Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 12:15 Break (café)
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ②: Shinsekai
    • 14:00 Dismissal: Shinsekai

    What's a Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai The guests this time were visitors from Europe, sightseeing in Japan. All prior communication and itinerary coordination were handled with a staff member of a local travel agency in Europe (there was no direct contact with the guests themselves beforehand). According to the agency staff, there was an unusual request: "The guided tour is four hours, but afterward the guests will join a local food tour in Dotonbori, so please do not let them have lunch or even a taste of anything." The itinerary was simple and finalized as: Hotel ⇒ Osaka Castle ⇒ Dotonbori ⇒ Namba Yasaka Shrine. On the day, although the sunlight was strong, it was cool in the shade, and the weather was good. However, since Osaka was the last stop of their trip in Japan, the guests seemed a little tired. After about an hour of touring at Osaka Castle, they wanted to "rest a bit at a cafe," so we took a coffee break of about 30 minutes. During the break, they expressed that "we have already seen many shrines and temples in Tokyo and Kyoto, so we would like to skip the final Namba Yasaka Shrine." Taking that into account, we moved on to Shinsekai and spent about an hour strolling around. Coming to Minami in Osaka and sightseeing without eating either takoyaki or okonomiyaki was quite an unusual experience. That said, after the tour ended, the guests must have thoroughly enjoyed Osaka's local food.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka～Osakajokoen200JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Ebisucho240JPY
    Total440JPY

    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: Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Osaka: Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel Osaka-Shinsaibashi
    • 09:15 to 09:45 Nara Park
    • 10:00 to 11:00 Todaiji Temple
    • 11:15 to 11:45 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street (Vegan menu)
    • Hotel Osaka-Shinsaibashi

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests today were a group of visitors from Asia. Some of the group had difficulty walking, and they had requested a car through a travel agency, but it turned out yesterday that due to some mistake the reservation had not been made. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) negotiated on their behalf, and it was decided that the tour would be conducted using a combination of public transportation and taxis. When I actually met the group, it was clear that walking was not possible without a walking aid, and moving by public transportation seemed impossible, so we ended up traveling the entire route using two taxis. At each spot, some of the group rested on benches, and I guided only the remaining members of the group. Rain had been forecast for Nara from the afternoon, but it did not rain, and I was glad that we were able to complete the tour without any trouble.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Request Booking

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Finally gathered & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Finally gathered & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting place: Hotel TOKYO by HULIC
    • 14:30 Finally gathered
    • 14:40 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 16:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku West Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 17:30 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:40 Arrive Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Shinjuku East Exit Omoide Yokocho
    • Kabukicho
    • Golden Gai
    • Isetan
    • 18:30 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • 19:00 Arrive Shimokitazawa Station
    • Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa Vintage Clothing Street
    • Break / Cafe (Doutor Coffee)
    • 20:00 Depart Shimokitazawa Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 20:30 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 20:30 Disband: Ginza Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa The guests were visitors from the Middle East, on their first trip to Japan. This was an eight-day visit to Japan. After arriving at Kansai Airport, they traveled through Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone, and arrived in Tokyo today. Some of the guests had prior experience traveling in Japan and had given the group various pieces of advice. They planned to stay in Tokyo for three days before returning home. [Points of note] 1. At the time of departure, I checked with the hotel front desk and was told that the guests had "not yet arrived and had not yet checked in." After waiting 30 minutes, the guests finally arrived. 2. Along the route, there were some challenges regarding certain habits, which I addressed several times. 3. Regarding traffic signals, I explained the local rules and asked the guests to wait at red lights. 4. Regarding the itinerary: Prior communication from the guests' travel agency had stated that the guests very much wanted to go to "Shimokitazawa." However, during the discussion on the day, the request changed, and they asked to be taken elsewhere since the next day's schedule was already decided. (The following day's plan was set for "Asakusa," "Harajuku," and "Shibuya.") I quickly reorganized the itinerary and changed it to the "Imperial Palace," "Shinjuku," and "Shimokitazawa." In the rain, we first went to the Imperial Palace. We strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question about when the cherry blossoms were at their best. I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "Are there no more samurai?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" We then went to Shinjuku. First, we visited the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building at the west exit. I explained "the history of Edo and Tokyo and more." The comments were: "I understand well that the city of Tokyo spreads out over a wide area," and "However, there are also buildings of more than 45 stories back home, so I am not entirely sure why I was brought here." We went to the Shinjuku west exit. I explained "the origins and history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the east and west sides of the station." We walked around and explored "Shinjuku Golden Gai" (which was mostly quiet, though a few groups of foreign travelers were strolling around), Kabukicho, the Godzilla Head, and Omoide Yokocho. There were comments and questions such as "For some reason, the atmosphere feels completely different from other areas of Tokyo," and "Why do so many people gather here?" We moved to Shibuya, viewed the Scramble Crossing, and then went to Shimokitazawa. We took our time strolling around various parts of the neighborhood. The comment was: "It seems fun, but it is different from the town I had imagined. It is not that interesting." There were also comments and questions such as "It is strange that there is no litter on the streets," "Does no one throw trash on the streets?" and "This was my first time riding the subway, but it was very comfortable and convenient." In addition: 1. "In Hakone, it rained and I could not see Mount Fuji. I was dissatisfied." 2. "Carlos Ghosn is a hero back home. I do not understand why he was caught by the justice system in Japan or why he is spoken of poorly." Since the guests said "I have no idea how to get back to the hotel," I saw them off to Ginza Station 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 1SubwayGinza Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi Station～Tochomae Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station～Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya Station～Shimokitazawa Station140JPY
    Section 7TrainShimokitazawa Station～Shibuya Station140JPY
    Section 8SubwayShibuya Station～Ginza Station209JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

