Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: TOYOSU Market & TSUKIJI

    Tokyo in Half a Day: TOYOSU Market & TSUKIJI

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at around ticket gates of Marunouchi South gate in the Tokyo Station
    • 10:15 1 TOYOSU Market
    • 11:45 2 TSUKIJI
    • 12:15 see off at Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC
    • (We took the two guests to the reserved restaurant at their desired lunch time and took our leave)

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for Visitors from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, making their first trip to Japan. They came to visit a Japanese family with whom they had maintained a close, family-to-family relationship over the years, including someone they had once hosted through a homestay. The tour was booked by a member of that Japanese family, who kindly brought the guests to the meeting point at Tokyo Station, where we exchanged greetings, confirmed the day's plan, and got started. Following the itinerary I had proposed, we headed to Toyosu Market. Sensing that walking was somewhat difficult for the guests, I used escalators and elevators as much as possible. Since this took some time, we only briefly passed by the Tsukiji Outer Market from the planned itinerary and moved on to Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC, where a lunch reservation had been made. I guided them to the reserved restaurant, confirmed their order, and then took my leave.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassYurakucho~Toyosu700JPY
    Section 2TrainToyosu~Shijo-mae189JPY
    Section 3TrainShijo-mae~Toyosu189JPY
    Section 4Free PassToyosu~Shintomicho/Tsukiji→Nihonbashi0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Yurakucho146JPY
    Total1,224JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

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

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

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

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 近鉄奈良駅 (ツアー開始)
    • 9:50-10:30 吉城園(入園無料)  (徒歩5分)
    • 10:40-50 東大寺南大門  (徒歩5分)
    • 11:00-30 東大寺大仏殿 (徒歩5分)
    • 11:40-50 東大寺鐘楼 (徒歩5分)
    • 12:00-30 東大寺二月堂 (絵馬堂茶屋にて昼食)
    • (徒歩10分)
    • 12:50-13:00 若草山のふもと (徒歩5分)
    • 13:20-50 春日大社 (公園内を徒歩15分)
    • 14:20- ならまち(旧商人街):
    • 16:00 中谷堂(ツアー終了)

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. One of them had a strong interest in flowers and had hoped to visit Isuien Garden, but unfortunately it was closed that day. Even so, the guests enjoyed Yoshikien Garden instead. (I knew that Isuien Garden is generally closed on Tuesdays, but I had forgotten until that very morning. Speaking of closing days, Mizuya Chaya used to be closed only on Wednesdays, but it has since changed to being closed on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Nakatanidou, famous for its mochi pounding, was also closed today. It used to have no regular closing day, but now it is closed on Tuesdays. I had carelessly forgotten this as well.) The guests walked around all day, and they asked many questions about my explanations of Buddhism, Shinto, and history, which made guiding them very easy and enjoyable. I once again realized that Aussie English is easier for me than American English.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Tsutenkaku Tower & Castle Keep

    Osaka in Half a Day: Tsutenkaku Tower & Castle Keep

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel meetup
    • 11:30 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 12:30 Shinsekai, Jan-Jan Yokocho
    • 13:45 Osaka Castle Outer Moat
    • 14:30 Castle Keep
    • 15:00 Tour ends on the 5th floor inside the Castle Keep
    • ✳Briefly explain the food festival being held at Osaka Castle and access to Umeda Sky Building
    • (You had requested the Sky Building if there was time)

    What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsutenkaku and Osaka Castle The guests had just arrived at their Hotel at 8:00 in the morning and mentioned they had not slept much. They were a friendly group visiting from North America. At Tsutenkaku, they were interested in the slider as well, but since the reception explained that it required a separate reservation, they viewed only the observation deck. They added the open-air observation deck and appeared to enjoy taking photos. At Jan Jan Yokocho, they bought only ice cream and fried chicken from a stand to eat, but by the time we reached Osaka Castle, some of the guests seemed quite tired from hunger and lack of sleep. They listened attentively to the historical stories and seemed interested in topics such as the difference between the Emperor and the Shogun. ✳ I received a tip at the end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNippombashi Station~Ebisucho Station190JPY
    Section 2SubwayDobutsuen-mae Station~Tanimachi 4-chome Station240JPY
    Total430JPY

    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!

