Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Ginza
    • 10:20 Hamarikyu
    • 11:50 Tsukiji Market
    • 13:00 Disband within Tsukiji Market

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo and Tsukiji Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. On the day of the tour, the weather was unfortunately stormy with heavy rain and strong wind, so when we met in the morning I proposed a plan to avoid the rain, but since they were not particularly interested in museums, we kept to the original itinerary. They were a very friendly group, and even in the rain the conversation never stopped, so I was able to guide them comfortably. At Tsukiji Market they bought sushi, meat, fruit, and a kitchen knife, after which the wind and rain grew even stronger. They kindly said they could manage the rest on their own, so we finished about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. They thanked me warmly for adjusting the start time earlier and for guiding them so attentively, and they even gave me a token of their appreciation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Shiodome180JPY
    Total180JPY

    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

    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.…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Okada Museum of Art

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Okada Museum of Art

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
    • 10:30 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 11:30 Lunch at Gora (Tamura Gin Katsu-tei)
    • 13:00 Tea ceremony experience at Hakuun-do in Gora Park
    • 14:00 Hakone Museum of Art
    • 15:20 Okada Museum of Art
    • 16:00 Disband at the Okada Museum of Art

    What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like When the Ropeway Is Closed? A Licensed Guide's Report On the day of the tour, strong winds caused the Hakone Ropeway and the Lake Ashi sightseeing boats to be suspended, so visits to Owakudani and Lake Ashi had to be canceled. 1) Since the guests had expressed an interest in appreciating art, I quickly switched the plan to a tour of Hakone's art museums. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they enjoyed the outdoor exhibits. 2) At the Hakone Museum of Art, I explained the relationship between Imari ware and Kutani ware, organizing their similarities and differences, and the guests understood well. They also saw the display of Jomon pottery from before the common era, and said this helped them appreciate the great length of Japanese history. 3) At the Okada Museum of Art, the guests enjoyed a collection of Japanese paintings and works based on East Asian thought. 4) For lunch, they had tofu katsu-ni at Tamura Ginkatsutei, a popular restaurant in Gora. They were pleased, saying it was different from the Japanese cuisine they had eaten before. While waiting for the lunch to arrive at the table, we folded paper cranes together, which they enjoyed. 5) Due to the poor weather, we were unable to see the view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi that they had been looking forward to. As they were staying in Hakone the following day as well, they said they wanted to try again if the weather improved, so I explained specifically how to get there and ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdawara~Hakone area5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square & Omotesando vintage shop

    Tokyo: Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square & Omotesando vintage shop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at hotel
    • 11:00 Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
    • 12:10 Former Asakura Family Residence
    • 13:50 Lunch @ Isshin
    • 14:40 Daikanyama vintage shop
    • 15:40 Omotesando vintage shop
    • 16:30 Tour ends @ Aoyama-itchome

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Off-the-Beaten-Path and Vintage Shopping? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a guest visiting from North America for a single day in Tokyo. The guest was familiar with Japan and stopped in Tokyo alone for just one day before continuing on to another destination in Asia, planning to return afterward. I arranged the itinerary based on a request for non-touristy spots and vintage shops. Dento Kogei Aoyama Square had a wonderful selection, and the guest liked it very much, saying they would come back later to buy souvenirs. The guest also enthusiastically viewed the former Asakura Residence, relating it to their own stories and family. For lunch, there was a popular set-meal restaurant right in front of us with a waiting line, but the guest said they didn't mind, so we decided to wait. Partway through, I checked with the staff whether we could still get in before lunch service ended, and the guest was able to enjoy a delicious meal. We went to a vintage shop, but the guest laughed, saying they already owned the same items sold there and had plenty of things given to them by family. When I asked what they had come for, they laughed and said a friend had visited such a shop in Japan, so they wanted to try it too. Heavy rain began to fall in Omotesando, so we planned to catch a taxi back, but perhaps because of the rain we couldn't get one at all, so we decided to take the subway and I accompanied the guest to the transfer station before ending the tour. The guest was smiling the whole time and very pleasant, and since it was one-on-one, we kept talking about each other's families throughout.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Aoyama-itchome220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAoyama-itchome~Daikanyama300JPY
    Section 3TrainDaikanyama~Omotesando300JPY
    Section 4SubwayOmotesando~Aoyama-itchome180JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Hotel Start Pass through Omicho Market to the bus stop
    • Travel Bus To Myoryuji Temple 09:30- 09:45 Stop by Nishi Chaya District
    • AM 10:00- 10:40 Myoryuji Temple Tour
    • Travel Bus Move to the 21st Century Museum
    • AM 11:00- 11:15 21st Century Museum Visit the communication zone only
    • Travel Bus Korinbo
    • PM 11:30-12:30 Nagamachi Samurai District (Visit Nomura Family Residence)
    • Travel On foot To Kanazawa Castle Park On the way Buy lunch at the department store basement
    • PM 12:30-13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park (Visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura)
    • PM 13:30-14:15 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • Travel To Higashi Chaya District
    • PM 14:30-15:00 Shopping and gold leaf soft serve ice cream at Hakuichi
    • Tour End

