Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Start in front of Kanazawa Tourist Information Center
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:30 – AM 11:00 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District, gold leaf ice cream, shopping and Utasu Shrine
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:00 Kenrokuen Garden visit
    • PM 12:00- 12:30 Kanazawa Castle Park, San-no-maru only
    • Travel by bus to Omicho
    • PM 13:00 – 14:15  Lunch and stroll around Omicho Market
    • Travel by bus to Kanazawa Station
    • PM 14:30 Kanazawa Station, with the guest's consent to purchase souvenirs at Anto, tour ends

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The listed phone number was incorrect, but since we had been communicating by email, there was no problem meeting on the day of the tour. The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Higashi Chaya District, they enjoyed gold-leaf ice cream, Japanese sweets, and purchasing matcha, and we then visited Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park. After enjoying lunch and buying food at Omicho Market, we had planned to go to the Nagamachi Samurai District, but since some of the guests wanted to buy more souvenirs, we decided to go to Anto at Kanazawa Station instead. After consulting with the guests there, the tour came to an end. I believe they enjoyed a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, shopping, and food.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho~Kenrokuen-shita210JPY
    Section 3BusKenrokuen-shita~Musashigatsuji210JPY
    Section 4BusMusashigatsuji~Kanazawa Station210JPY
    Total840JPY

    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!

    Aug 15, 2026
    Jacquelinaj18
    Introduction to Tokyo…all questions answered
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Yoshi. A…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

  • Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:00-11:15 Loople Sendai Bus, Sendai Station → Zuihoden-mae, visit Zuihoden
    • 11:33-11:50 Loople Sendai Bus, Zuihoden-mae → Sendai Castle Ruins
    • 12:00-13:00 Lunch at Aoba Castle Kaikan Food Court & visit Sendai Castle Ruins
    • Take taxi → Aoba-dori Station
    • 13:48 -14:29 JR Senseki Line, Aoba-dori → Matsushima-Kaigan
    • 14:40-16:15 Head to the sightseeing boat dock passing by the caves
    • Sightseeing boat, Godaido
    • 16:44- JR Senseki Line, Matsushima-Kaigan → Sendai

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Sendai and Matsushima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was fine, with temperatures rising a little above 20 degrees. The guests were visiting from Oceania. They had disembarked from a cruise ship in Nagasaki and traveled through Kyushu, Sapporo and Hakodate, and various parts of the Tohoku region, and were planning to fly home from Tokyo. They showed me many photos taken in each place. Their wish to share the excitement of their journey came through clearly, and I truly enjoyed looking at the pictures. I had been a little worried about the Sendai Castle ruins, since there is no castle building remaining, but the guests took great interest in the story of the castle being demolished under the castle abolition order, as well as in the stone walls. At the same time, I regret that I was not able to guide as smoothly as I would have liked. I want to prepare materials and organize my thoughts so that I am ready for the explanation next time. To save time, we took a taxi from Sendai Castle to the station, and the guests kindly paid for it. Looking at the unusual scenery of Matsushima, the clusters of caves and the scattered islands, they said they had never seen a view like this before. May is the season when the zelkova trees of Sendai are at their most beautiful green, and I was happy to welcome the guests during this time of year. At the end of the tour, I was grateful that the guests said "What a big day" many times.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSendai Station~Zuihoden-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusZuihoden-mae~Sendai Castle Ruins260JPY
    Section 3TrainAoba-dori~Matsushima-Kaigan420JPY
    Section 4TrainMatsushima-Kaigan~Sendai Station420JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Hello. I’m Mikiko Shiga, a licensed guide interpreter.
    I live in Iwaki, Fukushima, about 200km northeast from Tokyo.
    I was born in Sendai, the capital of Tohoku or the North East area of Japan.
    I ‘ve belonged to a volunteer guide group, I experienced walking tours in Asakusa, and other places in Tokyo.

    Meanwhile, the area I was born and live in is relatively uncrowded.
    Tohoku is blessed with beautiful nature, delicious food and fresh air.
    It is recommendable for tourists who want to avoid busy places.
    It would be wonderful if I could share the attractions in Tohoku or Ibaraki areas with my guests.

