Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima

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

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the Hotel
    • 11:15 Arrive at Miyajima, tour Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:45 Take the cable car to the Shishiiwa Observatory on Mount Misen
    • 13:30 Lunch and stroll around Miyajima
    • 15:00 Depart Miyajima
    • 16:00 Tour the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 18:00 Tour ends at Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided one guest visiting from Europe. A typhoon had passed through the Hiroshima area the previous day, so I was a little worried about whether the guest would arrive safely in Hiroshima, but we were able to meet up without any trouble. Thanks to the clear weather that followed the typhoon, the skies were beautifully clear. We first headed to Miyajima, where after visiting Itsukushima Shrine, we took the cable car up Mount Misen. Today we could see all the way to the mountains of distant Shikoku, and the guest was very pleased. The guest requested to eat something unique to Hiroshima for lunch, so I introduced okonomiyaki. It was very well received and praised as delicious. After lunch we moved to Hiroshima, where we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Atomic Bomb Museum, and the tour ended at Hiroshima Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi (Express/Connecting Bus)～Miyajima Port200JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima Port～Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima330JPY
    Section 5TrainNishi-Hiroshima～Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 6OtherMiyajima Entry Tax～Miyajima Entry Tax100JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Tour Report by Kenji

    I obtained my guide certification in 2018 and can provide a wide range of services in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Hiroshima. I guided an average of more than 100 guests per year. I do not just take you to tourist attractions, but also conduct tours flexibly according to your interests, hobbies, physical condition, and weather conditions. In addition, I will take you to places where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Japan’s four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas and hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn foliage in fall.

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    Jul 31, 2026
    Michele_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our half-day private tour…
    Our half-day private tour of Tokyo was…

    May 18, 2026
    Maria_H
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Best Tour Guide Bar None!
    No words can express how…

    May 2, 2026
    Gurmeet_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous
    Kenji was a fabulous, knowledgeable tour guide! We really enjoyed his…

    Apr 7, 2026
    acZ4971TV
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Truly amazing, meaningful experience! Very happy we chose this…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the Hotel lobby
    • 9:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 11:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Harajuku
    • 13:30 Takeshita Street ~ Ura-Harajuku ~ Cat Street
    • 15:55 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband at Shibuya Station (afterwards you went to the UNIQLO in Shibuya on your own)

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya This tour took place during a typhoon. In the morning, especially while sightseeing at Sensoji Temple, the guiding was done in heavy rain. Even so, the guests seemed to enjoy themselves, drawing omikuji fortunes along the way. After that, we moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine, the guests wrote wishes on ema plaques and used the goshuincho (temple stamp book) purchased in Asakusa for the first time. Afterwards, we had lunch in Harajuku. After lunch, we strolled along Takeshita Street, and some of the guests enjoyed chocolate bananas and churros. We then walked toward Shibuya Station while shopping along the way, but it seemed that the rain had soaked their trousers, so we stopped at various shops to look for a new pair. They could not find one they were satisfied with and did not end up making a purchase, but before we parted I told them where the UNIQLO in Shibuya was, and they said they would go there after we said goodbye. Toward the end, the guests began to show signs of fatigue, and I felt that tours on rainy days in particular are quite challenging.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Harajuku440JPY
    Total730JPY

    Tour Report by Chiho

    Hello! My name is Chiho Tsukamoto, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.

    I have been working as a flight attendant, providing thoughtful and detailed service to passengers from around the world. Currently, I serve as a cabin manager on international flights.

    During my student days, I studied abroad in Manchester, UK for nine months. When my friends from that time visited Japan, I had the opportunity to guide them around the country, which sparked my interest in becoming a tour guide.

    I have strong communication skills, a deep understanding of different cultures, and a sincere spirit of hospitality developed through my career in aviation.

    I’m passionate not only about Japanese traditional culture, but also about the country’s modern lifestyle and latest trends. I aim to help visitors experience the real Japan through fun, engaging, and easy-to-understand tours.

    I look forward to helping you create wonderful and memorable moments during your time in Japan.

