Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up@the b Ginza
    • 2. 09:05 Move∶Subway
    • 3. 09:35 Stay@Nezu Shrine
    • 4. 10:30 Move∶Subway
    • 5. 10:45 Stay@Ameyoko
    • 6. 11:10 Stay@Ueno Park
    • 7. 12:25 Move∶Subway
    • 8. 12:35 Stay@Sensoji Temple
    • 9. 13:25 Disband@Tokyo Metro Asakusa Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Ueno and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point Hotel for this tour has its lobby on the second floor, but guests sometimes go directly to the first-floor entrance, which occasionally causes us to miss each other. This time as well, when the guests did not appear in the lobby near the meeting time, I went down to the first floor to check, and as expected, the guests were near the entrance. The guests did not have a messaging app account, so it was difficult to contact them at the last minute, which made me a little nervous. The guests were visitors from North America. In line with the guests' wishes, I guided them mainly around spots on the eastern side of central Tokyo. It was helpful that travel between the locations did not take much time. On the other hand, we spent more time than expected at Ueno Park, so at Asakusa I limited the explanation to the area around Senso-ji Temple. After returning to Asakusa Station, I showed them the locations of restaurants along Kaminarimon-dori and other information before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Station～Nezu Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu Station～Yushima Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Arashiyama Monkey Park

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Arashiyama Monkey Park

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:15-10:15 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 10:20-10:35 @ Kanshundo Higashiten
    • 10:45-11:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:30-13:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:05-13:40 Lunch @ Washoku Sato Saga Store
    • 13:45-14:40 Arashiyama Monkey Park
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ Hotel Kyoto

    What's a Private Rainy-Day Family Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. When they came down to the front around 9:10, it was pouring rain outside. Since all of the originally planned sites were outdoor locations, I recommended visiting Sanjusangendo, which is mainly indoor, and we headed there. The group seemed deeply moved by the overwhelming statues of the Kannon Bodhisattva, and on behalf of the group they offered a single candle. While strolling through the hall, some of the guests bombarded me with questions about the objects held in the hands of the Thousand-Armed Kannon. By the time we left Sanjusangendo, the rain had eased to a light drizzle, so we set off toward Fushimi Inari Taisha. However, since the guests really wanted to have matcha, we stopped by a traditional confectionery shop. After arriving at Fushimi Inari, one of the guests became suddenly upset right after getting out of the car and began crying and fussing. The reason seemed to be a reluctance to use an umbrella, though since the group was speaking in their own language, I could not be entirely sure of the cause. After that, the mood alternated between good and bad, and we finished Fushimi Inari. At the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the mood turned cheerful. One of the guests held a stuffed panda toy up close to the bamboo, pretending to feed the bamboo to it, and enjoyed the moment. Afterward the guests said they wanted to have lunch, and since everyone had different preferences, I guided them to a family restaurant with a wide variety of menu options. At the Arashiyama Monkey Park, the guests were quite excited, and the moment of feeding the monkeys was the highlight. Afterward, I took the guests back to their hotel by hired car and we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Otemachi Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Otemachi Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Otemachi Station
    • 10:40 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 11:50 Asakusa Station
    • 12:45 Shibuya Station
    • Scramble Crossing
    • 13:15 Harajuku Station
    • Takeshita Street
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Cafe Reissue

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They listened to my suggestions, and I proposed Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya, and Harajuku. In Asakusa, since some of the guests were fond of washi paper, I guided them to a specialty shop, and the whole group was delighted. As they were a group who enjoyed shopping, we had a lively time hunting for cute items in Asakusa and Harajuku, and it was fun for me to join in as well. It was a humid day during the rainy season with rain coming and going, but we spent an enjoyable day together, staying hydrated and taking breaks along the way.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Shibuya Station260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station～Harajuku Station150JPY
    Total590JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

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    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Morioka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Morioka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Morioka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 (Note) Meet at hotel (in front of Morioka Station)　14:10 Kaiun Bridge　14:40 Houonji Temple/Five Hundred Rakan Statues　15:25 Kuramubon (coffee shop)　16:35 Former Iwate Bank Red Brick Building　16:50 Morioka Castle Ruins Park　17:20 Sakurayama Shrine　17:30 Odori Shopping Street　18:00 Return to hotel/End of guide　(Note) The tour was originally scheduled to start at 13:00, but because the guest's arrival in Morioka was delayed by one hour due to a train accident, the tour start time was changed to 14:00.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Morioka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoyed the natural scenery from Kaiunbashi Bridge in front of Morioka Station, looking out over the Kitakami River, the fifth longest river in Japan, and Mount Iwate, the highest peak in Iwate Prefecture. Walking along Teramachi-dori, selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Roads, they curiously looked at the flower shops and stone shops lining both sides. After being impressed by the majestic main gate of Hoonji Temple and taking photos, we entered the Rakando hall. In addition to the Rushana Buddha statue, I introduced the statues among the Five Hundred Rakan said to represent Marco Polo and Kublai Khan. It is also said that there is only one female statue among them, and one of the guests found it immediately, and I was amazed by their sharp powers of observation. I had visited many times before but had never been able to find it. The person running the shop said they were delighted that we had made the effort to visit. Next, we took a coffee break of about an hour at Kurambon, a coffee shop in Konyacho that was featured in the New York Times, and they liked the flavor so much that they also bought some beans. We strolled through the streets of Konyacho, which retain an Edo-period atmosphere, including Banya and Goza-Kyu Morikyu Shoten, and arrived at the former Iwate Bank Red Brick Building to take photos. Crossing Nakanohashi Bridge, we entered Morioka Castle Ruins Park, one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles, crossed the arched bridge that appeared in a photo in the New York Times, and visited the main enclosure ruins, the pedestal of the Nanbu lieutenant statue, the memorial statue of Inazo Nitobe, and the poem monument of Takuboku Ishikawa. Exiting from the third enclosure, we arrived at Sakurayama Shrine, which enshrines the lords of the Nanbu domain. They seemed overwhelmed by the triangular giant rock called Eboshi-iwa. After paying respects at the main shrine, I guided them through the Odori shopping street and we arrived at the Hotel, ending the guiding. The guests were all friendly and full of curiosity. They seemed to enjoy the walk through Morioka, a city rich in history and culture, and remarked that they especially liked the quietness that differed from large cities such as Tokyo.

