankyu train　17:00 Arrive at Kobe Sannomiya Station　17:25 Arrive at Port Terminal Station
    • 17:30 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour to Fushimi Inari Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The group were first-time visitors to Japan. Because the cruise's port time was short, we started early and managed to complete the tour. One of the guests seemed tired but never fussed and quietly kept up with the tour throughout. It was helpful that at times another of the guests carried them on their shoulders as we walked. We were blessed with the weather; although rain had been forecast for the afternoon, we finished the tour without encountering any rain. The moment we boarded the Hankyu train bound for Kobe, heavy rain began to fall. Today, at Fushimi Inari, the guests wrote on a white fox ema votive tablet, but what caught my attention was the large amount of graffiti scribbled on the sheet covering the table. The sheet was completely covered in writing in characters that made it obvious at a glance which country the writers were from. It was the first time I had seen graffiti in such a terrible state at Fushimi Inari. There is also an issue on the shrine's side for not replacing the sheet. The photos were taken at Fushimi Inari Taisha. For the section using JR (Sannomiya to Inari), there was no receipt, so I copied the IC card usage history. The print came out faint due to the station's printing machine, but the parts underlined in red and circled correspond to that transportation cost.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Inari1,300JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4OtherSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi180JPY
    Section 5OtherEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 6OtherKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 7OtherNishioji-Oike～Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 8OtherHigashiyama-Sanjo～Gion230JPY
    Section 9TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi～Kobe-Sannomiya (Hankyu・Kobe Rapid)640JPY
    Section 10OtherSannomiya～Port Terminal210JPY
    Total3,730JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kobe Port Terminal

    Hyogo in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kobe Port Terminal

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 　Kobe Port Terminal　Take the Port Liner to Sannomiya, from Sannomiya to Kyoto
    • 11:20　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:40　Kyoto Station
    • 13:20　From Kiyomizu-dera to Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Ichinenzaka, shopping along the way, Yasaka Pagoda (photo)
    • 　　　From Nene-no-michi to Yasaka Shrine
    • 15:20　From Yasaka Shrine to Gion Hanamikoji
    • 15:30　Take the bus to Kyoto Station
    • 16:00　Meal at Kyoto Station
    • 16:30　From Kyoto to Sannomiya
    • 18:00　Kobe Port Terminal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion? A Licensed Guide's Report I proposed the best possible itinerary based on the requests I received. Kyoto was far less crowded than I had anticipated, and the guests were able to draw omikuji fortunes and enjoy Japanese sweets. Since some of the guests wanted a samurai sword that looked like a real one, and others were looking for Ghibli souvenirs, I introduced shops near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guests each purchased the items they liked most. In particular, one of the guests had been saving up for the purchase and was very satisfied. The guests also greatly enjoyed the quintessentially Kyoto streets stretching from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion, which made me very happy. (I apologize that some of the photos came out blurry.)

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPort Terminal～Sannomiya210JPY
    Section 2TrainSannomiya～Kyoto1,110JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 5TrainKyoto～Gojozaka／Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Section 6TrainGion／Kyoto Bus～Kyoto230JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto～Sannomiya1,110JPY
    Section 8TrainSannomiya～Port Terminal210JPY
    Total3,400JPY

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Request Booking

    Aug 9, 2026
    Angelika_H
    Viator review: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
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    Super Tour who was Shaped for us…

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:20 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:00 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:10 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
    • 14:50 Drop off at the hotel and end of tour

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Oceania. They had already traveled around Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto, and Tokyo was the final stop of the trip. Since they had requested in advance not to walk long distances in the extreme summer heat, I selected a route that involved as little walking as possible. First, at the Tsukiji Outer Market, the guest was amazed, saying that although they had visited other markets before, nothing compared to the variety, the scale, and the unique atmosphere here. A route combining old and new parts of Tokyo — Asakusa, the Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — was very well received. Although I was concerned about the effects of a walking tour on the body in the extreme heat, the guest appeared to enjoy the day energetically right up to the end.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    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.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1230 Meet in front of Kiddy Land toy shop
    • 1335 Nezu Shrine
    • 1500 Asakusa, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 1620 Akihabara
    • 1700 On the way back, join us to Shinjuku. 3D cat display, Godzilla head, disband at Omoide Yokocho

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Nezu, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived the previous morning and were visiting Japan for the first time. The day before, they had walked around the Shibuya and Harajuku areas on their own. Initially I had planned to guide them from the meeting point (in front of Kiddy Land) along Takeshita Street and beyond, but since they had already visited Meiji Shrine, I explained the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo, Emperor Meiji, and Shinto shrines in front of the first torii gate of Meiji Shrine. At Nezu, the crowds were not heavy, so they were able to look around at a relaxed pace. We took a short break at Akitaya, enjoying dango. Here you can have even a single skewer of dango inside the shop along with cold tea. Sensoji Temple also had relatively few visitors, perhaps due to the intense heat. Akihabara, which they had requested, did not seem to be of any particular special interest to them, but they still enjoyed it. When I asked about their plans afterward, they said they wanted to have dinner at Omoide Yokocho, then if possible go to a large electronics store, and after that visit Golden Gai. Since this overlapped with my own way home, I accompanied and guided them to Shinjuku.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Nezu700JPY
    Section 2Free PassNezu～Nishi-Nippori0JPY
    Section 3TrainNishi-Nippori～Ueno150JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa～Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 6TrainAkihabara～Shinjuku180JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
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    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
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    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…