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report Since a reservation had been made for Myoryuji Temple at 10:00 AM, we timed our movements accordingly and were able to take some photos at Omicho Market and the Nishi Chaya District along the way. Myoryuji Temple was quite crowded, so I did not accompany the guests inside. After the Myoryuji tour, our movements were relatively smooth, and since the guests were fine with visiting only the communication zone of the 21st Century Museum and took care of their lunch break with takeout from a department store food hall, we were able to visit the Nagamachi Samurai District (including the Nomura Family Residence), Kanazawa Castle (Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura), Kenrokuen Garden, and finally the Higashi Chaya District. The guests, who valued efficiency, enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji~Hirokoji210JPY
    Section 2BusHirokoji~Hirosaka210JPY
    Section 3BusHirosaka~Korinbo210JPY
    Section 4BusKenrokuen-shita~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Total840JPY

    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!

    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。

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM11:00 Meet at Holiday In Namba
    • AM11:50 Osaka Castle
    • PM13:20 Kuromon Market
    • PM15:30 Disband at Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and Hozenji Body: The guests were a group visiting from Asia. Before the tour, I sent two emails to the contact address provided but received no reply, and a text message to the phone number also went unanswered. I went to the hotel anyway, and when the guests did not come down at the appointed time, I called their room. It turned out that they had also not received any contact and were unsure what to do, so they had stayed in their room. They said they had not received my emails. In any case, we started the tour 30 minutes behind schedule. At Osaka Castle, instead of going up to the observation deck, we prioritized watching a monkey performance show. At Kuromon Market, the guests enjoyed Osaka soul food such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. At Hozenji Temple, one of the guests took a liking to pouring water over the Mizukake Fudo statue and did so many times. At the end, being thanked made me very happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total430JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 09:50 @ In front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station
    • 2. 10:00 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. Lunch at 12:30 @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 13:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 6. 13:40 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 7. Disband at 14:30 @ In front of the central ticket gate at Himeji Station

    Can You Do a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met in front of the bullet train transfer gate at Himeji Station, then visited the Castle View spot and Himeji Castle. After a light meal at a teahouse near Koko-en Garden, we toured Koko-en Garden and the Nadagiku Sake Brewery, ending the tour in front of the central ticket gate at Himeji Station. Today was the final day of the "Himeji Castle Festival," and there were events such as the "Himeji Yosakoi Festival" at Otemae Park and a "lion dance" at the Sannomaru Square, so there were slightly more tourists than usual. Since the guests purchased bullet train tickets during the tour for a train departing Himeji Station at 15:00, we moved through the itinerary a little quickly. The Nadagiku Sake Brewery was added to the itinerary at the guests' request, but the Nadagiku sake did not seem to suit their taste (the guests mentioned they preferred whiskey). Apart from Nadagiku, the tour had an extremely pleasant atmosphere, so this was a slightly disappointing result.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ginza Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Ginza Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8
    • 10:10 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:50 Arrive Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • Break: Tully's Coffee
    • 12:30 Depart Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:40 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Omotesando
    • 15:30 Depart Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:40 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:10 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 16:30 Disband: Ginza Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was visiting Japan for the second time, while the other was visiting for the first time. They had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight the previous evening and traveled to their hotel by taxi. This time they were on an eight-day trip to Japan, staying in Tokyo for the first part, then traveling to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. One of the guests was interested in Japanese history. They also mentioned, "We love Japanese food. We want to try many things and enjoy them." The weather during the tour was rainy, windy, and humid. We started at Asakusa. The Sanja Festival was in full swing, and the procession of portable shrines made it difficult to move forward. We began in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "the history of Senso-ji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took many commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate, the five-story pagoda, and the torii gate of Asakusa Shrine. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" At the request to buy a digital camera, we went to Akihabara. In addition to a compact digital camera, a large amount of anime goods was purchased. At the request for coffee, we took a break at a café. We moved to the Imperial Palace. In the rain, we strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question, "When are the cherry blossoms at their best?" I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "Are there no more samurai?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold any political power?" 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 also questions such as "What kind of teaching is Shinto?" "When did Shinto originate?" and "How many shrines are there in Japan?" We went to Shibuya. First, we walked across the Scramble Crossing, then took photos looking down from the entrance of the Keio Inokashira Line platform. There was a question, "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and strolled around Center Street. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing that there is no trash on the streets. It's completely different from North America." "Does everyone avoid littering on the streets?" "This was my first time riding the subway, and it was very comfortable and convenient." and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" As they found it difficult to find their way back to the hotel, I saw them off at Ginza Station and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Station~Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho Station~Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 5SubwayOmotesando Station~Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station~Ginza Station209JPY
    Total1,161JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge & Nunobiki Herb Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up @Hotel Okura Kobe
    • 09:15 @Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 11:00 @Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:00 Disband @Hotel Okura Kobe

