Category: Uncategorized

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:20 @ In front of the Central Ticket Gate at Himeji Station
    • 2. 10:25 @ Castle View
    • 3. 11:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 13:20 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 14:00 Lunch @ Ekisoba Otemae Branch
    • 6. Disperse at 14:40 @ In front of the Shinkansen Transfer Gate at Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had been to Japan many times, but this was their first time in Himeji. After meeting at Himeji Station, we visited Castle View, Himeji Castle, and Kokoen Garden, then had a light meal at a soba restaurant near Otemae Street before returning to Himeji Station, where the tour ended. The weather today was cloudy — neither too hot nor too cold, making it very comfortable — but since it was a weekend, both Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden were crowded with tourists. Originally, based on the guests' request, we had planned to have lunch at Kokoen Garden, but the wait time was extremely long, so we canceled that plan. During the tour we took many photos, and the guests were delighted. After the tour ended, I received a thank-you message from the guests.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Yokohama Station West Exit Taxi Stand

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Yokohama Station West Exit Taxi Stand

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hilton Yokohama
    • 10:40 Asakusa
    • 12:00 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 　　Lunch　Sushi Shirakawa
    • 12:40 Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Garden
    • 14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:40 Shibuya
    • 17:30 Yokohama Station West Exit Taxi Stand

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like After a Japan Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania. After finishing a cruise around Japan, they were set to take a Tokyo tour before returning home the following day. They were very cheerful and friendly. Based on the places in Tokyo that had left a strong impression during an earlier trip to Japan by a member of their family, I selected those spots and guided them accordingly. I paid careful attention to walking pace and the route, and the guests were very grateful for that consideration. They were deeply moved by the Kiyosumi Shirakawa garden, and they were delighted with the sushi and sake at lunch at Sushi Shirakawa, as well as the atmosphere of the restaurant. This private one-day tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama～Asakusa619JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Garden286JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-Shirakawa～Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Yokohama309JPY
    Total1,747JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Hokoku Shrine

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meeting
    • Move
    • 10:00 Arrive at Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:00 Hokoku Shrine
    • Food tour at Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 12:15 Disband

    Can You Take a Private Miyajima Day Tour from Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. We started from a hotel in the city, and since our transfers went smoothly, we had a little extra time to enjoy Miyajima. That said, it was quite crowded from the morning, and there was a line to enter the shrine. Even so, the conversation flowed well, and I received many questions from the guests. Having already visited temples and shrines in Kyoto, they had built up some knowledge, so they were already familiar with the standard explanations. However, they seemed interested in Japanese culture, Shinto, and Buddhism, and appeared to be enjoying the conversation. Along the Omotesando shopping street, they fully enjoyed strolling and sampling local oysters and drinks. Just as we nearly reached the ferry terminal, they said that since they had come all this way, they wanted to stay a bit longer on Miyajima, so although it was a little early, we decided to part ways at the ferry terminal. I introduced and explained some of my recommended spots before saying goodbye. The weather was fairly good, and I am sure they enjoyed the rest of their day as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of the Broadcasting Hall～Koi, Miyajima Kaido240JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Yuka

    My name is Yuka Yoshida. I am a Hiroshima Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I was born and raised in Tokyo. I lived in the U.K. and the U.S. for 10 years, when I had chances to travel different cities in those countries, as well as India, Ghana, Canada. I had wonderful experiences in different cultures and environments there. Since I moved to Hiroshima 18 years ago, I was intrigued by this city, especially Miyajima Island. I love outdoors and playing tennis. I started working as a tourist guide in 2024. I am passionate and enthusiastic about working as a guide, because it gives me enjoyable opportunities of meeting and talking with people and learning new things. I used to work in an elementary school for 13 years as an English teacher. It was a wonderland where classroom atmosphere changed every year so much. With this background, I am versatile to adapt myself to any situations and flexibly accommodate guest’s requests. As a guide, I frequently visit monuments in the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, and the magnificent Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island.

    Let me tell you briefly about Hiroshima. Hiroshima prefecture is located in western Japan, facing the Seto Inland Sea to the south. There is a famous Japanese garden, Shukkeien Garden in the middle of the city. It was built as a garden for the villa of Nagaakira Asano, the lord of Hiroshima Castle during the early Edo period (1603-1868). You will be surprised to see how peaceful and relaxing the garden is when you browse there. It’s not a huge garden, but it presents a wonderful landscape of a traditional Japanese garden and different beautiful colors every season.

    Hiroshima prefecture is unique, having two World Heritage Sites.

