Category: Uncategorized

  • Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Port 10:00 – Sunpu Park 11:30 – Yume Terrace 12:30 – Miho no Matsubara 13:30 – Port 14:00

    Can You Do a Private Shizuoka Day Tour to See Mount Fuji? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the group visiting from North America at the port. Since it was uncertain whether Mount Fuji would be visible, we first headed to Sunpu Park. As one of the guests had some difficulty walking, we chose the park because it was mostly flat and easy to walk around. We toured slowly while I explained the statue of Ieyasu, the waterways, and other features. They listened attentively to stories about the ongoing excavation survey and the fact that the moat dates back more than 200 years. One of the guests interpreted for the others in Spanish. Then, as the sky began to clear, we went to the Yume Terrace almost as if praying. Mount Fuji happily showed its face, and I truly felt glad we had come. They took many photos. We then decided to visit Miho no Matsubara as well, and one of the guests managed to make it up to the Hagoromo Pine. There, with the sea right before us, they said it was more than enough and we headed back. I was relieved to be thanked many times in Spanish. It was a little early, but since they still had many days ahead of them, we decided to wrap up for the day and said our goodbyes at the port.

    Click here for more details: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Acchan

    I have been teaching high school students for 40 years as an English teacher and guiding for 10years including a volunteer guide .Now I am a national government licensed guide. I have been dreaming to introduce Japanese culture including tasty Japanese food and history , our society and also some problems in it. It is a great moment of joy and excitement to be with you from all over the world. I love traveling around Japan and abroad myself. I visited East Germany ,too that does not exist any more. I am looking forward to guiding you in and around Shizuoka!

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    Jul 26, 2026
    Edward_H
    Viator review: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide
    The only way to tour if…
    The only way to…

    Jun 30, 2026
    Louisa_B
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    My Fuji Experience and temple visit
    Great trip out…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Bret_F
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Great Shizuoka Area Experience
    We enjoyed a memorable day…

    Mar 27, 2026
    James_M
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Loved are guide.
    Great tour guide. We loved her…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Katsuura Station & Iseki Police Box

    Wakayama in One Day: Kii-Katsuura Station & Iseki Police Box

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ’ 7:00 Meet at Katsuura "Nigiwai Market"
    • 7:05- 7:20 Watch tuna auction
    • 7:30- 7:49 Kii-Katsuura Station → Daimonzaka Bus Stop / Bus
    • 7:50- 9:20 Daimonzaka → Nachi Falls / Walk
    • 9:20-10:40 Nachi Falls → Three-story Pagoda / Walk
    • 11:00-12:10 Seigantoji Temple・Nachi Taisha Shrine → Nachisan Bus Stop / Walk
    • 12:27-12:36 Nachisan → Ichinono Elementary School / Bus
    • 12:40-13:00 Ichinono Oji Ruins・Lunch → Flood Victims Memorial / Walk
    • 14:08-14:23 Iseki Police Box → Kii-Katsuura Station / Bus
    • 14:50-15:40 Bentenjima・Ojaura Coast / Walk
    • 15:40 Dismissal・In front of hotel

    What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls Walking Tour Like from Katsuura? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was set at the tuna monument at the "Nigiwai Market" in Katsuura Port, and we were able to meet up smoothly. We immediately watched the tuna auction, but I was shocked by how small the catch was that day (perhaps just one boat's worth). After buying bento boxes, we took a bus toward the Nachi area. Passing Daimon-zaka, Nachi Falls, and the three-storied pagoda, we headed to Seiganto-ji Temple and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. We descended the steps and took a bus from the Nachisan bus stop, the final stop on the route. We got off in front of Ichinono Elementary School and had lunch at the Ichinono Oji site. Since this Oji site preserves the remains of a unique stone-built rice storehouse, we visited it. Walking along the old road, we visited a monument to the victims of the great flood disaster of 2011, and I shared the tragedy of the former town mayor's family who lost their lives on the eve of a wedding. After arriving at Kii-Katsuura Station, we walked along Ojaura Coast, the open sea side of Katsuura. Nachi Falls could be seen in the distance beyond Benten Island. The guests enjoyed the spectacular coastal scenery, a remnant of volcanic activity. We parted ways in front of the Hotel. (By request, there are no photos of the guests.)

