Category: Uncategorized

  • Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

    Aichi in Half a Day: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Pick up at Norwegian Spirit exit
    • 10:00 Nagoya Castle
    • 12:00 Sakae, Oasis 21 sightseeing
    • 13:30 Osu sightseeing, shopping
    • 15:00 Norwegian Spirit

    What Is a Nagoya Private Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu On a standard Nagoya tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we visited Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu. Under the blazing sun, our walking pace gradually slowed and we took many rest breaks. As usual, the guests were amazed by the lavish and splendid Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle. I explained the history of Nagoya Castle: after Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo shogunate, he ordered the feudal lords of the western and northern provinces to build the castle. Construction began in 1610 (Keicho 15), and for about 260 years it served as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family. Nagoya Castle is a site associated with two great warlords, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Nagoya Castle developed from Nagono Castle, which Oda Nobunaga used as his residence in his childhood.

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

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    Jul 18, 2025
    Lisa_M
    Nagoya is a Treasure
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Yoko gave us a wonderful tour…

    Jun 17, 2025
    Daniel_R
    Nagoya Tour from Cruise Port
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    If you are on a…

  • Mie in One Day: JR Iseshi Station & Get on bus at Naikumae

    Mie in One Day: JR Iseshi Station & Get on bus at Naikumae

    Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at JR Iseshi Station
    • 10:20 Depart from JR Iseshi Station
    • 10:28 Arrive at JR Futamiura Station
    • 10:45–11:30 Visit Futamiokitama Shrine & Meoto Iwa
    • 11:46 Depart from JR Futamiura Station JR
    • 11:54 Arrive at JR Iseshi Station
    • 12:05–12:50 Visit Ise Jingu (Geku)
    • 13:02 Get on bus at Gekumae
    • 13:25 Arrive at Naikumae bus stop
    • 13:30–15:00 Lunch & shopping at Okage Yokocho
    • 15:00–15:50 Visit Ise Jingu (Naiku)
    • 16:00 Get on bus at Naikumae
    • 16:19 Arrive at Iseshi Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Ise Jingu and Okage Yokocho Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The plan was to meet near Iseshi Station after breakfast, but I became concerned that finding a place for breakfast might be difficult, so I contacted the guests. They mentioned that shipping their luggage had not gone smoothly and that they wanted to store it, so we met on the station platform and I guided them to a coin locker and a recommended spot for breakfast. They were very pleased, and it made for a great start. We also viewed the Hinjitsukan, which we had skipped, from the seaside. The timing for explaining places such as Futami was tricky, and since they were enjoying themselves, we ended up spending more time than expected, so I felt bad that we had to hurry a bit to get back to the station. At the Outer Shrine we visited only the main sanctuary, but after lunch at Okage Yokocho we moved to the Inner Shrine, where I was able to introduce not only the main sanctuary but also Takimatsuri-no-miya and Kazahinomi-no-miya. Since the guests seemed to enjoy trying various local foods at Okage Yokocho, after the visit we returned again and they enjoyed strolling, sampling street food, and shopping. Due to the Obon holiday, the bus from the Inner Shrine was delayed and the roads were congested, but once aboard they were able to sit down, so it did not seem to be much of a problem.

    Click here for more details: Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIseshi～Futamiura210JPY
    Section 2TrainFutamiura～Iseshi210JPY
    Section 3BusGekumae／Mie Kotsu～Naikumae／Mie Kotsu520JPY
    Section 4BusNaikumae／Mie Kotsu～Gekumae／Mie Kotsu520JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    I am a government licensed interpreter-guide who began my career in Kyoto, guiding tailored tours for individual and luxury FIT travelers.
    Before becoming a guide, I worked as an Okami (service manager) at luxury Ryokan(Japanese inn), where I learned how important it is to anticipate guests’ needs and respond flexibly in every situation.
    Now based in my hometown Mie, I would love to introduce you to experiences that are deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and nature
    —such as visiting the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, learning about the traditions of the Ama (female free divers), and enjoying local cuisine including Matsusaka beef and fresh seafood.
    I also have professional experience guiding cycling tours in Kyoto.
    This allows me to support experiences such as cycling and hiking with careful attention to safety, comfort, and pace, especially for guests who prefer a relaxed and well-balanced journey.
    While Mie is my home base, I am also happy to guide you in Kyoto and the wider Kansai area, adapting each tour to your interests, physical level, and travel style.
    More than simply guiding, I want to be a bridge between you and the local people.
    Through warm encounters and thoughtful hospitality, I hope to help you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and truly memorable.

