Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:45 Hotel→13:30 Hamarikyu→15:30 Akihabara→15:45 Ginza→Hotel 16:30

    What Is a Private Half-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Akihabara, and Ginza The guests visited from Oceania and had just arrived that morning, so they were feeling a little tired. Following the itinerary and requests made in advance, we went to Hamarikyu Gardens, but the guests were not very interested, remarking that they had hoped to see cherry blossoms and that there were no flowers. The size of the garden and the heat left them tired, but in front of the 300-year-old pine tree they looked happy and took photos together. A taxi happened to stop nearby, so we got in and headed to Akihabara. They were surprisingly pleased by the energy and novelty of the area. We took a break at a cafe, including a restroom stop, so they could rest (meanwhile the guide researched the surrounding area). Having regained a little energy, we returned to Yurakucho and I guided them around the Ginza area. Since the hotel was nearby, I saw them off there and we parted ways. A half-day tour is also scheduled in May, but the guests said they had not been informed and would contact me the next day. Thank you very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza-itchome～Shiodome290JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara～Yurakucho150JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Silvy

    Hi Sawadeeka. I’m Silvy. I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Yokohama. I went college in Southern CA, master degree in Bangkok Thailand. I myself love to travel not only within Japan but also in the world. Love any kinds of music. Also well knowledge of Bunraku, puppet Kabuki. Bookworm, Minimalist and movie lover.
    I will be more than happy to assist you anytime. Also learning Spanish! สวัสดีคา ดิฉันชื่อซิลวี่ ยินดีที่ได้รู้จักค่ะ ดิฉันพูดภาษาอังกฤษและภาษาไทยได้ เพราะจบปริญญาโทจากเอแบค และเรียนภาษาไทยที่จุฬาฯ แต่ภาษาไทยของดิฉันยังไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไหร่ค่ะ คนไทยช่วยติดต่อฉันด้วยนะคะ!

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    May 25, 2025
    Myra_F
    Read reviews before booking
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good tour
    Make sure you read other reviews…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meeting at their hotel
    • 2. 9:10 Arriving at Hiroshima Station
    • 3. 10:20 Arriving at Miyajima Island
    • 4. 10:40 Visiting Itsukushima Shrine
    • 5. 11:30 Lunch at the KUWARANKA
    • 6. 12:10 Taking Ferry
    • 7. 13:05 Returning to Hiroshima station
    • 8. 13:35 Arriving at Hiroshima Castle Garden
    • 9. 14:10 Visiting the A-bomb Dome, Hiroshima National Prayer Hall, and other monuments 10. 15:30 Visiting the Museum
    • 11. 16:30 Goodbye in front of their hotel

    **Title:** What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests seemed to greatly enjoy the architectural style of Itsukushima Shrine. They were also interested in the differences in the shape of mountains in Japan compared to those elsewhere, as well as the calmness of the waves in the Seto Inland Sea. In addition, they were very interested in the wars Japan experienced after the Meiji Restoration and the atomic bombing, which I explained in the garden of Hiroshima Castle. In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome, they asked about residual radiation and raised a question about why the area returned to roughly its pre-bombing condition within about a year. They said the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was delicious and that they were glad they had come to Hiroshima.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusChuden-mae～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station840JPY
    Section 3BusHiroshima Station～Hiroshima Castle240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

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

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    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:50 Visit @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:25 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:20 Break @ Doutor Coffee Shop Kaminarimon 2-chome Store
    • 6. 13:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 7. 14:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:40 Visit @ Takeshita Street
    • 9. 15:25 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:30 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11. 16:05 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 16:40 Disband @ Ikebukuro Station West Exit

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Takeshita Street, and Ikebukuro The guests were from North America. In our prior contact through a messaging app, I had understood they were active travelers, but perhaps due to the bad weather in the morning, one of the guests seemed to be in quite poor condition. We first moved by subway, and I considered using a taxi depending on the situation, but in the end we stayed with the subway all the way through. I had thought a 6-hour itinerary would leave some spare time, but because we walked slowly to match the pace of the guests, this course filled the time just right. In Asakusa, we had a coffee break before heading to Senso-ji Temple, and since we did not have lunch, this served as a substitute for a lunch break. One of the guests had difficulty walking through crowded places like Takeshita Street, but did not want to be a bother and told us to go ahead, yet kept walking with us all the way through. After confirming the location of the hotel at Ikebukuro Station, we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIkebukuro Station～Korakuen Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassIidabashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya Station～Ikebukuro 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.

