Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting InterContinental The Strings Tokyo
    • 9:35 Tsukiji
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:30 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:05 Dismissal InterContinental The Strings Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The weather held up, and with no wind and no strong sunshine, it was a cool and comfortable day. The guests had a Suica card, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At Tsukiji, there was a request to eat sushi, so I introduced a pack of tuna sushi at the outer market, which the guests enjoyed on the rooftop. They said it was delicious. They remarked that this was a kind of market they had neither in their hometown nor in North America. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I introduced the ruins of Edo Castle and the gardens. The guests eagerly photographed the long-finned koi carp. In Asakusa, we covered the usual course. Since they did no shopping and did not look at the shops, we moved along smoothly. At Meiji Shrine, they commented that the greenery was very beautiful. I saw them back to the Hotel almost on schedule, and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Higashi-ginza370JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Takebashi700JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinagawa178JPY
    Total1,248JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Uji Bridge - Byodoin Temple in Uji & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Uji Bridge – Byodoin Temple in Uji & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Double Tree By Hilton Kyoto Station Meeting
    • 9:40~10:30 Uji Bridge – Byodoin Temple in Uji 
    • 11:00~11:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine   
    • 12:10~12:50 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:20~14:00 Move to Sanjo, lunch break 
    • 14:10~14:40 Takase River ~ Pontocho Street ~ Gion Shirakawa ~ Tatsumi Bridge
    • 14:50~15:10  Move to hotel by taxi and disband

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Visiting Uji, Fushimi Inari, and Sanjusangendo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America and were looking forward to sightseeing in Kyoto. First, we headed to Byodo-in Temple in Uji. We took the JR line from Kyoto Station, but it was packed with tourists and groups of students on school trips, and the guests seemed particularly interested in the students in their uniforms. In Uji, I explained about tea, as well as the relationships between the aristocracy of the Heian period, the imperial family, and the samurai class. I described the suffering of common people caused by epidemics and wars, along with the concept of mappo (the age of the decline of Buddhist law), helping them imagine Japanese society at that time, and they were impressed by the long history of Japan. At Fushimi Inari, I explained the Japanese view of religion in relation to Shinto, and they wrote their wishes on gomagi (wooden prayer sticks). At Sanjusangendo, they viewed the 1,001 Buddhist statues and the statues of the 28 guardian deities, and were amazed by the power of Buddhism at that time and by the artistry of these works.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Uji240JPY
    Section 2TrainUji~Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Total820JPY

    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.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet up @ Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi
    • 2. 11:55 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 13:30 @ Nunobiki Falls Hiking
    • 4. 14:45 @ Kobe Bay Cruise
    • 5. 15:30 Disband @ Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Bay Cruise Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan 12 days earlier and had toured Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. We met at the hotel where the guests were staying and visited some of Kobe's most representative attractions: the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a hike to Nunobiki Falls, and a Kobe Bay cruise. It was another hot day, but we moved around while avoiding the heat by using the umbrellas provided at the herb garden and walking in the shade during the hike. On the final bay cruise, the guests relaxed in the cool cabin and enjoyed the views from the sea. When I asked the guests for their impressions at the end of the tour, they said they had a wonderful time.

    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!

    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…

  • Kyoto: Todaiji Temple approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Todaiji Temple approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Monday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo
    • 10:35 Todaiji Temple approach
    • 10:55 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
    • 11:50 Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:22 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:02 Lunch
    • 14:22 Nakatanidou ~ Naramachi stroll
    • 17:02 Disband @ Hotel Monday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

    What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Each of them had slightly different preferences, so some care was needed in arranging the day. It rained from the morning, and by the time we arrived at Nara Park, umbrellas were necessary. After the classic feeding of the deer and a visit to Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall, we took a break at a cafe at the request of one of the guests. We then had lunch, and I believe the guests were satisfied with both the atmosphere of the restaurant and the food. As the rain only grew stronger, at the request of one of the guests we watched the mochi pounding at Nakatanidou, after which the guests enjoyed some shopping. I then saw them off to their Hotel on the scheduled train.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi~Kintetsu Nara2,040JPY
    Section 2BusKintetsu Nara Station front~Great Buddha Hall parking lot250JPY
    Section 3BusNigatsudo Tamukeyama Hachiman~Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine250JPY
    Section 4BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine~Ukimido Takabatake parking lot250JPY
    Total2,790JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:30 @ Mount Rokko
    • 11:15 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:15 @ Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 13:15 @ Nankinmachi
    • 13:45 Disband @ Kobe Port Terminal