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hira

    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!

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    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,…

  • Kyoto: Hilton Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto: Hilton Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hilton Kyoto
    • 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Lunch, Shopping
    • 14:30 Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
    • 15:00 Kyomai (Kyoto Dance)
    • 15:45 Nishiki Market
    • 16:30 Hilton Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sannenzaka, and Gion In the car, I introduced the day's plans, introduced the driver, and shared some Japanese history. The guests were a very pleasant group. They listened attentively to my explanations, and at Fushimi Inari Taisha I introduced the Senbon Torii and the Negai-no-Matsu pine. Everyone enjoyed passing under the pine and praying. We arrived at Sannenzaka early and had udon for lunch, where I explained how to eat udon. They seemed to enjoy matcha sweets and shopping. Since it was a hot day, we entered the Gion Hanamachi Art Museum early, where I explained about kimono and hair ornaments, and they watched Kyomai dance from the front row. At Nishiki Market they had some sweets, and since some of the guests were interested in second-hand shops, part of the group separated while others enjoyed looking at character goods at a drugstore. In the end, we were able to return together to the Hotel within the scheduled time.

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

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Osaka in One Day: Danjo Garan & Okunoin

    Osaka in One Day: Danjo Garan & Okunoin

    Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:10 Meet up @ Osaka Cruise Terminal
    • 11:01 Danjo Garan
    • 11:44 Lunch
    • 12:29 Kongobuji Temple
    • 13:09 Okunoin
    • 17:10 Disband @ Osaka Cruise Terminal

    What Is a Private Day Tour Near a Cruise Port in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. Initially the plan was for a larger group, but some of the guests chose not to join, so I guided the group who came along. They had requested an 8:30 start, but since there was no suitable train, we began at 8:10 instead. Because their cruise ship was departing that evening, they wished to return by 5:00 at the latest, so I adjusted the itinerary accordingly. The guests were very curious about many things, including traveling by train and bus, and enjoyed themselves throughout. They also frequently took photos of the atmospheric scenery, and everyone in the group had a wonderful time.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Port～Osaka Port3,700JPY
    Total3,700JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 at Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 10:45 at Himeji Castle
    • 13:00 at Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:00 Disband at Food Court inside JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour proceeded at a somewhat relaxed pace with several breaks, to match the pace of one member of the group. One of the guests had studied a great deal about Japan in preparation for this trip and spoke a little Japanese. The group was very pleased with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, our first stop. Inside Himeji Castle, they also listened very attentively to the guide's explanations. At first they were unable to spot the little egret that is the origin of Himeji Castle's alternative name, "White Egret Castle" — a rare sight said to bring good fortune for the year to those who see it — but they were delighted to see it on the way back. Here I presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch, which was very well received and used right away with much gratitude. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, the group enjoyed the sake tasting they had been looking forward to and purchased sake as a souvenir. Some of the guests enjoyed non-alcoholic "amazake." After the tour, the group planned to head to Okayama and asked about food options, so I guided them to the food court inside Himeji Station, where we parted ways. Later, I received a message through a messaging app saying they had thoroughly enjoyed the Himeji specialties I had recommended, such as "ekisoba," "Akashi-style takoyaki," and "Himeji oden." They also commented that they would love to visit Japan again and request a guide in Himeji or Kobe. Once again, the guests were a truly warm and likable group.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Azumabashi

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Azumabashi

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at the guesthouse in Nakazato, Kita-ku
    • 11:35 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:35 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 13:30 Buy snacks at the Hotel convenience store
    • 13:40 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:15 Akihabara
    • 15:50 Kappabashi Shopping Street
    • 16:20 Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 17:00 Asakusa Azumabashi