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    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji (Rooftop)
    • 10:45 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 11:30 @ Himeji Castle (including break)
    • 13:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Can You See on a Private Himeji Castle Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and they moved around smoothly throughout the day. The first stop was the rooftop of "Egret Himeji," located on the south side of the castle, which offered a wonderful panoramic view of Himeji Castle that the guests greatly enjoyed. At "Koko-en Garden," the guests seemed very interested in the plants and had a great time there. At "Himeji Castle," everyone listened attentively to the guide's explanations with great interest. At the final stop, "Nadagiku Sake Brewery," the guests enjoyed both the free and paid sake tastings, and purchased sake as well as cosmetics made from sake (soap, perhaps) as souvenirs.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @Four Seasons at Marunouchi
    • 10:35 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @Gonpachi Nori Temaki
    • 13:00 Ura-Harajuku ~ Takeshita Street
    • 13:45 Shibuya (Hachiko ~ Scramble Crossing ~ JR Travel Service Center)
    • 14:30 Nihonbashi Takashimaya Pokemon Center
    • 15:00 Stroll from Nihonbashi to Yaesu
    • 15:20 Disband @Four Seasons at Marunouchi

    Title: What Is a Private Family Roots Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. When I first saw a phone number beginning with a certain country code, I joked that the heat should be no problem for them, only to realize the code indicated they were coming from North America. Part of the group had Japanese heritage, but they did not speak Japanese. This was a trip the group had arranged to trace their family roots — a thoughtful idea that impressed me. Because the sunlight was strong today, some of the guests went back to their room to fetch hats, which delayed our departure slightly. I also decided to skip Yoyogi Park, which would have been demanding, and added the Pokémon Center instead. As before, we saved time by taking a taxi from Shinjuku Gyoen to the Kita-sando entrance of Meiji Jingu, and walking through the forest along the Kita-sando path turned out to be a good choice. Today we were able to get into Gonpachi smoothly, and the guests enjoyed the open sushi so much that they ordered more. I also helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets for the Tokyo–Kyoto–Shinagawa route.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Tokyo～JR Shinjuku208JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Harajuku～JR Shibuya146JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza Line Shibuya～Ginza Line Nihonbashi209JPY
    Total563JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & JR Shin-Osaka Sta

    Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & JR Shin-Osaka Sta

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • (Kaji)
    • 08:12 Takamatsu Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:02 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult)
    • 07:11 JR Osaka
    • by Shinkansen
    • 07:55 JR Okayama
    • 08:05 JR Okayama
    • by taxi
    • 09:00 Uno Port
    • 09:22 Uno Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:42 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • 09:44 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult and Kaji)
    • 10:00 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 10:14 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 10:30 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 10:35 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • 10:40~11:45 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 12:00 ~14:00 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch at the café in the museum)
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 14:14 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 14:20~15:45 Benesse House Museum and Outdoor Art Works (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • 15:50 Tustsujiso Bus Stop
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • Outdoor Art Works (including “Red Pumpkin”)
    • 16:20[Say goodbye]
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult)
    • 16:35 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • by ferry
    • 16:55 Uno Port
    • 17:00 Uno Port
    • by taxi
    • 18:00 JR Okayama Sta.
    • 18:58 JR Okayama Sta.
    • by Shinkansen Nozomi 54
    • 19:43 JR Shin-Osaka Sta.
    • (Kaji)
    • 17:00 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • by ferry
    • 18:00 Takamatsu Port

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Naoshima Art Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe on Naoshima Art Island. One of the guests was very kind, cheerful, and fun to be around. I had reserved a taxi at JR Okayama Station and even showed the pickup location on a map, but they ended up taking a different taxi to Uno Port. Fortunately, no cancellation issue arose. When I asked why they hadn't taken the reserved taxi, they said their mind went blank upon arriving at Okayama Station and they simply forgot. I found their easygoing and lighthearted nature quite charming. Another of the guests loved art very much and knew almost all of the artists on Naoshima, which surprised me. They toured the works with great enthusiasm. They described Lee Ufan, whom many guests generally show little interest in, as a minimalist, and were very moved. The two got along wonderfully. From May, they planned to travel to Naoshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, and I felt honored that they chose to include Naoshima. On the way back, they contacted me via a messaging app to let me know that boarding the reserved taxi from Uno Port to JR Okayama Station went smoothly. It was a truly enjoyable day of guiding.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port～Tsutsujiso100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso～Miyanoura Port100JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Kaji

