Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:20 Imperial Palace & Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 13:40 Tour ends at Shibuya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guest arrived in Japan to attend an international science conference and had set aside three days for sightseeing in Tokyo before the conference began. Following their prior requests, we toured central Tokyo, and I also explained how to use the subway and trains and introduced recommended sightseeing spots for the days ahead. This private one-day Tokyo tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures. We first headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where the guest was amazed by its unique atmosphere and the seafood street food. At one of the shops, the guest was drawn to some seafood snacks and bought them as souvenirs. Next, at Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the differences in how people worship, all while observing the actual sites. The guest said they understood it well. At the Imperial Palace, I also explained the position and history of the Imperial family and the flow of events up to the present day. At Meiji Shrine, since I had already explained Shinto beforehand, the guest marveled at its grand scale and solemn atmosphere. Finally, I took the guest to the Shibuya Crossing, which had been on their wish list, and since they wished to continue enjoying the spot on their own, we concluded the tour there.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM11:00 Hotel Meeting
    • AM11:30 Nijo Castle
    • PM13:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • PM15:10 Hotel Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Adapting the Itinerary The guests were visitors from North America. Beforehand, the plan had been to visit Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion, but the guests had apparently assumed I would be coming by car. I explained that this was a walking tour, and they understood. However, at the bus stop for Sanjusangendo there was a very long line of about 50 meters, and it looked like we would have to wait more than 30 minutes to board a bus. After discussing it with the guests, we changed our destination to Nijo Castle, which we could reach by subway. After that, we moved on to Kinkaku-ji by bus. Due to bus delays and traffic congestion, we spent more time than expected. The guests said they would go to Gion by themselves at night and wished to return to the Hotel to rest, so I took them back to the Hotel and ended the tour. I think it turned out to be a tour that did not go as the guests had hoped. I explained the way from the Hotel to Gion before we said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi～Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Doguyasuji & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in Half a Day: Doguyasuji & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet
    • 13:45 Doguyasuji
    • 14:30 Cafe break
    • 16:00 Osaka Castle
    • 16:30 Tour ends above ground at Namba Station

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinsekai, Doguyasuji, and Osaka Castle The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. Since some of the guests moved slowly and used a walking aid, I made sure to walk at a relaxed pace and to use elevators and escalators throughout the tour. As I heard this was their first time joining a tour, I also gave an overview of Japan. Initially they had hoped to visit Shinsekai and the Shinsaibashi shopping street. After they did some shopping at Doguyasuji, we discussed the destinations again during a cafe break and decided to view Osaka Castle from the outside. They were amazed by its impressive scale. As they felt uneasy about traveling by subway, I accompanied them to the station nearest their accommodation and ended the tour there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Hotel start
    • AM 09:15 Move to Kanazawa Station by hotel shuttle bus
    • Move by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:30 – 10:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, Hakuichi, gold leaf soft serve ice cream, Utasu Shrine
    • Move by bus to Kenrokuen
    • AM 10:50- 11:30 Kenrokuen Garden tour
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:20 Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura tour
    • Move on foot via Nagamachi Samurai District, Gyokusen-in, Oyama Shrine
    • PM 12:40-PM 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District area, tour ends in front of the Nomura Family Residence

    What Does a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Include? A Licensed Guide's Report The requests from the local travel agency always include visits to all of the following: Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and the Nagamachi Samurai District. For this reason, I always explain before the tour begins that if the guests find a facility of interest in Higashi Chaya or Nagamachi and wish to view it, the schedule will inevitably run short. This time, the guests enjoyed a gold-leaf ice cream in Higashi Chaya, so they ended up visiting the Nomura Family Samurai Residence in Nagamachi on their own. I explained how they could visit again on their own in the afternoon, 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～Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho～Kenrokuen-shita210JPY
    Section 3BusNagamachi Samurai District～Omicho100JPY
    Section 4BusMusashigatsuji～Kanazawa210JPY
    Total730JPY

    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!

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:45 Meet up @ Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
    • 2. 09:50 Travel: Train
    • 3. 10:30 Stay @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
    • 4. 10:35 Travel: Train
    • 5. 11:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 11:20 Travel: Train
    • 7. 11:30 Stay @ Takeshita Street
    • 8. 12:20 Travel: Train
    • 9. 13:05 Lunch @ Tsurukame
    • 10. 13:35 Stay @ Akihabara
    • 11. 14:20 Travel: Train
    • 12. 14:55 Disband @ Hilton Tokyo Odaiba

