Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at the hotel, take a taxi to Toyosu Market
    • 5:30 Watch the tuna auction at Toyosu Market
    • 6:30 Breakfast at a sushi restaurant inside Toyosu Market
    • 7:20 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Tour ends at Tsukiji Outer Market

    Title: What Is a Private Tsukiji Fish Market and Tuna Auction Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan, and they watched the tuna auction with great interest. Unfortunately, right after the Obon holiday period, only about 60% of the usual number of tuna were on offer, so the auction felt quieter than usual. At a sushi restaurant inside the market, the guests enjoyed sushi ordered to their liking, and both of them named chu-toro (medium fatty tuna) and marinated tuna as the most delicious pieces. One of the guests tried sea urchin for the first time and was amazed, saying it "smells like the sea." At the Tsukiji Outer Market, also because it was right after the Obon holiday, about 40% of the shops were closed, so it was a shame that some of the places I had wanted to introduce were shut. Even so, the guests enjoyed sugar-coated candied strawberries and Shine Muscat grapes from a produce shop, and were impressed by how delicious Japanese strawberries and grapes are. In particular, they said the Shine Muscat had a deliciousness not found in the grapes back in their home region. Since one of the guests is involved in work related to cooking, they were interested in Japanese kitchen knives, and at a knife shop they learned how to sharpen a knife and purchased a whetstone. Because it was right after the Obon holiday, I had expected the market to be less crowded, but the volume of tuna handled was lower coming off the break, and some Tsukiji shops that had been open during the busy Obon period were closed the following week. I will keep this in mind when guiding this tour in the future.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShin-Toyosu Station / Toei Bus~Tsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @JR Kamakura Station East Exit
    • 2. 10:05 Travel: Train
    • 3. 10:30 Visit @Hasedera Temple
    • 4. 11:45 Visit @Kotokuin Temple
    • 5. 12:10 Travel: Train
    • 6. 12:30 Break @Starbucks Coffee Kamakura Store
    • 7. 13:00 Visit @Komachi Street, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 8. 14:15 Disband @JR Kamakura Station East Exit

    # What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a very rewarding and enjoyable tour. The guests were visiting from North America. Before the tour, I had learned through email that one of the guests was interested in "The Tale of the Heike," so I prepared in particular to be able to talk about the period around the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate. I had planned to guide the group through the Hase area first and then take them to the area around Kamakura Station in the latter half, but the group responded very positively right from the first stop at Hasedera Temple. Since we had some room in the schedule, I took a little extra time to explain things carefully. As the guests did not stop for a meal during the tour, I decided to include a break at a café before heading to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. There, too, we had a lively conversation about history. I feel a little apologetic in case this may have been somewhat boring for some of the guests. By the time we returned from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, it was just the right time, and we parted ways in front of Kamakura Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Total400JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Hotel Tour Start
    • Travel Bus Hashiba-cho
    • AM 09:30-10:45 Higashi Chaya District walk, visit Shima and Utasu Shrine
    • Travel Bus Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:00 – PM 12:00 Kanazawa Castle Park, visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Travel Walk Via Gyokusen-in and Oyama Shrine, Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 12:30- 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District walk
    • Travel Bus Omicho Market  Tour End

    What's a Private Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although I also try to contact guests via a messaging app, I was worried because I could not reach them until the day itself, but today we met at the hotel without any problem. The registered phone number appeared to be completely incorrect, so please update the contact information if necessary. The guests came from North America and often travel together. They seem to have visited Japan several times, but it was their first time in Kanazawa, and they mentioned that tomorrow they would be staying at a ryokan in Kaga Onsen. Recently, it seems that more guests are staying in Kanazawa and then going on to stay at the hot springs of the Kaga Onsen area. Even in the intense heat, the guests enjoyed the tour itself.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus~Hashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho/Hokutetsu Bus~Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo/Hokutetsu Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market/Hokutetsu Bus210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsaibashi Daimaru

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsaibashi Daimaru

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Ritz-Carlton Osaka
    • 09:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 10:45 @ Shinsekai
    • 11:15 @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru (Pokémon Center)
    • 11:45 Disband @ Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Kyoto Family Tour Like With a Government-Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia, traveling with a nanny and using a stroller, though we were able to move around smoothly. On this occasion, the destinations had been chosen in advance by one of the guests, and it seemed that the others were not very familiar with the details and did not appear especially interested in each spot. One of the group did not seem to be feeling well, possibly due to the heat, and appeared to be pushing themselves a little, which was slightly concerning. We visited the planned spots at a fairly quick pace. As the guests wanted to have lunch, the tour ended a little earlier than scheduled. I am also scheduled to guide the same guests on a 4-hour Osaka tour tomorrow. Note) On this occasion, the guests had arranged a private vehicle themselves, but as a guide I sensed the possibility that an unlicensed taxi ("white taxi") was being used. I reported this matter to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and they clearly explained and communicated with the guests about the guest-arranged vehicle. In particular, on this occasion the private vehicle was full with the guests, so I needed to use a separate vehicle (a taxi). I confirmed the details of the vehicle and driver several times. Although I had been told through the local agency that the driver was a properly licensed professional Japanese driver, I suspect that in reality the driver was not, and their knowledge of local geography and Japanese conversation seemed still insufficient. The vehicle's license plate was "green," but according to the taxi driver I used, it was in fact an unlicensed "white taxi."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherRitz-Carlton Osaka~Osaka Castle2,200JPY
    Section 2OtherOsaka Castle~Shinsekai2,600JPY
    Section 3OtherShinsekai~Shinsaibashi Daimaru1,500JPY
    Total6,300JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Osaka Meeting point
    • 9:50-11:30 Osaka Castle
    • 12:00 Dismissal at Grand Front Osaka