    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: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet @Prince Park Tower
    • 5:20 Toyosu Market (Seafood Wholesale Building~Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building)
    • 7:15 Tsukiji (Uogashi~Outer Market)
    • 8:15 Tsukiji Hongwanji
    • 8:30 Dismiss@Tsukiji 4-chome

    What Is a Private Tokyo Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. In the taxi to Toyosu, I learned that one of the group had a relative in the seafood industry who handles tuna in Asia, so I braced myself for a challenging day. Fortunately, one of the guests enjoyed talking, so I encouraged them to share what they knew and made them feel good by saying, "Impressive, you really know your stuff!" before adding supplementary explanations. Meanwhile, I talked about the evolution of the supply chain and the issue of succession for expert appraisers in connection with Japan's declining birthrate and aging population. At the seafood intermediate wholesalers' building and Tsukiji Uogashi, the guests filled a large eco-bag with wakame, wasabi, sashimi soy sauce, and dashi stock, and at the outer market they enjoyed beef skewers and strawberries. Since they had a 9:00 reservation at teamLab Planets, I took them to Hongwanji Temple, stayed with them until 8:30, saw them into a taxi, and we parted ways.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Meet
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Atomic Bomb Dome (disband)

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this day, I guided guests visiting from North America. [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. One of the guests had studied abroad in Okinawa during high school, so simple conversation in Japanese was possible. The private tour covered Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park under clear, sunny weather. At Itsukushima Shrine, I explained the proper etiquette for worship. At Daisho-in Temple, the guests experienced the Kaidan-meguri, a walk through a darkened passage beneath the temple. We also strolled along Maple Road, and at the Peace Memorial Park, we offered a moment of silent prayer in remembrance. During the tour, I explained that Hiroshima is famous as a producer of oysters. In response, the guests shared that crab is especially delicious in their home region in North America. Conversations about food are lively regardless of nationality, and this time as well, our conversation flowed in a warm and friendly atmosphere. I was reminded once again of the importance of experiencing a wide variety of food cultures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Uji Byodoin Temple & Tale of Genji Museum

    Kyoto in One Day: Uji Byodoin Temple & Tale of Genji Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
    • 10:30 Visit Uji Byodoin Temple
    • 11:45 Visit Kosho-ji Temple
    • 12:45 Lunch @ Fukujuen Restaurant
    • 13:15 Visit Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine
    • 13:45 Visit The Tale of Genji Museum
    • 15:15 Disband @ Gion-Shijo

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Uji from Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time. After Tokyo and Kanazawa, they arrived in Kyoto and planned to stay there for a few days. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide offered a choice between Uji and a standard Kyoto sightseeing course, and the guests chose Uji. Byodo-in was more crowded than usual due to school excursion students, but we were able to visit Byodo-in Phoenix Hall without much waiting time, and we managed to see the other spots without feeling crowded. The guests seemed to especially like Kosho-ji Temple, and they listened to my explanations with great interest. They also seemed to enjoy the lunch at Fukujuen (they ordered cha-soba, green tea buckwheat noodles), eating it with obvious pleasure. I believe that choosing Uji turned out to be the right decision, and I was glad about that.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto~Uji240JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Uji~Gion-Shijo320JPY
    Total560JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Rakusai Bamboo Path

    Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Rakusai Bamboo Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Departure@Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
    • 09:30 Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 10:30 Kitayama Odaisugi
    • 11:30 Rakusai Bamboo Path
    • 12:40 Lunch
    • 14:30 Dismissal@Hotel The Mitsui

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Arashiyama, Kitayama Cedar Village, and Bamboo Groves Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. The itinerary had been arranged based on the agency's request, and the guests' agreement had been confirmed well in advance, but a major change request came in the day before the tour. When I met the group on the day, we first headed to Arashiyama and I took them to the Monkey Park. They were delighted, as it was their first time seeing monkeys there. Afterward, since they wanted a place with abundant nature, we headed to the Kitayama cedar village, where I showed them the great Odaisugi cedar. They were amazed by this scenery they were seeing for the first time. Next, I took them to the bamboo grove in the Rakusai area. Larger in scale than Arashiyama and with almost no other visitors, this spot was also very well received. After that, they enjoyed some ramen, and we returned to the Hotel almost exactly on schedule.

