Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagawa in One Day: Naoshima Port Bus & Uno Port

    Kagawa in One Day: Naoshima Port Bus & Uno Port

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:03 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • 09:06 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:20 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 09:25 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 09:27 BenesseHouse Museum Bus Stop
    • 09:30~10:20 BenesseHouse Museum
    • on foot
    • 10:40~11:25 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • 11:30 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 11:32 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 11:40~13:00 The Chichu Art Museum (Including lunch at the Café in the museum)
    • 13:15 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 13:19 BenesseHouse Museum Bus Stop
    • on foot
    • 13:20~13:50 Outdoor Artworks including “Yellow Pumpkin”
    • 13:54 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 13:58 Momoyama Bus Stop
    • 14:05~15:00 Naoshima New Museum of Art
    • on foot
    • 15:10~15:40 Andou Museum
    • 15:22 Noukyoumae Bus Stop
    •   by town bus
    • 15:29 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port Bus Stop
    • Rest at the Port Building
    • 15:50 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port [Say goodbye]
    • (Marcel & Heleen)
    • 16:02 Naoshima (Miyanoura) Port
    • by ferry
    • 16:22 Uno Port

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Naoshima's Architecture? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and they were very cheerful and kind. Although it was scorching weather exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, I believe we were able to enjoy the planned course as scheduled without any heatstroke by reducing the walking sections as much as possible, using buses, and taking frequent breaks. They had planned a trip in Japan and had chosen destinations including Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Nagano, Kyoto, Naoshima, Hiroshima, and Osaka. This was their first trip to Japan during the hot season, taken during a summer holiday. The guests were interested in Tadao Ando, and seemed satisfied to have been able to see all ten of his architectural works on Naoshima this time. They were pleased to obtain a book with Tadao Ando's autograph at the Benesse Museum. Due to a tsunami scare the day before, the accommodation reservation in Uno was cancelled and it was quite a challenge to secure lodging in Okayama City instead. Fortunately, there were no cancellations of the tour itself, and I was glad to be able to carry out the guiding as planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture~Momoyama / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3OtherNoukyoumae / Naoshima Town~Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town100JPY
    Total300JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up@Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 09:10 Travel∶Train
    • 3. 09:30 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 09:40 Travel∶Train
    • 5. 09:45 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 10:30 Stay@Takeshita Street
    • 7. 10:50 Travel∶Train
    • 8. 11:20 Stay@Akihabara
    • 9. 12:30 Lunch@Gyoza Shokudo Tsurukame
    • 10. 13:10 Travel∶Train
    • 11. 13:40 Disband@JR Shinjuku Station East Exit Midori no Madoguchi

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Akihabara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I visited the meeting-point Hotel for the first time in a while, but I found that access to the lobby was now restricted to hotel guests only. In the future, it might be better to meet near the elevator hall on the first floor here instead. The guests did not have a Suica card, but for this particular itinerary it was more economical to purchase individual tickets, so I assisted them at the ticket machines in the station. Since it looked like there would be time to spare with only the originally requested Shibuya and Harajuku areas, I had added Akihabara to the itinerary as well, and this proved to be a good decision as one of the guests was a fan of anime. After shopping in Akihabara there was still a little time left, so we had lunch together, and since the guests wished to purchase tickets for a later trip, I took them to the JR ticket office at Shinjuku Station before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Akihabara180JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Shinjuku180JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:55 Meet at Kyoto Station 8:03 Board JR bound for Nara 9:10 Arrive at JR Nara Station 9:25 Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple 11:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 12:10 Lunch (tonkatsu) 13:00 Naramachi Shopping 13:35 Nigiwai no Ie 14:10 Harushika Sake Brewery Sake Tasting 15:07 Board JR bound for Kyoto 15:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station 16:00 Tour ends at the Central Ticket Gate

    What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. Thanks to the typhoon, it was a somewhat cloudy day, and the temperature seemed to have dropped a little. Even so, it was still a hot day, and while waiting for the bus to the main hall of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, there was no shade, and the bus arrived nearly 20 minutes late, so waiting was tough. However, I was grateful that the guests waited without any complaints. As it turned out, walking to the main hall would have taken about the same amount of time. In the heat, one hesitates to walk. One of the guests seemed a little worn out and left about half of their lunch. In their home region, as in Japan, there is a custom of taking off one's shoes inside the house. They said it is good because it keeps the inside of the house clean. The photo was taken at the Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie house.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Nara720JPY
    Section 2Free PassJR Nara Station~JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainNara~Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Odori Park & Hokkaido Shrine

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Odori Park & Hokkaido Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:20 Odori Park
    • 11:48 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 12:40 JR Tower Observation Floor
    • 13:20 Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office)
    • 14:00 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 15:10 Tour ends @ Odori Station

