Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Akihabara: Radio Kaikan & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo: Akihabara: Radio Kaikan & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection
    • 9:50 Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 11:20 Ueno: Statue of Saigo Takamori, Tomb of the Shogitai, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:40 Akihabara: Radio Kaikan
    • 14:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:20 Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. It was their third day in Japan, and the day before they had explored various places on their own using the subway and other transport. After this they planned to visit Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo to head home. The atmosphere within the group was a little unusual at times, but we spent the day safely and enjoyably. At Tsukiji they ate a great deal, including tuna, sushi, wagyu beef, octopus crackers, chili chicken, and cola. They did not show much interest in historical topics. At Toshogu Shrine the omikuji fortunes came out as "good luck," "future luck," and "great luck," and the guests eagerly read the English messages. At Ueno there was a Filipino festival taking place, and we caught the end of an idol stage performance, after which one of the guests enjoyed a chocolate banana. In Akihabara the guests bought four figures of their favorite characters at reasonable prices. One of the guests was fond of the forest at Meiji Shrine. I had various conversations inside the car with one of the guests. One of the guests did not react very strongly, but in the end all three said it had been a good tour, so I feel it went well.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car 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

    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…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Depart from Hotel
    • 9:00-9:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:20-11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:30-12:30 Lunch
    • 13:00-14:10 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
    • 14:30 Arrive at Hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. They were a very lively and close-knit group, and although we had originally planned to spend about 40 minutes at Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed taking photos at various spots and leisurely taking in the scenery, so we ended up staying for about an hour. Afterward, I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, but as they did not perform worship for personal reasons, I explained the method and meaning of worship while they watched me actually perform it. For lunch, we visited a Japanese restaurant. I had been informed in advance that they could not eat crustaceans, but they told me they could not order a set menu even if it merely included shrimp tempura, and that removing the item and eating the rest was also not acceptable. As a result, they had udon and oyakodon, which contained no crustaceans at all, but it seemed the food was not quite to their taste. At Nijo Castle, they were greatly impressed by the beauty of the sliding-door paintings. When we parted, they told me they were very satisfied, but personally, I felt that selecting restaurants able to accommodate such dietary needs remains a difficult challenge.

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

    Tour Report by Umi

    Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.

    I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.

    Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.

    I’m looking forward to meeting you!

    Request Booking

    Jun 29, 2026
    U3009CHlaurad
    Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a great tour guide, very…

    May 9, 2026
    Adventurer745194
    Lovely intro to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…

    Apr 30, 2026
    jonathangG3501FZ
    4 hour private tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Umi was a lovely tour guide…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Jennifer_S
    Wonderful, thoughtful guide
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet in front of the Kiyomizu-dera guardian dogs
    • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 10:30 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Koshindo to Yasaka Pagoda
    • 10:50 Yasui Konpira-gu ~ Gion Hanami-koji, Tatsumi Bridge
    • 12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:00 Disband in front of the second torii gate of Fushimi Inari Taisha

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided the guests, who came from Europe. They had arrived in Japan via Kansai International Airport, visited Osaka, and toured places such as Ohara the previous day, and today they had already been strolling around the Higashiyama area on their own since 7:00 in the morning. The weather today was cloudy and not too hot, and there were relatively few tourists, which made us very lucky. In the Gion area, they were delighted to come across what appeared to be two maiko. They were also happy to see a heron near Tatsumi Bridge. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we were able to enjoy the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) attraction with good timing and without having to wait in line. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:15 Meet at Sakuradamon, Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 2. 9:15 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 3. 10:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 12:00 Asakusa
    • 5. 13:00 Disband at the taxi stand in front of Matsuya Asakusa