    Let’s enjoy this journey together!

    Request Booking

    Apr 5, 2026
    174ramanm
    Wonderful day long tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Chiho was amazing!! She was very…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus Stop & Uno Port

    Kagawa in One Day: Miyanoura Port Bus Stop & Uno Port

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • 09:06 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 09:19 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • on foot
    • 09:25~10:25 Benesse House Museum and Outdoor Art works including “Yellow Pumpkin”
    • 10:33 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 10:35 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • 10:40~11:25 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • 11:30 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 11:32 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • 11:45~13:30 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch)
    • 13:40 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse shuttle bus
    • 13:47 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 13:54 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 14:00 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • 14:10~15:00 Art House Project ("Ishibashi", "Haisha", "Gokaisho" and "Kadoya",)
    • 15:22 Nokyomae Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 15:29 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • 15:30~15:45 visit “Red Pumpkin”
    • 16:02 Miyanoura Port
    • by ferry
    • 16:22 Uno Port
    • 16:30 Seven Eleven near Uno Port [Say goodbye]

    What Is a Private Naoshima Tour Like in Rainy Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, staying in Japan from late May to mid-June, and were returning visitors who had also come to Japan the previous year. Last year they traveled the so-called Golden Route, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, but this time they planned to travel from Osaka to Naoshima (staying in Uno), then to Hiroshima, Yanagawa, Fukuoka, and Tokyo. They had been advised, based on past experience, that it was better to arrange a guide in Naoshima. They were a very pleasant group and it was a pleasure to guide them. That day, an approaching typhoon brought rain and wind, making things a little challenging, but I was greatly helped by the guests' cooperation. Normally, to return from Naoshima to Takamatsu, we take the 17:00 ferry departing from Naoshima, but due to the approaching typhoon that ferry was cancelled as a planned suspension, so we returned to Takamatsu from Uno via JR. Although we were affected by an unusually early typhoon for the season, the guests were still able to tour Naoshima as planned and expressed their gratitude.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Nokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 3BusNokyomae / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Total300JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00　Meet up ＠Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
    • 2. 11:00　＠Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 3. 12:00　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 4. 12:45　＠Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 5. 13:30　＠Takanawa Gateway (station building, station square, commercial facility rooftop garden, etc.)
    • 6. 14:00　Lunch＠Takanawa Soregashi (inside NEWoMan)
    • 7. 15:00　＠Zojoji Temple
    • 8. 15:20　＠Tokyo Tower
    • 9. 16:00　＠Tokyo Station (station square, station building)
    • 10. 16:30　Dismiss＠Yurakucho Line Yurakucho Station platform