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. As temperatures in Sapporo were expected to rise, we took the subway from the start rather than walking to the first spot, getting off at the next station. While walking outside, the temperature was high enough to cause constant sweating, so both the guests and I proceeded carefully to avoid heatstroke throughout the tour. Although it was a first visit to Hokkaido, the guests seemed to have done some research in advance and appeared to be using this 4-hour tour to decide how to spend the rest of their time. Since I had learned through email correspondence that the guests were interested in history and culture, I made an effort to explain as much information as possible related to the history of Sapporo and Hokkaido. I believe the guests listened attentively.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNakajima Park~Odori210JPY
    Section 2SubwayOdori~Maruyama Park210JPY
    Section 3SubwayMaruyama Park~Odori210JPY
    Total630JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:30 Atomic Bomb Dome, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Family Tour in Japan Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America on a summer family trip. Their warm, close-knit atmosphere left a strong impression. However, it was another extremely hot day, and from the middle of the tour the guests began to show some signs of fatigue. As their attention seemed to waver, I gently reminded them, "Although it is very rare in Japan, incidents such as pickpocketing are occasionally reported, so please take care of your valuables." This lighthearted note helped everyone stay alert. During our conversations while traveling and at the sightseeing spots, the guests expressed a lot of interest in the Japanese cityscape, noting that "there seem to be few homeless people in Japan" and "the streets are clean even though there are few trash cans." In particular, one of the guests asked, "Why are there so few benches on Japanese streets, and so few places where people can rest a little?" It was a spontaneous question, but I explained points such as the cost of maintenance and the possibility that people staying on the streets for long periods could create security concerns. Incidentally, when I was young, each household would bring out a small bench called a "banko," and in the evenings people would chat with their neighbors along the roadside — a nostalgic scene from the past. Perhaps that kind of culture has gradually disappeared with the changing times. Overall, I believe the whole group was able to spend a meaningful time while experiencing a glimpse of Japanese culture and daily life.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station (Koi)/Bombus~Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total990JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:30 Meet up @ The Thousand Kyoto
    • 2.13:50 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3.15:10 @Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4.16:30 @Kodai-ji
    • 5.17:25 Disband @Keihan Shijo, in front of the statue of Izumo no Okuni

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Afternoon Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from North America and checked into their hotel at 12:50 on the day, then met up for the tour afterward. Although Kyoto reached a high of 39 degrees Celsius, they enjoyed the day. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I guided them along Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Nene-no-Michi. When we reached the area below Kodai-ji Temple, I mentioned that Kodai-ji has a small bamboo grove, and they said they would like to see it. It was one hour before the temple's closing time, so we made it just in time. Inside, there was a mysterious sliding paper screen where an image of hell would appear only if you took a photo using your smartphone's forced flash. When they took a photo, the image of Enma, the King of Hell, appeared in the picture, which surprised and delighted them. They were also impressed by the size of the Ryozen Kannon statue visible from Kodai-ji. After Tofuku-ji Temple, they used a taxi, and there were no additional transportation costs. At the end, they said they had a reserved pickup for a restaurant offering maiko hospitality that they had booked in advance, so we parted ways in front of the statue of Izumo no Okuni, located northeast of Shijo Ohashi Bridge. It was a short tour, but they truly enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Total300JPY

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Katase-Enoshima Station & Kamakura Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Katase-Enoshima Station & Kamakura Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Aloft Tokyo Ginza
    • 9:10 Katase-Enoshima Station
    • 9:40 Enoshima Shrine
    • 10:00 Samuel Cocking Garden and Observation Deck
    • 11:00 Enoshima Station
    • 11:40 Hasedera Temple
    • 12:15 Lunch @ Totokama Hase Branch
    • 13:00 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 14:00 Hokokuji Temple
    • 14:50 Kamakura Station
    • 16:00 Disband at Aloft Tokyo Ginza

    What Is a Private Kamakura and Enoshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the course had been discussed in advance, the guests strongly wished to visit Hokoku-ji (the bamboo temple), so I reduced the Enoshima portion and changed the course rather quickly, resulting in the itinerary above. It was a hot day, and the parasols I provided were well received. The walking paths to and from Enoshima were especially hot. The restaurant chosen for lunch was highly rated, and the guests enjoyed their meal. That said, some found using chopsticks difficult, and I felt that Japanese food can be challenging for some people. The guests spent a relaxed time at Hokoku-ji, and we returned to the Hotel on schedule. Since one of the guests had not been able to install a transit card, I lent them a Suica card and settled the payment afterward. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Shimbashi180JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Fujisawa860JPY
    Section 3TrainFujisawa~Katase-Enoshima170JPY
    Section 4TrainEnoshima~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)260JPY
    Section 5TrainDaibutsu-mae / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus200JPY
    Section 6TrainKamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus~Jomyoji / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 7BusJomyoji / Keikyu Bus~Kamakura Station (East Exit) / Keikyu Bus220JPY
    Section 8TrainKamakura~Shimbashi830JPY
    Section 9SubwayShimbashi~Ginza180JPY
    Total3,120JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Saiho-ji

