Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Meet at the reception in the Tokyo Edition Ginza
    • 15:00 1 THE IMPERIAL PALACE & the Tokyo Station
    • 17:15 2 MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & Takeshita street
    • 18:40 See off at Takeshita street

    What Is a Short Private Afternoon Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although there had been a message the day before that caused some concern, the tour proceeded as requested in a shortened format starting at 2:30 p.m. The group was in good spirits and the tour turned out to be a cheerful one. Throughout the walk, the guests asked many questions, and by answering them with a bit of humor mixed in, I was able to interact with them in a very bright and friendly atmosphere. In addition, since there had been an inquiry from the day before about a samurai/sword experience, I had shared a link to the facility in advance, but the guests were worried that English might be difficult to communicate. Because of this, I contacted the facility on their behalf during the tour and was able to secure a reservation for August 2. The guests expressed their gratitude for this. It was an enjoyable tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Tokyo180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji Jingu Shrine (Harajuku Station) / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo280JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30　Meet up＠Hotel Amanek Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • 2. 10:10　＠Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:05　＠MOCHA (Harajuku Station Cat Cafe)
    • 4. 11:45　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 5. 12:30　＠Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 13:00　Lunch＠Maruman (inside Shibuya FUKURAS)
    • 7. 13:50　＠Shibuya 109
    • 8. 14:15　＠Art Aquarium (inside Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store)
    • 9. 15:00　＠Ginza (4-chome Crossing, NISSAN Showroom)
    • 10. 15:30　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 11. 16:00　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi Side Station Building)
    • 12. 16:30　＠Shinjuku Busta
    • 13. 17:10　Disband＠Hotel Amanek Shinjuku Kabukicho

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The following day they planned to sightsee around Mount Fuji, then travel to Kyoto and Osaka before returning home. This meant that this Tokyo tour was their only full day of sightseeing in Tokyo, and they had booked an 8-hour tour. In advance, the guests had requested to avoid the extreme heat as much as possible, so I adjusted my suggestions to the conditions and proposed more indoor activities than usual while checking their preferences. Starting from a hotel in the Kabukicho area, we first headed to Meiji Shrine. Since this tour did not include a Buddhist temple, I explained the different ways of praying at a shrine versus a temple and had them experience it, so they could use it as a reference for their visit to Kyoto. Next, while moving to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, I casually mentioned a cat cafe, and one of the guests really wanted to go, so after persuading another guest who claimed to be a dog person, we made an unscheduled stop of about 30 minutes at the cat cafe MOCHA near Harajuku Station. The guests were delighted and interacted with many different cats. Another guest sat down slowly and watched, saying, "Well, if they're happy, then I'm happy too." Furthermore, an animal-loving guest found a dog cafe and a capybara cafe on Takeshita Street and became quite excited. Later, during lunch in Shibuya, the guests showed me photos of the cats and dogs they keep at home. At a Kagoshima cuisine restaurant, some of the guests enjoyed a Kagoshima yakitori set, while the pescatarian guests enjoyed vegetable and shrimp tempura rice bowls and zaru udon, eating with chopsticks. In addition to the classic Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko statue, after lunch I guided them to Shibuya 109, which is popular among teenage girls in Japan, but they did not seem very interested. Since the Imperial Palace grounds have no shade, and to avoid the still-strong sunlight, when we stopped by Ginza I recommended the Art Aquarium inside Ginza Mitsukoshi, which one of the guests strongly wished to see, so we all viewed it together. Even as a Japanese person, I found it spectacular. Some of the guests took commemorative photos while viewing it, while another guest took plenty of time to appreciate it alone, and when finished said, "It's really the best, I loved it!" — clearly captivated by the exhibition. They wanted to buy a souvenir at the shop, but unfortunately the item they wanted (a wooden puzzle) was sold out. After that, we passed along Ginza Chuo-dori and visited the Imperial Palace. I had hoped the heat would ease a little by this time of day, but it was still very hot. So we traveled to Tokyo Station via the underground passage. At that point the guests were tired, so we decided to return to the hotel. However, before returning to the hotel, they were worried about the departure point of the next day's bus, so we got off at Shinjuku Station, and after showing them "Basta" bus terminal, we walked back to the hotel. It was about a 13-minute walk, but the guests felt anxious about accessing it on foot on their own even using Google Maps, so at the hotel front desk I helped arrange a taxi reservation and a courier delivery for the following day before saying goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Meiji-jingumae Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo～Shinjuku210JPY
    Total910JPY

    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!

