Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden & Rakushisha

    Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden & Rakushisha

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10　Meet at the hotel
    • 10:10　Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 10:30　Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden
    • 11:20　Lunch in Arashiyama
    • 12:15　Nonomiya Shrine
    • 12:40　Bamboo Grove Path, Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 12:55　Mikami Shrine
    • 13:15　Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 13:50　Rakushisha
    • 14:40　End of tour at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited from Oceania. They were spending three days in Kyoto, and today's tour focused on the Arashiyama area. The tour started at Togetsukyo Bridge. At Tenryu-ji Temple, I talked about Zen, including the Daruma figures, and the guests mentioned they wanted to buy one to take home for family. In the garden, they took their time enjoying the view while seated on chairs. For lunch, they enjoyed a tofu-based meal, including yudofu (hot tofu), yuba, and sesame tofu, saying, "This is delicious." At Nonomiya Shrine, I spoke about the Kojiki and the imperial family, and they purchased a traffic safety charm to bring home. From the Bamboo Grove path, we went to Mikami Shrine, which enshrines the deity of hair, where one of the guests said they wished they had visited it sooner. At Jojakko-ji Temple, we climbed the stairs up to the observation deck above the Tahoto pagoda and enjoyed the scenery.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet in the lobby of the Conrad Tokyo
    • 10:30 1 TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 11:45 2 ASAKUSA
    • 12:45 2' Match Experience in Asakusa
    • 2:30 3 SHIBUYA, the Pokemon Center
    • 3:30 4 TAKESHITA STREET
    • 4:30 See off at Shinjuku

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very well-mannered, which made guiding them a pleasure and put me at ease. Even after having breakfast, they enjoyed sampling sashimi and croquettes early in the morning at Tsukiji, which they were delighted with. Based on their request, we booked and enjoyed a matcha experience at a tea house in Asakusa. I am considering using this service again in the future whenever there is such a request. When asked, the guests expressed a wish to visit the Pokémon Center, and they were happy to purchase character goods related to the characters saved on their phone. As they mentioned they had no dinner reservations, I guided them around Shinjuku as requested, showing them options such as ramen, katsudon, and izakaya, before taking my leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi～Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji～Asakusa – Shibuya – Shinjuku0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Tokyo: Guide to Namiyoke Shrine & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo: Guide to Namiyoke Shrine & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Shijo-mae Station. Guide through Toyosu Market
    • 10:30 Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market via the "Yurikamome"
    • 11:40 Guide to Namiyoke Shrine
    • 12:15 Move to Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 12:30 End the tour