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Kyoto, Hiroshima, and the Seto Inland Sea, for a total stay of about ten days in Japan. One of the guests had visited Japan a couple of times before, though this was their first time sightseeing, while it was a first visit to Japan for the other. The tour had originally been scheduled to begin at 11:00 the previous day (June 3), but due to poor weather caused by a typhoon, the guests requested a change of date and time. Since this was possible on our end, the tour was moved to 9:00 today (June 4). Because the guests wanted to maximize their sightseeing time, we changed the meeting point from the hotel to Sakuradamon Gate at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, which was the first destination. The guests arrived about 15 minutes late, having come to Sakuradamon by taxi, and we were able to start the tour smoothly. I guided them through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa. As they wanted to see the Imperial Gardens, we visited both the Outer Garden and the East Gardens. Both guests seemed to love plants, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens appeared to be their favorite. They took photos at various spots while listening to my explanations and enjoyed themselves. After the tour, the guests planned to return to their hotel by taxi, so we finished the tour at the taxi stand in front of the department store in Asakusa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel at 8:30 – 9:00 Nijo Castle – 11:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple – 12:00 Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka – 12:30 Gion

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was very energetic and proactive, asking a variety of questions even before the tour began — such as whether there were any major events at temples during this season, whether there was a place to experience a tea ceremony, whether there were any hot springs within Kyoto city, and where card payments could be made. It was a great learning experience to understand what kinds of questions visitors from abroad have when they come to Japan, and I could also appreciate their wish to rely on a guide to gather local information. I was grateful for their deep interest in Japanese culture, and at the same time I felt that researching on their own is also one of the joys of preparing for a trip. In any case, since one of our jobs is to increase the number of fans of sightseeing in Japan, I wanted to help them enjoy themselves from the bottom of their hearts. The guests were especially enthusiastic about photography, taking beautiful pictures in front of the gate of Nijo Castle and other spots. They were also deeply impressed by the view of Kyoto city from Kiyomizu-dera.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　13:00　Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • ②　13:05　Deciding the itinerary・About the history of Kyoto
    • ③　14:15　Nijo Castle
    • ④　15:30　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑤　16:15　Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • ⑥　17:20　Disband in front of Nishiki Market

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Starting at 1 PM? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was a 4-hour half-day tour, but since it started at 1:00 PM and there was no need to plan around lunch, we were able to visit three places. When one of the guests said something, another would respond with "I know!" with a somewhat sullen expression, which reminded me that this kind of interaction is the same in any country. It made me smile to myself as I recalled old memories. For this trip, the guests spent five days in Tokyo and one day in Kyoto, and tomorrow they would return to Tokyo before flying home. The highlight was that one of the guests came to love Kyoto so much that they vowed to return and to stay at least two days next time. In Tokyo they visited Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, as well as the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine. They were moved by how Kyoto felt like a completely different world. Wonderful, I thought. After Fushimi Inari Taisha, we parted in front of Nishiki Market. When I said it was about time to say goodbye, one of the guests said in the present continuous, "Oh, we are enjoying," which, given the situation, sounded like "What, is it over already?" For a guide, there is no greater compliment.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00　Meet up @ Park Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 9:45　@ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 3. 10:00　(from the car window) Tokyo Station Marunouchi side station building
    • 4. 10:40　@ East Gardens (enter through Otemon Gate, exit through Hirakawamon Gate)
    • 5. 11:50　@ Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 12:45　@ Yanaka Ginza (including soba lunch)
    • 7. 14:10　@ Aoyama Cemetery (Hachiko stone monument)
    • 8. 14:30　@ The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 9. 15:10　Dismissal @ Park Hyatt Tokyo