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    Aug 7, 2026
    emielr398
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu Shrine Half-Day Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    A wonderful and insightful visit to Ise Jingu
    We had an…

    Apr 21, 2026
    Mary_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuka was exceptional. She…
    Yuka was exceptional. She guided us through the…

    Aug 27, 2025
    Fearless58228791378
    What truly makes the difference: more than a guide, a sincere friend!
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour…

    Jun 26, 2025
    MiguelP430
    Una de las visitas más interesantes en nuestro viaje a Japon
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet 10:00 @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • 2. Move to Tokugawaen and view the Tokugawa Art Museum and Tokugawaen 10:00-12:40・・From Nagoya Port take the subway to Sakae Station, from Sakae Station take the Meitetsu Seto Line and walk to Tokugawaen
    • 3. Pass around the outer perimeter of Nagoya Castle to Atsuta Shrine and view inside the shrine 12:40-14:20・・From Tokugawaen take a taxi to Sakae, from Sakae Station take the subway and walk to the shrine
    • 4. Move to Nagoya Port Garden Pier and disband 15:00

    What Is a Private Nagoya Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokugawa Garden, and Atsuta Shrine The guests were a group visiting from Europe. For the itinerary, it had been agreed in advance that we would visit Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and the Shikemichi district. However, on the morning of the tour, the guests requested a change: since they planned to visit Himeji Castle the following day, they wished to remove Nagoya Castle from the itinerary and instead see Atsuta Shrine and the Tokugawa Art Museum. I quickly reorganized the plan, changing the route to the Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokugawa Garden, and Atsuta Shrine. When I explained that Nagoya Castle is one of Japan's three great castles, the guests requested to take a photo of the exterior of the castle keep along the way. After informing the guests that this would extend the tour time beyond the original schedule, I arranged the route as requested, and with the cooperation of the taxi driver, the guests were very pleased. Although it was a hot day, the guests were fully satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Port～Sakae (Aichi Prefecture)270JPY
    Section 2TrainSakae (Aichi Prefecture)～Morishita (Aichi Prefecture)250JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakae (Aichi Prefecture)～Atsuta Jingu Nishi240JPY
    Section 4SubwayAtsuta Jingu Nishi～Nagoya Port270JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

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    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Nagoya Port 1000→1100 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology 1230→1300 Nagoya Castle 1400→1420 Osu Shopping District 1450→1530 Nagoya Port

    What Can You See on a Private Nagoya Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, the Toyota Museum, and Osu Shopping Street The guests were a group visiting from Europe. When I asked about their wishes at the meeting point, they mentioned that in addition to Nagoya Castle, they very much wanted to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and that they wanted to have lunch at a casual, local restaurant in Nagoya, so we also decided to go to Osu Shopping Street. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, they wanted to take their time viewing the Automobile Pavilion carefully, so we devoted plenty of time to the visit. At Nagoya Castle, we focused on the interior of the Hommaru Palace while avoiding the heat. They were delighted with the special photo spot I introduced. At Osu Shopping Street, they enjoyed Nagoya specialty dishes such as a fried shrimp set meal and an eel rice bowl at an eatery frequented by local residents, and they were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Port～Nagoya270JPY
    Section 2BusNagoya Station / Nagoya City Bus～Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology / Nagoya City Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusToyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology / Nagoya City Bus～Nagoya Castle / Nagoya City Bus210JPY
    Section 4SubwayNagoya Castle～Kamimaezu210JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamimaezu～Nagoya Port270JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

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    Aug 7, 2026
    D1494MYdanielleg
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    One day walking tour in Tokyo
    Yoshi was great!…

    Aug 6, 2026
    dg89
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Private Führung in Kyoto
    Die Tour mit Yoshi war…

    Aug 3, 2026
    PaulaLondon2017
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A customized tour with guide around Kyoto
    We had…

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sapporo TV Tower & JR Tower Observation Floor

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Sapporo TV Tower & JR Tower Observation Floor

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Sapporo TV Tower
    • 9:15 Nijo Market
    • 9:30 Tanukikoji
    • 9:50 Odori Park
    • 10:20 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 11:05 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick)
    • 12:05 JR Tower Observation Floor
    • 13:00 Dismissal @ Subway Sapporo Station

    What's a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was someone who had previously lived in Japan for a long time, including in Tokyo, and was very familiar with the country. This was their first time visiting Sapporo, and they were planning to travel around the area over several days. Since this was the first day, they asked me many questions, intending to gather information for their upcoming tours. For my part, I made sure to explain plenty of information about Sapporo and Hokkaido. I felt they listened attentively. As someone well acquainted with Japan, the conversation flowed very smoothly, and the four hours seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.

