Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
    • 10:00 Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 11:40 Owakudani
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Togendai View Restaurant
    • 13:55 Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
    • 15:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 16:10 Disband @ Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had already sightseen in Kyoto, Tokyo, and other places, and were scheduled to fly back to North America from Narita Airport the following day. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they viewed the Picasso Museum and the stained-glass tower with great interest. At Owakudani, they were fascinated by the sight of the sulfur venting from the ground and enjoyed the black eggs. On the Lake Ashi pirate ship, they seemed deeply impressed by the beautiful scenery of Hakone. Today there were many clouds, and unfortunately we were not able to see Mount Fuji, but since I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassChokoku-no-mori~Gora5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassGora~Sounzan0JPY
    Section 3Free PassSounzan~Owakudani0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOwakudani~Togendai0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTogendai Port~Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 6Free PassMotohakone~Yunessun0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market & Daikanyama

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market & Daikanyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:30 Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:30 Higashi Hongwanji Temple
    • 12:10 Ginza Six
    • 13:30 Matsumoto Kiyoshi
    • 14:00 GU
    • 15:00 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 16:00 Daikanyama
    • 17:30 Tour ends at Ebisu

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ginza, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting from North America who were scheduled to depart on a cruise from Tokyo Port a few days later. Beforehand, an agency familiar with Japan had provided the group with detailed instructions listing more than 15 specific places to visit. In reality, however, the guests were especially fond of the Tsukiji Outer Market, the Namiyoke Shrine within the market area, and their visit to Higashi Honganji Temple, and these places alone took up a considerable amount of time. When I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and the influence each has had on Japanese culture and the Japanese people, they seemed very convinced. They immediately tried praying and happily purchased many amulets and protective charms. Next, in Ginza, they enjoyed shopping at a place different from the original plan, and they also stopped by a drugstore where they bought many products. At the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, I explained the history of the Imperial family and current issues, and since some of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese history, they were very pleased. After that, we visited a shop in Daikanyama that had been specified by the agency, and finally I took them to a yakiniku restaurant in Ebisu for dinner, bringing the tour to a close.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Osaka: Osaka Museum of Housing and Living & Kuromon Market

    Osaka: Osaka Museum of Housing and Living & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Four Seasons Osaka
    • 10:15-11:50 Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
    • 12:00-14:00 Umeda Sky Building (Lunch)
    • 14:00-14:30 Go around Osaka Castle by taxi
    • 14:40-15:20 Dotonbori
    • 15:30-15:45 Kuromon Market
    • Around 16:00 End of tour

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Museum of Housing and Living, Umeda Sky Building, and Dotonbori At the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, the guests enjoyed walking through the recreated Edo-period buildings. They picked up and played with old-fashioned toys. They were able to watch the sky scenery change from day to night with fireworks projected on the screen, as well as rain followed by a rainbow. They took photos in front of the decorations displayed before the Tenjin Festival and in front of a boat that had actually been used. They also looked with great interest at modern Osaka architecture and a house made using a postwar bus. At the end, they bought a Japanese-style ballpoint pen as a souvenir. At the Umeda Sky Building, admission is free up to the 39th floor, so we went up there, and then paid 2,000 yen to climb to the top floor as well. Along the way one of the guests became tired, so I accompanied them back and looked for a place to sit while the other members of the group toured the rooftop. The weather was good and the view was said to be excellent. On the basement floor, the food street was already decorated for the Tanabata festival and looked beautiful, and we went into a tendon restaurant there. It was a spot where you could see a Japanese garden and an artificial waterfall through the window, which the guests liked very much. Since the group shared three medium bottles of beer among them, afterward they did not feel much like walking, so the driver drove around Osaka Castle and took us through the narrow streets near Dotonbori, giving us an alleyway-walking experience by taxi. One of the guests who had difficulty walking stayed in the taxi, while we walked through part of Dotonbori and the Kuromon Market and returned to the hotel on time.

