Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Pick up at OMO7 Osaka
    • 10:00-12:30 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 13:00-14:00 Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:00-14:30 Go back to the hotel
    • Around 14:30 End of the tour

    Can You Do a Private Osaka Day Tour Visiting Osaka Castle and Shitennoji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Osaka. We worked up a sweat on the way to Osaka Castle, but afterwards it clouded over and became more comfortable. They seemed to come from a place with a mild climate in both summer and winter, so I was a little worried the heat might be tough on them, but everyone in the group was full of energy. We stopped to buy water and other things at a convenience store as we moved along. Approaching the castle keep from the Osaka Castle Park side, we were able to take photos while gradually getting closer to the castle, and they especially liked the group photo taken up close at the end. The inside of the castle keep is air-conditioned but crowded and warm, so we cooled down while sitting and watching a short film at the stone wall hall. One of the guests seemed interested in the castle and asked me questions. Rather than taking the in-park bus, we walked back to the subway and headed to Shitennoji, but along the way one of the guests noticed a phone was missing. I contacted Osaka Castle and the Tanimachi Line, but there has been no word yet that it was found. Since only my phone number could be registered, I told them I would reach out via a messaging app if there was any news, and after seeing them off at Dobutsuen-mae, we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Imamiya～Osaka Castle Park200JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Dobutsuen-mae190JPY
    Total580JPY

    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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    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimiinari & Gion Hanamikoji

    Kyoto: Fushimiinari & Gion Hanamikoji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • 10:30 Fushimiinari
    • 11:50 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • 14:00 Kinkakuji (500)
    • 15:00 Bamboo Grove
    • 15:10 Tenryuji garden (500)
    • Arashiyama
    • 16:00 Gion Hanamikoji
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Asia. Since they had not expressed any particular requests in advance about where they wanted to go, I guided them along a general itinerary. They said they did not need lunch and wanted to visit as many places as possible, so I took my time showing them around. After we met, they said they wanted to attend a tea ceremony, so I inquired at a tea ceremony venue, but it was fully booked that day. My original plan was to go from Kiyomizu-dera to Kinkaku-ji, but since we saved the time set aside for lunch, I added Sannen-zaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshin-do. Before heading to the bamboo grove in Sagano, I explained about the Sagano Romantic Train, and they said they wanted to board it right away and return from Kameoka, asking me to wait for them. When I explained that the seats were fully booked with only standing room available and that an additional taxi charge would apply, they decided against it. At the end, they said they wanted to go to Gion, so I guided them to the entrance of Hanamikoji Street and concluded the tour there.

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

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Aichi: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

    Aichi: Nagoya Castle & Norwegian Spirit

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

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Norwegian Spirit exit pickup
    • 10:00 Nagoya Castle
    • 12:00 Sakae, Oasis 21 sightseeing
    • 13:30 Osu sightseeing, shopping
    • 15:00 Norwegian Spirit

    Can You Do a Private Nagoya Castle Day Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report I had been exchanging messages with the guests until a few days before, but from two days prior there were no replies at all. The ship was scheduled to arrive early in the morning, around 7:00, and the pickup time had been agreed for 9:00. I sent a message to adjust the pickup time, but even on the morning of the tour there was no reply, which made me anxious. I waited anyway, and to my relief I managed to meet the group at the exit. It seems one of the reasons was that the Wi-Fi on the ship was very slow. The group was very impressed by the sightseeing of the magnificent Nagoya Castle and Honmaru Palace. With the ship departing at 15:00, it was a rushed tour, but the guests were grateful that we went around to see as much as possible. The photos were taken with permission after I explained that they were needed for the tour report submission.

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

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Jul 18, 2025
    Lisa_M
    Nagoya is a Treasure
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Yoko gave us a wonderful tour…

    Jun 17, 2025
    Daniel_R
    Nagoya Tour from Cruise Port
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    If you are on a…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Tower & Pokemon Center Nihonbashi