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

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:00 Omote-sando Street
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Chinchikurin
    • 15:15 Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:15 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them was studying Japanese, so I also mixed in some Spanish, making it a trilingual tour in three languages. Since rain was forecast for the afternoon and there was also the departure time of the Shinkansen to Osaka to consider, we first went to Miyajima. As I had made a lunch reservation at a restaurant, we were seated right away. Afterward, when we arrived at Peace Memorial Park, it started to rain. By the time we left the museum the rain had become heavy, so the guests requested a taxi, but since there was already a queue, I recommended taking the bus. We then concluded the tour on board the bus.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroden Miyajimaguchi～Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 3BusHeiwa Koen-mae～Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae240JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Hibiya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Hibiya Station

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: The Peninsula Tokyo
    • Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 8:20 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan (breakfast)
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 10:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:20 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:20 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Tawaramachi Station
    • Tawaramachi Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 12:15 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • 13:00 Dismissal: Hibiya Station

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo's Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Kappabashi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Japan once about 25 years earlier, but the others were visiting Japan for the first time. This was a trip of about three weeks. After finishing their time in Tokyo, they planned to travel around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. They had arrived at Haneda Airport two days earlier and taken a taxi to their hotel. The previous day they had strolled around Harajuku, Roppongi, and Ginza. The night before, the whole group had gone out to a sushi restaurant in Ginza (they were all big fans of sushi). It was a clear day, and the tour took place under pleasant weather. First, we headed to Tsukiji Market. Everyone said, "We plan to eat sushi for breakfast at Tsukiji, so we didn't have breakfast at the hotel." We first went to a well-known eatery. We waited in line for a short while and were seated. Everyone appeared very satisfied. After that, we went to Tsukiji Uogashi. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were also questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all the people of Tokyo come here to buy fish?" We strolled around slowly. They purchased and sampled grilled eel (unagi kabayaki), grilled snow crab, matcha ice cream, strawberry mochi, fried sweet potato, and more. ("We just want to try everything," they said.) Next, we went to Asakusa. As always, it was very crowded. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the development from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" "What other religions do people believe in?" and "How often do people who believe in Buddhism go to temples? Do they worship every week?" We strolled slowly through Nakamise shopping street. One of the guests bought a hat, saying it was hot. However, it took quite a while to decide before finally settling on one. We then moved to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. One of the guests enjoys cooking and very much wanted to buy a kitchen knife. They were indeed interested in the knives, and after entering several shops and comparing various options, they purchased one. They also seemed to love the food samples and bought a small magnetic sushi sample. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing that there's no litter on the streets. Is the cleaning that thorough? It's so clean, completely different from home." "I rode the subway for the first time, and it was very comfortable and convenient." "It's strange that there are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?" Since the guests said they were a bit tired and wanted to return to the hotel, I saw them off at Hibiya Station and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Tawaramachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTawaramachi Station～Hibiya Station209JPY
    Total774JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

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

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 09:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior viewing only)
    • 10:45 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 11:30 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:15 Dismissal @ Kuromon Market

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. At Osaka Castle they viewed the exterior only, but they purchased souvenirs at the adjacent Miraiza facility. At Shitennoji Temple, admission happened to be free that day because it was the monthly memorial day for Kobo Daishi, and the grounds were lively with many food stalls and a large crowd of visitors. The guests asked many questions at each spot. They mentioned that they would be joining some kind of food-walking tour later that evening. At the final stop, Kuromon Market, they wished to stroll around on their own, including having lunch there, so we parted ways about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. This private one-day tour of Osaka was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Tennoji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
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    Castle journey worth your time!
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    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

