Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo National Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:20 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Honganji Temple
    • 10:40 Tokyo National Museum
    • 11:25 Toshogu Shrine, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Grave of the Shogitai, Statue of Saigo Takamori
    • 12:10 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 13:00 Dismiss @Asakusa

    Title: What Is a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Tokyo National Museum Body: The guests were visitors from Oceania, and this was their first day in Japan. After Tokyo, they planned to travel to Osaka and Kyoto. Tsukiji was quiet because it was a Wednesday and the weather was rainy. They only tried tamagoyaki (grilled egg). They were deeply impressed by Hongan-ji Temple, and since we were progressing ahead of schedule, I suggested visiting the Tokyo National Museum, which had not been part of the original itinerary. We spent about 40 minutes there, and they were delighted. As it rained throughout the day, I tried to take routes with as much shelter as possible, even in Asakusa. When I asked about their plans for lunch after the tour, they said they wanted to go to a ramen restaurant, so I guided them to a recommended shop, explained how to get back to their hotel, and the tour came to an end. A notable stop on the tour was the Tokyo National Museum. Located in Ueno Park, it is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, established in 1872. Its extensive collection includes samurai swords, armor, ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, and ukiyo-e prints, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Japanese art and history across many centuries.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total540JPY

    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!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Odawara Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel meet-up
    • 11:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:10 Pirate Ship Motohakone~Togendai
    • 13:00 Owakudani
    • 14:00 Sounzan
    • 14:30 Gora
    • 15:30 Odawara Station
    • 16:00 End at Shinkansen exit

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Bad Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The pirate ship was suspended from the first departure due to heavy fog, so after meeting the guests, we reconsidered the plan. After coordinating the guests' wishes with the available transportation, we first headed to Hakone Shrine. Luckily, while we were viewing the main hall and the torii gate, the pirate ship resumed operation, and we were able to travel from Moto-Hakone to Togendai as originally planned. At Owakudani as well, the strong wind briefly parted the clouds, and during that moment we were able to clearly see the large Mount Fuji and take photos. It was the first time even for me to see it so clearly in such bad weather, and I was truly moved. This time, guiding the guests to their reserved bullet train was the top priority. For that reason, we arrived at Odawara Station early, and during the free time we were able to show the guests items in the station building such as food products and skincare goods that they had asked about during the tour. It had been raining ever since they came to Japan and there seemed to be many disappointing moments, but I was glad they enjoyed themselves. A notable stop on the tour was Hakone Shrine. Hakone Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi, founded over 1,200 years ago and long revered by travelers and warriors alike. It is especially famous for its "Peace Torii" gate, which stands in the water of the lake and offers striking views, often set against Mount Fuji on clear days.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTogendai~Sounzan2,000JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan~Odawara1,200JPY
    Section 3BusHakone-Yumoto Station/Hakone Tozan Bus~Motohakone Port/Hakone Tozan Bus1,210JPY
    Total4,410JPY

    Hi, I’m Naho – your friendly, English-speaking guide in Japan!
    With over 10 years of experience as a licensed guide and more than 30 years living in the Tokyo area, I’m passionate about helping travelers of all ages enjoy Japan in a fun, meaningful, and stress-free way.

    Whether you’re into ancient temples, seasonal nature, local street food, or modern pop culture, I’ll design a private tour that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing not just the famous sights, but also lesser-known hidden gems and local tips that make your trip truly special.

    Traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids? I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience and unforgettable memories for you in this amazing country.

    Let’s explore Japan together — I can’t wait to meet you!

    May 27, 2026
    Chris T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo with Naho!
    We had a great time exploring the in…

    Apr 24, 2026
    Megaso1970
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    The tour was nicely planned and Naho is very nice and friendly.

