Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:55　Meet up @ Maison de Beau Forêt (Airbnb in Yushima)
    • 08:40　Sensoji Temple
    • 10:00　Tokyo Skytree
    • 11:00　Pokémon Center (Tokyo Skytree Town store)
    • 12:30　Lunch @ Hakata Menbou Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:30　Imperial Palace
    • 14:10　Disband @ Nijubashimae Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to visit Kyoto after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. At the Tokyo Skytree, the visibility was unfortunately poor due to rain, but the guests seemed impressed by the vast views of Tokyo. At the Pokemon Center, one of the guests was very happy to purchase souvenirs. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to explanations about the role of the Emperor, as well as the Edo shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. Although it rained all day, I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHongo-sanchome～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Oshiage0JPY
    Section 3SubwayOshiage～Ueno0JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno～Tokyo170JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: Nara Park in front of Todaiji & Nara Visitor Center

    Nara in One Day: Nara Park in front of Todaiji & Nara Visitor Center

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30: Meet with guests at JR Nara Station
    • 12:00: Nara Park in front of Todaiji Temple
    • 12:30: Guide through Nandaimon Gate
    • 13:00: Guide through the Great Buddha Hall
    • 14:00: Lunch @ "Kameya"
    • 15:30: Nara Visitor Center
    • 16:30: Disband @ Higashimuki Shopping Street

    Title: What's a Private Day Trip to Nara From Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests, a group visiting from North America, on time at Nara Station and began our Nara sightseeing. Since one of the guests had a slightly weak knee, we took a bus from in front of the station to Nara Park. The trip to Japan was made in connection with travel plans. At Nara Park, the group spent an enjoyable time playing with the many deer. After that, I guided them through the Great South Gate (Nandaimon) and the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) of Todaiji Temple, and they were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Great Buddha. Once the tour of the Great Buddha Hall was finished, they expressed a wish to have lunch, so we walked to a shopping street in Nara. Looking back, considering the knee condition, it might have been kinder to take a taxi. As they wanted local okonomiyaki for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant. There was a bit of a wait, but we managed to secure a table, and they were delighted that it was delicious. After lunch, thinking it was a good time for something enjoyable for the younger guests, I guided them to the visitor center, where they were able to enjoy origami. Since today's Nara sightseeing was a day trip from Tokyo, we finished a little earlier than planned. After explaining the Kintetsu Line at the shopping street in front of Kintetsu Nara Station, we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station～Todaiji-mae Station250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:10 Meet at hotel lobby (start slightly delayed as guests were having a light meal)
    • 14:30 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:40 Osaka Castle ~ North outer moat
    • 17:15 Dotonbori ~ Hozenji Yokocho
    • 17:45 End at Midosuji taxi stand

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Highlights Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had just checked in from Kyoto, and since this was the final day of their tour of Japan with an early departure the next morning, they wanted to cover the highlights of Osaka efficiently without wasting time. During the roughly 20-minute walk from the Hotel to Shitennoji Temple, the guests enjoyed the local atmosphere before arriving at the temple. Since they preferred not to take off their shoes to climb the five-story pagoda, they took many photographs instead. They were interested in the difference in roles between the five-story pagoda and the main hall (Kondo). Having seen many temples and shrines in Kyoto, they were also surprised to learn that Shitennoji is the first Buddhist temple in Japan. Although they did not go inside Osaka Castle, they were deeply impressed, remarking that they had never seen such a magnificent castle building in either Tokyo or Kyoto. By skipping the garden at Shitennoji, we were able to devote more time to Dotonbori. On the way there, the guests asked for an explanation of Dotonbori, so I explained that it was once home to many theaters and was a representative entertainment and sightseeing district that flourished with temple visitors. But upon arriving, they said no words were needed — they were overwhelmed, feeling it was unlike anywhere else. The guests happily took photographs of the neon signs, the Kani Doraku crab, Genroku Sushi, takoyaki, and Billiken all around the area.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station～Tanimachi 4-chome Station190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTenmabashi Station～Namba240JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Kelly

    Hi, everyone! Nice meeting you! I’m Yoshimi, Japan National Licenced Tour Guide.
    I live in Osaka city with my family, working for overseas trade.
    I love traveling abroad as well as in Japan regardless urban area or countryside.
    So interested in interacting with you through attractive sightseeing spots around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
    Osaka is famous as exciting big city and delicious food, Kyoto and Nara boast more than 1000years history with lots of UNESCO world heritage site.
    I also would like to introduce Japanese culture such as Sa-do or tea ceremony, Ka-do, or flower arrangement, Kimono wearing.
    What intrigue you in Japan? Depending on your interest, I’m able to recommend anything, anywhere.
    Please let me know what kind of thing you’d like to see or experience.
    Really looking forward to seeing you soon!

