Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Nezu Museum & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Nezu Museum & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 10:00 Nezu Museum
    • 12:00 Shibuya Mega Don Quijote
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Tokinotoki, Hikarie
    • 14:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:30 Nakano Sun Mall, Broadway
    • 17:30 Dismissal @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a family group visiting from North America, on a private car tour of Tokyo arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). The guests were very friendly and pleasant to be with. Although it rained that day, it was not much of a problem since it was a tour with a car. The Nezu Museum, which the guests had chosen, seemed to require a reservation, so I suggested in advance that they book ahead. At 10:00 in the morning the line was not very long, but reserving allowed for smoother entry, which worked out well. One of the guests was studying Japanese and Chinese and showed great interest. The building is refined and not too large, and it also has a Japanese garden, so it was a good choice. Afterward I took the guests to the large Don Quijote in Shibuya, where they enjoyed shopping. For lunch I brought them to Hikarie, where they chose a restaurant and enjoyed Japanese cuisine. At Meiji Shrine we entered from the front and had the driver wait at the north parking area, which allowed us to move smoothly. Since it was raining, I considered an alternative to Hamarikyu, and because the guests liked arcades, we went to Nakano, where they enjoyed a different side of Japanese streets and shopping arcades. They bought taiyaki and a hat. On the way back, we drove through Shinjuku to see the Godzilla Head, then passed through Jimbocho and Akihabara, enjoying the drive before returning to the hotel. On arrival at Haneda the previous day, the hired car they had reserved apparently failed to show up, causing some trouble, but today they said everyone was happy, and we parted with a hug at the end.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Aug 16, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    A lovely trip
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely introductory tour…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

  • Hyogo in One Day: main hall & castle keep

    Hyogo in One Day: main hall & castle keep

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50　Meet at Himeji Station
    • 10:15　Board the bus to Mount Shosha
    • 11:15　Take the ropeway to the mountaintop station
    • 11:30　Tour the main hall
    • 12:30 　Tour the three halls, visit the exhibition room on the second floor of the dining hall
    • 13:30　Board the bus to Himeji Castle
    • 13:50～14:50　Lunch
    • 15:00~16：50　Tour the castle keep
    • 17:30 Himeji Station　Disband

    What's a Private Day Tour from Himeji Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Himeji Castle and Mount Shosha This was a request from cruise ship passengers whose ship was docked at Himeji Port. Since Himeji Castle was expected to be crowded with passengers in the morning, we headed to Mount Shosha first. Even though it was difficult to walk in the rain, the guests kept up well. They loved the aesthetic atmosphere and took many photos. For lunch, they ordered a lot at the restaurant I recommended. As they seemed tired from sightseeing in the rain, I showed them the especially interesting parts at the castle keep. This was a group visiting from North America and Oceania, and we finished the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHimeji Station～Mount Shosha320JPY
    Section 2BusMount Shosha Mountaintop Station～Main Hall500JPY
    Section 3BusMount Shosha～In front of Kokoen320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Omicho & Call a taxi and head to Korinbo

    Ishikawa in One Day: Omicho & Call a taxi and head to Korinbo

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:45 At the customer's request, buy baby food for their 14-month-old daughter at Matsumoto Kiyoshi in the basement of the Ichiba-kan building at Omicho Market.
    • 10:10 Stroll around Omicho
    • 10:30 Slowly walk and enjoy the strolling path from the back of Omicho Market, passing through Otebori and Hakuchoro toward Kenrokuen
    • 11:00 Stroll around Kenrokuen
    • 11:40 Visit the Ishikawa Crafts and Culture Museum next to Kenrokuen
    • 12:30 Call a taxi and head to Korinbo
    • 12:45 Enter a restaurant on the 7th floor of the Daiwa department store in Korinbo and have lunch
    • 13:45 Catch a taxi and head to Sakuda gold leaf shop near Higashi Chaya District
    • 14:00 Arrive at Sakuda, tour the gold leaf manufacturing process, and enjoy shopping. Purchase 4 souvenirs
    • 14:30 At Amano tea shop near Higashi Chaya District, enjoy Kaga bocha tea and local sweets
    • 15:00 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District. In front of the kenban, they were pleased because they could hear the sound of the geiko practicing shamisen and nagauta on the second floor of the kenban.
    • 15:45 After explaining Shima, a building that was an old okiya, since it was past 15:30, the customers went to tour on their own, and the guiding ended here.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today the rainy season began in Kanazawa. With rain coming and going throughout the day, the guests enjoyed strolling through Kanazawa's back streets during the breaks in the weather. The guests explored while pushing a stroller, and they especially liked the small paths leading from Otebori through Shirotori-ji to Kenrokuen, as well as the back streets lined with old houses near the Higashi Chaya District. Also, right after meeting at the Hotel, the guests were very pleased because the day before they had not been able to find a place to buy baby food, so they asked the guide where to buy it and were able to go get some. After eating the baby food, the young member of the group became very lively and happily ate udon at a restaurant in Daiwa. For lunch, the guests requested a place where they could eat sushi and sashimi, that was spacious, and that had safe seating suitable for a small child, so I chose a restaurant with a great view on the 7th floor of the Daiwa department store.