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jenny_A
    Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide
    Interesting tour to see…
    Interesting tour to see…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Michael_B
    Viator review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
    Fukushima & Iwaki – Excellent Tour With Local Guides…

    Mar 23, 2025
    Phillosophizing
    An Unforgettable Journey Through Resilience and Remembrance
    Tripadvisor review: Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki
    Our Fukushima…

    Oct 11, 2024
    716zaineb
    A wonderful tour worth doing!
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Miki did a wonderful job…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Amerikamura

    Osaka in Half a Day: Amerikamura

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet up @ Hotel Candeo Osaka the Hotel
    • 12:30-15:25 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 15:55-16:10 @ Amerikamura
    • 16:10 Disband @ Amerikamura

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka Castle and Amerikamura? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who came to Japan on a trip, booking through a travel agency. They toured Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto before arriving in Osaka the day before the tour. Since the travel agency did not provide the guests' contact information, we discussed the itinerary before the tour began. The night before, they had joined a food tour and, while walking around the Dotonbori area, they had spotted a vintage shop in Amerikamura that they wanted to visit. The plan was to visit Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Amerikamura, but the guests were deeply knowledgeable about history and culture and eager to learn, so they spent a great deal of time carefully exploring the museum inside Osaka Castle and the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum newly opened this April. Because of this, we skipped Shinsekai, and I guided them to their requested shop in Amerikamura before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shinsaibashi190JPY
    Total380JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting @Kyoto Station
    • 11:00 Bamboo Grove Path~Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 12:30 Nijo Castle
    • 13:50 Lunch
    • 15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 16:00 Finish @Kyoto Station

    Can You Do a Private Cruise Port Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They were touring Japan by cruise ship, and today they arrived from the Port of Osaka. Because their arrival was slightly delayed, the tour started around 10:30. In addition, since the ship was departing today, they wanted to return to Kyoto Station by 4:00, so I significantly changed the original plan and narrowed it down to the places they most wanted to visit. First, they were thrilled by the dynamic bamboo grove they had really wanted to see. At Nijo Castle, they were delighted to experience Japan's deep and unique history. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they seemed moved by its unique and beautiful structures. As some of the guests had knee trouble, we did not spend too much time at each place, and we parted ways at Kyoto Station almost on schedule.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Randen-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo220JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 6TrainKyoto~Inari300JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    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!

    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 in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kyoto Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Moxy Kyoto Nijo
    • 10:30 ~ Visit Nijo Castle
    • 12:00 ~ Visit Sanjusangendo
    • 13:30 ~ Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:30 Disband @Imamadegawa Subway Station

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Tokyo several times before, while the others were visiting Japan for the first time. After traveling through Tokyo, Osaka, and Wakayama (Nachi), they arrived in Kyoto yesterday. Since they had a cycling tour planned for the following day to cover well-known sightseeing spots such as Arashiyama, today's itinerary was set to focus on relatively nearby places not covered by the cycling tour. The guests were very interested in Japanese history, and at each place we visited they asked about its historical significance and the role of Kyoto in Japanese history. It was a very rewarding tour to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Sanjo~Keihan Shichijo170JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Shichijo~Demachiyanagi240JPY
    Total410JPY

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel Mizu no Oto Move by taxi to Sounzan Station
    • 9:30-10:30 Take the ropeway to Owakudani After sightseeing, head to Togendai
    • 10:30-12:50 Move by bus to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum & sightseeing
    • 12:50-14:40 Move by bus to the Hakone Open-Air Museum & sightseeing
    • 15:00 Return to the hotel on foot End

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were experienced travelers who had visited Japan several times before. The weather forecast had not looked very promising, but luckily we were able to see Mount Fuji and even enjoyed some sunshine, making it a wonderful day. Perhaps because we went early, we avoided the long lines at Owakudani and were able to enjoy the black eggs and black soft-serve ice cream. At the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, the guests enjoyed a weekly mini concert featuring the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and the beautiful sight of glass sparkling in the sunlight. We changed the planned lunch to something lighter at their request (a croissant at the Hakone Glass Forest Museum and a hot dog at the Hakone Open-Air Museum), and I think being able to change plans according to the guests' mood at the moment is one of the great things about private travel. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the guests enjoyed the Picasso Pavilion and other works in a picnic-like atmosphere. It was a happy day being able to experience and share the charm of Hakone together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSounzan~Togendai1,500JPY
    Section 2BusTogendai~Hyoseki / Hakone Glass Forest Mae580JPY
    Section 3BusHakone Glass Forest~Hakone Open-Air Museum470JPY
    Total2,550JPY

    Hi, I’m Naho – your friendly, English-speaking guide in Japan!
    With over 10 years of experience as a licensed guide and more than 30 years living in the Tokyo area, I’m passionate about helping travelers of all ages enjoy Japan in a fun, meaningful, and stress-free way.

    Whether you’re into ancient temples, seasonal nature, local street food, or modern pop culture, I’ll design a private tour that matches your interests and travel style. I love sharing not just the famous sights, but also lesser-known hidden gems and local tips that make your trip truly special.

    Traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids? I’ll make sure everyone feels comfortable and included. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming experience and unforgettable memories for you in this amazing country.

    Let’s explore Japan together — I can’t wait to meet you!

    May 27, 2026
    Chris T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo with Naho!
    We had a great time exploring the in…

    Apr 24, 2026
    Megaso1970
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    The tour was nicely planned and Naho is very nice and friendly.