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    Jun 5, 2025
    annandjamesa2025
    Great Half Day tour in Osaka with Kelly
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kelly was a great…

    May 25, 2025
    vibhutit2025
    Enjoyed
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The guide was super friendly and loving. I enjoyed my time…

    Apr 1, 2025
    S2203HDjoanneh
    Guided tour Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Today, Kelly was our guide in Osaka, and she…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: University of Tokyo Hongo Campus & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: University of Tokyo Hongo Campus & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel Ginza 6
    • 10:10 University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
    • 12:30 Take shelter from the rain @ HANARE COFFEE STUDIO
    • 13:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 13:30 Hebi-michi ~ Yanaka Cemetery ~ Tennoji Temple ~ Nippori Station
    • 15:00 Disband @ Tokyo National Museum

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's University District Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from the Middle East who make a point of visiting local universities whenever they travel abroad, and they also planned to visit Kyoto University. Today the rain and wind were intense, making conditions poor for a campus tour. At the Akamon gate, I explained about the feudal-lord residences of the Edo period. We went into the general library and the central cafeteria in the basement of Yasuda Auditorium, but Sanshiro Pond was too muddy, so we skipped it. Instead, we watched kendo at Shichitokudo. We walked to Nezu in the rain but took shelter partway. One of the guests got soaked all the way inside their shoes and bought socks at a convenience store. While sheltering from the rain, I explained Japanese history. Nezu Shrine was more appreciated than I had expected. Because we spent time sheltering from the rain, we skipped Yanaka Ginza. On Hebi-michi, there were trendy shops as well, and the guests were impressed by how the old and new blend together. They had studied up well; at Ueno Park, before I could introduce the National Museum of Western Art, one of them murmured, "So this is a work by Le Corbusier." In any case, it was unfortunate that we were not blessed with good weather today.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarunouchi Line Ginza～Marunouchi Line Hongo-sanchome178JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nippori～JR Ueno146JPY
    Total324JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    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

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    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shinsaibashi & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shinsaibashi & Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Hotel Cordia Osaka Hommachi
    • 11:30 @ Shinsaibashi (Pokemon Center inside Daimaru Department Store, McDonald's)
    • 12:15 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:30 @ Kuromon Market
    • 14:45 Dismiss @ In front of Nankai Train Namba Station

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Food Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Dotonbori and Kuromon Market The guests were a group visiting from North America, including one person who had difficulty walking, so we moved at a slow pace. The guests also understood this to be a "food walking" tour. In Shinsaibashi they enjoyed McDonald's, and in Dotonbori they had melon bread, fruit, soft serve ice cream, gyoza, and more, all of which they seemed very pleased with. At Kuromon Market they enjoyed pickles and dried fruit in addition to various kinds of seafood. As they wished to stroll around the Namba area, we parted ways about 15 minutes before the scheduled end. I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive. Note) For me, this group was the largest number of guests I have ever guided. Explanations at each spot need to be given when everyone is gathered together, and I found this very difficult, especially in crowded places. There were also times when members of the group moved separately, and I felt that at my current level about four guests is likely my limit.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHommachi～Shinsaibashi190JPY
    Total190JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotombori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotombori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West
    • 9:30-12:50 Osaka Castle
    • 13:15-14:00 Dotombori
    • 14:00 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group visiting Osaka. Everyone listened enthusiastically to the history of Osaka Castle. At the Toyotomi Ishigaki Museum, they also watched the short film carefully and seemed to gain a full understanding of the castle's history. I took many photos of the group. They especially liked the spot where Osaka Castle can be seen from the Japanese garden, and each of them took photos there as well. One of the guests seemed to enjoy shopping, buying souvenirs on the first floor of Osaka Castle and then spending a long time browsing souvenirs at MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO. Another guest, who seemed to know this well, waited on a nearby chair. Another had coffee and a snack at a nearby shop. By the time the snack was finished, the shopping was done as well, and everyone regrouped before moving on to Dotonbori. I thought Amerikamura near the hotel and Ota Road in Nipponbashi might also be interesting, but as there was not much time left, I only explained the Glico sign in Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho, and Ukiyo Koji. We then looked for a place to have lunch, and since each of them wanted to eat something different, we finally found a restaurant offering a variety of menu options and parted ways in front of it. From there, they planned to walk back to the hotel while checking a navigation app.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYotsubashi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet at Koyasan ticket gate
    • 2. 10:50 Visit Daimon Gate
    • 3. 11:25 Stroll through Okunoin
    • 4. 13:30 Kongobuji Temple・Garan District
    • 5. 14:30 Disband at the Chumon Gate of the Garan District

