Category: Uncategorized

  • Aichi: Garden Pier

    Aichi: Garden Pier

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50am Meet at Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • 9:30-12:00pm Nagoya Castle, Honmaru Palace, souvenir shopping
    • 12:30-2:15pm Osu Kannon, shopping street, Akamon-dori
    • 2:50pm Garden Pier

    What Is a Private Nagoya Family Sightseeing and Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report There had been no contact from the guests up until the day of the tour, so I began with some concern about whether the tour would actually go ahead, but the guests arrived about ten minutes before the 9:00 meeting time. The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests were very fond of shopping, especially for anime and subculture-related items, so I guided them to Akamon-dori in Osu, a street I do not usually visit. Since some of the guests appeared tired along the way, I had them relax over tea at a café in Osu, and during that time I looked for and guided others to shops selling vintage video game software and the like. Ideally I would have liked to finish by going to Oasis 21 and then heading from Sakae toward Garden Pier, but there was not enough time, so we skipped Oasis 21. At the guests' request, much of the time was spent on shopping, and I am not sure whether that was the right choice, but along with coping with the intense heat, it became a point for me to consider going forward.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNagoya Port~Nagoya Castle, Osu Kannon760JPY
    Total760JPY

    Hi, I’m Tommie, a local guide based in Nagoya.
    After obtaining my national guide license in 2023, I have dedicated myself full-time to guiding. What I enjoy most is introducing visitors to Japan’s unique traditions, rich culture, and everyday life through meaningful local experiences.
    Nagoya may not be as famous as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, but that’s exactly what makes it special. As one of Japan’s largest cities, it offers a chance to experience authentic Japanese life without the crowds and tourist traps.
    I fell in love with Nagoya and its unique blend of history, culture, local food, and everyday life. Having lived abroad for many years, I understand what international travelers are looking for and enjoy helping them discover a side of Japan that many visitors miss.
    I look forward to sharing my favorite places and experiences with you!

    Jun 17, 2025
    Gina_M
    Gorgeous Castle, shopping and local food.
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Tommy was a fantastic…

    Oct 28, 2024
    avigayelk
    Best of Nagoya and Best Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Tommy was the greatest…

    Jun 23, 2024
    25aditib
    Nakasendo trail with a guide
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    We are so glad…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meeting
    • 8:00-9:00 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 9:45-10:50 @ Nijo Castle
    • 11:20-12:20 @ Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:00 Dismissal @ In front of Kyoto Pokemon Center

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from North America. We decided to head to Fushimi Inari Taisha before it got crowded. Thanks to this, it was not too crowded, and the guests were happy to take photos freely at their own pace. They were a group that loved taking photos of all kinds — commemorative shots and scenery alike. One of the guests was collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), but the notebook they were using was an A6-sized memo pad rather than a proper goshuin book. When we checked at the goshuin counter, they were told that the stamp could only be written in a goshuin book, so unfortunately they were unable to receive the goshuin in front of the main hall. At Fushimi Inari, they purchased two torii-shaped ema as souvenirs and took more commemorative photos holding them. Nijo Castle was also not very crowded, so I was able to guide them at a relaxed pace. When I talked about the Battle of Sekigahara, they asked what happened to Ishida Mitsunari, who was defeated. When I explained that he was beheaded along the Kamo River, one of the guests, who had jogged along the Kamo River the day before, seemed a little unsettled. From around 11:00, the temperature rose sharply, and it was quite hot while we walked around the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Since there is not much shade at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, I made an effort to keep the tour there brief. After exploring the Kyoto Imperial Palace, they asked me to take them to the area around Nishiki Market rather than returning to the hotel, and one of the guests also asked to be shown to the Pokémon Center. So I took them by subway to Shijo Station and first guided them to the Pokémon Center. When I then tried to guide them to Nishiki Market, they said they would make their way there on their own, so we parted ways in front of the building housing the Pokémon Center. The tour ran significantly over time, but the guests paid the additional fee for the extension.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo Station~Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari Station~Sanjo Station220JPY
    Section 3SubwayKeihan Sanjo Station~Nijojo-mae Station220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Imadegawa Station220JPY
    Section 5SubwayImadegawa Station~Shijo Station220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 9:35 Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 10:25 Break @Takagiya (long-established shop)
    • 11:10 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:30 Akihabara
    • 13:00 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 13:50 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 14:40 Disband at Otemachi Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Asakusa, Akihabara, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a very hot day, so I guided with care to prevent heatstroke, having the guests wear hats and use the parasols I provided as much as possible. At Shibamata Taishakuten, the guests looked intently at the carvings and took many photos. We took a break to eat kusa-dango and then headed to Asakusa, which was crowded and hot. Here too the guests took many photos. The guests were interested in a pig café. I guided them through Akihabara on foot from Suehirocho to the JR station. At Koishikawa Korakuen Garden there were only a few foreign tourists, so the guests strolled at a leisurely pace. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens we were running short on time and I could not guide as slowly as I wished, but since the guests were happy to extend, I guided them all the way to the end, and we finished at Otemachi Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNagatacho~Oshiage700JPY
    Section 2TrainOshiage~Shibamata199JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Asakusa377JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara~Suidobashi146JPY
    Section 6TrainIidabashi~Takebashi0JPY
    Total1,422JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Tower & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: Goryokaku Tower & Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel meet-up
    • 10:30 Goryokaku Tower
    • 11:25 Goryokaku Park
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:15 Motomachi Park
    • 14:40 Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse shopping
    • 15:35 Hakodate Morning Market – scouting for going on our own tomorrow
    • 16:00 Board the train to the hotel, tour ends