    Tokyo: Tokyo Tower & Pokemon Center Nihonbashi

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 11:00 Tokyo Tower
    • 12:25 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 13:25 Lunch @ Sushi Ei Asakusa, then return to Nakamise for shopping
    • 14:40 Pokemon Center Nihonbashi
    • 15:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, photos at Hachiko
    • 16:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street, check out shoes at ASICS shop
    • 17:35 Disband in front of Tokyo International Cruise Terminal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku It was a very hot day, so the tour proceeded with frequent breaks. The original plan was to visit Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, and Takeshita Street as the guests wished, but partway through there was a request to buy some character goods, and since it was very hot, we replaced Akihabara with the Pokémon Center Nihonbashi. In Asakusa, the guests did a lot of shopping along Nakamise, which took quite a bit of time. The sushi lunch was very well received. Since the guests were interested in running, in Harajuku I guided them to the ASICS flagship store. Toward the end there was some fatigue, but I was able to guide them safely to the cruise terminal. A tip was received.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShiodome～Akabanebashi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAkabanebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Nihonbashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNihonbashi～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 6Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 7TrainTokyo International Cruise Terminal～Shiodome330JPY
    Section 8TrainShimbashi～Tokyo International Cruise Terminal390JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 2. 09:40 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 3. 10:15 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 4. 12:15 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 13:10 Lunch @ Due Italian
    • 6. 13:55 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 7. 14:15 Travel: Train
    • 8. 14:20 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 15:35 Disband @ JR Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Visiting Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report I forgot to update the meeting point on the form until the last minute, but we managed to meet up successfully at a hotel in Suidobashi. This time as well, the guests were a group. Some members of the group were around 80 years old, but they were all strong walkers, so I was able to guide them without changing the pace at all. It was helpful that everyone had a Suica card, so we could use the JR lines for getting around. In Asakusa, I chose a longer course. The guests took a great many photos, and before I knew it, we had spent about two hours in Asakusa alone. For lunch, I took them to Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, which I have been using frequently lately. An Italian-style ramen restaurant was surprisingly well received. By the time we arrived in Harajuku, there was just over an hour of time left. I guided them through Meiji Shrine first, and since there was no time left to take them into Takeshita Street, I showed them how to get back to Suidobashi Station using the JR line from in front of the station, and then 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 1TrainSuidobashi～Asakusabashi150JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusabashi～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Total740JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji Rooftop & Sosha Shrine

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 09:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 10:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:30 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 13:30 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto-Area Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and all of them appeared to be great admirers of Japan (the whole group uses Japanese cars, and one of them even owns a Japanese kei car), asking many detailed questions at each spot. On the way to the first stop, they enthusiastically chose souvenirs at a shop specializing in maneki-neko (beckoning cat figures). At this shop, one of the guests drew an omikuji fortune and was delighted to receive a very rare result. The lucky item of the day happened to be a "pouch," so I presented a handmade drawstring bag that I had brought along, which the guests were very happy to receive. Today's activities also took place in very hot and humid conditions, and most of the guests became quite worn out, so we took frequent breaks. After the tour, the guests planned to return to Kyoto, but wanted to have a meal first, so I introduced several restaurants around the station, and we parted ways there. One of the guests kindly told me that this had been the best tour they had ever experienced, which I found truly gratifying.

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

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

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

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

  • Tokyo: Nezu Shrine – Yanaka – Ueno Park & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo: Nezu Shrine – Yanaka – Ueno Park & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
    • 9:15 Nezu Shrine – Yanaka – Ueno Park
    • 10:35 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:20 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 12:05 Lunch @Mendokoro Ichiryu Asakusa Main Store
    • 13:00 Akihabara
    • 13:35 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 15:00 Dismissal at The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like on a Hot Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was an extremely hot day, and I offered a parasol to the guests, but they already had one. The guests had Mobile Suica, which allowed the tour to proceed smoothly. I planned the tour according to their wishes, going from Nezu Shrine to a temple in Yanaka, then through Ueno Park to Toshogu Shrine, but as it was very hot, we proceeded while taking breaks. The guests wished to have ramen for lunch in Asakusa, so I took them there, and they were very pleased. I guided them through Akihabara from north to south and showed them Korakuen Garden, but because of the heat, the guests said we could skip the planned visit to Shinjuku and that they were ready to head back. Although it was much earlier than scheduled, I guided them to the Hotel, and the tour concluded.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRoppongi～Nezu210JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara～Suidobashi150JPY
    Section 5TrainIidabashi～Roppongi290JPY
    Total1,010JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 in One Day: Daikanyama Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Daikanyama Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting place: Casa Bella Daikanyama
    • 11:10 Depart Daikanyama Station
    • (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 12:10 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Akihabara Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Suidobashi Station
    • Suidobashi Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:30 Depart Suidobashi Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • Yoyogi Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:45 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Lunch: Kajitsuen Riber
    • 15:45 Depart Meiji-Jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • Shinjuku Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • Kabukicho
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • 16:40 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Arrive Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive Daikanyama Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Daikanyama Station