    Can You Do a Private Shopping-Focused Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a job that initially involved a lot of anxiety because the meeting point was not clear, but once we were able to make contact through a messaging app, everything went smoothly all the way to the end. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. The guests were a group, and since there was a request to take them to places they liked, I planned a course centered mainly on shopping. However, in line with a last-minute request from the group to check the meeting point for the next day's Mount Fuji tour, I first took them to the dome at the Marunouchi North Exit of Tokyo Station. For this tour, we mainly used the JR lines. The group did some shopping on Takeshita Street and at the Radio Kaikan in Akihabara, and as they were fond of anime, we spent a little more time at the Radio Kaikan. Since the itinerary involved many transfers, I saw them all the way to the end so they would not get confused, and we parted ways near the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station330JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi Station～Tokyo Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Station～Shibuya Station210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya Station～Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Akihabara Station180JPY
    Section 6TrainAkihabara Station～Shimbashi Station170JPY
    Section 7TrainShimbashi Station～Daiba Station330JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Aug 3, 2026
    stevenrA5913EW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tours
    Sam was a terrific guide – he…

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Candeo Hotels Kyoto karasuma Rokkaku Departure
    • 8:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Arrival
    • 9:50 Fushimi Inari Departure
    • 11:00 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Arrival
    • 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Departure
    • 12:10 Tenryu-ji, Sagano Bamboo Grove Arrival
    • 13:10 Tenryu-ji Departure
    • 13:10～13:30 Lunch
    • 14:00 JR Kyoto Dismissal

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Cover? Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The first stop on the itinerary was Fushimi Inari Taisha. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before praying. I then guided the guests to the front of the main hall and shared the proper etiquette: two bows, two claps, stating one's wish, and a final bow. After that came the famous Senbon Torii. The guests seemed very interested to learn that individuals and companies had donated the torii gates as an expression of gratitude. To the right and back of the "Okunoin," there is a stone called "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then, you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. It seemed heavier than expected, and the guests looked a little disappointed. Next, we went to Kinkaku-ji. At the guests' request, we traveled by taxi. Looking at the beauty of Kinkaku-ji, they repeated the word "amazing" over and over. We also used a taxi to get to the next stop, Tenryu-ji. The guests were moved by the beautiful view of the Sagano bamboo grove, and smiled fondly at the school-trip students who were happily riding the sightseeing boats on the Katsura River. I saw them off at JR Kyoto Station, and they told me it had been a wonderful trip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Saga-Arashiyama～JR Kyoto240JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

    Request Booking

    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ The Old Modern
    • 8:55 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:05 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:40 Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 12:45 Lunch
    • 13:55 Gion
    • 14:30 Dismiss @ The Old Modern

    What's a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of them had visited Japan before, but this was everyone's first time in Kyoto. Because of this, they requested only the most popular sightseeing spots, but since we were able to visit them early in the day, they were not too crowded, so I believe the guests were able to see everything at a relaxed pace. They seemed to enjoy the dynamic scenery of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the calm atmosphere of the bamboo grove. Although the destinations covered a fairly wide area, the guests moved along in an orderly manner, so we were able to proceed almost exactly as scheduled.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Niigata in One Day: Sado Kisen Jetfoil terminal

    Niigata in One Day: Sado Kisen Jetfoil terminal

    Sado Island in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:15 Meet up (Hotel Sunroute Niigata)　
    • 7:30 Arrive at Sado Kisen Jetfoil terminal by taxi
    • 7:55 Depart Niigata Port by jetfoil
    • 9:02 Arrive at Ryotsu Port, meet up with driver Kikuchi of Niigata Kotsu Sado
    • 10:15-45 Ride the tarai-bune (tub boat) at Shukunegi, Ogi Port
    • 11:05-55 Gold panning experience at Nishimikawa Gold Park
    • 12:15-13:00　Lunch (a set meal restaurant in Nishimikawa)
    • 13:30-14:50 Tour the Sado Gold Mine, tour the Kitazawa Flotation Plant
    • 16:00-30 　 Photo stop at Onogame
    • 17:30 Arrive at Ryotsu Port, part ways with driver Kikuchi
    • 17:55 Depart Ryotsu Port by jetfoil
    • 19:02 Arrive at Niigata Port
    • 19:15　　　Arrive at Hotel Sunroute by taxi, disband

    What Is a Private Sado Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests replied to emails very quickly, so we were able to communicate smoothly from the very beginning. The group visiting from North America felt a deep affinity for Japan. With some guests, when a tour runs for many hours, their words and actions can become inconsistent toward the end, which can be a challenge for a guide, but this group stayed focused from start to finish and truly enjoyed the sightseeing and conversation. They brought their own reusable bottles and eco bags, showing habits that felt very Japanese, so it was a comfortable and pleasant experience to accompany them. I myself live in Tokyo, so being included in the Niigata group is somewhat unusual, but I would be glad if I could help share the appeal of regional cities and remote islands. If it would not be an inconvenience, I would be happy to take on work in Niigata again. Because the means of getting to Sado Island are limited, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) kindly extended the tour to include a vehicle. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