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Yanagibashi Rengo Market

    Fukuoka in One Day: Yanagibashi Rengo Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50 Meet up @Hotel
    • 09:45 @Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine – Kyushu National Museum (exterior only)
    • 12:00 @Yanagibashi Rengo Market
    • 13:00 Lunch @Canal City Ramen Stadium – Jinanbo
    • 14:00 @Kushida Shrine – Hakata Machiya Furusatokan (cafe only) – Hakata Sennen Gate / Jotenji Temple
    • 15:20 Dismissal @Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Fukuoka Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since I thought a full sightseeing day might be tiring, I initially suggested places such as a seaside park and an aquarium, but at their request we went with a classic Fukuoka sightseeing course. It was less crowded than expected, so we were able to sit comfortably while using public transportation. Because it was a Monday, the Kyushu National Museum was closed, so we could not go inside the building. Even so, the uniquely shaped structure seemed to leave a strong impression. It was unfortunate that, as we had entered June, the decorated float (kazariyama) at Kushida Shrine was being replaced and could not be viewed. After finishing the visit to Jotenji Temple and around the time we moved to Tochoji Temple, it began to rain a little, and the guests were also getting tired, so we ended the sightseeing here. When guiding a group traveling with young children, I felt that the latter half of the tour requires a bit more planning — such as consulting with the guests, arranging visits that can be done while seated, and reducing walking distances. They were not the type to make complaints, so I was able to spend a very pleasant and enjoyable time with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNishitetsu Fukuoka Station (Tenjin)~Dazaifu Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainDazaifu~Yakuin370JPY
    Section 3SubwayWatanabe-dori~Kushida Shrine-mae210JPY
    Section 4SubwayGion~Tenjin210JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    My name is Chizuko Kitajima.
    I have worked as an international exchange coordinator for sister schools for more than 20 years and have handled more than 10 sister school partnerships. I guided young students when they came to Japan.
    I was born in Fukuoka and have lived here almost all my life. I am very happy to be able to introduce my hometown to our international guests.
    I will do my best to make your trip different from other cities and offer you new experiences and pleasant surprises.
    Please let me know where you want to go and what your interests are. I would be delighted to help you make the most of your trip and help you create wonderful memories.
    I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 6, 2026
    Robert_S
    A Wonderful Day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide met us promptly at the cruise…

    May 4, 2025
    92075
    So glad we did this!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Chizuko, our guide, was phenomenal.
    We…

    Mar 25, 2025
    Veronicajhyde
    A day in Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great day with our tour guide Chizuko,…

    Oct 18, 2024
    Pearl_I
    Wonderful Experience!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Chizuko was a wonderful tour guide. She spent hours…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up Rental House Rakuan
    • 09:15 to 10:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:40 to 11:20 Sagano Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama Stroll
    • 11:45 to 12:45 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 to 13;45 Lunch at Gyoza no Ohsho
    • 14:00 to 14:45 Gion Stroll
    • 14:45 Dismissal Gion

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Tour for a Larger Group? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Since it was a larger group, we traveled by a small bus. When traveling by bus, it is only possible to park and stop at locations somewhat away from the tourist spots, so the walking distances became longer, and later in the day one of the guests became unwell. I had that guest take a rest in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. The tour's progress slowed down, and we had to skip Fushimi Inari, which we had planned to visit. I sincerely hope for that guest's speedy recovery.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Uno Port Inn (Tamano City, Uno) — 9:22 Depart Uno Port — 9:42 Arrive Miyanoura Port — 10:10 Honmura (Art House Project 5 sites, Naoshima Hall, Naoshima Plan Water, lunch) — 11:50 Benesse House Museum — 12:50 Lee Ufan Museum — 13:30 Valley Gallery — 14:15 Chichu Art Museum — 16:02 Depart Miyanoura Port — 16:22 Arrive Uno Port — 16:41 Depart JR Uno Station — 17:29 Arrive JR Okayama Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Naoshima Art Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor traveling from Asia. Since arrangements about the itinerary were often handled through a secretary, I had some sense of it beforehand, but upon meeting in person, the guest turned out to be a very prominent figure. This visit to Naoshima was made in order to relax. The day before the tour, the guest had attended and given a speech at an international forum in Hiroshima, and showed me images of dining afterward with local officials. Under the original plan, given the time constraints, a visit to the Benesse House Museum would have been the most that was feasible, but that seemed far too limited. So I made a special request for an early departure from Hiroshima shortly after 6 in the morning, allowing arrival in Naoshima before 10 a.m. Furthermore, taking a bus to the port when leaving the island can be crowded or a roundabout route, which would leave little time to fully appreciate the museums. The guest kindly agreed to walk about 30 minutes to the port from the final destination, the Chichu Art Museum. Thanks to this, we were ultimately able to spend six hours sightseeing on the island. As the guest also acknowledged, Naoshima is ideally enjoyed with an overnight stay if the itinerary allows. In fact, on an island with a population of only about 3,000, there are around 80 hotels, guesthouses, and similar accommodations. However, only two taxis are in operation. The guest was full of curiosity, wanting to "see this, see that, and also eat," and in the Honmura district we ambitiously visited five sites of the Art House Project alone. In addition, the guest thoroughly toured the Lee Ufan Museum and the Valley Gallery, which busy tourists often skip. The guest connected via Zoom with family in Asia, and I was also able to say hello through the screen. Naoshima seemed to be very much to the guest's liking, and there was a wish to visit again. The guest hoped to see the guest rooms at the Benesse House hotel, but the interiors could not be viewed, so we got a sense of the atmosphere by looking at the corridors. For reference, we also visited a guesthouse and captured images of the rooms. The guest comes to Japan more than six times a year for work and is quite familiar with the country, yet made efficient and enjoyable use of a guide, and it was a highly satisfying day for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryUno Port~Miyanoura Port600JPY
    Section 2BusMiyanoura Port~Honmura100JPY
    Section 3BusHonmura~Tsutsujiso100JPY
    Total800JPY