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

    Tour Report by Masayo

    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,

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner

    Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner

    Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1700 Meet at the hotel
    • 1720 Higashiyama Shirakawa riverside
    • 1745 Chion-in Sanmon Gate
    • 1800 Maruyama Park to Yasaka Shrine
    • 1830 Hayakawa (Geiko experience)
    • 2030 Experience ends, take a taxi to the hotel
    • Disband at the above

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour with a Geisha Experience Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who wanted to take photos in beautiful scenery before their geisha experience, so we chose the single-plank bridge over Shirakawa, the Sanmon gate of Chion-in, and Yasaka Shrine. Although a light rain was falling, it actually gave the willows along Shirakawa a more atmospheric charm, which I felt was lovely and which the guests also enjoyed. During the geisha experience, they were a little stiff at first, but as time passed they began to ask many questions and engage in lots of conversation, all of which I interpreted. By the time they played a traditional ozashiki game (Konpira Fune Fune), they had become quite relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

    Click here for more details: Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi～Higashiyama220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Himeji Castle

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Himeji Castle

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:30 @ Egret Himeji
    • 11:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 11:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 Dismiss @ Himeji Castle

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of visitors from North America. Although it was pouring rain, the tour proceeded smoothly. They were traveling on a cruise ship that had arrived at Himeji Port. I received a message via a messaging app saying that taxis from the cruise terminal were unavailable for a long time due to congestion, so they would be a little late, and we started the tour about 15 minutes behind schedule. The guests seemed very pleased with the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji. After that, the rain grew heavier, and since their raincoats alone were not enough to cope with it, they purchased umbrellas. At Koko-en Garden, despite the heavy rain, they enthusiastically took many photos and enjoyed themselves. At the final stop, Himeji Castle, there were not that many visitors overall, but perhaps due to the heavy rain, there was a very long line at the entrance to the main keep. With about 45 minutes remaining, the guests said they wanted to have lunch on the cruise ship, so we ended the tour a little early.

    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

    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…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:20　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:10　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00　Imperial Palace
    • 13:20　Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 14:10　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:35　Disband @ Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel on to Kyoto and Kobe. At Meiji Shrine, the guests appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. They also purchased many omamori charms as souvenirs. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about the Kaminarimon Gate, and they purchased T-shirts with Japanese designs at a shop near Senso-ji. Although it unfortunately rained today, I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so 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 1SubwayOnarimon～Meguro900JPY
    Section 2TrainMeguro～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayYurakucho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～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

    Request Booking

    Aug 29, 2026
    Sadieand
    Great day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We just finished a…

    Aug 18, 2026
    garrypF1457PV
    Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Had a great tour with our guide Seizo. He was very knowledgeable and we…

    Aug 16, 2026
    susanduncan84
    Seizo Made Tokyo Come Alive
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a fantastic…

    Aug 3, 2026
    SergioACA
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    A memorable day exploring Tokyo with an exceptional guide
    Seizo…

  • Tokyo: Yanesen & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo: Yanesen & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet @ Metropolitan Marunouchi
    • 9:45 Shibamata (approach path ~ Taishakuten (Daikyoji Temple), Sculpture Gallery, Suikeien Garden
    • 11:15 Lunch @ Yabuchu
    • 12:15 Yanesen (Yanaka Ginza ~ Snake Road ~ Nezu Shrine)
    • 14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:15 Disband @ Metropolitan Marunouchi

