Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Dotonbori/Kuromon Market & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in Half a Day: Dotonbori/Kuromon Market & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 meet at Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
    • 10:30-12:30 Dotonbori/Kuromon Market
    • 12:30-13:30 Shitennoji
    • 13:30-15:40 Osaka Castle
    • 15:50 Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka (End of the tour)

    What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Namba, Shitennoji, and Osaka Castle The guests were cheerful visitors from North America who had a strong curiosity to enjoy and experience Japanese culture and food. We took photos doing the Glico pose and wearing takoyaki hats to become giant takoyaki. At Hozenji Yokocho, the guests wrote wishes in English on ema plaques. At Mizukake Fudo, they both splashed water and made wishes. They enjoyed takoyaki and more at Kuromon Market, and since the 21st was the Kobo Market day at Shitennoji Temple, they browsed the various stalls. We were able to enter the temple grounds for free, and on the way back we saw a procession of monks walking toward the statue of Kobo Daishi and were able to watch a Buddhist memorial service. By the time we reached Osaka Castle, one of the guests had become tired, so we returned by electric car. Since they were unsure about getting back to the hotel on their own, I escorted them to their accommodation before parting ways. The tour ran over by more than an hour, but no extension fee was charged.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNipponbashi (Osaka)～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba (Subway)240JPY
    Section 4OtherInside Osaka Castle～Inside Osaka Castle300JPY
    Total920JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

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    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Toshogu Shrine & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Toshogu Shrine & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Richmond Premier Asakusa, talk a bit about the JR Pass, and stop by Ueno Station
    • 10:50 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:30 From Kaneiji Temple to Yanaka
    • 12:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 13:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:05 Hamarikyu
    • 16:40 Dismiss at Richmond Premier Asakusa

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was pleasant, and although it grew almost hot in the afternoon, the tour proceeded enjoyably. At the start, the topic of the JR Pass came up, and I mentioned it could be handled at Ueno Station, so we went there, but the guest did not have their passport and the procedure could not be completed. Walking through the beautiful greenery from Ueno Toshogu Shrine to Kaneiji Temple, the guest seemed to have a wonderful time. From Yanaka to Nezu Shrine, we visited several old prewar temples, which was very satisfying. At Nezu Shrine, there were many questions about history and religion. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided them through the Japanese garden and received questions about the Tokugawa family. At Hamarikyu Gardens, after showing the teahouse, the guest enjoyed matcha and sweets at the teahouse in the middle of the pond. I escorted them to the Hotel, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTawaramachi～Ueno700JPY
    Section 2TrainNezu～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3TrainTakebashi～Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 4TrainShimbashi～Tawaramachi0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:45 Meet at the b ginza
    • 2. 9:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
    • 3. 9:45 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 4. 10:45 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho & 3D Billboard & Godzilla Head)
    • 5. 11:30 Lunch (Suizan Shinjuku Kinokuniya Store)
    • 6. 13:15 teamLab Planets
    • 7. 15:00 Disband in front of Matsuya Ginza

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Modern Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and teamLab Planets The guests were a group from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan the day before and, after spending a few days in Tokyo, planned to travel to Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and other places over roughly two weeks in Japan. After that, they planned to continue on to other destinations in Asia. Some of the guests had previously taught English in Japan for a short period, while it was a first visit to Japan for others in the group. The tour was scheduled to start at 9:00, but since I arrived at the hotel lobby a little early and the guests also came early, we began the tour at 8:45. Because they would be visiting traditional Japanese sites in Kanazawa and Kyoto, they wished to see modern places in Tokyo, so I guided them through Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and teamLab Planets. While listening to my explanations, they looked at each point with great interest and enjoyed taking photos. At lunch they mentioned they wanted to issue their JR Pass, so at JR Shinjuku Station I helped them issue it and reserve seats on the Shinkansen to Kanazawa. After the tour, they wanted to visit department stores and shop in Ginza near their hotel, so I guided them to the front of Matsuya Ginza, explained the locations of the other department stores and their hotel, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku146JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku～Toyosu209JPY
    Section 5TrainToyosu～Shin-Toyosu189JPY
    Section 6TrainShin-Toyosu～Toyosu189JPY
    Section 7SubwayToyosu～Ginza-itchome178JPY
    Total1,235JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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!

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    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Double tree by Hilton Kyoto Ekimae & Namba area

    Osaka in Half a Day: Double tree by Hilton Kyoto Ekimae & Namba area

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Double tree by Hilton Kyoto Ekimae
    • 11:30 Granvia Osaka, drop off luggage
    • 12:30　Osaka Castle
    • 14:00　Shinsekai
    • 15:00　Namba area
    • 16:00　Disband at Namba