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who wished to explore the Toyosu and Tsukiji markets. At [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we began at the exhibition area inside Toyosu Market, where I introduced Japan's fish culture and history, as well as the background of both the Tsukiji and Toyosu markets. We then observed the live tuna auction in progress, and I explained how the value of tuna is assessed, how the auction is conducted, and how the distribution system works. The guests were impressed that tuna caught all over the world gathers at Toyosu, and were fascinated by the size and variety of the fish, as well as Japan's unique distribution methods. For the trip to the Tsukiji market, the guests rode in the front car of the Yurikamome line, and they were delighted by the wonderful views from inside the train. At the Tsukiji market, the guests were surprised by the traditional, lively atmosphere and the large crowds. They greatly enjoyed the market's signature street food, including sushi, wagyu beef, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet). Finally, we visited Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, where I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the different ways of worship, all while observing the actual sites. The guests said they had made many new discoveries about Japanese culture. Since the guests planned to head to Shinjuku by public transportation on their own in the afternoon, we concluded the tour at Tsukiji.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji & Toyosu Market Local Food Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel 38th Floor Lobby
    • 9:00 Tsukiji
    • 10:50 Asakusa
    • 12:10 Lunch at Naya Ohashi in Monzen-Nakacho
    • 12:50 Fukagawa Fudodo
    • 13:50 Orihara Shoten
    • 14:30 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 15:30 Disperse at Mitsukoshimae Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Fukagawa I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful, refreshing, and courteous group. It was very hot, exceeding 30°C, but for some reason many of the sightseeing spots were uncrowded today, which made it a lucky day in that respect. At the start, the guests had no cash, so after obtaining Japanese yen at an ATM in a convenience store, we visited Tsukiji Hongan-ji. As the birthday of Shinran Shonin fell the next day, we were once again unable to see the Buddhist altar, but it was nice that the market was relatively uncrowded and easy to walk through. In Asakusa, when I asked what the flame monument of Asahi Beer looked like to them, one of the guests gave a great answer — "President Trump's hairstyle" — which I think I'll use next time. I was glad this topic created laughter for quite a while. Since they had eaten sushi and meat in Tsukiji, I delayed lunchtime, but we arrived at Monzen-Nakacho too early, so we ended up eating here after all. It was my first time at the restaurant, tucked away on a back street, but the set meal with obanzai side dishes was tasty and well received, so I recommend it. At the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do, I had them purchase a 1,000-yen goma stick for good health and we took our seats. It was wonderful that we were able to sit in the central seats despite arriving just before it began. As always, both guests were startled by the first large drum, which was charming. Also, during the okaji blessing where belongings are held over the goma fire, one of the guests (who had no luggage) tried to take the other's hat, but they said "this is mine" and handed over the bag instead, which was a heartwarming exchange. Apparently there was worry that the strap of a favorite hat might be burned. They showed great interest not only in the goma ritual but also in the prayer corridor, the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage circuit, and the other Buddhist statues. Since sake came up as a topic during lunch, we had drinks at a sake shop before Kiyosumi Garden. We took photos there, and the guests spoke to me with carefree, beaming smiles about how they looked forward to being featured by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), which was perhaps the highlight of the day. At Kiyosumi Garden, the carp we had hoped for did not appear, perhaps due to the heat, but instead many turtles and softshell turtles charmed us with their presence. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the turtles and the atmosphere of the Japanese garden. Finally, I took them to Mitsukoshimae and ended the tour by telling them to find the Ginza Line (or the Hanzomon Line) and head for exit A7 to return to their hotel. It was a truly enjoyable day.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Monzen-Nakacho209JPY
    Section 4SubwayMonzen-Nakacho～Kiyosumi-Shirakawa178JPY
    Section 5SubwayKiyosumi-Shirakawa～Mitsukoshimae178JPY
    Total1,029JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Okunoin & Danjo Garan

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Okunoin & Danjo Garan

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:40　Meet up @ Rengejoin
    • 13:10　Observe the Goma fire ritual at Shojoshin-in
    • 13:50　Lunch @ Ichinohashi Tourist Center Kirihoju
    • 14:30　Okunoin
    • 15:50　Kongobuji Temple
    • 16:10　Danjo Garan
    • 16:30　Shopping @ FamilyMart
    • 17:00　Disband @ Rengejoin

    What Is a Private Koyasan Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally scheduled to start at 12:00 noon, but on the morning of the day the guests contacted me via a messaging app and changed the start time to 1:00 PM. After meeting, I let the guests know that it was possible to observe the Goma fire ritual, and since they were very eager to attend, we watched the Goma fire ritual at Seijoshin-in. After the observation, the guests wanted to have lunch, so we ate at a restaurant at the Ichinohashi tourist center. Afterward, I guided them through Okunoin, Kongobuji, and the Danjo Garan, and since they wanted to buy food to eat at their temple lodging, we stopped by a convenience store. The weather was wonderful, and the guests were enthusiastically taking photographs with a single-lens reflex camera.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSenjuinbashi～Okunoin-guchi160JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae～Kongobuji-mae270JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by naka

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 12:00 Hotel start
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya
    • PM 12:30-13:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya district, visit Shima, gold leaf, Sakuda
    • Travel by bus to Nagamachi Samurai Residence District
    • PM 14:00-15:30 Visit Nomura Family Residence
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • PM 16:00-16:45 Kanazawa Castle Park (visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura)
    • PM 16:45-17:15 Visit Kenrokuen
    • Travel by bus, PM 17:45 Tour ends