    What Is a Private Hakodate Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were returning to Japan for their second trip, visiting from North America. On their previous trip they had traveled through western Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. This time their itinerary covered Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, and Hokkaido. As the guests were walking energetically, we decided to walk up the sloping streets toward Motomachi for lunch, rather than taking a taxi as originally considered. Over lunch, much of the conversation centered on Japanese culture and daily customs, and I sensed a genuine desire to learn more about Japanese culture, beyond simple sightseeing. Unfortunately, the former Soma Family Residence, which we had planned to visit, was closed. I had checked the official website several times before going, but it did not state that the site was closed on Tuesdays in June. It was a shame, as the guests had been looking forward to it. When I later checked the Hakodate city tourism site, it stated that the residence would be closed from May onward. I was puzzled as to why this information was not included on the official website. A few other tourists had also come but could not enter and appeared disappointed. The photo was taken at Goryokaku Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassYunokawa Onsen~Hakodate Station600JPY
    Total600JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 11:30 Meet at JR Nara Station
    • ② 11:35 Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Nara
    • ③ 12:00 Stroll around Naramachi (Nigiwai no Ie, Koshindo, etc.)
    • ④ 12:50 Gangoji Temple
    • ⑤ 14:00 Lunch break
    • ⑥ 14:50 Kofukuji Temple grounds・Play with deer at Nara Park
    • ⑦ 15:45 Todaiji Temple
    • ⑧ 17:00 Disband at the taxi stand in front of Todaiji Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting from North America, traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, spending today exploring Nara for a full day, with plans to head to Hiroshima the next day. The central sights such as Todaiji Temple and Nara Park are a little far to walk from the station but too close to justify taking a taxi, and although it was especially hot and humid today, everyone managed to walk cheerfully throughout. We were lucky to come across a baby deer that had been born just two hours earlier, wobbling on its feet in front of the Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji Temple. Compared with Kyoto, Nara can feel a bit more understated culturally, with more discussion of religion such as Buddhism and Shinto, but everyone patiently listened to the explanations.

    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 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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Hotel Start
    • Transfer Railway Harajuku
    • AM 10:40- 11:40 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • Transfer Railway Komagome
    • PM 12:15-12:50 Visit Rikugien Garden
    • Transfer Railway Asakusa
    • PM 13:30-PM 14:10 Visit Sensoji Temple
    • Tour Dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. During the tour I received many questions from the guests, which made for an engaging experience. Despite it being an extremely hot day, the guiding was enjoyable. Since one of the guests wanted to get used to public transportation quickly, I explained the key points about transferring between lines so they could manage on their own, and I deliberately let them take the lead while I followed behind, which I think worked out well. At Sensoji Temple we ran over time, so I explained the main points and concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKinshicho~Harajuku230JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Komagome208JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Ueno167JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Total783JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet up@fav TOKYO RYOGOKU
    • 2. 09:30 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 10:00 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4. 12:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 12:25 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 12:45 Lunch@OSAKA Kitchen.
    • 7. 13:40 Travel∶Train
    • 8. 14:00 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 14:55 Stay@Takeshita Street
    • 10. 15:25 Dismiss@Meiji-jingumae Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Harajuku Walking Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family from South America. Although everyone spoke English, they always conversed in their own language among themselves, so at times it felt difficult to strike up conversation. They seemed interested in Tsukiji, so I guided them there first. One of the guests purchased a kitchen knife, and some of the guests had hearty appetites and enjoyed items such as steamed pork buns and sushi before lunch, so we ended up staying there longer than planned. In Shibuya, I used a restaurant inside Tokyu Plaza for lunch for the first time. Many of the restaurants in Mark City and Shibuya Stream are often crowded, and the ones in Scramble Square tend to be pricey, so I had been looking for other good options, and I found Tokyu Plaza to be a hidden gem. Perhaps because it is on a somewhat higher floor, many restaurants there are relatively empty on weekdays, and I would like to try it again next time. After finishing the tour of Takeshita Street, some of the guests wanted to shop at Nike Harajuku, so we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRyogoku Station~Tsukijishijo Station220JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station~Shibuya Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Total580JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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