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…

  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:40 Meet, 6:50 Start from hotel by private car, 8:50 Mt. Fuji 5th Station, then Mt. Fuji Oniwa hiking, 10:15 Depart Oniwa, 11:00 Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, 12:00 Depart there, Purchase food at convenience store on the way, Eat in the car, 12:40 Oshino Hakkai, 13:40 Depart there, 15:30 Arrive at hotel

    Title: Can You See Mount Fuji on a Cloudy Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Fuji, Kubota Itchiku Museum, and Oshino Hakkai Tour Report The guests hoped to see Mount Fuji, but it was cloudy and the mountain was not visible from the lower areas. I suggested that if we went up to the 5th Station, we would be above the rain clouds, so we headed straight there to give it a try. The plan worked, and the guests were moved and grateful to see a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Before visiting Oshino Hakkai as the guests had requested, I proposed the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. After a video introduction, the guests viewed the exhibits and enjoyed experiencing a part of Japanese art. At Oshino Hakkai, we went up into the observation deck, and the harmony between the old traditional houses and nature felt very Japanese, so the guests took many photos, just as they had at Mount Fuji. The tour finished 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, but I had informed the guests at Oshino Hakkai that we might finish early, and they preferred to arrive back earlier so they could prepare for their departure to Kyoto the next day, so this had already been agreed upon.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kanda Myojin Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kanda Myojin Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:50 Meet up @ Roppongi Hills Metro Hat, Afuri (ramen restaurant)
    • 13:30 Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Okuyama Omairi Machi ~ Hoppy Street ~ Denboin)
    • 14:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 16:00 Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 16:50 Disband @ Grand Hyatt

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Temples, Shrines, and Gardens The guest was a visitor from North America. On this day, the guest toured alone. Before arriving in Japan, there had been an ambitious request to make good use of about four hours to visit temples, shrines, and gardens, so I proposed the itinerary above and we set off. Since the guest needed to return to the Hotel by 5:00, it became a tight schedule. Sensing this, the guest had already finished lunch at a ramen shop that had suddenly become our meeting point. Fortunately, the roads were not crowded, so we also used a taxi. In Asakusa, the guest seemed to particularly enjoy the area beyond Omairimachi. At Koishikawa Korakuen, the irises had begun to bloom and the greenery of the trees was beautiful, and the guest kept saying "beautiful." I visited Kanda Myojin for the first time in a while, and by explaining its history — including the structural reasons it escaped destruction in the Second World War — and its blessings for business prosperity, it can serve as an alternative to Meiji Jingu. In the taxi, I was able to talk about Japanese culture, history, and national character. The guest responded very well to my explanations, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Line Roppongi~Ginza Line Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa Line Asakusa~JR Suidobashi324JPY
    Total533JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Shibamata Taishakuten & Harajuku

    Tokyo: Shibamata Taishakuten & Harajuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Keio Presso Inn Otemachi
    • 9:30 Tokyo Station~Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 11:30 Nezu Shrine~Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:40 Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 14:00 Lunch at Otoo (Ueno)
    • 15:00 Ueno Park
    • 16:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 17:00 Disband at Omotesando Station

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Europe who was traveling around the world during a vacation. Due to time constraints we were not able to visit Gotokuji Temple, but we went through the places I had suggested in advance in order, and I believe the guest thoroughly enjoyed the day. For lunch, the guest wanted to try Japanese noodles, so I took them to a restaurant in Ueno where you can eat Inaniwa udon, and they were very pleased. During lunch, I introduced some recommended sushi and ramen restaurants as well as spots in Kyoto, which the guest also appreciated. The guest was interested in Japanese history and culture, and seemed to be very much looking forward to visiting Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Nezu178JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Shibamata272JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Keisei Ueno272JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando178JPY
    Total1,109JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Kabukiza Basement, Tsukiji
    • 11:30 Ginza (Mitsukoshi Depachika)
    • 12:30 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Disband @ Harajuku

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour in Tokyo for a group visiting from Europe. The guests had developed an interest in Japan through a connection to Asia. At Tsukiji, the guests were amazed by the wide variety of fish and vegetables, and later at the basement food floor of a department store, they remarked that the boxed meals and sweets looked like works of art. Since downloading a Suica had not worked well, the guests purchased a Welcome Suica in Shibuya, and I showed them how to buy drinks from a vending machine. The guests really enjoyed Meiji Shrine, saying it felt very refreshing. After strolling through Harajuku, it was time to part ways, and the guests headed to Tokyo Tower on their own.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza220JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza~Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Total575JPY

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

    Aug 6, 2026
    madisonf392
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    A successful stopover
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    898clausw
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    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
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    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
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    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…