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 12:00 PM, as the guests arrived from Tokyo in the early morning and traveled to the area. Since it was a 6-hour tour, I adjusted the itinerary while keeping in mind the 4:30 PM entry deadline for viewing the interior of Kanazawa Castle. As one of the guests found walking tiring, at Kanazawa Castle Park I had the group take breaks at resting spots while viewing the Hishi Yagura, the 50-ken Nagaya, and the Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura. Most of the sightseeing spots had a 5:00 PM entry deadline, so in the end I saved Kenrokuen Garden for last, but since one of the guests seemed quite tired, I chose a course that could be shortened as much as possible. As the guests seemed to have already seen many temples and shrines and grown a little tired of them, I believe they still enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa～Hashibacho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho～Korinbo210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo～Kenrokuen210JPY
    Section 4BusHirosaka～Kanazawa210JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple bus & Todaiji's Nandaimon

    Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple bus & Todaiji’s Nandaimon

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:40-11:30 Horyuji Temple bus
    • 12:10 Horyuji Station
    • 12:30 JR Nara (lunch at Yayoi-ken)　 Taxi
    • 12:50-13:10 Ukigumo-enchi in Deer Park
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine 　 walk 10 minutes
    • 14:00 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:10-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall　 walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50-15:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:30-40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • 　 walk 5 minutes and bus
    • 16:40 JR Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Horyuji Temple The guests were visitors from the Middle East. They kindly shared a great deal about their home region, which made it feel much more familiar to me. We had planned to meet near Horyuji Station just before 10:00, but due to a JR train accident the schedule was disrupted, and the guests had to take a taxi from Nara Station to the front of the Nandaimon Gate of Horyuji Temple. Horyuji was a strong request from the guests, and although it was difficult to fit into the itinerary, it is truly the best place to explain temples from the Asuka and Nara periods. One of the guests seemed to be in some discomfort during the afternoon, possibly due to the heat, which was unfortunate. They were staying at a hotel in the Nakagyo Ward area of Kyoto.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Horyuji Temple～Horyuji Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainHoryuji Temple～Nara240JPY
    Section 3BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall / National Museum～JR Nara Station250JPY
    Total710JPY

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet
    • 9:20-10:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 10:40-12:00 Higashiyama Area
    • 12:30-13:00 Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Higashiyama Area I guided a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. I showed them the places they had requested in advance. Since they had visited Kanazawa Castle, I focused my explanation on the differences in architectural features between that and the Imperial Palace. They enjoyed the very quiet and solemn atmosphere. In the Higashiyama area, I asked whether they preferred a quiet atmosphere or the famous but crowded spots, and since they chose the quieter option, I guided them to Chion-in Temple and Maruyama Park. I also showed them Gion, and we walked to Nishiki Market, where they enjoyed tempura and other dishes at a recommended shop.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusDoshisha-mae～Chion-in-mae230JPY
    Total230JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu temple & Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu temple & Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto station pick up
    • 10:10-10:30 to Kiyomizu temple
    • 10:30-11:30 At Kiyomizu temple
    • 11:30-12:00 To Kinkakuji
    • 12:10-13:00 At Kinkakuji
    • 13:00-13:10 To Kitano Tenmangu
    • 13:15-13:40 At Kitano Tenmangu
    • 13:45-14:00 To Nijo Castle
    • 14:10+-15:00 At Nijo Castle
    • 15:05-15:20 To Kyoto station
    • 15:20-15:40 Buy the ticket for returning Tokyo.

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a person visiting from North America. The meeting at Kyoto Station did not go smoothly and took a little time, but we managed to meet with a loss of just over ten minutes. As arranged beforehand, we visited Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle. In addition, we stopped by Kitano Tenmangu along the way. Since there was still some time, I thought about guiding them to the Imperial Palace or Hongan-ji, but the guest said they would prefer to move up their schedule and return to Tokyo, so we headed to Kyoto Station early and tried to change the ticket. However, possibly due to a login issue, the time change could not be made, so the guest purchased a new ticket for an earlier time, and we ended the tour there. We had many topics in common, such as marathons, and it was an enjoyable tour.