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rokko, Nunobiki, and Nankinmachi Body: The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, Europe, and North America, one of whom used a cane. Shortly after the tour started, we were caught in fairly heavy rain, and unfortunately the wonderful panoramic view of the city from the top of Mount Rokko was not possible. At the Nunobiki Herb Garden, despite the poor weather, the guests were delighted to be able to see the cruise ship they were aboard from the observation deck with the naked eye. Moving around in the rain seemed somewhat difficult for the guest who had trouble walking, and this guest waited apart from the group at the Nunobiki Herb Garden and in Nankinmachi. Possibly at this guest's preference (?), the time spent at each spot was shortened, and we ended the tour with more than an hour to spare. I suggested strolling through a nearby department store to avoid the rain, but considering the cruise ship's departure time (15:00), we decided to disperse early. That said, I felt that the other guests might have wanted to stay a little longer in Nankinmachi. The driver was mindful to drive carefully. Note) This time, the driver's details were not communicated until the day of the tour, and I received a call directly from the driver while heading to the meeting point, so we were able to start the tour without any trouble. Honestly, it was quite an anxious situation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherRokko Cable Shita~Rokko Cable Sanjo800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 09:40 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 11:30 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 12:30 Disband @ Nankinmachi Shuttle Bus Stop

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. After meeting at the Kobe Port Terminal, we visited Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Sorakuen Garden, and ended the tour at the Nankinmachi shuttle bus stop. Although it rained and the weather was not on our side, the guests were delighted with the beautiful flowers and scenery at both Nunobiki Herb Garden and Sorakuen Garden. One of the guests had a fear of heights and was nervous about the ropeway at first, but relaxed on the way down. After Sorakuen Garden, I took the guests to the free shuttle bus stop. We had originally planned to continue to Nankinmachi and the Motomachi Shopping Street, but at the guests' request, we concluded the tour at the shuttle bus stop. After the tour, the guests sent me a thank-you email.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line Port Terminal] Station~[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line Sannomiya] Station100JPY
    Section 2Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Sannomiya] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Shin-Kobe] Station110JPY
    Section 3Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Shin-Kobe] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Kenchomae] Station110JPY
    Total320JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Sannomiya to Ikuta Shrine & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Sannomiya to Ikuta Shrine & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Port Terminal
    • 9:38 From Sannomiya to Ikuta Shrine
    • 10:44 Kitano Ijinkan Street
    • 11:31 Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 12:22 Port Tower, Harborland
    • 13:15 Nankinmachi (Chinatown), Motomachi
    • Ended at Motomachi shuttle bus stop at the guest's request

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At Ikuta Shrine, we happened to see a traditional Miyamairi shrine visit, and I took some photos of it. In the Ijinkan foreign residences district, despite the rain, the guests enjoyed sweets while listening to stories about the historic Western-style houses. In Nankinmachi, since it was raining, we went into Motomachi Shopping Street, where the guests enjoyed trying onigiri rice balls for the first time. At Harborland, we did not have enough time, so it felt like we just took photos and boarded the City Loop Bus. What interested the guests the most was browsing the food items and cakes in the Daimaru underground shopping area while waiting for the bus, which they found fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed. They said they would go shopping after the tour ended. They were a cheerful group and seemed to have a wonderful time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSannomiya~Nankinmachi (Chinatown)800JPY
    Section 2OtherSannomiya~Port Terminal210JPY
    Total1,010JPY

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

    Jul 11, 2026
    Rahul_P
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Tour
    Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…

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

    Jun 25, 2026
    JenCBear
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great visit with a great guide Harumi
    Harumi was a fantastic guide…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Andrew_M
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Amazing guided experience
    Harumi is an amazing guide.…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:45 Meet at Hotel Tokyu
    • 2. 11:00 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:15 Lunch (Nippori Kawamura)
    • 4. 12:45 Yanaka
    • 5. 13:15 Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 14:15 Rikugien Garden
    • 7. 15:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 16:45 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing / Hachiko Statue)
    • 9. 18:00 Disband at Hotel Tokyu

