Category: Uncategorized

  • Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Wakamatsu Wharf ⇒9:10 Free Market (enjoy king crab and hairy crab) ⇒ 11:00 Goryokaku Park ⇒ Ishizaki Jinushi Kaijin Shrine (double cherry blossoms in full bloom) ⇒13:00 Rokkatei (buy Japanese sweets) ⇒ Mount Hakodate ⇒14:00 Tour the Motomachi district and move to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
    • ⇒15:00 Guide to dining and shopping spots at the Red Brick Warehouse complex ⇒15:15 Tour ends. The guests decided to take their time and return to the ship on their own.

    Title: What's a Private Sightseeing Tour in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their second time in Japan, and they were able to speak simple Japanese without any trouble. The group got along wonderfully, and walking was no problem for anyone. Since we had exchanged messages many times through a messaging app, I knew that food was their top expectation, and that they especially loved mochi and manju, so I chose the destinations around those interests and sent them an illustrated itinerary with photos in advance. At the market, the guests cheered at the impressive king crabs and hairy crabs, and at the lively fresh fish moving about on the ice. When I took them to a traditional Japanese sweets shop, the guests said they had a real weakness for sweets and did quite a bit of shopping with delighted expressions. They exclaimed with joy wherever we went, which was truly rewarding as a guide. The Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in the city had already finished and turned to green leaves, so we visited Ishizaki Jinushi Kaijin Shrine, a spot not widely known even among locals. There, 180 double-flowered cherry trees were in full bloom, and the guests were moved by the breathtaking beauty.

    Click here for more details: Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Keichan

    Hello, my name is Keiko Ichinei. I was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Hakodate is located in the southernmost in Hokkaido, so compared with Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Hakodate is not so cold or hot all through the year, very moderate climate and comfortable to live in.

    Hakodate has been chosen one of the three most popular destinations for travelers in Japan, including Kyoto and Sapporo. A few years ago Hakodate was chosen number one for three years consecutively. Why don’t you come to Hakodate and find why Hakodate is so popular?
    My family consists of four: husband, daughter and son. My husband is an alpine photographer and is a curator of his own photo museum. His museum is not in Hakodate but in Asahikawa city, 400 km away from Hakodate. The museum opens on May 1 and closes at the end of October, because it’s too cold there in winter time. That means we live separately for 6 months every year. We enjoy this kind of life style, because, you know, “A mouse will have to play when a cat is away !”
    I have five grandchildren. My two kids and all my grandchildren are so gentle and kind and always support me, to my thanks.

    I used to be an English teacher at a junior-senior high school for about 24 years while working as an interpreter and a tour guide sometimes. I love kids, flowers and dogs. However, I wanted to be a “through guide”, who accompanies the clients for a few weeks traveling all the way together with them. Consequently, I quit being a teacher in 2015 and decided to focus on guiding since then.
    As an interpreter, I have experienced in a wide range of fields, including interpretation for VIPs and seminars, facility and factory tours, and medical interpretation at hospitals.

    I believe that my job is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so my priority is to create as many happy memories as possible. I will do my best to make sure that you return home fully satisfied and with a smile on your face

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    Apr 20, 2026
    Gail_H
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great private tour of Hakodate!
    We had a great tour of Hakodate…

    Apr 1, 2026
    Sandra_G
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakodate
    Our guide tour in Hakodate keiko was great. Very knowledgeable of…

    Oct 8, 2025
    Edward_P
    Great full day
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full day of fun and cultural experiences with our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    monika_everywhere
    Beautiful – even on a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting point: Hotel Annex Rokku
    • 10:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 12:15 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 13:00 Tokyo Station (ticket purchase support)
    • 13:40 Lunch: The City Bakery
    • 14:30 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 15:30 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 15:40 Dismissal: Shibuya