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

    Tour Report by KAZU

    Hi, every one. How have you been? I am JGA tour guide Kazu. It is my great pleasure that I can introduce myself here. I am already more than 70 years old, but I believe I am still young both mentally and physically. I like walking with my customers very much. I am from Tokyo, but now

    I live in Kyoto traditional city and an old capital of Japan. I had worked at electric manufacturing company for more than 40 years. While I was working at that company, fortunately I had a lot of chances to visit many foreign countries.

    I lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Poland and Mexico. Also I visited America, Britain, and other countries. Basically I used English to proceed my job there, however I always tried to speak local languages as much as possible. Through staying other countries, I found that there were great differences of the culture or the way of thinking between those countries and Japan. I though I had a valuable experience. After I retired from the company 5 years ago, I began to work as a tour guide although I got the National English tour guide license 7 years ago. Besides English I speak Spanish but I don’t have Spanish tour guide license yet. I belong to the comany JGA and worked around 10 days a month. So far I accompanied with mu customers more than 100 groups. All of my tour was good and lucky as I was always favored with gentle and kind customers.

    My hobby is playing the guitar, dancing and learning foreign languages. I sometimes join the concert by playing the guitar, and it is fun for me. Though I like dancing, I can not dance well. I only enjoy dancing here in Japan.

    About the tour in Japan, I usually take my tourists to the famous spots in Kyoto like Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu dera, Fushimi inari, Gion area,Nishiki market and Arashiyama area. In Arashiyama area we often visit Bamboo forest,Nonomiya shrine,Togetsukyou bridge and Kimono forest. I will cope with my customers demands as much as possible so that I try to visit any places up to your requests.

    I welcome a lot for your coming to Japan. and if possible I would like to help you to visit various kind of spots in Japan especially in Kyoto. JGA is very flexible company so that I have a confidence that you will be satisfied with our attitude and hospitality. I am glad that many of my customers told that it was so nice to travel around Japan. We will and I will expect you come down to Japan any time and we are ready to help your memorable trip in Japan. I can not wait!

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    Sep 26, 2025
    kaylah199
    Amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was extraordinary! He planned a wonderful day for…

    Jul 30, 2024
    Venture826497
    Great time in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My daughter and I had an amazing time…

    Jul 8, 2024
    233vickies
    6 hour Kyoto tour with Kazu
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

    Jun 21, 2024
    Hoc_N
    A fascinating experience in Kyoto we won’t forget
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The most memorable parts…

  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Cloudy weather so Mt. Fuji was not visible, and additionally strong winds put the ropeway and pirate ship in a suspended/cancelled state. After consulting with the guests and the driver, we decided on the following.
    • 8:00 meet, 8:30 Hakone Shrine, Red Torii Gate, headed directly to Lake Yamanaka, 10:30 viewed the magnificent scenery of Mt. Fuji at Lake Yamanaka, 12:00 returned to Hakone-machi, Hakone Checkpoint Ruins, Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue, Maruyama Bussan, 13:30 from Hakone-machi via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. Since the guests said they would go to their hotel in Ikebukuro, I assisted with purchasing the 14:48 Romancecar tickets and, after explaining how to get there, we parted at 14:10.
    • dismissed

    Title: What Is a Private Fuji and Hakone Day Tour Like from a Licensed Guide? A Japan Guide Agency Report As noted in the tour route, the day involved a rather unconventional sequence of movements, but everything proceeded smoothly through constant coordination between the guests and the driver. Thanks to the early start, photographing the red torii gate, which normally takes nearly two hours, was completed in just fifteen minutes. At Lake Yamanaka, a perfectly clear Mount Fuji greeted us, and the guests were delighted to finally see the long-awaited Mount Fuji, taking many photographs. The yosegi marquetry presentation at the local shop drew applause and photos, and the guests also purchased souvenirs. As they had an interest in Japanese history, the Hakone Checkpoint ruins and the cedar avenue were ideal spots. Having traveled through Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, and Takayama, I imagine the guests were tired, but they remained very energetic, and we all enjoyed a pleasant time together.

    Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…