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour Like for Family Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group who had arrived from Oceania and reached Tokyo the day before. After a long journey and facing the opposite season with extreme heat, the group seemed quite tired, and I was concerned about heatstroke. For this reason, I set a very slow pace, taking rest breaks as we made our way to Osaka Castle. Inside Osaka Castle the air conditioning was working well, so the guests regained a little energy, and we were able to take our time looking around all the floors. Afterwards, we had planned to visit the Umeda Sky Building, but by the time we reached Grand Front Osaka it was already midday, and since the guests expressed a wish to have lunch, we concluded the tour here.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2OtherBabacho~Hokoku Shrine-mae300JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Higashi-Umeda240JPY
    Total780JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel Meet
    • 08:30 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:30 Disband in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan for the first time from Oceania. Since the seasons are reversed there, they were surprised by the midsummer heat, but they took part cheerfully and with big smiles. Along the way, we talked about global warming and wildfires, sharing our thoughts about the environment. At Itsukushima Shrine, they tried drawing omikuji fortunes for the first time, and by coincidence both drew "kyo" (bad luck). When I explained that this is a message from the gods urging caution, they felt reassured, and together they happily tied the slips to the rack while praying for good fortune.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori (Hiroshima Prefecture)~Miyajimaguchi Port240JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Port~In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the Hilton
    • 8:43-10:05 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:10-12:00 Miyajima sightseeing
    • 12:10-13:00 Travel to Hiroshima Station
    • 13:00 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. On the day of the tour, some of the guests were pursuing a separate activity, attempting to climb Mount Fuji. The guests had a strong desire to learn about Japan and listened with great interest to a wide range of stories. At Miyajima, the tide was out, so it was possible to walk close to the torii gate, and the guests were able to touch the torii directly, appearing very satisfied with the scenery. After visiting Itsukushima Shrine and being taken to Daisho-in Temple, the guests enjoyed matcha at a cafe with a lovely view, and purchased Miyajima woodcraft products along the main approach. Despite the heat, they enjoyed the sightseeing brightly and energetically.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakaramachi Kita/Hiroshima Bus~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Omicho Market & Kenrokuen-shita by loop bus

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Omicho Market & Kenrokuen-shita by loop bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Kanazawa Soshi where the customer is staying,
    • Visit Omicho Market, and at the customer's request, eat 2 plates of their preferred toppings at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant
    • 10:10 Omicho Market → Head to Ninja Temple by route bus
    • 11:00 Visit Ninja Temple
    • 11:45 Head to Higashi Chaya District by route bus
    • 12: 00 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District
    • 12:45 Head to Kenrokuen-shita by loop bus
    • 13:00 Experience making Japanese sweets on the 3rd floor of the Ishikawa Prefectural Products Center located at Kenrokuen-shita
    • 13:30 Finish the Japanese sweets experience, end of tour, tell the customer recommended lunch spots and end the tour

    What Can You Do on a Private Kanazawa Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had already explored Kanazawa on their own, spending a half day and a full day sightseeing before this tour. On this third day, at the guests' request, we revisited Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya District, toured the Ninja Temple, and enjoyed a Japanese sweets (wagashi) making experience at the Ishikawa Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall. One of the guests especially enjoys hands-on experiences, so following a gold leaf experience the previous day, the wagashi making experience today was a great hit. Another of the guests enjoyed the historical explanations and the tour of the Ninja Temple. Since arriving in Japan, one of the guests had become a fan of Japanese fried chicken (karaage), so we bought some karaage at Omicho Market. At the start of the tour, while enjoying two plates of sushi at a sushi restaurant, the guests also had the karaage. After the tour, I recommended a popular karaage shop seasoned with Ono soy sauce, located on the teahouse street just outside Kenrokuen Garden, for the guests to have lunch, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassMusashigatsuji~Hirokoji800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel meet-up
    • 10:45-11:30 Travel to Miyajima
    • 11:30-14:00 Miyajima sightseeing
    • 14:15-15:00 Travel to Hiroshima Station
    • 15:00 Disband

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. I took them to Miyajima, where the tide was high at the time, offering the scenic view of the Great Torii gate appearing to float on the sea. The group seemed to really enjoy Miyajima, and their stay there ended up being longer than planned. The day was clear and the temperature was high, but the guests stayed well hydrated and enjoyed sightseeing without any issues. We also had a lively conversation about cricket and soccer. For lunch, instead of going to a restaurant, everyone chose their favorites from the food stalls, and each of them was satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 to 11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 11:40 to 12:15 Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 12:30 to 13:20 Lunch at Arashiyama area
    • 14:10 to 15:00 Kinkaku-ji

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Asia. As most guests do during the hot season, they mentioned that touring every day in the heat had left them tired and feeling under the weather. Many guests start in Tokyo and travel through Hakone, Kanazawa, and Takayama before arriving in Kyoto, and it seems that fatigue often reaches its peak around Kyoto. This group said much the same, and although they plan to visit the Osaka Expo tomorrow, they mentioned they wished they could have a full day to relax at the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba (Subway)~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Kyoto580JPY
    Section 3BusKyoto~Nijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Nijo220JPY
    Section 5TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 7BusKitano-Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 8TrainEnmachi~Osaka840JPY
    Section 9SubwayUmeda (Subway)~Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Total3,030JPY

    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
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…