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Hamarikyu Gardens The guests were visitors from Europe who were well versed in Japanese history and were aware that trade with the Netherlands took place while Japan was under its policy of national isolation. Regarding the Imperial Palace, I informed them that the East Gardens were closed, but since they still very much wanted to visit, I guided them around the outer gardens. They also expressed a wish to visit Shinjuku Gyoen, but as it was closed that day, I proposed Hamarikyu Gardens as an alternative, and in the end they were very pleased with it. They had no particular preferences for lunch and said a salad or a sandwich would be fine, so I took them to a sandwich shop near Tokyo Station (in OAZO), which they also enjoyed. As they planned to travel from the next day through Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, they wanted to buy tickets, so I supported their purchase at Tokyo Station, suggesting the most efficient and economical method, for which they were grateful. When I proposed a more affordable option, they were very happy, which made the assistance especially worthwhile.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Shimbashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi～Hibiya178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya178JPY
    Total785JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)10:00 Hotel (meet), take a taxi to Myoshinji Temple
    • 2)10:20-11:30 Myoshinji Temple (Hojo, Hatto, Taizoin), take a taxi to Nijo Castle
    • 3)12:00-12:50 Nijo Castle, take a taxi to the restaurant (around Sanjo)
    • 4)13:10-14:00 Lunch, take a taxi to Sanjusangendo
    • 5)14:20-15:00 Sanjusangendo, take a taxi to the hotel
    • 6)15:10 Farewell

    Title: What Is a Relaxed Private Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Preferring Less Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report Considering the itinerary, the group decided, after discussion, to focus on flat sites with short walking distances and fewer crowds, moving between them by taxi. On the day, we visited Myoshin-ji Temple, and the guests seemed to enjoy the cloud dragon painting in the Hatto (Dharma Hall) and the garden of Taizo-in, remarking that it was pleasant with few tourists. One of the guests seemed to love gardens and took many photographs. At Nijo Castle, after touring the Ninomaru Palace, one of the guests rested rather than going to the Ninomaru Garden, so during that time I guided another of the guests to the Ninomaru Garden, where they took a selfie of the two of us together. For lunch, one of the guests did not care for fish and ordered meat, finishing the entire plate. At Sanjusangen-do, since a tour group had begun viewing the Buddhist statues, I guided the guests to the garden first. Partway through, one of the guests wished to take a break, so I guided another of the guests around the garden. Afterward, the guests admired the many Buddhist statues. As a word of encouragement, I mentioned that the large statue of Kannon Bodhisattva was created by a sculptor named Tankei at the age of 82, which surprised them. After the visit, I asked how they would like to spend the remaining time, and they said they would return to their accommodation, so I saw them off by taxi near the Hotel and we parted there. Afterward, one of the guests kindly sent me the selfie by email.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Request Booking

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:55 Meet up @THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
    • 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:35 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:35 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:55 Stay @Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 6. 13:10 Lunch @Aen
    • 7. 14:05 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:35 Stay @Asakusa
    • 9. 15:40 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 16:10 Disband @THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Asakusa, and More The guests were visitors from North America. I matched the pace to the guests, and at each spot we walked relatively long distances. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests kindly paid my admission fee as well, so I have not included it in this tour's reimbursable expenses. The guests seemed to enjoy plants, and I focused on the roses, which were in full bloom. For lunch, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant inside a department store building; this place has plenty of seating and is not very crowded on weekdays, so I consider it a hidden gem. After showing them around Asakusa, I had planned to conclude the tour by taking them to the Tokyo National Museum, but as they were somewhat tired and it was close to the scheduled end time, we returned from Asakusa to Shimbashi, where the Hotel was located, and parted ways in front of the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi Station～Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:10 Meet up @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
    • 2. 10:20 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 11:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 11:20 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:05 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 6. 13:10 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:35 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens Otemon Gate
    • 8. 13:55 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 14:20 Disband @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Imperial Palace The guest's arrival at the lobby was slightly delayed. Because some travel fatigue remained and walking the full course together was not feasible, I ended up guiding one member of the group on their own. The guest, who mentioned having a background in nursing, was very sociable, and we were able to conduct the tour while enjoying conversation throughout. Since there was a request not to spend too much time on meals, we had a light snack near Nakamise-dori. Because the hotel was located somewhat far away and we spent more time than expected in Asakusa, at the Imperial Palace I limited the tour to the area around Otemon Gate. As the guest wished to leave the hotel at 15:00 to head to Yokohama, we went directly from Otemachi to Kinshicho and parted ways in front of the Hotel.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKinshicho Station～Shibuya Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassShibuya Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi Station～Kinshicho Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Market & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Market & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09：00　 Meet up ＠MONday Apart Premium Ginza
    • 09：20　 Tsukiji Market
    • 10：30　Akihabara
    • 12：00　Lunch ＠Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 12：40　Sensoji Temple
    • 13：30　Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (Asakusa Observation Cafe)
    • 14：30　Imperial Palace
    • 15：50　Tokyo Tower
    • 17：10　Disband ＠MONday Apart Premium Ginza