    Apr 9, 2026
    B4204QCcarolc
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Once in a lifetime experience!
    I want to express are…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Dee R
    Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 08:30 Tour starts from Airbnb
    • Transfer by private car to Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • AM 09:00-10:00 From the bamboo forest to Tenryu-ji Garden
    • Transfer by private car to Nijo Castle
    • AM 10:30-11:40 Nijo Castle tour
    • Transfer, lunch at Burger Revolution PM 12:00-12:40
    • Transfer by private car to Kiyomizu-dera
    • PM 13:10-14:40 Kiyomizu-dera tour, walk along the approach to the front of Kodai-ji, with a break at Starbucks on the way
    • Transfer by private car to Fushimi Inari
    • PM 15:00-15:45 Fushimi Inari tour
    • Transfer by private car to Airbnb PM 16:00 Tour ends

    【当日のツアールート】 Meeting point: Hotel タイトル: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like for Families? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America on their first trip to Japan. They seemed accustomed to traveling, as they apparently go abroad every year. At the start of the tour, the group mentioned that they had previously arranged to extend the tour time as discussed in advance, but no notice of this had reached me. When I checked with Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), there was no record of it, so I explained the situation to the group again. The guests themselves thought they may have confused it with another matter. Since neither the driver nor I had any scheduling issues, we extended the tour on the day and settled the payment accordingly. During the tour there was a bit of rain at Kiyomizu-dera, but at each destination we made sure that the younger members of the group could enjoy themselves as well, including feeding the carp at Nijo Castle (though currently there is a lot of algae, so the carp do not come much), Kiyomizu-dera (Benkei's staff), and Fushimi Inari (the Omokaru-ishi wishing stones). It was interesting to see the younger members of the group collecting goshuin temple stamps. A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. It is especially well known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the tunnels of torii gates, which were donated over the centuries by individuals and businesses hoping for good fortune, making it one of the most iconic and photographed sights in all of Japan.

    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…

  • Tokyo: East Garden of Imperial Palace & Look around The Sumida Hokusai

    Tokyo: East Garden of Imperial Palace & Look around The Sumida Hokusai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Sunagawa Kita 7choume Park
    • —Walk to Minami Sunagawa station (30 min) —
    • 9:30-10:00 Move to East Garden of Imperial Palace (Subway & Foot 30 min)
    • 10:00-11:00 Walking tour of East Garden of Imperial Palace(60 min)
    • 11:00-11:30 Move to the place for lunch (Foot & Train 30 min)
    • 11:30-12:30 Lunch at Gluten Free restaurant (60 min)
    • 12:30-13:00 Transfer to Ryogoku (Foot & Train 30min)
    • 13:00-13:20 Visit Ryogoku Kokugikan (Only seeing exterior of the facility)
    • 13:30-14:20 Explore Kanto Earthquake Memorial Museum (50 min)
    • 14:30-15:20 Look around The Sumida Hokusai Museum (50 min)
    • 15:20 The tour end at Ryogoku(*2)

    Title: What's a Private History and Culture Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Their ancestral roots trace back to Japan a few generations ago, though they speak almost no Japanese. Because of these family roots and their wish to learn more about Japan, they had booked a tour focused on history and culture. While traveling, a partial power outage and service suspension on a subway line made the trains unusually crowded, so from early in the morning the guests experienced firsthand what Japanese commuting is like. On the tour we visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ryogoku Edo Noren, the Kokugikan Sumo Arena (only the exterior and the surrounding atmosphere), the Tokyo Memorial Hall for Reconstruction, and the Sumida Hokusai Museum. In the first half of the tour, everything they saw seemed new and fascinating, and they asked about anything that caught their attention, so much of the time was spent answering their questions. For lunch we went to a gluten-free restaurant in Kanda. Since one of the guests requires a strict gluten-free diet and needs to avoid certain other foods, I chose a restaurant with gluten-free certification that could also accommodate other requirements flexibly. When I used this restaurant with guests three months ago it was well received, and this time as well the guests were very pleased. In the second half, at the Tokyo Memorial Hall for Reconstruction, the guests were struck by the tragedy of the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids on Tokyo. It seemed they had only heard about these events from earlier generations, so seeing the actual photographs and artifacts gave them a strong sense of immediacy. At the final stop, the Sumida Hokusai Museum, everyone appeared to have a genuine interest in art and viewed the works carefully at their own pace. As their guide, I tried not to add too much explanation or interrupt, and answered only when they had questions. Even when the tour's ending time arrived, the guests were still viewing the exhibits with great attention, so I spoke to them at the end of one exhibition section and concluded the tour at 15:20.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinami Sunagawa~Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2TrainTakebashi~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 3TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Ryogoku160JPY
    Total550JPY

    Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
    Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
    During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
    After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
    My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
    I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
    I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
    I can’t wait to meet you!

    Aug 28, 2026
    trentw546
    Fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was fantastic I would definitely book again

    Aug 8, 2026
    49christopht
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Individual guided tour
    Atsushi was very responsive and thorough…

    Jul 27, 2026
    25stephn
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend this tour!
    Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…

    Jul 23, 2026
    melanierK3084ZH
    Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Senso-ji tour
    Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…

  • Kanagawa: Gora Station & Kowakien Bus

    Kanagawa: Gora Station & Kowakien Bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Gora Kadan
    • 9:10 Hotel
    • (On foot)
    • 9:23 Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 9:30 Arrive at Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • The Hakone Open-Air Museum The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 10:55 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 11:10 Kowakidani Station
    • Kowakidani Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 11:40 Arrive at Hakone-machi Port Bus Stop
    • Hakone-machi Port Hakone Checkpoint Ruins
    • 12:30 Depart Hakone-machi Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 12:45 Arrive at Moto-Hakone Port Bus Stop
    • Moto-Hakone  Hakone Shrine
    •  Narukawa Art Museum
    •  Lunch: Fukazawa Soba
    • 14:30 Depart Moto-Hakone Port Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:00 Arrive at Kowakien Bus Stop
    • Kowakien Okada Museum of Art
    • 16:15 Depart Kowakien Bus Stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Kowakidani Station Bus Stop
    • 16:44 Depart Kowakidani Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • 17:00 Arrive at Gora Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Gora Station

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The group consisted of the visiting family, who had immigrated from Asia ten years earlier, together with friends living nearby. For the family it was their first visit to Japan, while the friends had visited Japan several times before. Everyone had arrived in Japan the day before yesterday. The previous evening, they had moved from Tokyo to Hakone. After this, the whole group planned to return to Tokyo the next day, then fly from Narita Airport to another destination in Asia for a four-day stay, followed by another destination for a further four-day stay, before flying home. This time, travel to those other destinations was the main purpose of the trip. They mentioned, "Last night was the first time we slept on tatami and futon. We slept well and it was wonderful." They also said, "In Hakone, we wanted to see Mount Fuji." Before departure the weather occasionally showed some sunshine, but just before leaving the Hotel, it began to rain. We walked from the Hotel to Gora Station. When we checked there, we found that due to strong winds and heavy fog, the Hakone Ropeway and the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise were suspended. After consulting with the guests, we quickly changed the original plan. First we went to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In the light rain, we strolled slowly through the grounds with umbrellas. I explained the history and current state of the Hakone Open-Air Museum. As one of the guests loves Picasso, they viewed the sculptures with great enthusiasm and took many photographs. Despite the rain, they said, "We would like to try the foot bath too." At the shop, they purchased T-shirts as souvenirs. From here, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway and then the mountain bus to Hakonemachi Port and the site of the Hakone Checkpoint. I explained "What was the Hakone Checkpoint?", the Five Highways of the Edo period, and the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration. From here, we moved to Motohakone. In the light rain, we first visited Hakone Shrine. Despite the poor weather, there was a long line of tourists waiting to take photographs in front of the torii gate. We returned to the port and took a rest at the Narukawa Art Museum. Afterwards, at their request for "Japanese soba for lunch," we went to a soba restaurant. From here, we took the bus to the Okada Museum of Art. As one of the guests loves art museums, they viewed the works with great enthusiasm. In particular, they said, "I really liked the ceramics." They also commented, "Everywhere in Japan the towns are clean. There is no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans," and "This year many typhoons have come to our home region and relatives are having a hard time." We managed to make it back to Gora Station, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone Free Pass~Hakone Free Pass6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Hokkaido in One Day: Morning Market & Red Brick Warehouse