    Title: What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Shibuya and Shiba The guests were a group visiting from North America. They set off for Japan at the very start of the summer holiday and arrived full of great expectations for their trip. The first memorable discovery of this tour came near the garden exit of the Hotel along the Kanda River, where the guests noticed a staircase just outside the exit. Earlier that morning, when they had gone outside the Hotel to buy breakfast before meeting me, they had not been aware of that exit and had climbed a steep staircase set outside the Hotel grounds instead. Throughout the tour, one of the guests, who loved matcha and sushi and was very fond of Japan and full of curiosity, enlivened the tour with many questions, insights, and enthusiastic actions. Interestingly, having apparently been told in advance that one should be quiet on Japanese subways and trains, this guest stayed so calm and considerate that I almost felt bad about it, even lowering their voice to a whisper when speaking. At Meiji Shrine, the guests experienced their first-ever visit to a Shinto shrine. While some of the guests spent time eagerly choosing souvenirs at the gift shop, another guest bought a wagashi-style jelly and sampled it alone on a bench, remarking that it was delicious. Next, on Takeshita Street, one of the guests visited two gashapon capsule shops in search of favorites and made a purchase. They seemed to like cute items and obtained a mascot character. They mentioned that similar items are sold at quite high prices back home. They also enjoyed muscat candy and matcha-flavored drinks. One guest strongly insisted on visiting a capybara café, but was gently told "not today" by another member of the group. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I helped take a series of photos of the whole group crossing the intersection, which they were delighted with. At Takanawa Gateway, one of the guests was thrilled to be able to ride a mobile robot. Because we ended up having lunch a bit late, after 2:00, we were fortunate that after enjoying the rooftop garden of a commercial facility, we reached a Japanese restaurant that usually has a long line but which we entered right away without waiting. What is more, we were seated in a booth by the window with a wonderful waterfront view. Ordering chirashi sushi, a tuna rice bowl, and a fried chicken set meal, the guests tasted each other's dishes and were thoroughly delighted, saying it was absolutely delicious. One of the guests enjoyed a generously poured glass of chilled sake. After lunch, we first visited Zojoji Temple. As we were leaving, one of the guests asked me, their guide, "Wait, wasn't this the place where we could try the ladle at the water-purification basin?" In fact, I had explained earlier that many shrines and temples, like the purification basin at Meiji Shrine, had switched to methods that no longer use the ladles once used for scooping water after the experience of the pandemic, but that at the Buddhist temple we planned to visit in the afternoon, I thought I could introduce the traditional method using a ladle. The guest had remembered this clearly, and I was impressed by their memory and eagerness to learn. They had a family member record a video of themselves performing the purification using the ladle. Furthermore, when the group had guessed 150 or 500 for the number of black pine trees planted in the outer garden of the Imperial Palace, one of the guests correctly answered 2,000. Finally, from Tokyo Station we took the Yamanote Line to Yurakucho Station, and when we moved to the platform of the Yurakucho subway line, we were already about 30 minutes past the scheduled tour time, and the guests said they could make their way back on their own without any trouble, so I said goodbye to the whole group with hugs.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Edogawabashi Station～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station1,100JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Takanawa Gateway210JPY
    Section 4TrainTakanawa Gateway～Hamamatsucho160JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station～Kasumigaseki Station0JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo～Yurakucho160JPY
    Section 7Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Yurakucho Station～Yurakucho Station0JPY
    Total1,630JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Osaka in One Day: Nankai Namba Station & Koyasan Station

    Osaka in One Day: Nankai Namba Station & Koyasan Station

    Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00　Meet up @ Conrad Osaka
    • 9:02　Nankai Namba Station
    • 11:15　Danjo Garan
    • 12:00　Lunch @ Cafe Shizuku
    • 12:40　Kongobuji Temple
    • 13:10　Shojoshin-in　Goma Fire Ritual Viewing
    • 13:50　Okunoin
    • 15:58　Koyasan Station
    • 17:00　Disband @ Nankai Koya Line Hashimoto Station

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Koyasan (Mount Koya) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. As Typhoon No. 6 had made landfall in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture, I was concerned about the train service, but there were no particular delays and we were able to proceed with the tour smoothly. At the Danjo Garan complex and Okunoin, one of the guests enthusiastically captured the natural scenery in photos and videos. After lunch, I asked about their wishes, and they expressed a desire to observe the goma fire ritual at Shojoshin-in Temple. We walked from Kongobuji Temple to Shojoshin-in and were able to watch the goma ritual at just the right timing. Both of them wrote goma-gi prayer sticks and placed them into the fire, so as their guide I took photos and gave them to the guests. (Photography is permitted there.) It was an experience that is hard to have elsewhere, and they were very pleased.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigobashi～Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba (Nankai Line)～Gokurakubashi930JPY
    Section 3OtherGokurakubashi～Koyasan500JPY
    Section 4BusKoyasan Station Front / Nankai Rinkan Bus～Kondo-mae / Nankai Rinkan Bus410JPY
    Section 5BusOkunoin-mae / Nankai Rinkan Bus～Koyasan Station Front / Nankai Rinkan Bus610JPY
    Section 6OtherKoyasan～Gokurakubashi500JPY
    Section 7TrainGokurakubashi～Hashimoto (Wakayama Prefecture)490JPY
    Total3,630JPY

    Tour Report by naka

    I have guiding experience for 6 years. The name of my web site is “gururin kansai” which means to go around Kansai district.
    Kansai district includes Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Wakayama (Koyasan).
    I provide more than 2,000 sightseeing spots information in Japanese, English and Chinese.
    In 2021 I walked through four pilgrims loads in Koya and Kumano area.
    I also have the license of official guide of Kongobuji temple and world heritage master of Wakayama Prefecture.
    I would like to engage in the guide in English at Wakayama prefecture (Koyasan) and neighboring area.