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

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

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

  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Tour Itinerary

    • ' 8:20 Meet at Kii-Tanabe Station (buy lunch)
    • 8:37- 10:12 Bus Kii-Tanabe→Hongu Taisha-mae
    • 10:30- 10:45 Bus Hongu Taisha-mae→Hosshinmon-oji
    • 10:50- 13:40 Walk・Lunch Hosshinmon-oji→Oyunohara
    • 13:42: 14:05 Bus Hongu Taisha-mae→Nonaka Ippon-sugi
    • 14:05- 15:55 Walk Nonaka Ippon-sugi bus stop→Nakahechi Museum-mae bus stop
    • 16:10: 17:15 Bus Nakahechi Museum-mae→Kii-Tanabe・Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report While waiting near the station, the guests noticed me first, so we were able to start the tour on an earlier bus than planned. The group was able to walk at a fast pace, so the tour proceeded without much concern about time. They enjoyed the tea fields spread out near the Fushiogami settlement and the expansive distant view of the Kumano River. On this day at Oyunohara, the former site of Hongu Taisha, a commemorative event was held marking the 25th anniversary of the construction of the great torii gate, and we were able to see performances such as taiko drumming. We took the bus to the Nonaka Ippposugi bus stop and visited Nonaka no Shimizu spring and the grove of ippo-sugi cedars. Inside a hollow of one of the ippo-sugi cedars beside the stairs, we discovered a toad. From here we walked in the reverse direction toward Chikatsuyu-oji, but since it was a downhill route from 490 meters to 290 meters above sea level, we reached the bus stop without any concern about time.

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:20 Meet @ Hotel Okura Kobe
    • 2. 13:40 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 15:50 @ Minatogawa Shrine
    • 4. 16:30 @ Kobe Harborland
    • 5. 16:50 Disband @ Hotel Okura Kobe

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Harborland Today's guests were visitors from North America. The tour was originally scheduled to start at 11:00, but the day before, the guests contacted the guide and changed the start time to 14:00. However, on the day itself, while the guide was heading to the meeting point by train, the guests contacted the guide again, and the tour started at 13:20. Today we visited the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Minatogawa Shrine, and Kobe Harborland. It was a hot day, but the guests were delighted with how beautiful the herb garden was. At Minatogawa Shrine, they asked many interesting questions about how to worship at a shrine and about the various deities enshrined there. However, by the time we walked to Harborland, they appeared to be a little tired. The guests had made a reservation in advance at a beef steak restaurant that the guide had recommended. After Harborland, they said they wanted to return to the hotel to shower, change clothes, and then head to the restaurant, so we returned to the hotel afterward and ended the tour. The guests were in good spirits.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Shin-Kobe] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Okurayama] Station120JPY
    Total120JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting In front of Nijo Castle East Gate
    • 09:00 to 10:00 Nijo Castle
    • 10:30 to 11:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:15 to 13:15 Nishiki Market
    • 13:45 to 14:30 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 14:30 to 14:50 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:50 Dismissal  Sagano Bamboo Grove

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and a Bamboo Path Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a trip to Japan celebrating an achievement. They asked quite in-depth questions about Japanese history and culture. My answers were not perfect, but I believe I was able to respond reasonably well. I took them to a new attraction at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the bamboo path. It is not as large as the Sagano bamboo grove, but they were very pleased. They plan to sightsee in Osaka the next day.

    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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
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