    What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Akihabara, Asakusa, and Tokyo Tower The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they planned to travel to Kyoto after sightseeing in Tokyo. The group had originally been expected to be larger, but one of them had to delay their arrival in Japan due to work, so the group was smaller than planned. At Tsukiji Market, the guests seemed surprised by the many shops of the Tsukiji fish market and the outer market, as well as by the large number of tourists. In Akihabara, some of the guests enjoyed shopping for clothing and anime-related goods at Yodobashi Camera, Uniqlo, and Don Quijote. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping along Nakamise Street and the view from the Asakusa Observation Cafe at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. 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 Tokyo Tower, the guests seemed impressed by the magnificent view of Tokyo. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji～Akihabara700JPY
    Section 2SubwaySuehirocho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Yurakucho0JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae～Kamiyacho0JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamiyacho～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Osaka: Nakanoshima rose garden & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka: Nakanoshima rose garden & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at IBIS Osaka Umeda
    • 12:00-13:00 Nakanoshima rose garden
    • 13:10-15:25 Kuromon Market/Dotonbori/ Hozenji Alley
    • 15:40-17:45 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 17:45-18:10 Shitennoji Temple
    • 18:10-18:25 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 18:30 End of the tour

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Photography Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests enjoyed photography, so I planned to take them to places in Osaka where they could capture Instagram-worthy photos. It was a bit tight on time, but we stopped by Kitahama and visited the Nakanoshima Rose Garden, a beautiful spot that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. They photographed not only the overall scenery but also each variety of rose they particularly liked, one by one. At Kuromon Market they enjoyed hanami dango and seafood rice bowls, and in Dotonbori they had gyoza and takoyaki. While saying they were not fond of noise, they still eagerly photographed the crowded areas. At Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, they focused mainly on photographing the buildings. I occasionally took photos of the guests as well, though they did not want a photo in front of the Glico sign. As for walking, they said they were fine since they regularly walk a dog, so on the way from Shitennoji we walked to Tsutenkaku while taking photos of the gate of Isshinji Temple along the way. Since they planned to grab something to eat before heading back, I explained the return route and we parted ways near Tsutenkaku.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Kitahama190JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitahama～Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 4SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total810JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　11:00　Meet at Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • ②　11:05　Itinerary explanation, explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　11:40　Nijo Castle
    • ④　13:00　Daisen-in
    • ⑤　15:00　Stroll along the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑥　15:20　Honen-in
    • ⑦　15:50　Return again to the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑧　16:00　Stroll around the Sanmon Gate of Nanzen-ji. Photography, etc.
    • ⑨　16:30　Stroll around Gion (from Tatsumi Bridge and Shinbashi-dori through Hanamikoji-dori to Kaburenjo Theater, etc.)
    • ⑩　17:00　Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
    • ⑪　17:30　Disband at Yasaka Pagoda