    What Is a Private Tour from Kyoto to Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Until two days before the tour, the meeting point had not been confirmed, and the accommodation I was given was in front of Kyoto Station. I thought it was unusual, but I went to pick up the guests. As it turned out, before meeting me, another driver had come by car to pick up the guests. This was likely arranged by the guests' agency, but since I was scheduled to arrive right afterward, the guests kindly waited for me. In the end, because the guests had so much luggage, they arranged to have it sent from the hotel. After we met, we first took an overnight bag to a hotel in Osaka. Since we started from there, the tour ended about an hour later than planned, but the guests treated me to sushi at a conveyor-belt restaurant. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto～JR Osaka580JPY
    Section 2TrainHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 4TrainDobutsuen-mae～Namba190JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00　Meet up @ Hotel Nihonbashi Premier
    • 2. 11:30　@ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Azumabashi Bridge)
    • 3. 13:00　@ Ginza (Kyukyodo, NISSAN Showroom, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Ginza Chuo-dori)
    • 4. 13:15　@ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 14:00　@ Tokyo Station
    • 6. 14:30　Lunch @ Tokyo Station
    • 7. 15:15　@ Tokyo Station Midori no Madoguchi
    • 8. 16:40　@ Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 17:20　@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 10. 17:45 Disband @ Ginza Line Shibuya Station

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a private walking tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from Europe. One of the guests had visited Japan about ten years earlier, while it was the first visit to Japan for the group as a whole. After Tokyo, they planned to enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, then travel to Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka before catching their return flight. Along the tour route, I helped the guests purchase train tickets at the JR ticket office at Tokyo Station. Since we started from a point where nothing had been reserved yet, it took some time, but the guests were greatly reassured, as their anxieties about the rest of their itinerary were resolved. That made it worthwhile. In Ginza, when I briefly introduced the Kyukyodo stationery shop and started to walk on, the guests showed strong interest, so we went inside, where they purchased many items such as postcards, decorative gift envelopes, and cards. The guests were also interested in the cars displayed at the NISSAN showroom. As their professional field involved glass, while walking along Ginza's main street they explained to me, as their guide, the glass facades of various buildings. They took many photographs. On the day they arrived in Japan, the day before this tour, the guests had already taken a double-decker sightseeing bus around Tokyo. However, although explanations of the sights were provided, they were sometimes hard to hear, and some places were difficult to make out from the moving bus. For example, the Hachiko statue in Shibuya was not visible at all from the bus, and it was only through today's walking tour that they were able to see it on foot for the first time — they realized this was what yesterday's explanation had referred to. For lunch near Tokyo Station, the three of us sat side by side at the counter and had cold bukkake udon topped with egg and chikuwa tempura. Cold udon seemed to be a new experience, and they were very pleased, saying that the chikuwa tempura was also delicious. Since the three of us happened to be of a similar generation, our conversation flowed easily on a variety of topics.

    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 Ginza Line Mitsukoshimae Station～Asakusa Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihombashi Station～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station～Shibuya Station150JPY
    Total850JPY

    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!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
    • 09:10 Hotel
    • 09:50 Parkview Garden
    • 10:15 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:45 Tokyo Station
    • 12:10 Yanaka Ginza
    • 13:10 Yanaka Cemetery
    • 13:35 Nezu "Hantei"
    • 14:50 Nezu Shrine
    • 15:05 Disband at Nezu Shrine

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace, Yanaka, and Nezu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, staying at an onsen inn in Asakusa, and were very interested in Japanese history and culture. During our walk around the Imperial Palace, they asked many questions and our conversation flowed well. I was a little surprised when, prefaced with "This may be a difficult question, but…," they asked whether the common understanding in their home region that the attack on Pearl Harbor was a "sneak attack" was truly accurate. I drew on all the knowledge I had and answered sincerely and in accordance with the facts, and it was memorable that they were pleased, saying they had gained new understanding. We were blessed with fine weather, but the temperature rose to nearly midsummer levels, so we took short breaks now and then and tried to walk in the shade as much as possible. Even so, we were able to cover quite a distance, reaching the East Gardens around the Imperial Palace and, in the Yanaka area, going all the way to the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu. The guests were also looking forward to the food, so after discussing it in advance, I made a reservation for a late lunch at Hantei in Nezu. In addition to the age and atmosphere of the building, they were delighted with the delicious kushiage of unusual ingredients served little by little, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Finally, I took them to Nezu Shrine, where the tour concluded on site. At the start of the tour, I had taken them to the Parkview Garden at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya so they could see the full view of the Imperial Palace, but it was a little unfortunate that the facility was under inspection and we could not go out onto the terrace (fortunately, the guests did not mind).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa～Hibiya209JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo～Nippori167JPY
    Total376JPY

    Tour Report by MASA

    Welcome guests!

    I am Masa Abe, though everyone calls me MASA. For over 40 years, I worked as an in-house lawyer for one of the most renowned Japanese companies in the world. During my tenure, I spent eight and a half years in New York, where I had the pleasure of studying, working, and making friends with wonderful people. I truly enjoyed living and traveling in the U.S.

    After retiring from the company in 2023, I pursued a new path and soon qualified as a National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter. As your guide, I am excited to offer professional and heartfelt services to you, my new friends from abroad.