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Saiho-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:30 Hotel Meet (@Ritz Calton)
    • 6:30-7:00 Transfer (contracted car: Hotel → Kiyomizu-dera・Gojozaka)
    • 7:00-8:10 Kiyomizu-dera visit (including Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 8:10-8:30 Transfer (contracted car; in front of Yasaka Pagoda → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 8:30-9:20 Fushimi Inari visit
    • 9:20-10:00 Transfer (contracted car: Fushimi Inari Taisha → Saiho-ji)
    • 10:00-11:15 Saiho-ji visit
    • 11:15-12:15 Transfer (contracted car; Saiho-ji → via Gion → Restaurant/Tenba・Fuyacho)
    • 12:15 Farewell in front of the restaurant (The tour ended a little earlier than scheduled, but with the guest's consent, the tour concluded)

    What Is an Early-Morning Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Saiho-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. To avoid the crowds, we started an early-morning tour at 6:30 and visited Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Saiho-ji. In particular, one of the guests had strongly requested a visit to Saiho-ji, so I made the advance reservation and shared the details of the sutra-copying (shakyo) practice beforehand. However, due to the recent extreme heat, the moss was somewhat dried out, and the temple did not seem to be as beautiful as had been hoped. Even so, some of the guests said that Saiho-ji was their favorite. Another guest particularly enjoyed strolling around Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka near Kiyomizu-dera. The sutra-copying went quite smoothly. Since we had allowed plenty of time for the sutra-copying, our schedule ended up with a little extra room, so on the way back I guided the group through Gion (Tatsumi Bridge and Hanamikoji), and afterward I took them to a restaurant where they had a reservation before saying goodbye.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu Kyoto Station & Kofukuji Temple

    Kyoto: Kintetsu Kyoto Station & Kofukuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station (Start of Tour →15:00)
    • 7:10 Kintetsu Kyoto Station
    • 7:17 Express train for Tenri departs Kyoto
    • 8:00-8:02 Yamato-Saidaiji: Transfer from track 1 to track 2
    • 8:08 Arrive at Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • taxi
    • 8:30-50 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:00-10 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:20-50 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:00-10 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:20-40 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill
    • coffee time at Wakakusayama Palette
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:30-12:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk 5 minutes & taxi
    • 12:20 Kameya (right at the west end of Sarusawa Pond) lunch
    • Nakatanido
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-14:00 Naramachi (old merchant quarters)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-50 Kofukuji Temple
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:00 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour Like When Pre-Trip Communication Is Difficult? A Licensed Guide's Report Pre-trip communication with the guests was quite difficult, as it was hard to get clear replies. In cases like this, the guests are often not native English speakers, and that turned out to be true here as well. The guests were from Asia, and although they spoke English without a noticeable accent, written communication such as email seemed to be less comfortable for them. The conversation suggested a strong familiarity with endoscopic procedures. It made me wonder whether certain professional roles differ from how they are structured in Japan. By coincidence, I myself am scheduled to undergo both gastric and colon endoscopy tomorrow, so it was an interesting coincidence. One of the guests explained that the name Guillermo, which originally shares the same root as William, changed form over time. It is a classic example of the correspondence between French and Norman French. It is as fascinating as the correspondence in English between the nearly identical words guardian and warden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Kintetsu-Nara760JPY
    Total760JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:45 Meet at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo By IHG. It took time to install Welcome Suica Mobile, so departure was at 11:05.
    • 11:55 Asakusa (Skytree photos, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 12:30 Lunch @Kibun Sushi (the food came out slowly, it took until 13:30)
    • 14:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:05 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:30 Disband at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like, from Asakusa to Shibuya Crossing? A Licensed Guide's Report It was an extremely hot day, so I took care to prevent heatstroke by having the guests use a parasol, taking frequent breaks and drinking water, and choosing shaded routes to walk. The tour was scheduled to start at 10:30, but the guests arrived 15 minutes late. After my explanation, I asked whether they had a transportation IC card, and they said, "Then we'll do it now," but it took some time to install the Welcome Suica Mobile app, so we departed at 11:05. We had planned to have lunch in Asakusa and had made a reservation, but the food came out extremely slowly and we were kept waiting for more than 30 minutes. According to the original plan, the tour was to end after guiding them back to the Hotel, but at their request I took them to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShinjuku~Asakusa360JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Takebashi210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo~Shibuya180JPY
    Total960JPY

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

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

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

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

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