    What's a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had spent a few days in Tokyo before coming to Kyoto, and planned to stroll around Kyoto for one more day before heading to Osaka and Nara. They told me that they did not necessarily want to visit the most popular spots, as long as they could feel that they had truly experienced Kyoto, and asked me to plan the entire tour in that spirit, so I decided on the itinerary myself. Basically, I proposed a route with few crowds, where they could take their time looking around and listen carefully to the stories. Since we started late, the latter half of the day centered on walking and exploring. Today as well, I did my best to share the places I really wanted them to know about. They were very pleased, and in the evening I received a thank-you email from them. I felt glad that I had explained everything wholeheartedly, and I felt that we had truly connected. This is one of the things I love about this job.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting R& Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:30 to 11:15 Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 11;30 to 12:30 Todai-ji Temple
    • 12:45 to 13:15 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 to 15:00 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street (conveyor belt sushi)
    • 16:15 Dismissal Subway Karasuma Oike Station

    What Is a Private Nara Tour Like for Family Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. That region is also known for its humidity, but they mentioned that Japan's damp climate felt quite different. It was their tenth day in Japan, and since they already knew about Japanese history, shrines, and temples, they were very easy to guide. We had planned to stroll around Yakushiji Temple after lunch, but one of the guests felt a little tired and wanted to return to the hotel early, so we skipped Yakushiji Temple. We parted ways a little earlier than scheduled.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSubway Karasuma Oike Station～Kintetsu Nara Station1,020JPY
    Section 2BusKenchomae～Todai-ji Daibutsuden250JPY
    Section 3BusKasuga Taisha Main Hall～Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Section 4TrainKintetsu Nara Station～Subway Karasuma Oike Station1,020JPY
    Total2,540JPY

    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 !!

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    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

    Osaka in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

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

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka　Meeting
    • 9:00～11:40　Travel from JR Namba to Shin-Imamiya to Koyasan
    • 11:40～12:05　Travel to Miyama by Koyasan area bus
    • 12:05～13:00　Lunch (Miyama)
    • 13:00～13:30　After watching the Goma fire ritual at Shojoshin-in, travel to the front of Okunoin by Koyasan area bus
    • 13:30～14:40　Stay at Okunoin
    • 14:40～15:00　Travel to Kongobuji by Koyasan area bus
    • 15:00～15:35　Stay at Kongobuji
    • 15:35～16:00　Stay at Garan
    • 16:04～16:20　Travel to Koyasan Station by Koyasan area bus
    • 16:24～18:30　Travel from Koyasan to Shin-Imamiya to JR Namba
    • 18:30　See off to the hotel entrance and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had previously traveled mainly to Japan's major cities, so they seemed to truly enjoy the nature at Koyasan. Although the family name is Japanese in origin, the guest was a third-generation descendant and understood only English. As Osaka had become hot and humid, the guests were pleased with the cooler climate of Koyasan, which resembled the climate of their home region in North America. On the way to Koyasan, around 8:30, we received information that a train was delayed due to a fallen tree, but when we checked at the station, service had resumed, and although we arrived more than 20 minutes later than planned, we made it safely. While using the restroom at Gokurakubashi Station, the earlier cable car departed and we had to take the next one, but it was only a few minutes later and we were fortunate that the cable car and the following bus were almost empty, nearly reserved for us. Since the guests seemed to need restrooms frequently, I pointed out every location where there was a toilet, saying "there is a restroom here." They especially loved Okunoin, taking many photographs and repeatedly expressing how moved they were by its beauty. At Kongobuji, they were particularly fond of the rock garden. By the time we toured the Garan, the guests appeared tired, so I gave a brief explanation as we walked and made sure to catch the bus after 16:00.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Namba～Shin-Imamiya150JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Imamiya～Koyasan3,540JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya～JR Namba150JPY
    Total3,840JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

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

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

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

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

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