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    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:00　Meet at Hotel
    • ②　11:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　11:40　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④　13:00　Nijo Castle
    • ⑤　14:00　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑥　15:00　Disband at Gion-Shijo

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo The guests were visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time, coming from Europe. Although I had emailed several times beforehand, there was never any reply, and no email response came through until the very end. However, when we actually met, they turned out to be delightful, full of interest in Japanese culture and history, and they asked so many questions that guiding them was truly rewarding. We decided on the destinations while chatting at the hotel, and this time we chose popular spots. What interested them most was Shinto and Buddhism, and they asked extensively about the actual practice of the syncretism of the two. They also asked about burial and cremation after death, and about current rules on how graves are maintained and managed. The conversation jumped from topic to topic and back again, and in turn they taught me a great deal about the religious culture of their own region. Many people from Europe (as well as North America) have varied roots, and, influenced by their families, they are quite naturally accustomed to speaking multiple languages. I am always amazed at how different this is from the way of a small island nation like Japan with its single ethnic makeup — today we talked about such things and even skipped lunch to keep going. Sanjusangendo houses 1,002 Kannon statues. In the center is the principal image. To its left and right are 500 statues each. And behind the principal image there is one more, for a total of 1,002. Today, for the first time, I received the question: why is there deliberately one more Kannon placed behind the principal image, facing the opposite direction? Honestly, I did not know, and when I checked online on the spot, no clear answer came up. Just then a monk happened to pass by, so I asked him. The monk answered very politely. According to him, in the past Sanjusangendo was not a temple that anyone could casually visit as they can today, but a special temple closed off to the world. From the temple's perspective, this meant that it was difficult to receive donations on a daily basis as it can now, so later a 1,002nd Kannon statue was created, and the temple monks and parishioners traveled around Japan carrying this Kannon while collecting donations — it was a Buddha statue made for that purpose. He said that normally a temple's principal images are enshrined in indivisible numbers such as one, three, or five, and that the figure of 1,001 carries such a meaning. All 1,001 of these Kannon statues face east, toward the residence of the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa, so that around the clock the 1,001 Kannon face east to protect the retired emperor. However, just one is a complete exception and faces west, being a tool of the trade for collecting donations — a truly fascinating idea. When I shared this story with the guests, they were very pleased. It really was a wonderful question.

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

    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

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    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 in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-11:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-12:30 Tokyo Station-13:30 Pokemon DX-15:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-16:15 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, dismissal

    Title: What's a First Day of a Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Asia. This was effectively the first day of their tour. To purchase a PASMO card, they tried to withdraw cash with a credit card, but it did not work. Instead, they exchanged US dollar cash into Japanese yen and completed the process at Tameike Station. Although the station staff was unfamiliar with the procedure and it took some time, they successfully obtained a registered PASMO card. After visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we walked to Tokyo Station and purchased Shinkansen tickets from Kyoto to Tokyo. On the way to Nihonbashi through the underground shopping area, we stopped for lunch with miso ramen and gyoza, which they finished completely. We then visited the Pokémon Center, went from Shibuya to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagatacho～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNihonbashi (Tokyo)～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 3BusShibuya Station / Keio Bus～Shinjuku Sumitomo Building / Keio Bus230JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

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    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet the guests at the cruise ship pier,
    • transfer to Ujina Port by shuttle bus
    • 1025 To Miyajima by Setouchi Sea Line high-speed boat
    • 1150 Miyajima sightseeing, Great Torii Gate, etc.
    • 1200 To Peace Park by World Heritage Route high-speed boat
    • 1250 Lunch (Okonomiyaki)
    • 1330 Visit Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, and various monuments
    • 1530 Returned to the cruise ship by taxi.