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

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    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:45 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:05 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 10:45 Kanazawa Castle
    • 12:00 Kazuemachi Chaya District
    • 12:20 Higashi Chaya District
    • 12:55 Disband at Higashi Chaya District

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and the Higashi Chaya District The guests were a group visiting from Europe. At Kenrokuen Garden, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the fresh green foliage and the carefully maintained Japanese garden. At Kanazawa Castle, they showed interest in the construction methods of the traditional buildings. They enjoyed the old townscapes of the Kazuemachi Chaya District and the Higashi Chaya District. They were also interested in the gold leaf making process at a gold leaf shop's main store. For shopping, in the Higashi Chaya District they bought small and light souvenirs such as tenugui hand towels and incense sticks. The guests said that Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District were their favorites.

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

    Tour Report by Sho

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

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    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Café near Hotel Hibiya Station
    • 10:25-11:45 Imperial Palace, Otemon Gate to Hirakawamon Gate
    • 12:15-13:40 Asakusa, Asakusa
    • 14:15 Disperse at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from Oceania and Europe. While we were exchanging messages, they had mentioned "the boys," so I had thought it might be a family with children, but that turned out not to be the case, which gave us a laugh. I guided the group around the Imperial Palace and Asakusa, and it seemed to serve as a preview for their upcoming free time. They said they would come back to Asakusa again. They planned to enjoy Mario Kart from 16:00 and to see sumo the next day, so they were staying very active during their trip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassUchisaiwaicho～Otemachi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Shibuya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Maki

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Request Booking

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Kyoto: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Dusit Thani Kyoto

    Kyoto: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Dusit Thani Kyoto

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart The Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 9:40 Arrive at Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 10:10 Depart Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 10:30 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Depart Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Depart Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20～13:20 Lunch
    • 13;20 Depart lunch location
    • 14:00 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:40 Depart Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:00 Arrive at The Dusit Thani Kyoto

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report The first stop on the itinerary was Tenryuji Temple and the Sagano Bamboo Grove. The guests seemed moved by the beautiful view created by the roughly 400-meter stretch of bamboo. Next, we visited Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. Although it is not very well known among Japanese people, it attracts many visitors from overseas. It is said to be "Japan's most famous hidden temple," located in a quiet mountain area near Mount Atago. The guests were interested in the explanation that the "A" and "O" at the beginning of the name mean "to meet," and that "tago" and "tagi" describe "a mountain path that is narrow, winding, and uneven." They looked intently at the 1,200 stone rakan statues carved by past visitors, fascinated that each one was different. Next, we went to Kinkakuji Temple. They were moved by the beauty of the golden pavilion seen across the pond. The whole group drew English-version omikuji fortunes and laughed loudly and cheerfully. After lunch, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I explained how to purify the hands and mouth at the water basin before worshipping. Then I guided them to the front of the main hall and showed them the customs of two bows, two claps, making a wish, and a final bow. After that, we went to the Okuno-in. There was a long line of school trip students at the "Omokaru Ishi" stone, so we were unable to try it, but since I had explained about school trips, the guests seemed to understand. As this was a tour by car, thanks to the driver's thoughtful care, the guests were able to fully enjoy a pleasant trip.

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

    Tour Report by Kaji

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

    Request Booking

    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 12:50 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 6. 13:00 Disband @ Egret Himeji Rooftop

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? 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 central ticket gate at Himeji Station and toured Castle View, Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and the rooftop of Egret Himeji, where we finished the tour on the Egret Himeji rooftop. Because the tour started early at 9:00 a.m. and it was a weekday before the Himeji Castle Festival, there were few tourists (although the number of visitors was steadily increasing by the time we left the main keep). In addition, since the guests seemed to be strong walkers, today we also visited the West Bailey and the Hyakken Corridor, which are not usually included. Touring everything, including the Hyakken Corridor and the main keep, can be a little tiring, but the guests remained energetic. Although the guests gave a relatively quiet impression, they clearly enjoyed the tour, taking many photos at every stop.

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

    Tour Report by Norio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…