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The bus bound for Okunoin now runs via Daimon, which is the main entrance to Koyasan, so it has become easier to explain. Along the mountain paths where pilgrims climbed the steep slopes, and on both sides of Daimon, there is also the Nyonindo (Women's Pilgrimage Route). Until 1872, women were not allowed to enter the temple grounds. The guests wished to walk all the way to the Ichinohashi entrance of Okunoin, so we walked through the religious town of Koyasan, stopping partway for a break with Japanese sweets and tea. Looking at the tranquility of Okunoin, the towering cedar groves, the pure air, and the moss-covered gorinto stone pagodas of various sizes, I believe they were able to feel firsthand the long history spanning 1,250 years. I had a great deal of trouble with the work completion report, as it kept getting rejected no matter how many times I wrote it. I am also anxious about whether this email will be sent properly. From April to May, I guided the guests from Europe, and everyone spoke to me in a friendly manner and had studied the history in advance, so I feel we were able to share an enjoyable time together. I think that if a sightseeing route could be developed from Jison-in (at the foot of Koyasan) to Niutsuhime Shrine and further on to Koyasan by car (a taxi being an essential condition), visitors would be able to understand the deeper, richer history of Koyasan as a whole. That is all.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Ann

    English-I’m interested in guiding foreign customers to
    Mt. Koya ,Niutsuhime shrine
    &Jisonin, which are designated as a national heritage site. I obtained a special regional interpreter from Wakayama Prefecture. And I pased
    a Kongobuji Temple pricinct
    permit as well. Mt. Koya is a
    sacred place for Shingon
    Esoteric Buddhism,where
    Kukai built a religious city in
    a basin at an altitude of about 800 meters in 1200years
    ago. In Okunoin, there
    are over 200,000 graves &
    memorial towers in the 500-
    year-old cedar grove.It’s
    sacred place that will
    surely soothe your soul. I’d like to intrduce Wakayama
    Prefecture to you,including
    its rich water sources &nature ,rich fruits & rich fish
    through years.You can be
    enjoyed year around. There
    is saying that seeing is beleving. I hope you’ll come to
    Wakayama and experiance
    it for yourself. Thank you.

    Request Booking
  • Kyoto: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto: Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 8:27 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:08 Bamboo Grove～Kameyama Park～Togetsukyo Bridge～Arashiyama Station
    • 11:17 Lunch
    • 12:22 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:07 Walking: Sannenzaka～Yasaka Pagoda
    • 14:00 Dismissal＠Nishiki Market

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Their stay in Japan was short, and this was the only day they would spend in Kyoto, so they mentioned that they hardly needed to take a lunch break and preferred to sightsee as much as possible instead. I planned the itinerary according to this wish. The weather was cloudy all day and there was a high chance of rain, but the weather held up, which pleased the guests. They were a very close-knit group, and it was memorable to see how much they enjoyed themselves at each place we visited.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama～Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 5BusShijo-Omiya～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusKiyomizu-michi～Shijo-Kawaramachi230JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:20 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:00 Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Grove Path
    • 15:40 Hotel Granvia Kyoto

    What Is a Private 3-Generation Family Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were a warm and pleasant group, and at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine we had a lively moment when I introduced the "Neagari no Matsu" pine and they prayed for a pay raise. At Nijo Castle, the guests listened to the explanation within a short 30-minute visit, and in the Grand Hall one of the guests observed the shogun display very attentively. At Kinkaku-ji, they took many photos of the golden pavilion reflected on the water surface. We returned to the entrance without seeing the entire garden. Thanks to the driver's kind consideration, we were able to take a route that avoided the slope and stroll along the bamboo grove path, and the guests seemed deeply moved. Since one of the guests appeared tired, the original plan was to drop them off in Gion at the end and conclude the tour, but instead we returned directly to the Hotel and ended the tour there.

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    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Aug 10, 2026
    Extraordinary623674
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    We had a terrific tour of Himeji castle with…

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    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

    Jul 7, 2026
    782MarkS782
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Harumi and Kyoto
    This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
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    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14.00 和樂でゲストと待ち合わせ、侍体験。
    • 14.20-15.00 金閣寺
    • 15.30-16.30 天龍寺
    • 16.30-17.30 竹林と嵐山散策
    • 18.00 嵯峨嵐山駅でお見送り。

    What Is a Private Kyoto Cultural Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji The guests were visitors from North America. This trip to Japan was a birthday gift. They seemed to fully enjoy Japanese cultural experiences such as a samurai experience and a maiko experience. Since walking was a little difficult for one of the guests, I made sure to keep a slow, relaxed pace throughout the tour. They were delighted by the cleanliness of Japan and the kindness of Japanese people, and they especially loved the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove path. They even said that the next time they come to Japan, they would like to stay in Kyoto the whole time rather than in Tokyo or Osaka. It was a 4-hour tour, but I believe the guests truly enjoyed it.

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    Tour Report by Yuka

    Hi there, I’m Yuka. Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I live in an onsen (hot spring) town in Hyogo prefecture. When I was working at Narita international airport as well as living in Bangkok Thailand for about 10 years, I really loved talking with people from various countries. After I came back to Japan, I got interested in guiding my beautiful country to people from abroad then I got the national guide license. I’m now working as a tour leader visiting mainly Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Himeji and Kyoto for about 2 years. I’d like to introduce my country to you as your local friend in Japan. Hope to see you soon.

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    Mar 19, 2026
    dennisfH6016XT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tolle Tour mit einer grosartigen Guide
    Yuka ist eine sehr freundliche und…