    One of them is the Atomic Bomb Dome. As you can see, Hiroshima is a city of many attractions today, but it is also the place where the world’s first atomic bomb was used on August 6, 1945, near the end of the World War II. The atomic bombing destroyed Hiroshima City completely, killing approximately 140,000 people that was about 40 percent of Hiroshima’s population at that time by the end of 1945. You will be amazed at how the city of Hiroshima has been rebuilt since then. Our tour will visit the monuments in the Peace Memorial Park and provide you with rich information that you cannot find in any guidebook.

    By joining this visit, I am sure that you will better understand why the people of Hiroshima hope for the peaceful world so fervently.
    The other World Heritage Site is Itsukushima Shrine. The entire island of Miyajima is one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the Seto Inland Sea area which is also designated as a national park for its beauty. Itsukushima Shrine has a long history going back to the 6th century. It is very unique and outstanding architecture which attracted people from the ancient time. The shrine and the Big Gate, O-torii, are must-sees.

    Regarding food, Hiroshima offers delicious oysters. On Miyajima Island, you can enjoy shopping on the Omotesando street (a main street) which gives you opportunities to eat out, not only grilled oysters but also some local sweets, such as Momiji-manju (that is like a sponge cake sweets with a shape of maple leaf), lemon beverages and so on. Another delicacy is Okonomiyaki, savory pancakes with a lot of vegetables with your choice of numerous toppings which you should definitely try.

    I truly hope that your trip in Hiroshima will be a memorable one. I am so thrilled and delighted to see that every guest is satisfied with this tour. Please feel free to contact me for your customized tour. I will do my best to make your tour very special and memorable for your lifetime.

    Request Booking

    Mar 30, 2026
    m2k0pp
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Excellent Hiroshima Experience!
    Very interesting full day with guide…

    Sep 29, 2025
    414elizeh
    Excellent tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka made our outing a perfect day of…

    Apr 1, 2025
    samwcook21
    Great day in Hirsoshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka was great! We enjoyed…

    Oct 18, 2024
    jreiter100
    Inspirational Day in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our half day…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel meeting
    • 9:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:30 Arashiyama
    • 12:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:30 Tour ends at the hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Europe. They said they had asked an AI for recommendations and decided on today's course based on that. One of the guests had worked for a Japan-based company for many years and had visited Japan about 100 times for work, while it was the other guest's first visit to Japan. Since one of the guests had difficulty walking, I guided them at a relaxed pace. They had also traveled to various countries in Asia, and seemed interested in learning about the differences between those countries and Japan. The last stop, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, has many stairs, so I guided them only around the entrance. The driver was very familiar with Kyoto and helped us in various ways along the way.

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

    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!

    Request Booking

    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.…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • AM9:10 Osaka Castle
    • AM11:00 Kuromon Market
    • AM11:40 Den Den Town
    • PM12:15 Shinsekai
    • PM13:00 Dotonbori Dismissal

    What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kuromon Market, Den Den Town, and Shinsekai The guests were visitors from Oceania. They were part of a group tour but chose to spend the day on their own away from the group. Their accommodation was in Dotonbori, which made it easy to plan the itinerary. We were able to proceed with the tour exactly as scheduled. At Kuromon Market, they were amazed by the large size of the fresh seafood and took many photos. Since it was just before noon, they enjoyed a little seafood tempura. Both of the guests loved Japanese anime, so when I took them to the anime shops in Den Den Town, they were delighted. They purchased five or six figures. They also loved games and enjoyed the crane games, winning two figures. They were surprised to see the standing bars in Shinsekai packed even during the daytime, with a long line forming at a kushikatsu restaurant. At the end, they said they would come back to Japan again next year with close friends.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNipponbashi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae～Namba190JPY
    Total570JPY

    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…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Myoryuji Temple

    Ishikawa in One Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Myoryuji Temple

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet in front of the Kanazawa Station Information Center
    • 10:20~11:20 Higashi Chaya District, entry to Shima
    • 11:30~12:30 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 12:50~1:30 Lunch @ Ippudo Korinbo Branch
    • 2:00~2:40 Myoryuji Temple
    • 3:00~3:40 Nagamachi, entry to the Nomura Family Residence
    • 4:00 Disband at Kanazawa Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. They were staying in Kyoto and took a day trip to Kanazawa. Because they had a set return train time and absolutely needed to be back at Kanazawa Station by 4:00, I paid close attention to time management. The morning was cloudy, but rain was forecast to arrive soon, so I changed the plan and did Higashi Chaya District and Kenrokuen first, moving Myoryuji Temple to the early afternoon. The group seemed to greatly enjoy both the Shima teahouse and Kenrokuen. Since it was raining and chilly, they said they would like ramen for lunch, so we went to Ippudo in Korinbo. I had never been there before, so I searched for the route on my smartphone but got a little lost. Then one of the guests quickly did a Google search on their own smartphone and found the restaurant right away. They enjoyed the ramen very much, saying how delicious it was. They were also very satisfied with the tour of Myoryuji Temple, finding it very interesting, and said it was well worth visiting. Myoryuji Temple is a spot that tends to leave international visitors highly satisfied. They also seemed to love the beautiful garden of the Nomura Family Residence. Aside from the rain, I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Jasmine