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    Navigator661725
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    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @Grand Hyatt
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:15 Lunch @Namiki Yabu Soba
    • 15:00 Asakusa
    • 17:00 Disband @Grand Hyatt

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. In our prior communication, they mentioned they would be staying in Tokyo and requested a tour of the major sightseeing spots where they could learn about history and culture, as well as how to use public transportation. I guided them through the classic route of Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa. The guests had joined a Toyosu and Tsukiji tour the previous day, but after it ended they could not find the subway station in Higashi-Ginza and gave up, returning by taxi. So we started the tour with the goal: "Today, let's master how to use the trains!" Even though it was May, the day of the tour reached 30 degrees, a summer-like heat. Worried about the heat, I brought a fan from home for the guests to use, and I reminded them to stay hydrated. Fortunately there was a breeze and the shade was cool, so I tried to give my explanations in shaded areas whenever possible. For lunch, the guests wanted to eat at an authentic, non-touristy restaurant, so after considering several options we went to Namiki Yabu Soba in Asakusa. I had the impression it was a place with long lines, but I figured it would be fine after 2:00 pm, and when we arrived there was no line and we were lucky to get a table. While we were eating, more and more customers came in, and by the time we finished, around 3:00, a line had formed. The guests were delighted with the atmosphere and the flavor of the restaurant, and they even ordered additional tempura. We ran a little over time as they did some shopping in Asakusa, but I saw them off to their hotel and said goodbye. From tomorrow, they should be able to sightsee on their own using Google Maps. I had a wonderful and enjoyable tour with such cheerful and friendly guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Ebisu180JPY
    Section 2TrainEbisu～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi～Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Roppongi290JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up at the hotel in Shiomi
    • 10:00 Help obtain JR Pass at the JR Cafe inside Tokyo Station
    • 11:00 Stroll around Asakusa
    • 13:00 Izakaya lunch at Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:00 Shopping in Harajuku
    • 14:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:00 Disband at Shibuya Station

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They shared many fascinating stories with me, including the traditional haka war dance and how the indigenous traditions of their homeland are preserved, and as a big fan of rugby's All Blacks (New Zealand's national team), I was able to spend a truly valuable time with them. Talking with one of the guests about the recent activities of former All Blacks players now playing in Japan, the tour started off with a lively atmosphere from the very beginning. One of the guests had also worked for a major electronics company in Asia, and having been based in Singapore for six years myself, we enjoyed reminiscing about local Singapore topics together. The tour began in Asakusa. First, from Azuma Bridge, I explained the structure of Tokyo Skytree and behind-the-scenes stories from the time of its construction, and the guests were impressed that this modern, tall tower uses the same structural principles as the five-story pagoda in Nara. At Sensoji Temple, one of the guests drew an omikuji fortune and was delighted to pull the best possible fortune. On Kannon-dori, there was a limited-time workshop making shirts from recycled kimono (their home base is in Shiga Prefecture), and one of the guests loved the shirts so much that they happily took a photo in a haka pose with the shop owner in front of the store. In Yanaka Ginza, we bought menchi-katsu, fried horse mackerel, and fried quail eggs at a delicatessen, then went to a standing bar where one of the guests chose a summer limited-edition sake and the other chose an amber-style beer, enjoying the kakuuchi drinking experience. Both of the guests loved the deep-fried quail egg skewers. In Harajuku, at the request of one of the guests, we visited a shoe brand's outlet store, and they purchased a pair. Although the same brand is available in their home country, they said the selection in the Japanese store was much more extensive, and they immediately changed into their newly purchased shoes and enjoyed the rest of the tour. Finally, at the strong request of one of the guests, we experienced the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where they enjoyed taking many photos together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Tokyo200JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo～Asakusa380JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Nippori340JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori～Harajuku260JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya160JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Tour Report by Toru

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    July 2, 2026
    David S
    Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Incredible experience at the Markets!
    Toru…

    Jun 6, 2026
    meltemg957
    Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

    Jun 4, 2026
    bluejerky1
    Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…

    May 29, 2026
    Eva P
    Fabulous experience with Toru!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toru was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:25　Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:10　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50　Imperial Palace
    • 12:40　Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00　Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:30　Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:30　Dismiss @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden and the rose garden. I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
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  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Higashi Hongan-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Higashi Hongan-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Mamatsuan
    • 10:05 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:55 Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:05 Higashi Hongan-ji
    • 14:55 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:30 Disband @ Mamatsuan

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were all very gentle and easygoing, and enjoyed the tour from beginning to end. In particular, one of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture, and asked many questions. The day was overcast throughout with high humidity, so after walking the mountain path at Fushimi Inari Taisha at the start, they mentioned it was "a bit hot," but since there was no direct sunlight afterward, it seemed more comfortable for them. They were also delighted with lunch, calling it a "great choice!"

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…