    Apr 9, 2026
    B4204QCcarolc
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Once in a lifetime experience!
    I want to express are…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Dee R
    Great guided tour of notable Tokyo sites and experienced all modes of transportation with the great help of our guide…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Higashimuki Shopping Street

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Higashimuki Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 JR Nara Station
    • 10:20 Isuien Garden
    • 11:00 Todaiji Temple ~ Nigatsudo Hall
    • 13:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 Higashimuki Shopping Street (Lunch, etc.)
    • 15:10 Kintetsu Nara Station Dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this day, one of the guests joined alone, as another member of the group had suddenly needed to return to their home country due to an unexpected matter. The weather was fine and the humidity was low, so the tour proceeded very comfortably. At Isuien Garden, the first stop, the guest listened to the sound of the flowing stream within the garden and enjoyed the scenery. The guest mentioned enjoying walking while listening to the sound of water. As with other guests, the guest enjoyed the deer of Nara at the foot of Mount Wakakusa and along the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Fortunately, the guest encountered a newborn fawn and was delighted to take photos from a distance. The guest also used voice input to record my explanations, both to share with a friend who could not join that day and to create a "travel journal" after the trip. After lunch, the guest requested to return to Kyoto quickly by limited express train, so we parted ways earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station~Kencho-higashi250JPY
    Section 2BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine~Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Total500JPY

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ Tempozan Terminal
    • 13:30-15:00 @ Osaka Castle
    • 15:25-16:20 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji
    • 16:45-17:00 @ Shinsekai (Mandarake)
    • 17:15 @ Harukas Garden
    • 17:20 Disband @ Restaurant in Harukas

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Osaka for a group visiting from North America. The guests had traveled by cruise ship, stopping at Tokyo, Shimizu, and other ports, and arrived at Osaka Port on the morning of the tour. They were very cheerful and delightful, and were pleased that this was the first clear, sunny day since arriving in Japan. Throughout the day, they enjoyed exploring Osaka while sharing jokes and laughter. Originally, the guests had hoped to take a boat ride at Dotonbori, go up Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, and have dinner there. However, wishing to avoid the wait at Tsutenkaku, the plan was changed to viewing the city from Harukas Garden and having dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant inside Harukas. The only regret was that the guests were unable to find a 1970s-era souvenir that a figure-collecting friend had asked them to buy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNippombashi~Ebisucho190JPY
    Section 4SubwayEbisucho~Tennoji190JPY
    Total910JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at HOTEL THE MITSUI
    • ② 10:05 Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④ 12:20 Daisen-in Temple
    • ⑤ 14:00 Sanjusangendo
    • ⑥ 15:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑦ 16:30 Disband at Fushimi Inari

    A Private Kyoto Day Tour Report: What Do History-Loving Guests Enjoy? A Licensed Guide's Notes The guests were visiting from North America on a trip to celebrate a graduation. They told me that Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden and the samurai residences had left a strong impression on them for their rich history and beauty, so I made a real effort to show that Kyoto could hold its own. I believe they were especially pleased with the dry landscape garden at Daisen-in and with Sanjusangen-do. When I explained that most shrines and temples in Kyoto had at some point burned down during events such as the Onin War or the Meiji Restoration and were later rebuilt, they seemed to have a strong desire to see genuine sites with centuries of history. When I mentioned that the Golden Pavilion had been rebuilt after an arson more than 70 years ago, they were rather disappointed, and in turn asked me what the significance was of so many people visiting it. By contrast, when I explained that everything at Daisen-in and Sanjusangen-do was original and more than 500 years old, they were delighted. They said that their own country has a relatively short history. They found it a pity that photography was not allowed inside. However, at Daisen-in, while all the halls and gardens had previously been off-limits for photography, only a few weeks ago it became possible to take photographs of the dry landscape garden.

    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

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: 15-55@Green Osaka

    Osaka in Half a Day: 15-55@Green Osaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:40 Meet up @Hotel Granvia Osaka
    • 13:20-14:25@Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 15:05-15:25@Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 15:45-15-55@Green Osaka
    • 16:00 Disband @Hotel Granvia Osaka

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, who had booked through a travel agency. The plan was a day trip from Kyoto, meeting at a hotel arranged through the travel agency, and covering Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and the Umeda Sky Building. On the day of the tour, however, the plan was changed because the guests had arranged to meet someone in Osaka at 4:00. We skipped Shinsekai, and for the Umeda Sky Building we simply took photos of it from a spot near Osaka Station. The guests were in good spirits throughout, praying sincerely at Hokoku Shrine and Hozenji Temple, and it was memorable to see them wide-eyed and amazed at the size of the crowds in Dotonbori.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total720JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…