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

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

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    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet (@Kyoto Station)
    • 13:05-13:10 Move (JR; Kyoto→Inari)
    • 13:10-14:10 Fushimi Inari visit
    • 14:10-15:20 Move (Keihan Railway; Fushimi Inari→Gion-Shijo, City Bus; Shijo-Keihan-mae→Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 15:20-16:00 Kinkakuji visit
    • 16:00-17:00 Move (City Bus; Kinkakuji-michi→Gion-Shijo, Keihan Railway; Gion-Shijo→Demachiyanagi)
    • We parted with the customers at Demachiyanagi. The customers headed to Takaragaike on the Eizan Electric Railway.
    • (They had reserved a ninja/weapon-making experience at 18:30- Studio Nin / Takaragaike)

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Cruise Passengers from Osaka Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were cruise passengers arriving via Osaka Port, and we met at Kyoto Station. I took them to Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji. Since they had a reservation at a studio in the Takaragaike area at 18:30, I guided them from Kinkaku-ji to Demachiyanagi, saw them off at the ticket gate of the Eizan Railway, explained which train to take and where to get off, and said goodbye. One of the guests had difficulty walking and seemed to be struggling a little in the heat, so I made sure we took a short rest at the rest area in Fushimi Inari. This made the schedule afterward a little tight, but we were able to finish the tour within the planned time, and I believe the guests were able to reach their next appointment venue with about 30 minutes to spare. It was a shame that we could only visit two locations due to the long travel times.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 3BusShijo-Keihan-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Shijo-Keihan / Keihan Bus230JPY
    Section 5TrainGion-Shijo～Demachiyanagi230JPY
    Total1,060JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibamata Taishakuten & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Premier Tokyo Schole
    • 11:00 Shibamata Taishakuten > Dango Shop
    • 13:00 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 14:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:50 Disband in front of Harajuku Takeshita Street

    What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Temples and Shrines Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was a very hot day with strong sunshine, so the tour was conducted with frequent rest breaks. The guests each had their own parasols, and we paid close attention to staying hydrated. At Shibamata Taishakuten, we viewed the carvings of the main hall and then the garden, but the sunlight was intense, so the atmosphere was not at its best. Here the guests purchased a goshuincho (stamp book), and from then on they received goshuin stamps at the places we visited. Ueno Park was also very hot, but the guests showed great interest in the old temples and shrines. At Meiji Shrine there was plenty of shade where we could take a breather, though the area in front of the main hall was again very hot. I guided them while taking breaks at rest areas, but at Harajuku's Takeshita Street they had a strong wish to explore on their own, so I concluded my guidance at the entrance.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOshiage～Shibamata200JPY
    Section 2TrainShibamata～Keisei Ueno280JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto　➡　Walk to Sanjusangendo (8:50~9:30)　➡　Take the Keihan Railway to Fushimi Inari Taisha (10:00~10:50)　➡　Take a taxi to Kiyomizu-zaka, light meal here (11:20-11:40)　➡　Walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (11:50~12:30)　➡　Take a taxi to Gion, explain Gion, then disband (12:50)

    What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although it was a very hot day, the guests walked well and made a great effort throughout. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the guests left a wallet behind at a souvenir shop, and after a big search we were relieved to find that it had been turned in to the lost-and-found office at Fushimi Inari Taisha. The guests wanted to have shaved ice, so we took a break on Kiyomizu-zaka. In Gion, I guided them to a ramen restaurant and we parted ways there. Note: I was unable to enter the transportation cost. It was 170 yen from Shichijo Station (Keihan Line) to Fushimi Inari Station (Keihan Line).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Total170JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Imado Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Imado Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:50　Meet up @ Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
    • 08:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 09:50　Imperial Palace
    • 10:40　Tsukiji Market
    • 11:20　Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 12:30　Sensoji Temple
    • 13:20　Imado Shrine
    • 14:20　Dismissal @ Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and came from Europe. After sightseeing in Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, and other areas, they planned to return home due to their schedule, without visiting Kyoto or other destinations. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Tsukiji, they toured the retail market of the Tsukiji fish district and enjoyed a sushi lunch. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. At Imado Shrine, said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat), the guests, who love cats, enjoyed taking photos of the cat statues on the shrine grounds. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Higashi-Shinjuku320JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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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    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
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  • 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

    August, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 11:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 12:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:30 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 15:15 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Himeji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Himeji Castle, Koko-en, and Sake Tasting The guests were from North America. Although the pace was slower, the tour proceeded smoothly overall. Both at Koko-en Garden and at Himeji Castle, the guests listened attentively to my explanations. At Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed a sake tasting and purchased some souvenirs. After the tour, they were scheduled to board a cruise ship at Osaka Port. They had already obtained Shinkansen tickets from Himeji to Shin-Osaka, but wished to change to an earlier train, so I assisted them with the process at the ticket counter inside Himeji Station. They also mentioned wanting to have a light snack on the train, so I recommended "Gozasoro" (a Himeji specialty similar to a filled pancake). As usual, I presented a handmade drawstring pouch, and they told me it was "the best souvenir from Japan so far."

    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

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    Sep 27, 2026
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