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa There were occasional light showers, but no umbrella was needed, and in the latter half the sunshine grew strong and it became hot and humid. I picked up the guests at their accommodation and started the private tour at Meiji Shrine. The guests asked many questions about religion and history. There were two questions I could not answer (why the gate is called a "torii," and why the chrysanthemum is used as the crest of the Imperial family). On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the guests bought tapioca drinks. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we also talked a great deal about the history of Edo Castle. The irises were very beautiful, and the guests took photos of them. We passed through Akihabara from south to north, and at Kappabashi the guests scouted out kitchen knives and tableware to purchase. From Kaminarimon in Asakusa I guided them to Asakusa Shrine, and since they had a 6:00 reservation at the Tokyo Skytree, we finished by taking photos of the Skytree from Azumabashi Bridge to end the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKomagome～Harajuku208JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 3TrainTakebashi～Akihabara0JPY
    Section 4TrainSuehirocho～Tawaramachi0JPY
    Total908JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Hotel Tokyo (5 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meeting point
    • 0920 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 1040 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1140 Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1250 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1315 Disband in front of Starbucks

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who had arrived two days earlier. The day before, they had joined a food tour around the Shinjuku area, including its narrow alleyway districts. Today was their first time riding the train, and since they planned to sightsee on their own for the following days, they wanted to learn how to use public transportation. After that, they would travel to various places by cruise ship. I handed them a subway route map and a JR route map (which I had made myself) and explained how to read the line colors and the symbol markings (alphabet letters). I then gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained possible destinations for the coming days and how to get there. Since today was a 4-hour tour, we could not visit many places, so I planned an itinerary covering the representative sites of the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. Koishikawa Korakuen, which I added in between, had rabbit-ear irises in full bloom, and the guests were delighted. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony, which also made for a wonderful experience. Originally, we were scheduled to part ways at Takeshita Street, but the guests wanted to go to Shibuya, so I guided them to the entrance of Takeshita Street, which they said they would visit separately, and then took them to Shibuya. After crossing the scramble intersection, since they wished to do some shopping, we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Iidabashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi – Kasuga～Otemachi220JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total795JPY

    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

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    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…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 When I called Hotel Gracery Asakusa to report our arrival, it was discovered that the guest was staying at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 10:41 Arrived at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, meet
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 @cosme
    • 11:50 Takeshita Street
    • 12:00 Shibuya
    • 12:30 Ginza, lunch
    • 13:50 Tokyo Station
    • 15:00 Hotel

    **Title:** What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like for a First-Time Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** At 9:44, I contacted the guest to say I had arrived at the Hotel, only to discover that the guest was actually staying at a different Hotel, so I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and headed there instead. It turned out that the contracted travel agency had registered the wrong location, and [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) advised that a free one-hour extension could be offered if the guest wished, so the tour ran until 15:00. The guest was visiting from Oceania, on their second trip abroad and apparently traveling alone for the first time. I had tried to make contact several times beforehand but received no reply, so I did not have a clear sense of their preferences. We visited Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Ginza, but the guest seemed worn out by the crowds, and the ramen we had for lunch was not quite to their taste. The guest planned to travel alone to Osaka by shinkansen the following day, but being tired from the crowds, not having researched the trip much in advance, and not being used to traveling, the more we talked about how to take the shinkansen, the more anxious they looked. We wrapped up the sightseeing in Ginza, and at the ramen shop I wrote out a step-by-step note covering everything from leaving the Hotel to boarding the shinkansen. We then decided to do a practice run following those steps, taking the JR line from Yurakucho. Pretending it was the Chuo Line from Shinjuku, we made our way from the platform toward the Tokaido Shinkansen, checked which track it departed from, and practiced looking for the car numbers on the platform. The guest finally seemed relieved and broke into a smile. They expressed no dissatisfaction whatsoever about the one-hour delay to the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKuramae～Shinjuku West Exit272JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Ginza209JPY
    Section 5TrainYurakucho～Tokyo146JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo～Shinjuku208JPY
    Total1,127JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi, I’m Sam.
    I am happy to welcome you all to Japan.