    What Can You See on a Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, returning to Japan for the first time in many years. They had already spent about ten days in Japan touring the eastern region. Since contact was only established the day before, we decided on the itinerary after meeting at the Hotel. On the train to Shibamata, it came to light that one of the guests had a strong interest in sculpture, which made Taishakuten Temple — known as a temple of woodcarvings — a perfect fit. As expected, the guests spent the longest time in the sculpture gallery of any guests I have had, photographing every scene of the Lotus Sutra. Yanaka Ginza was crowded with international visitors, but Hebi-michi (Snake Road) and Nezu Shrine were nearly empty, which the guests were delighted about. I had planned to take them to Kanda Myojin Shrine, but since I heard they were fond of Japanese irises, I changed our destination to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. With raindrops resting on the iris petals, the scene was magical, and the guests happily took close-up photos. It was unfortunately rainy for this off-the-beaten-path tour, but the guests walked a great deal without complaint.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa Line Nihombashi～Keisei Line Shibamata419JPY
    Section 2TrainKeisei Line Shibamata～Keisei Line Nippori272JPY
    Section 3SubwayChiyoda Line Nezu～Chiyoda Line Otemachi178JPY
    Total869JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Request Booking

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takadanobaba

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Takadanobaba

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Takadanobaba Livemax
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Harajuku (Takeshita Street & Ramen Lunch)
    • 14:00 Asakusa
    • 16:00 Takadanobaba

    What Is a Private Tour of Harajuku and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They enjoyed exploring Harajuku, visiting a character goods shop and a guitar store. For lunch they requested ramen, so we went to a ramen restaurant in front of Harajuku Station, which was very well received. Since we arrived before noon, we were able to get in without waiting in line. We had also planned to visit Tsukiji Market, but because we spent more time in Harajuku, we skipped Tsukiji and went to Asakusa instead. Despite the rain, they were amazed by the crowds, and they were delighted to enjoy melon bread and strawberry daifuku.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTakadanobaba～Harajuku167JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa252JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Takadanobaba252JPY
    Total671JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 6, 2026
    madisonf392
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    A successful stopover
    I only had a stopover in Tokyo, but…

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet. Take the hotel shuttle car to Sounzan. 10:00 Ropeway. Owakudani. Take the ropeway to Togendai. 11:25 Pirate ship. 11:50 Disembark at Motohakone Port
    • Maruyama Bussan. Hakone Checkpoint Ruins. Lunch at Donburi Chaya. 13:51 Bus from Hakonemachi Port. 14:13 Get off at Ninotaira Iriguchi. 14:30 The Hakone Open-Air Museum. 15:40 Reported to the customer that the schedule would end. Received thanks and acknowledgment, then finished. Requested the hotel shuttle car. 15:45 Picked up at the museum. Dismissed. The customer returned directly to the hotel

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were big baseball fans, and we had a lively conversation about baseball. They had already watched games at Yokohama Stadium and Tokyo Dome, and also had Koshien and the Fukuoka Dome on their schedule. The group was very friendly and cheerful. Although Mount Fuji was of course not visible due to the rainy weather, we spent a bright and enjoyable day together. The Maruyama karakuri box (Japanese puzzle box) presentation, which was not originally on the itinerary, was greatly enjoyed. Since the rain was expected to ease in the afternoon, we added a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It was a shame that part of the Picasso Pavilion was closed, but the guests took many photos and thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Request Booking

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:45 Meet up @ Himeji Station North Exit
    • 2. 08:50 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:10 Break @ Cafe & Light Meals Milano
    • 5. 13:10 @ Koma (Ceramics Specialty Store)
    • 6. 13:40 Disband @ Koma (Ceramics Specialty Store)

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They arrived in Himeji by cruise ship. We met at the north exit of Himeji Station and toured Castle View and Himeji Castle. It was raining heavily that day, which made walking in areas without cover quite difficult. Some of the guests also had difficulty walking. For this reason, after taking photos at Sangoku-bori, the whole group went to Nishi-no-Maru, but at the guests' request we divided the group into two smaller groups. One part of the group toured the Nishi-no-Maru Nagatsubone and Hyakken Corridor while sheltering from the rain, while the others visited the main keep with the guide. However, even the main keep tour did not go all the way up to the top floor; after seeing the large pillar on the third floor, we came back down. After the main keep tour, the whole group gathered again at Nishi-no-Maru, and after discussing, we decided not to go to Koko-en in the heavy rain. Instead, we went into a café and had almond toast, a Himeji specialty. Everyone was delighted and found it delicious. One of the guests wished to purchase a sake vessel as a gift, so I guided them to a ceramics specialty shop in Nikaimachi. Although they did not find the exact sake vessel they had in mind, everyone enjoyed browsing with great interest. As a result, the tour ran considerably over the scheduled time, so we ended the tour here. Although the tour differed from what had originally been planned due to the heavy rain, the guests were pleased with the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Norio

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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