    Hi, everyone! My name is Toshiko and my nick name is Jasmine. I was born and raised in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture and now live in Toyama city. I also lived in ancient capital Kyoto city. Living near Nijo castle in Kyoto inspired me to become a tour guide. I spent nearly two years working as a tour guide in Kyoto. After that, I moved to Toyama City to continue my career here. I’m happy to show you around Kanazawa, Toyama, Kamakura and my home town Yokohama. I’d love to hear your vision for the perfect tour and make your journey truly memorable. Please feel free to contact me at any time!”
    In my spare time, I like to draw pictures with pastels and Yoga. Actually, I am a yoga therapist. I am interested in mental well-being and mindfulness.
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Apr 24, 2026
    Marcin19872014
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A walking tour of Kanazawa
    Ms. Toshiko, Toshiko-san is a high…

    Apr 14, 2026
    KiwiJenT
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Jasmine was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot.…

    Apr 12, 2026
    359natasjaf
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Fantastische gids in Kanazawa
    Jasmine maakte onze kennismaking met Kanazawa onvergetelijk.…

    Mar 29, 2026
    karineb931
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Visiting the Geisha and Samouraï district and seeing the fabulous garden…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • (Subway & Taxi)
    • 9:40-10:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (Taxi)
    • 10:25-10:50 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • (Taxi)
    • 11:10-11:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • (Keifuku Line & Subway)
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch (Fukuyasu)
    • (Walk)
    • 13:30-14:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • (Taxi)
    • 14:15-14:45 Nijo Castle
    • (Taxi)
    • 15:00 Hotel

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The itinerary was: Hotel → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → lunch (Fukuyasu) → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Nijo Castle → Hotel. They marveled at the beauty of the scenery at every stop, and they praised how clean the streets were and how the trains ran exactly on time, calling Japan "a far more advanced country" than their own. For lunch, taking into account how they had spent their time before coming to Kyoto, I guided them to "Fukuyasu," where they enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine. The guests always had some question or comment to share, so the conversation never lapsed. As one of the guests had expertise in a mental health–related field, I was able to hear about topics such as the relationship between dementia and genetics, depression, substance abuse, homelessness and other social issues, and their connection to smoking rates. In addition, they spoke about their views on marriage and lifestyle, as well as the society and economy of their home region. Regarding the latter, they told me about the impact of tariffs, the psychological effect these developments have had on people there, trends in political correctness such as excessive deference toward Indigenous peoples, and problems such as credit card debt among the younger generation and the burden of tax spending on welfare. Along the way, they took an interest in every single thing they saw and everything they heard from the guide. From their impression that Japanese people seek harmony with nature through a sense of reverence, and from their comment that the Japanese Imperial family embodies an aesthetic of simplicity and modesty, I could sense that they were deeply impressed by the essential aspects of Japanese society and culture.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa～Marutamachi260JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae～Karasuma Oike220JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Masaki

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Request Booking

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nihon-odori Station & Yokohama Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Nihon-odori Station & Yokohama Station

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meeting point: Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama
    • 8:35 Depart Nihon-odori Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • Yokohama Station
    • (JR Ueno-Tokyo Line)
    • 8:51 Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:26 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 10:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • Lunch: Daichi no Megumi Hokkaido
    • 13:00 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 14:45 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Tokyu Food Show
    • 16:05 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
    • 16:38 Yokohama Station
    • (Minatomirai Line)
    • 16:44 Nihon-odori Station
    • 16:44 Dismissal: Nihon-odori Station