    Hokkaido in One Day: Morning Market & Red Brick Warehouse

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Morning Market
    • 10:30 Goryokaku Tower
    • 11:30 Goryokaku Park
    • 13:15 Mount Hakodate
    • 14:10 Ramen Ajisai (Lunch)
    • 15:00 Red Brick Warehouse
    • 15:20 Cruise Terminal Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests did not appear at the meeting time in the morning, so after 9:10 I called the phone number listed on the Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) page. The one who answered was an agent from a travel agency abroad. I explained the situation, but the explanation was unclear, as if they were going to search but might not. Since it was not going anywhere, I sent an email to the Japan Guide Agency email address. I thought it might be a no show, so I walked around the terminal holding a banner with the guests' name on it. There was someone who seemed to be looking at me, so I asked, and it turned out to be the guests. I had arrived 30 minutes early and had been holding the banner, but they had not noticed. They had also been sitting and waiting for a long time. I had assumed they would come from the immigration side, so I had not paid much attention to the people sitting in the chairs. We were 30 minutes late, but I was glad we finally met. We decided to go to the morning market, Goryokaku, and Mount Hakodate. Since one of the guests had just had knee surgery, we used a taxi for all transportation. They were soft-spoken and gracious, and they shared a lot about their life before retirement and about their family. They asked me many questions about the history of Hakodate, which made me very happy.

    Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
    So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
    I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
    I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
    and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.

    May 22, 2026
    Leanne S
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Cruise port must
    Akira was our tour guide and was great.…

    May 7, 2026
    Narayanan_V
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akira san is a wonderful…
    Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…

    May 1, 2026
    Maria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best of Hakodate
    Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…

    Feb 18, 2026
    Danielle_S
    An insider’s tour of Otaru
    Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gion House & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion House & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:00 Gion House
    • Starbucks
    • 08:10 Fushimiinari by train
    • 10:00 Kyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sanenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Yasakakoshindo
    • 12:00 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 13:00 Nishiki Market
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market The meeting was set for 7:00 at a hotel, so I arrived at the hotel around 6:40. When the staff asked for the guest's name and I told them, they said there was no guest by that name on their list. I contacted the guests via a messaging app and got a reply saying they would be leaving soon. When I said I was inside the hotel, they replied that they had arrived at 11:00 the night before and were not sure of the location, and that they were staying at a guest house in Gion. So I apologized to the hotel and headed to the guest house in Gion, which looked like a private residence. Since the guests were still getting ready, we ended up departing around 7:30, and they said they wanted to have some breakfast, so we went to a coffee shop near Gion-Shijo Station. The tour effectively started from there. I heard that one of the guests ran a travel agency in North America. Since one of the guests was wearing sandals, we went at a slightly relaxed pace to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. The guests did not know much about Kyoto and seemed to be relying on the guide for their trip. They bought fresh yatsuhashi at a shop. When we arrived at Kinkaku-ji, one of the guests wanted to rest as they were tired, so I quickly went to see Kinkaku-ji with the rest of the group. At the end, they said they would like somewhere to have lunch, so I guided them to Nishiki Market and wrapped up the tour there. They were quite pleased with the atmosphere of Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimiinari240JPY
    Total240JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Heian Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Heian Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet
    • 9:45 Heian Shrine
    • 10:20 Cafe break
    • 11:45 Chion-in Temple, Maruyama Park, Higashiyama
    • 13:10 Tour ends