    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 One Day: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Double Tree by Hotel
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • 12:30 Kinkakuji
    • 13:40 Lunch at Muraji Restaurant(Ramen, Fried Chicken)
    • 14:30 Nishiki Market
    • 15:30 Walk to Kiyomizudera from Shijo Kawaramachi through the Gion District
    • 16:10 Tour ends at Kiyomizu Zaka intersection after showing them the way to the hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Japan Guide Agency Body: The guests were a group visiting from North America. All of them could speak English, but my explanations were interpreted into another language for the rest of the group by one of the guests. Since their accommodation was conveniently located for reaching both Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, I planned an itinerary of four locations plus lunch, intending to finish the tour once we had entered the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera at the end. The transfers by train and bus went smoothly with little waiting time, but after lunch it took longer than expected to walk to Kiyomizu-dera, so I was not able to guide them all the way inside the temple grounds. Looking back, it might have been better to take the subway to Karasuma, treat Nishiki Market as a food-tasting stroll, and allow about an hour of extra time to walk slowly to Kiyomizu-dera while guiding them through Gion along the way. The guests were quiet, but they showed interest in souvenirs and food, and I believe they were able to have an enjoyable time. [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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3BusKeihan Sanjo~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji~Karasuma Oike260JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel⇒9:40 Hacksaw Ridge 10:50⇒11:20 Shuri Castle 12:20⇒12:30 Lunch in Shuri 13:30⇒14:00 Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters 15:00

    What's a 6-Hour Private Okinawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on WWII Sites, Ryukyu History, and Cuisine On this occasion, I had the pleasure of guiding a very friendly group from North America on my 6-hour tour combining "WWII battle sites, the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Ryukyu culinary culture." The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour followed the route of Hacksaw Ridge → Shuri Castle → lunch in Shuri → the Old Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, and the guests showed great interest in the history. They also enjoyed a variety of Ryukyu dishes served in small plates. I had worried it might rain throughout the tour, but we were grateful not to get very wet at all. At the end of the tour, they kindly said, "It was wonderful! I'll write a five-star review!" After returning home, they sent a message of thanks along with a selfie photo taken at lunch, and they also happily gave permission for the tour photos to be used for promotional purposes.

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide& Vehicle
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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Grand Green Osaka & Shin-Osaka

    Osaka in Half a Day: Grand Green Osaka & Shin-Osaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:20 Shin-Osaka Station (meet)
    • 8:50 Grand Green Osaka
    • 9:30 Osaka Castle
    • 10:45 Tsuruhashi
    • 11:30 Kuromon Market – Dotonbori
    • 13:00 Shin-Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like for JR Pass Holders Staying in Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were staying in Kyoto and holding a JR Pass. Since they had visited Himeji Castle the previous day, we viewed Osaka Castle only from the outside without entering, and I explained the construction process and historical background. Because the guests walked quickly and were not interested in shopping, I added Tsuruhashi and Kuromon Market, which were not originally on the itinerary, and then guided them to Dotonbori. One of the guests enjoyed baseball and wished to watch a Japanese professional baseball game, but there were no matches scheduled during their stay in Tokyo. I looked into it and found that the Giants had a regional away game while they would be staying in Kanazawa, so I helped them obtain tickets, which they were very pleased about.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka~Osaka180JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 3TrainOsakajokoen~Tsuruhashi150JPY
    Section 4TrainTsuruhashi~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 5TrainNamba~Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Total990JPY

    Hello! I am Seiko, National Licensed Guide since 2007.

    Private tours available in:
    Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Naoshima, Kurashiki, Okayama
    Nagano (Snow monkey park, Obuse, Togakushi area, Myoko, Joetsu)


    I was born and raised in Kurashiki (Okayama pref.), spent my college days in Kyoto, lived in Osaka for more than 15 years and recently moved to a city near Nagano (guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc in spring & fall, Nagano area in summer & winter).

    I studied Hospitality & Tourism in Wisconsin/USA for 2 years and worked as a translator/interpreter, market researcher, and executive assistant with global companies in Japan for many years where I enjoyed spending a precious time with people from different backgrounds and cultures and broaden my world and horizons.
    I myself am a traveler for life, been to more than 30 countries and all the prefectures in Japan. I am also a hiker, kayaker, scuba diver, and snowboarder enjoying myself mostly outdoors in every season.

    Please feel free to let me know if you have special interests and/or specific items that you are looking for in Japan. Also, it would be nice to know if you have any physical challenges, food allergies, or anything that I should know before the tour.
    Let’s have a fun time and unique experience with me!

    Seiko

    Mar 29, 2026
    KarlaD124
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4 hr Gion Private Guided Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner
    This was an amazing once in a…