    Request Booking

    Jun 3, 2026
    388aneliap
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Opening your heart to the wonders of Japan.
    Naka,…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Javier_V
    Que es un recorrido…
    Viator review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Que es un recorrido agradable…

    Sep 12, 2025
    saraamann
    Interessante Tour mit kompetentem und freundlichen Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wir reisen…

    Aug 12, 2025
    NorthStar52593639505
    Great informative tour about Koya.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was thorough…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Prince Park Tower & Harajuku

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Prince Park Tower & Harajuku

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Prince Park Tower
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Omote Sando Omohara, Tips on Eatery
    • 12:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:00 Harajuku

    What Do American Guests Ask on a Private Tour in Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Are the Japanese wives subservient? If one works out and she stays home, it's okay. If both work, it must be shared. 2. The House is more prioritized than the Senate. I work for the legislature. 3. We commit suicides, too, back home. They jump over the barrier at railway platform. 4. Back home, 65 percent of legislators are men, 35 percent women. 5. It's mandatory to wear a helmet in some regions and not in others, it depends on the area. 6. Basic hourly wage is 15 or 16 dollars back home. 7. McDonald's here is tastier, it costs 12 or 14 bucks back home. 8. I work in healthcare and can live independently. I have children. 9. I have a family member in the navy who won't help us. 10. So, you can't stand on the threshold. I'm learning the culture. Supplementary notes on the tour route above 1. A group of guests from North America. 2. Their interest in Japan was very high, and they asked many questions. Not only about Japanese cultural and historical subjects, but they kept asking questions while we were moving between locations. In particular, about the image of modern Japan. The current situation surrounding women in Japan, the maternity leave system, wages, the proportion of women in managerial positions, the ratio of women among members of the national legislature, the Japanese parliamentary system, the elderly cleaning workers often seen at stations and shrines, prices, pensions, wages, employment and unemployment issues, housing prices, the imperial succession issue, current Japanese university students, young people's views on marriage, overtime hours, and so on. I noted in advance that my own opinions do not represent the whole, and I explained everything they asked about. I felt that the guests, not only this time but in general, have a high level of interest in Japanese history and culture. At the same time, I feel every time that their interest in modern Japan is also very high. I strive to improve daily, and the questions I receive from guests serve as encouragement. That is all.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi～Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Omotesando180JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Hideaki

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

    May 20, 2026
    olgalA154QQ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with an excellent guide
    Great experience! Our guide WADA Hideaki…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sightseer57474900023
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hideaki’s perfect first day in Tokyo!
    Hideaki was an incredible guide and…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ritz-Carlton k

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ritz-Carlton k

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8;30 The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    • 9:00-9:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:10-11:00 Nijo Castle
    • 11:30-12:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20-13:00 Lunch
    • 13:30-14:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Ritz-Carlton k

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were all very pleasant, and although it was a tight schedule, the tour proceeded right on time. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I guided them to the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Nemage-no-matsu pine, then we headed to Nijo Castle, where I introduced the Ninomaru Palace and the gardens, before continuing to Kinkaku-ji. Perhaps because it was just after a typhoon, the sites were relatively uncrowded, and we had lunch at a nearby conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, which the guests really enjoyed — the group apparently ate 60 plates in total. Afterwards, we walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, and returned to the Hotel almost exactly on schedule.