    Best wishes, MASA

    Request Booking

    May 21, 2025
    CraigMaplewood
    Informative and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masa brought his strong historical knowledge and easy…

    May 15, 2025
    luc_arY4023MB
    A memorable Tokyo tour with Masa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I had a great time on…

    May 8, 2025
    Catherine_R
    Great Tour to take on Day 1
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of Tokyo including…

    Apr 25, 2025
    TomQ188
    A wonderful day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a wonderful…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
    • 09:20 Sightseeing ①: Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:30 Sightseeing ②: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:20 Sightseeing ③: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 13:10 Lunch/Break: Arashiyama
    • 13:50 Sightseeing ④: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 13:40 Transfer to hotel
    • 14:10 Dismissal: Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like When Plans Change on the Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. On the day, however, some of the guests were not feeling well and decided to rest at the hotel with accompanying members of the group, so the tour ultimately went ahead with the remaining guests. I handled the advance communication and itinerary discussions with the group. The original itinerary listed Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, along with Kurama-dera. In response, I pointed out that Kurama-dera would be difficult for the group and that Kiyomizu-dera is an extremely crowded landmark that would also be quite challenging, likely requiring a wheelchair. After several exchanges with the guests, the driver of the private car kindly offered to bring along a wheelchair they had on hand. As for the destinations, I proposed visiting Arashiyama instead of Kurama-dera, and this was accepted. However, when I met the guests on the day, I was told that some members of the group, due to not feeling well, had decided to rest at the hotel, so the tour that day would be with the remaining guests. Both the driver and I were a little surprised by such a sudden change of circumstances, but we also felt somewhat reassured by the decision to prioritize health above all (though it was of course a pity for those who had to stay behind). Although the advance discussions had been quite challenging, the tour itself proceeded smoothly and concluded successfully as planned.

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

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka
    • 11:25-12:20 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 12:50-13:00 @ Harukas Garden
    • 13:20- 14:25 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:55-16:10 @ Osaka Castle
    • 16:40-17:00 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 17:10 Disband @ Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka's Local Spots Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and the booking was made through a travel agency. The travel agency shared the guests' email address, which allowed me to arrange the itinerary directly with them. They expressed a strong interest in Japanese culture and everyday local life, preferring popular local spots in Osaka over typical tourist attractions. We first visited Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, where they enjoyed its tranquil atmosphere. At Shitennoji Temple, it happened to be the day of the monthly festival, and the grounds were lively with worshippers and market stalls. At Osaka Castle, they attentively explored the museum inside the castle as well as the Toyotomi Museum, newly opened in April, and had a very fulfilling day. It was also memorable to see one of the guests earnestly praying for the peace and happiness of their family at each shrine and temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNankai Namba～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Toriimae～Tennoji Ekimae240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 4SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    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!

    Request Booking

    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,…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet up @ Prince Park Tower
    • 10:40 Asakusa (Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Hoppy Street ~ Shin-Nakamise)
    • 12:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Gonpachi NORI TEMAKI
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:45 Takeshita Street ~ Ura-Harajuku ~ Omotesando ~ Prada
    • 16:15 Disband @ Seven Eleven Akabanebashi

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from North America, visiting Japan for the first time and having arrived the previous day. After Tokyo, the guest planned to meet a friend and travel around Osaka and Kyoto. The guest came down to the lobby ten minutes early, clearly enthusiastic, which was very encouraging. Since the guest was interested in history, culture, and architecture and wanted to see a broad cross-section of Tokyo, we changed one of the destinations from Shinjuku Gyoen to Asakusa before departure. This allowed the guest to feel firsthand the difference between the old-town atmosphere of Asakusa and the Minato Ward and Omotesando areas near the hotel. At the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine, I explained the Edo Shogunate, the closed-country policy, the alternate attendance system, the Meiji Restoration, and the transfer of the capital to Tokyo. At Omotesando, the guest took many photos of the buildings. I explained the works of Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando, as well as the Prada building and the H&M store. Once again the temperature and humidity were high today, so we had to take a break to cool off at the rest area in the Ninomaru Garden of the East Gardens. Along the way, I also provided some background knowledge about Kyoto and Osaka.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMita Line Shibakoen～Asakusa Line Asakusa272JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza Line Asakusa～Tozai Line Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayChiyoda Line Otemachi～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza Line Omotesando～Oedo Line Akabanebashi286JPY
    Total945JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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 10:00 @ In front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station
    • 2. 10:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:50 Lunch @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 13:20 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 6. 14:15 Disband @ 1st floor inside Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Half-Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met in front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station, then visited Castle View and Himeji Castle, had a light meal at a tea house near Koko-en Garden, toured Koko-en Garden, returned to Himeji Station, and ended the tour on the first floor inside Himeji Station. Since the guests enjoyed walking, at Himeji Castle we chose a relatively demanding route including the "West Bailey Hyakken Corridor" and the "Main Keep." Perhaps because the TV drama "SHOGUN" is popular in North America, the guests had a fair amount of knowledge about Japanese historical background, such as the relationship between Toyotomi Hideyori and Senhime. The tour today went smoothly overall, and the guests were satisfied.

    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…