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. While some of the guests seemed well, others were quite tired from a long journey, so the group requested that we shorten the time spent on Miyajima as much as possible. For this reason, I booked a high-speed boat from Ujina Port to Miyajima. The group also asked me to reserve a high-speed boat from Miyajima to Peace Memorial Park, which I did. They asked me to call a taxi for sightseeing on Miyajima, but I explained that the two available taxis could not be reserved, that taxis cannot go all the way to the torii gate, and other details, and the group agreed to travel on foot. Including the round-trip walking time, they wanted to keep it to about an hour and hoped to take the earliest possible high-speed boat to Peace Memorial Park. I booked the 12:00 high-speed boat. We traveled to Peace Memorial Park and had okonomiyaki at a nearby okonomiyaki restaurant. Everyone said it was delicious and enjoyed the meal. After the meal break, the group visited the main monuments and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Some of the guests seemed shocked by what they saw. Since some of the guests were tired and wished to return to the cruise ship, I escorted them to a taxi, told the driver the destination, saw them off, and concluded my work.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUjina Port～Miyajima1,150JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima～Motoyasugawa Pier1,100JPY
    Total2,250JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

    Request Booking

    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting with Concierge
    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Roldan_T
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Harry was an great and informative guide.
    Harry was…

    May 10, 2025
    jonathan_R
    Really great tour. …
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Really great tour. Hisashi or…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
    • 2. 10:10 Move: On foot
    • 3. 10:25 Stay @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:25 Move: Train
    • 5. 11:55 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing ①
    • 6. 12:10 Lunch @ Sendai Henmi
    • 7. 13:25 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing ②
    • 8. 13:35 Move: Train
    • 9. 13:40 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 10. 14:35 Disband @ Takeshita Street

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a family from Europe, similar to a tour I had guided in July. Everyone had ICOCA cards, and we used JR trains for getting around. Speaking English a little too fast seemed hard for them to catch, so I made a point of speaking slowly. Among the places we visited, Koishikawa Korakuen was one I had suggested, and I believe it was fairly well received. It was helpful that we could walk there from the Hotel. In Shibuya, I first showed them the crossing from the second floor of the station, then we had lunch, and finally we actually walked across the crossing. Since I had been informed that one of the guests had a nut allergy, I was careful with the menu choices at lunch. After guiding them through Meiji Shrine, we had planned to walk along Takeshita Street together, but because it was hot, the guests wished to take a break at a café and then enjoy shopping on their own. So the tour ended a little early at around 14:30 on Takeshita Street.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIidabashi～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Total330JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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    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…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: the parking lot near Otaru Canal

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: the parking lot near Otaru Canal

    Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6：10　Guide boards JR Shin-Sapporo Station ~ JR Otaru Station ~ boards Chuo Bus (bound for Otaru Aquarium)
    • 8：40　Arrive at hotel (Hotel Neuschloss Otaru)
    • 8：50　Meet with guests Mr & Mrs Christensen (their 20-year-old son does not join the tour due to rest)9：00　Guests board their private chartered vehicle (rented in Hakodate, used from Otaru ~ Biei/Furano/Sapporo ~ Hakodate)
    • 9：30　To the parking lot near Otaru Canal
    • 　　　　Stroll along Otaru Canal (Asakusa Bridge – Chuo Bridge)
    • 　　　　Enter Otaru Canal Plaza
    • 　　　　Stroll along Otaru Sakaimachi Street 1.5km
    • 　　　　　Kitaichi Glass Museum, Kitaichi Glass No.3 Hall, LeTao, Merhen Square,
    • 　　　　　Music Box Hall, old bank district (Wall Street of the North) stroll, entry to former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (Financial Museum)
    • 13：00　　Farewell. Guide returns to Sapporo by JR train

    Hokkaido Otaru Private Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Does a Full-Day Report from Japan Guide Agency Look Like? Weather: light rain at first, then cloudy. Temperature: 25–26°C. Number of guests: 3 adults expected; actual attendance was the group. The guests had visited Honshu several times, partly for business, but this was their first visit to Hokkaido. They traveled north to Hakodate by Shinkansen, then drove a rental car from Hakodate to Otaru. I welcomed the guests at the Hotel and handed out a booklet I had prepared myself. We departed from the Hotel by rental car and began sightseeing in central Otaru. The guests were very familiar with matters concerning Japan. As a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide, I gave an overview of Otaru City while showing them around. They showed great interest in the historic buildings along Sakaimachi Street, which convey a strong sense of history. Since the guests expressed a wish to return to Hokkaido in a different season, I recommended visiting in winter for a skiing experience.