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was visiting Japan for the second time, while the others were visiting for the first time. This time they were on a longer trip, staying in Tokyo before continuing to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, and then returning to Tokyo before heading home. The previous afternoon they had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight and taken a taxi to their accommodation. The night before, they had strolled around the neighborhood, shopped at a convenience store, and enjoyed ramen for dinner. It was a tour under fine but hot and humid weather. We traveled from Daikanyama Station via Shibuya Station to Asakusa. As always, it was crowded with large numbers of visitors. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate, and I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon and strolled leisurely along the Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" We then moved to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, passing by Tokyo Dome. "This is the first time seeing a real Japanese garden, and it is truly wonderful," the guests said, taking photos in many spots. (A visit to the Imperial Palace was originally requested, but since the East Gardens were closed that day, we changed the plan.) Next we moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed there." There were questions such as "What kind of teaching is Shinto?", "Around when did Shinto originate?", and "How many shrines are there in Japan?" We also strolled along Takeshita Street and Cat Street, where they bought and tasted strawberry candy. Tired from the heat, we took a break with a light lunch. The guests seemed interested in "Tokyu Plaza" and said they would return the next day. From there we moved to Shinjuku. I explained "the origins and history of Shinjuku" and "the differences between the east and west sides of the station." We walked around and explored "Shinjuku Golden Gai" (where several groups of overseas travelers were also strolling), the Godzilla Head, and Omoide Yokocho. The guests remarked, "This whole area feels different from other neighborhoods," and "I'd like to come back here at night." There were also comments and questions such as "Tokyo feels clean and extremely safe," "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?", "I think the Tokyo subway is extremely well made," and "The public restrooms are wonderful." I saw them off at Daikanyama Station, where 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 1OtherDaikanyama Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo～Shibuya Station140JPY
    Section 2OtherShibuya Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 3OtherAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 4OtherUeno Station～Suidobashi Station167JPY
    Section 5OtherSuidobashi Station～Harajuku Station178JPY
    Section 6OtherMeiji-Jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station178JPY
    Section 7OtherShinjuku Station～Shibuya Station167JPY
    Section 8OtherShibuya Station～Daikanyama Station140JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

    Jun 2, 2026
    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:59 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen Platform
    • 8:30-9:10 Transfer (chartered car; Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 9:10-10:10 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:10-11:00 Transfer (chartered car; Fushimi Inari Taisha → Arashiyama/Tenryu-ji parking)
    • 11:00-12:30 Stroll around Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove)
    • 12:30-13:00 Transfer (Tenryu-ji parking → Restaurant CoCo Kana/near Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:00-13:50 Lunch (@CoCo Kana)
    • 13:50-14:30 Transfer (chartered car; Restaurant → Nishiki Market)
    • 14:30 Farewell at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Wheelchair-Accessible Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member of the group used a wheelchair and had limited mobility, so a wheelchair was reserved in advance and the tour was planned accordingly. The originally agreed itinerary was a 6-hour tour extended by one hour, covering Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, lunch, Kinkaku-ji, and finally Nishiki Market before saying goodbye. However, the guests requested more time at the Arashiyama bamboo grove, so the visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was canceled on short notice and the stay at Arashiyama was extended. The guests took photos of the bamboo grove and bought some souvenirs. After lunch, the plan was to visit Kinkaku-ji, but the guests requested to cancel it due to the heat. Instead, after lunch I took them to Nishiki Market, where we parted ways. As a guide, it was a somewhat disappointing tour in the sense that I was not able to take the guests to all of the originally planned sites.

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

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market & Tsukiji Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    July, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Capitol Tokyu Meeting
    • 5:30 Toyosu Market
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 8:00 Disband at Tsukiji Station

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was the final day of their trip to Japan, and after the tour they had plans for a sushi experience in Akasaka. One of the guests was very sharp and experienced, handling everything smoothly. They were impressed by how each fish auction proceeded in about six seconds, and asked many enthusiastic questions about the market system and trading prices. When one of the guests said they wanted to buy salt, I took them to a shop in the Toyosu wholesale building. They sampled various kinds, listened to the shopkeeper's advice, and bought several types, seeming very satisfied. As it was hot, part of the group returned to the Hotel from Toyosu. The rest went on to Tsukiji, where they bought toro and eel and also enjoyed breakfast at a café. They said they would head to the sushi experience after returning to the Hotel, and thanked me for a very enjoyable and efficient tour that also allowed them to do some shopping. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Tour Report by Kris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

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

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

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

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