    Can You Do a Slow-Paced Private Day Tour of Tokyo from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America, making their first trip to Japan. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening on a connecting flight and taken a taxi to their hotel. In the evening they had strolled around the streets near the hotel. The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a cruise around Japan departing from Yokohama Port the day after next. After returning to port, they planned to fly home from Haneda again. As the guests were recovering from illness, they requested a "slow-walking" tour. The following day, they planned to visit Tokyo DisneySea to buy souvenirs. Although it was cloudy, we were not caught in any rain during the tour. We first traveled from Yokohama by train, changing lines, to Asakusa. It coincided with the commuting rush, and the guests seemed overwhelmed by the crowds. Even early in the morning it was busy, with many groups of tourists and school excursion students. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" From here, we moved to Shinjuku. I explained "the history of Shinjuku," "the difference between the East and West exits," and "the history of Omoide Yokocho." The guests commented, "It resembles Times Square or downtown New York," and "It doesn't seem very clean." Since one of the guests preferred no meat or raw fish and wanted only cooked fish, especially salmon, we managed to find an izakaya, went in, and had lunch. We moved to Harajuku, first visiting Meiji Shrine. I asked, "It will be quite a walk to the main hall, is that all right?" and they replied, "That's fine." I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "about the Japanese Imperial family," and "why barrels of sake and wine are displayed here." There were questions such as "What are the main religions of Japan?", "When and why did Shinto originate?", and "How do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" We came across a wedding procession and photographed it many times. We took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. Then on to Shibuya. First, we took photos looking down at Scramble Square from the entrance of the Keio Inokashira Line platform, then actually crossed the intersection. There was a question, "Why do so many people gather here?" After taking photos in front of the Hachiko statue, we strolled through Center Gai. The guests commented and asked, "There's no litter on the streets and it's so clean. Does no one throw away trash?", "It's so quiet inside the subway," and "Why are there no trash cans in the streets?" Finally, I saw them off at Nihon-odori Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihon-odori Station～Yokohama Station224JPY
    Section 2TrainYokohama Station～Ueno Station571JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa Station～Shinjuku Station252JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku Station～Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya Station～Yokohama Station406JPY
    Section 8SubwayYokohama Station～Nihon-odori Station224JPY
    Total2,147JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
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    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

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    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel
    • 5:30-6:00 Toyosu Market Tuna Auction
    • 6:00-6:50 Breakfast
    • 7:00-8:00 Tsukiji Market

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Tsukiji Market in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They mentioned that they came to Japan because one of the guests wanted to see fish. I felt that I was not able to provide guiding that would delight younger travelers, so this is something I would like to consider going forward. At the sushi restaurant, some of the guests could not eat the food, so I think I need to research other options as well. It would be great if my usual sushi restaurant could offer things like ramen. At Tsukiji Market, everyone in the group enjoyed a lively conversation at the usual coffee shop, and I believe the whole group was pleased.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by ISAO

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    Request Booking

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & museum

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

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40　Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 9:00　Head to Miyajimaguchi Station by JR
    • 9:30　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 9:40　Take the ferry to Miyajima
    • 　　　　Shrine　Omotesando　Sake tasting
    • 12:30　Finish sightseeing in Miyajima and take the ferry to Miyajima
    • 12:40　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Pier
    • 12:50　Lunch at Okonomiyaki Hanako
    • 13:40　Finish lunch
    • 13:50　Head from Miyajimaguchi Station to Nishi-Hiroshima Station by JR
    • 14:14　Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:28　Head to the museum by bus
    • 14:44　Arrive at the museum
    • 　　　　　Museum　Monument tour
    • 17:26　Finish monument tour　Head to Hiroshima Station by bus
    • 18:00　Arrive at Hiroshima Station
    • 18:30　Disband at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Miyajima and central Hiroshima for a group visiting from North America. The younger members of the group were very calm and quietly accompanied the group during the shrine visit. The group had requested a traditional craft experience and sake tasting on Miyajima in advance, but due to time constraints on the day, the craft experience was not possible, and only the sake tasting was arranged. When I asked a local beforehand where sake tasting was available, I was told there were actually two places, but I was only informed of one of them. The other shop was not disclosed, with the explanation that "if it becomes known to tourists, the locals will no longer be able to enjoy it." At the sake shop we visited, the guests tasted five kinds of sake, including local Hiroshima brews, and purchased three bottles they particularly liked. The shop owner was also very pleased that they made a purchase. On Omotesando, there was a service where a name could be written on the back of a rice scoop upon purchase, and the guests were delighted with this experience. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was extremely crowded, and it was not possible to view the main building exhibits sufficiently because of the number of people. For this reason, the guests were very grateful that I had explained the exhibit contents and related stories in advance. Judging that it would be difficult for the group to continue the tour any further, we decided not to visit the East Building and instead did a tour of the memorial monuments. At Nishi-Hiroshima Station, a JR Pass got caught in the automatic ticket gate and became crumpled. We requested a reissue at the ticket office, and since it was due to a malfunction of the JR machine and not our fault, I strongly argued that it should naturally be reissued, but unfortunately the request was not accepted. It was an unsatisfactory response, and the guests seemed to feel disappointed as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Museum240JPY
    Section 4BusAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

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    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…