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America. They had previously lived in Japan for a time, but had never visited Tokyo before, so this was their first visit to the city. After spending a few days in Yokohama and Tokyo, they planned to travel around various parts of Japan by cruise ship for about two weeks. The tour was scheduled to start at 10:00, but when I arrived early at the hotel lobby, the guests had also come early, so we began the tour at 9:45. I guided them through Asakusa, Yanaka, Nezu Shrine, Rikugien Garden, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. Ever since living in Japan, they had loved Japanese culture and were interested in history, so apart from Shibuya, we visited traditional places. They listened attentively to the explanations while eagerly taking photos, and enjoyed each of the locations. Rikugien Garden seemed to be a particular favorite, and they were delighted to see the hydrangea flowers in bloom. For lunch we had soba noodles in Nippori. At the end, we returned to the hotel and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai~Yokohama193JPY
    Section 2TrainYokohama~Ueno571JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno~Nippori146JPY
    Section 6SubwayNezu~Nishi-Nippori178JPY
    Section 7TrainNishi-Nippori~Komagome146JPY
    Section 8TrainKomagome~Harajuku208JPY
    Section 9TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Section 10TrainShibuya~Minatomirai502JPY
    Total2,446JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • (0930)Hotel⇒(0950-1010)Takeshita Street・Togo Shrine⇒(1010-1110)Meiji Shrine⇒(1150-1230)Tokyo Tower⇒(1310-1400)Imperial Palace⇒(1500-1545)Sensoji Temple

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests seemed to enjoy riding a crowded train from Shinjuku to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, the guests took many photos, saying the trademarks painted on the many dedicated sake barrels were beautiful, and were impressed by the Japanese sense of aesthetics. They were also delighted to happen upon a wedding procession and a family celebrating a shrine visit for their child. Wherever we went, the guests were very interested and asked many questions. Since the guests preferred not to have lunch, we were able to spend that time sightseeing instead. I am glad to have had the chance to guide such wonderful guests once again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Onarimon286JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibakoen~Kasumigaseki286JPY
    Section 4SubwayKasumigaseki~Asakusa286JPY
    Total1,004JPY

    I am NAKAMURA Takao, a retired Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Army) officer. During my military career, as foreign liaison officer, I was in charge of receiving foreign military officers from various countries. I was assigned to headquarters, units and schools around Japan. Now, I work for the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), attending foreign government officials and supporting foreign students. I am most interested in Japan’s history in general and temples and shrines in particular. I wish to become a tour guide who can represent Japan’s traditional values, such as respect for others and hospitality.

    Jun 22, 2025
    185mitchs
    Tokyo tour during a 10 hour layover at Haneda
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour. Nakamura…

    Jun 4, 2025
    Experience436673
    He was great. A nice mixture of culture and current
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved…

    May 24, 2025
    rodsW4384KV
    Thank you NAKAMURA SAN
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would highly recommend this tour for anyone…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:15 Meet up @Hotel Universal Port
    • 16:05-16:15@ Harukas Garden
    • 16:30-16:50@Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 17:00-17:30 @Ebisubashi (shopping)
    • 17:30-18:00@Dotonbori, Hozenji
    • 18:15-19:05@Shinsekai
    • 19:45 Dismissal @Universal City Station

    Title: What's a Private Family Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. A few days before the tour, there was a request to move the meeting time back to 14:30, but on the day the group got off at the wrong stop on the bullet train from Tokyo, so the tour started late, at 15:15. One of the guests had previously visited Osaka several times, but for the rest of the group it was their first time in Japan, so they wanted the whole trip — including a visit to Universal Studios the next day — to follow the preferences of the group. The tour itinerary had been decided in advance, but I adjusted it somewhat to match the group's wishes. Along the way they enjoyed street food (such as pork buns from 551 and candied strawberries) and did a lot of shopping at Daiso, putting into practice the information they had gathered on social media.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUniversal City~Tennoji240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTennoji~Daikokucho190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNipponbashi~Ebisucho190JPY
    Section 4TrainShin-Imamiya Station~Universal City200JPY
    Total820JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…