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

    Tour Report by Harumi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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.…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet @ Hotel lobby 10:00
    • 2. Move to Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and view the Textile Machinery Pavilion and Automobile Pavilion 10:00-12:00・・Move to Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology by taxi
    • 3. Move to the front of Nagoya Castle Main Gate, lunch @ kishimen restaurant in Kinshachi Yokocho 12:00-13:00・・Move to the front of Nagoya Castle Main Gate by taxi
    • 4. View inside Nagoya Castle (Honmaru Palace, around the castle tower) 13:00-14:00
    • 5. Move to Tokugawaen and view Tokugawaen (Japanese garden) 14:00-15:00・・Move to Tokugawaen by taxi
    • 6. Move to the Oasis 21 area and view the Oasis 21 area 15:00-15:40・・Move to Oasis 21 by taxi
    • 7. Move on foot to the Nagoya City Art Museum and disband in front of the ticket counter inside 15:40-16:00

    What Is a Private One-Day Nagoya Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a person traveling alone from North America. During our prior communication, the guest shared detailed information about the sites they wanted to visit and the foods they wanted to try, so I guided them to each site according to their wishes. We started with the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, which the guest had been looking forward to the most, and then visited Nagoya Castle, Tokugawaen Garden, Oasis 21, and the Nagoya City Art Museum (Fushimi area) in order, before finally returning to a site near the Hotel inside Nagoya Station. This single-stroke route allowed the tour to proceed smoothly, and the guest was very pleased. At the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, the guest viewed with great interest the automatic looms invented by Sakichi Toyoda, the founder of Toyota. The guest also enjoyed the luxurious construction of the Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle, as well as the seasonal flowers such as Japanese irises and hydrangeas at Tokugawaen Garden. I informed the guest that a special exhibition of Galaxy Express 999 was being held at the Nagoya City Art Museum, and I adjusted the schedule so that they could take ample time to view it. We parted ways at the entrance lobby of the museum.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Request Booking

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart from hotel~9:20-10:10 Fushimi Inari 10:30–11:30 Kiyomizu-dera~12:00-13:00 Nijo Castle~13:30-14:00 Kinkaku-ji~14:10-14:40 Ryoan-ji~15:00 Halal restaurant near Sanjo

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Thanks to the driver's thoughtful care, we were able to move efficiently and comfortably despite the tight schedule. At Fushimi Inari, they enjoyed the refreshing air of the bamboo grove and the singing of the birds. At Kiyomizu-dera, although we did not go inside, they enjoyed the wonderful view from the west gate. At Nijo Castle, they actively read the explanatory panels, and I could tell they were interested in the Edo shogunate and the shoguns, which motivated me to study even more. They also visited representative and crowded sightseeing spots in Kyoto such as Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji all in one day, and seemed a little tired in the humid weather. They commented that they were satisfied with the halal restaurant I recommended for lunch after the tour.

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

    Tour Report by JOY

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area.　The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Request Booking

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Hamamatsucho (5 min from Daimon Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line) meet up
    • 1025 Harajuku Takeshita Street, visit Meiji Shrine
    • 1235 Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, Tatsumi Yagura Tower, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building Pine Piles, Tokyo Station
    • 1330 Ameyoko, Ueno Park, Shogitai Monument, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 1400 Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 1615 Take to Ichibankan BF Character Street in the Tokyo Station Yaesu Underground Mall and disband

    # What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. For this booking, a support organization acted as an intermediary, so I was unable to contact the guests directly until the end. There was no messaging app available, only a phone number. The group had arrived two days earlier. Some of the guests had visited Japan two years before, while others were visiting Japan for the first time. The previous day they had gone to Shibuya and walked around character goods shops in the area as well as the scramble crossing. During the pre-tour itinerary adjustment, we had originally planned to start in Shibuya, but we skipped this and decided to spend a little time in Ueno Park instead. When moving from the Imperial Palace, they asked to be dropped off at Tokyo Station on the way back. They showed me a video, but I couldn't quite place it, so I searched for it and found it was Tokyo Character Street in the Yaesu underground area. I gained one new piece of knowledge.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaimon (Tokyo)～Yoyogi220JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi～Harajuku160JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo～Okachimachi160JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa～Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 7TrainKanda (Tokyo)～Tokyo160JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…