    Since I was a child, my parents welcomed many international students into our home and I had many opportunities to interact with them. My mother is a translator, and I have always seen her guiding foreigners around Japan, so it was natural for me to start doing the same.

    I am good at guiding people to popular places such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, as well as photogenic spots in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Since I was a child, I’ve watched anime like Pokémon and played Nintendo games, and I still buy around 100 manga comic books a month. I love shopping in Akihabara! I currently live in Urayasu City, Chiba, so close that I can see fireworks from Disneyland from my house every night.

    Please feel free to ask me anything!

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    Jul 10, 2026
    Brooke_J
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo History Modernized!
    This tour was a wonderful experience.…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Catherine_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    We had a wonderful time with Sam, who took our…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Elena_Q
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun visit to Tokyo!
    Wonderful customized tour of Tokyo with Sam. She…

    May 12, 2026
    Leonard B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience with a very knowledgeable friendly guide.
    We had an…

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

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

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:40　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:10　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:50　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Zushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10　Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 15:00　Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 16:30　Dismissal @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone and Kyoto. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples, and appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. They also purchased many omamori charms as souvenirs. For lunch, they enjoyed sushi. At the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At the East Gardens, they enjoyed the fully bloomed Japanese irises. I responded to all of the guests' requests, so I believe they were satisfied. This private full-day tour of Tokyo was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOnarimon～Meguro900JPY
    Section 2TrainMeguro～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayOtemachi～Onarimon0JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet @ Marufukuro
    • Transport: Keihan Electric Railway
    • 7:50-8:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • Transport: Taxi
    • 9:00- 10:00　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • Stroll: Sannenzaka → Hokan-ji Temple → Yasaka Koshindo → Yasui Konpiragu Shrine → Hanamikoji Street
    • 11:00～　Transport: Taxi
    • 11:30‐12:20　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Stroll
    • 12:20　Disband @ JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Arashiyama Before we met, the guests had sent me a photo of themselves, so I immediately recognized who they were. The guests had said they had dreamed of visiting Japan for decades and were especially interested in Japanese anime; the photo they sent even had an anime character in the background. They had been staying in Tokyo before this, but said they had never been to a shrine, so they listened attentively as I explained how to purify your hands and how to worship at a shrine. They also seemed interested in omikuji fortunes and omamori charms, which they purchased. Since it was early morning with few people around, they enjoyed taking photos at the Senbon Torii and trying the Omokaru-ishi stone. Originally the plan was to cover Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Tenryu-ji, and the bamboo grove in six hours, so I asked in advance to take a taxi to the next destination, which they agreed to. They were moved by the scenery at Kiyomizu-dera and looked closely at the Buddhist statues inside the main hall. Coming out of Kiyomizu-dera, the guests said, "We've seen enough temples, so we won't go to Tenryu-ji," so they took their time shopping along Kiyomizu-zaka. After walking down Sannen-zaka, I asked whether they would like to continue shopping via Ninen-zaka, or, if they had had enough, go to see the five-story pagoda at Hokan-ji. They said they had shopped enough and did not need to pass through Ninen-zaka, so we decided to go via Hokan-ji and Yasaka Koshin-do. I introduced the interesting way of worshipping at Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine, and we strolled along Hanamikoji. Along the way we passed a geisha without makeup, and I told them, "That's a rare experience." We then took a taxi to Arashiyama. Although I had asked the taxi driver to go to "Torokko Arashiyama Station," there was a misunderstanding and we ended up at "Torokko Saga Station," so we had no choice but to walk to Nagatsuji-dori and enter the bamboo grove from there. I had thought we would walk all the way to Okochi Sanso, but one of the guests looked at the uphill path and said, "That's enough," and expressed a wish to have lunch on the way back to the hotel, so I saw them off at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station and we parted ways. Perhaps the sudden humidity that day had tired them out. As it will get hotter from now on, I was reminded once again that I must focus on carrying out tours while keeping a close eye on the guests' condition.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Total170JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…