    **Title:** What's a Private Half-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Maruyama Park and Chion-in The guests were a group visiting Kyoto. Since they had booked a tea ceremony experience starting at 13:00, the tour ended earlier than usual. Having heard that one of the group was a big fan of character goods, I changed the plan and showed them the character-themed manholes in Maruyama Park. Considering another member of the group who was moving around in a buggy, I switched the original plan from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Chion-in Temple. They were amazed by the Sanmon gate, and when I mentioned there was a large bell, they said they wanted to see it, so we climbed the slope and I guided them there. They were also delighted by how beautiful the Higashiyama area was. A notable stop on the tour was Chion-in Temple. Chion-in is one of Kyoto's most important temples and serves as the head temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism, founded in the 13th century. Its Sanmon gate is one of the largest wooden gates in Japan, and the temple is also home to an enormous bronze bell, one of the biggest in the country, which requires many people to ring during special occasions. Located in the scenic Higashiyama district, the temple grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere and are a popular destination for visitors exploring eastern Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Gojo / Kyoto City Bus~Okazaki Park Museum / Heian Shrine / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusHigashiyama Nijo / Okazaki Park Entrance / Kyoto City Bus~Chion-in Temple / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimiinari & Kinkakuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
    • 09:30 Fushimiinari by train
    • 11:00 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Lunch(Mizuiro-tei)
    • 13:30 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 1430 Daimaru Kyoto
    • 15:00 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu, Sannenzaka, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. The morning was mostly cloudy but very hot and humid, so they perspired a great deal, and I encouraged them to stay hydrated. School excursion groups are beginning to increase in number. The guests had arrived in Kyoto the previous afternoon and had two more days ahead, so they mentioned they would return to the Sannenzaka shopping street again the next day. Having purchased matcha in Tokyo the day before, they said they wanted a bamboo whisk for whisking matcha and a matcha tea bowl, so they browsed and gathered information. Since their hotel is located in the Gojozaka area, they said they would also look for these items near the hotel. After boarding a taxi bound for the final destination, Kinkaku-ji, it began to rain, and at Kinkaku-ji we were caught in a downpour. Our feet got completely soaked. One of the guests wanted to buy an everyday-style kimono, so we visited a casual kimono shop, but they only carried items for ages three and up, and I also inquired at a department store, but they had none. They had been looking at jinbei at a shop on Sannenzaka, so I believe that information stayed in the guest's memory. A notable stop on the tour was Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, famous for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a temple and is set beside a reflecting pond that mirrors the pavilion beautifully. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors from around the world in every season.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total240JPY

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Shibuya Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel
    • 10:30 Hotel
    • 11:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Chikuan
    • 13:50 Meiji Shrine, cafe
    • 15:20 Takeshita Street
    • 15:40 Shibuya Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station West Exit

    What Is a Private First-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group from Oceania, and this was their first day in Japan. After Tokyo, they were scheduled to join a multi-day golf tour in Kobe. One of the guests had difficulty walking, so there was a request to keep a slow pace throughout the day. At the meeting time, one of the guests was in an online meeting in their room, so our departure was delayed by about 30 minutes. While waiting, I talked with them about our first destination, Asakusa, and other stops. Since a welcome SUICA card could not be purchased in advance, we bought PASMO cards at the station. After taking our time to see Senso-ji Temple, we had a lunch break, where they enjoyed oyakodon, tempura, and udon, all of which they liked very much. As it was sunny and the temperature was high today, and since the guests seemed to be struggling and we were running behind schedule, I suggested a change to the itinerary and we visited Meiji Shrine instead of the Imperial Palace and Ginza, which offer little shade. Afterward, as the guests appeared tired, I suggested a break at a cafe, where they enjoyed ice cream. I showed them the entrance to Takeshita Street, we saw the Shibuya crossing as they had wished, and I saw them off to a point where the Hotel was in sight. They thanked me for being patient during the tour, and we ended there. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a large forested area in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, the shrine is surrounded by a lush forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, offering a peaceful and shaded escape from the bustling city. Visitors can experience traditional rituals, pass through impressive wooden torii gates, and enjoy a calm walk along the tree-lined approach.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Ueno-okachimachi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno-hirokoji~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    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!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…