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of the younger members of the group is a big fan of Japan through anime and other media. Having arrived in Japan the day before, they had already experienced Sensoji Temple and a ninja museum in Asakusa. During their stay of about ten days in Japan, part of the group had to leave earlier due to work commitments, and because of this the group decided not to visit Kyoto. Instead, they planned to ride the Nagano Shinkansen to experience the bullet train and spend one night in Nagano. At the souvenir shop in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests purchased chopsticks featuring the imperial chrysanthemum crest and a mirror with an illustration of the Nijubashi bridge, and also stamped a commemorative seal on a leaflet as a keepsake. At the former site of the castle keep, part of the group waited below, while others energetically climbed up, and I was able to point out the Nippon Budokan in the distance. In the Ninomaru Garden, the irises were in full bloom, and the whole group was able to take a commemorative photo together. Along the way, we met an elderly person who seemed very knowledgeable about the East Gardens and kindly explained many things, and I was able to interpret and facilitate a nice exchange. At Nezu Shrine, I explained the proper way to worship at a shrine and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests had brought their own goshuin book, but at this shrine the style was to receive pre-written goshuin. They obtained two of these goshuin. In Yanaka Ginza, they chose soba for lunch. One of the guests wanted to try the spicy version of curry soba, so I warned that it would be quite hot, but they insisted, "I definitely want the spicy one." So I ordered a regular curry soba and promised that if, after one bite, they felt they couldn't handle the spicy one, we would swap. In reality, after just one bite it was "too spicy," so we swapped for the regular one, and all ended well. They were very satisfied, exclaiming, "Delicious!" Finally, though only briefly, I introduced the Roppongi area, guided them to the Hachiko stone monument at Aoyama Cemetery, and took a commemorative photo. The National Art Center, Tokyo greatly appealed to part of the group, who said they would like to return during their stay.

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

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1300 Meet at Dormy Inn PREMIUM Ginza (8 min from Metro Ginza Station)　Kabukiza Theatre　Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1345 Harajuku　Meiji Jingu Shrine visit　Takeshita Street
    • 1535 Imperial Palace Outer Gardens　Tatsumi Yagura Watchtower　Gyoko-dori Avenue　Tokyo Station
    • 1630 Asakusa　Kaminarimon Gate　Nakamise　Sensoji Temple
    • 1715 Tour ends at Sensoji Temple
    • We took them to Roppongi Station where dinner was planned.

    What's a 4-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, having arrived the previous evening. They mentioned they had spent this morning at the Tsukiji Outer Market. They planned to stay in Tokyo for two more days, then board a cruise ship, and return to Tokyo the week after next for a stay of two to three days. During the pre-tour coordination, they expressed a wish to see Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine, which was a little ambitious for four hours. I decided to accommodate their wishes even if it meant going a bit over time, as a courtesy. However, partway through, it turned out they had a dinner reservation in Roppongi at 18:00, so we had to move through the itinerary quickly. Since they planned to explore Shibuya and Akihabara at a relaxed pace on the following days, I explained Takeshita Street at its entrance, obtained a map, and gave them an explanation. For Asakusa, we first went to the main hall, and then I gave explanations while walking back through the Nakamise shopping street. The tour concluded here. Since it was on the way home for me, we arrived at Roppongi Station for the dinner reservation at 17:50. The dinner venue was said to be a two-minute walk from the station, so they made it in good time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza～Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo～Kanda (Tokyo)160JPY
    Section 4Free PassKanda～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa～Roppongi0JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

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

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Hotel ~ 14:50 Fushimi Inari ~ 16:15 Sanjusangendo ~ 17:00 Kiyomizu-dera ~ 18:00 Gion

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested a slightly more relaxed itinerary, preferring quieter, less crowded spots over the most popular destinations. Since Fushimi Inari was a must-see, we began the tour there. Within Fushimi Inari, I guided the group through the relatively less crowded bamboo grove and the mountain trail, which they enjoyed very much. We then visited the unique and less crowded Sanjusangendo, followed by Kiyomizu-dera and Gion. While not every place we visited was quiet, the guests were very pleased. The guests were very active, and I too had a wonderful time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijojo-mae～Kyoto230JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel～11:30-12:30 Fushimi Inari～13:00-14:00 Gion～14:30-15:00 Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a lovely group visiting from Europe. The group walked very quickly and moved through each spot at a great pace. Rather than taking taxis, they enjoyed exploring the town on foot to take in the atmosphere. However, since they were not used to Japan's humid climate, they wished to wrap up a little earlier with a tea break at Nishiki Market. At Nishiki Market, they were impressed by the food unique to Kyoto. At Fushimi Inari, they were surprised by the difference between the crowds near the main hall and the number of tourists in the forest a little further away. They were delighted by how calming the quiet bamboo grove was.

    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-Shijo240JPY
    Section 3BusGion／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo-Takakura／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…