    What Is a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Nunobiki Herb Garden The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, the same group as the previous day. Upon arriving at the nearest station to the first spot, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, they mentioned that since they did not have cash on hand and credit cards could not be used for the admission fee, they did not need to enter, so they did not go up to the observation deck and instead only strolled around the surrounding area. (The guide informed them that although there were no currency exchange offices or exchange machines nearby, they could withdraw Japanese yen from a convenience store ATM, but they said "the fees for that are too high, so no.") However, they seemed very satisfied with the wonderful scenery visible from the site. Likewise, at the next spot, the Nunobiki Herb Garden, they enjoyed their visit and purchased souvenirs. From the observation deck, they were also able to see with the naked eye the cruise ship they were boarding that day, which delighted them. Notes and requests) When a taxi was used from the hotel to the nearest Kobe Station in order to head to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the guests asked, "Why do we need to pay for this? Isn't everything included?" The guide showed them the confirmation document, but it is doubtful whether they were fully convinced. Similarly, they seemed to understand that the JR tickets used were also included. In addition, the guests had almost no cash on hand. They appeared to understand that everything could be paid for by credit card. In reality, however, there are still some facilities, JR ticket machines, and shops that remain "cash only." Therefore, and this is also a request from the guests, I would like to suggest adding a note in the initial tour details stating something like, "Please prepare a minimum amount of Japanese yen, for example around 5,000 to 10,000 yen." I would also appreciate it if it could be stated more clearly that "public transportation costs and the like are to be borne by the guest." Currently, transportation costs are listed under the "What's included" section. It is true that an X mark is attached, but I believe this is a somewhat misleading notation. If possible, I think it would be clearer to have a separate item labeled "Not included." I would sincerely appreciate your consideration of this.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKobe~Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko~Sannomiya320JPY
    Total640JPY

    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

    Jul 25, 2026
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  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Hotel
    • 5:20-6:00 Toyosu Market Tuna Auction
    • 6:10-7:00 Breakfast
    • 7:20-8:00 Tsukiji Market

    Can You Do a Private Tour of Tokyo's Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They watched the tuna auction with great interest. Afterward, they had breakfast at a sushi restaurant. They enjoyed trying sea urchin for the first time, and they seemed to find it delicious. We also shared some drinks together, and it was a very enjoyable time. After that, we went to see the vegetable and fruit section as well. The guests are involved in selling spices at a wholesale market back home, and they seemed keen to observe the differences from Japan to apply to their business. Since we did not have much time at Tsukiji, I introduced a few key shops, and we finished the tour after enjoying some daifuku.

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
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    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
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    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

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    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Port Terminal Ship name: AZAMARA PURSUIT
    • Travel by taxi
    • 10:30-11:30 Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
    • Travel by taxi
    • 11:40-12:30 Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution
    • Travel by taxi
    • 13:00〜13:50 Lunch @ Toromugi
    • 14:00 Disband @ In front of Blumer HAT Kobe (put only the customers in the taxi)

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests used a walking aid, but as we had not received this information beforehand, arrangements were made on-site on the day of the tour. Due to poor weather, we canceled the planned visit to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and instead visited the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum and the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution. The guests viewed the exhibits at both facilities with great interest. Afterward, they enjoyed lunch and shopping at Blumer Kobe. It was raining heavily at the start, but the weather gradually improved. At the end, they kindly told me, "It was different from what we had expected, but we had a great time," which made me very happy.

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
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