    Click here for more details: Sado Island in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSado Kisen Jetfoil Niigata Port～Sado Kisen Jetfoil Ryotsu Port13,510JPY
    Total13,510JPY

    Tour Report by KAYOKO

    Hello. I’m Kayoko. I’m registered as a National Licensed Guide Interpreter by Tokyo Metropolitan City Government.
    I had been living in Yamagata City, 400 kilometers north up to Tokyo for 1 and 3 months, and now just have come back to Tokyo. I really enjoyed living in Yamagata.
    My hobby is horse riding and playing some musical instruments such as piano, clarinet, euphonium and tuba.
    Thanks to my riding experience, I had a special opportunity to do volunteer works at 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the equestrian venue in Tokyo.
    I am also a certified kimono instructor and can help you dress in the traditional Japanese kimono.
    I’m really looking forward to meeting you.

    Request Booking

    May 28, 2025
    X3079KNdeans
    Sado Island Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Sado Island was a beautiful place with many attractions and sites to see.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 The Thousand Kyoto Meet up
    • 10:40~11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:50~12:30 Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 13:00~13:50 Nijo Castle
    • 14:20 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Nijo Castle The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had previously visited Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama, and were deeply impressed by how magnificent Nachi Falls was. They also said the fresh fish they had was delicious. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they were struck by the vermilion thousand torii gates and took many photos. We also talked about the differences from Kumano Nachi Taisha, as well as the Japanese religious view of Shinto. At Sanjusangendo, they gazed intently at the 1,001 Buddhist statues and the statues of the 28 guardian deities. They were moved that these works were created about 800 years ago. At Nijo Castle, they admired the decorations such as the sliding-door paintings and the transom carvings, and our conversation extended to the circumstances that led to the return of political power to the Emperor. I saw the group off at Nishiki Market, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo～Sanjo170JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Karasuma Shijo220JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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  • Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour

    Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour

    Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00　Meet up in front of Yotsuya-sanchome Station Exit 1
    • 2. 9:20　＠JR Shinjuku Station Midori no Madoguchi
    • 3. 10:30　＠Ginza (Mitsukoshi underground food hall, Ginza 4-chome intersection, Kyukyodo, NISSAN showroom, Wako)
    • 4. 10:50　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 11:30　＠Tokyo Station (station square, station interior)
    • 6. 11:45　＠Ryogoku Edo Noren
    • 7. 12:00　＠Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Museum)
    • 8. 13:30　＠Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 14:20　＠Harajuku Omotesando + Takeshita Street
    • 10. 15:15　Disband＠bus stop in front of Harajuku Station

    # What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like When Shinkansen Tickets Go Wrong? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from Oceania, originally from Asia. Some of the guests did not speak much English, so one member of the group kindly interpreted the guiding content into Chinese. The group was staying at private accommodation, so we arranged to meet at an exit of Yotsuya-sanchome Station. The meeting itself went smoothly and the tour began, but at the JR ticket counter (Midori-no-madoguchi), which we visited at the guests' request, we ran into a major obstacle. The guests wanted to collect Shinkansen tickets that they had been unable to pick up the day before, but it turned out that the transaction could not be completed with a mobile credit card. They had not brought the physical credit card used for the reservation and payment to Japan. We called the JR West office where the tickets had been purchased to inquire and negotiate, but in the end it proved impossible. First we cancelled all the reservations, confirmed the refund, then queued up again at the ticket counter and ended up newly purchasing tickets to Kanazawa and Kyoto. Over the course of more than 45 minutes, I encouraged the guests, who were becoming discouraged, and acted as an interpreter, bridging communication between the guests and both the JR East counter staff and the JR West representative on the phone. As a result, we managed to secure all the tickets needed for their trip to the regions starting the next day. This ate into the time allotted for the Tokyo walking tour, but we regrouped and set off. It was the first visit to Japan for everyone in the group, and one of the guests said that, considering their ages, this would likely be their first and last time sightseeing in Japan. So, although it was not part of the original plan, I guided them to the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Ginza, which they were delighted by. The guests took many photographs. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony, which moved them. We were also able to visit the Ryogoku Kokugikan and the Sumo Museum, which had been on their wish list, and they toured them enthusiastically. At Takeshita Street, which they had requested in place of Cat Street, one of the guests wanted to see things not found in Oceania, so I showed them an otter café and a piglet café — we did not go inside, but it was a lively moment. In the evening they had a reservation at teamLab Planets and planned to return to their accommodation for a rest first, so we said goodbye at a bus stop to catch a bus departing from in front of Harajuku Station.

    Click here for more details: Edo Tokyo History & Culture Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Yotsuya-sanchome Station～Shinjuku Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station～Ginza Line Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Chuo Line Tokyo Station～Sobu Line Ryogoku Station170JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station～Yamanote Line Harajuku Station230JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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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