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

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

    Request Booking

    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama & 15;00 Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama & 15;00 Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 to 10:30 Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama Stroll
    • 11:00 to 11:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 14:30 to 15;00 Gion

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Gion Today's guests were a group visiting from Africa. They mentioned that it is currently winter where they are from, with temperatures around 15 degrees. One of the guests was not feeling well and seemed to have caught a cold. Their condition was at its worst when we visited Kiyomizu-dera, and they said they would not be able to enter the paid area. Afterward, they gradually began to feel better, and by the time we reached Gion, some appetite seemed to return. Since they said they wanted to eat sushi, I introduced them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. They were surprised at how inexpensive it was.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Keihan Shichijo／Princess Line170JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama-Shichijo／Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total640JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Start at hotel
    • Travel by bus to Oyama Shrine
    • AM 09:50-10:30 Visit Oyama Shrine and Gyokusen-in Garden
    • Travel by bus to Hirokoji
    • AM 10:50-AM 11:20　Nishi Chaya District　Ninja Shop
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:15 Join Myoryuji Temple Tour
    • Travel by bus to Korinbo
    • PM 12:30-PM 13:10 Nagamachi Samurai District　(Visit Takada Family Residence and Ashigaru Museum)
    • Travel by bus to Omicho Market
    • PM 13:30 Guide to a restaurant and end of tour

    Title: What's a Private Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Myoryuji Ninja Temple and Nishi Chaya District The guests were visiting from Europe. They seemed disappointed that it had rained for most of their time in Okinawa. The day before the tour, I received a request to join a tour of Myoryuji Temple, so I arranged it the previous day. On the day of the tour, when I confirmed details during the meeting at the hotel, I learned that some of the guests were interested in ninja. I explained that Myoryuji is, above all, a temple, and had the guests experience throwing shuriken at a ninja shop in the nearby Nishi Chaya District before joining the tour. However, since guide explanations are not permitted inside and only an English guidebook is provided, it seems some of the guests found it difficult to understand. While adults can enjoy it, I think that if it is going to be called a "ninja temple" for guests to enjoy, it might be better for the temple staff to fully commit to the theme, perhaps by dressing up as ninja. In any case, the guests enjoyed throwing shuriken at the ninja shop, so that was good. At the end, I introduced a restaurant at Omicho Market and the tour concluded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Minamicho・Oyama Shrine／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 3BusHirokoji (Kanazawa City)／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Korinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Section 4BusKorinbo／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market／Hokuriku Railroad Bus210JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel Meet
    • 08:30 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:30 In front of Atomic Bomb Dome – Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group of guests visiting from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for some of the guests, while one of them had visited Japan about 30 years ago. Compared to that earlier visit, they were surprised at how inexpensive prices had become, and asked me directly, "Could this reflect a decline in Japan's national strength? Is this situation seen as a problem in Japanese society?" As my personal view, I answered, "Many people in Japan tend to focus on short-term policies such as subsidies and tax cuts rather than on the fundamentals of the economy, and I feel a little sad about that attitude." Reflecting on it again, it made me feel that today's Japanese society tends to place more importance on "being given" than on "earning for oneself," and may be gradually losing the vitality it once had. That said, in contrast to such social topics, the guests thoroughly enjoyed their time on Miyajima, and were especially captivated by interacting with the deer. Watching them touch the deer and take photos together was truly heartwarming and made for a delightful time. As it was a very hot day, I guided them while recommending frequent hydration to make sure the guests did not suffer from heatstroke.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

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

    Tour Report by Yuji

    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.

    Request Booking

    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
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    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…