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

    Tour Report by Hitoshi

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

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    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 2. 10:00 Imperial Palace (Outer Grounds, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 14:30 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 5. 15:30 Disband at Harajuku

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America, and I guided them according to the requests I had confirmed in advance. The weather was unfortunately rainy at times, with heavy showers, so we paused to take shelter along the way. This meant we ran slightly over schedule, but we were able to visit all the planned spots. They were interested in Japanese culture and history, and they asked many questions about the emperor, the shogun, religion, and related topics. The travel agency had requested that I take them somewhere to enjoy delicious Japanese food for lunch, but the guests felt it would be a waste of time to spend it on a meal, so they simply had light snacks bought at a convenience store and we continued the tour. They were a very pleasant and friendly group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku～Hibiya220JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Total650JPY

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 15:00　Meet up @Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
    • 2. 15:30　@Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 3. 16:30　@Nihonbashi Takashimaya Basement Food Court
    • 4. 17:00　@Tokyo Station (from Yaesu side to Marunouchi side inside the station building, station plaza)
    • 5. 17:30　@Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 6. 18:00　@Ginza (4-chome intersection, NISSAN showroom, etc., accessed on foot from the Yurakucho side)
    • 7. 18:40　@Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Pepper Parlor)
    • 8.　19:40　@Roppongi (intersection)
    • 9.　20:00　Dinner @Suju Dining (inside Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 10.　21:20　Disband @Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

    What Can You See on an Afternoon Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Roppongi The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. On the day after this tour they planned to visit sites such as Meiji Shrine, and the following day they would board a cruise departing from the Port of Yokohama, traveling via Hokkaido toward Alaska, before finally taking a flight home to Europe from Seattle. They had originally wished to visit the Imperial Palace, and since the tour began at 3:00 p.m., I planned to guide them before the East Gardens closed, so we first walked from the Hotel to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The iris flowers were still in bloom, and they took commemorative photos with the flowers. After strolling through the East Gardens, we exited via Hirakawamon Gate and, on the way toward Takebashi Station on the Tozai Line, passed through the basement restaurant area of a building that houses a newspaper company, where there were decorations for the Tanabata festival. Beside them, many people had posted their wishes on overlapping paper strips. The guests showed interest, so I began explaining Tanabata. Among the strips, there was one with four large Chinese characters that carried a rather explicit personal meaning. Inwardly I found myself hoping I would not be asked about that particular one, when the guests pointed to exactly that strip and asked, "For example, what does the one written on this strip mean?" Since they had also photographed that very strip, I resolved that I could not deflect with a general explanation. When I translated it as it was, the guests found it hilarious and burst into loud laughter. It turned out well in the end. They also greatly enjoyed the experience of actually crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and at dinner in Roppongi, though it was brief, they savored dishes such as grilled miso-marinated chicken. We could also see Tokyo Tower lit up in the distance from the Roppongi crossing. At the Hotel where I saw them off as the tour ended, the guests themselves requested that we take a commemorative photo together, so I asked a staff member at the Hotel to take a photo of us.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station～Nihonbashi Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30　Meet up @Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
    • 2. 9:40　@Ginza (Ginza 4-chome intersection, Chuo-dori)
    • 3. 10:15　@Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Imperial Palace Plaza)
    • 4. 11:00　@Tokyo Station (station plaza, station building)
    • 5. 11:30　@Nihonbashi Takashimaya (cosmetics section, underground food hall)
    • 6. 12:30　@Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 7. 13:00　Lunch @Sansada (Asakusa)
    • 8. 14:20　@Tokyo Tower (observation deck)
    • 9. 15:40　@Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko statue, STÜSSY SHIBUYA CHAPTER)
    • 10. 16:30　Disband @in front of STÜSSY SHIBUYA CHAPTER

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were making a short stopover in Tokyo before continuing on to an academic program abroad, so this trip did not include Kyoto or other destinations. Even so, they were thrilled with their many first experiences in Tokyo. At the Imperial Palace, they were moved by the beauty of the pine trees on the plaza. At Nihonbashi Takashimaya, where they had planned to stop for only a few minutes, one of the guests ended up doing plenty of shopping at the cosmetics counter, picking up luxury-brand lipsticks and other items, including gifts for friends. It was memorable how patiently and quietly the rest of the group waited during the shopping. After that, along the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple, they enjoyed strawberry skewer candies and soft-serve ice cream, and took selfies. Following a visit to Sensoji Temple, we had lunch at the long-established tempura restaurant "Sandaya," where they savored tendon and other dishes, exclaiming "Delicious, delicious!" The conversation flowed, and one of the guests shared stories about the family's roots and how, generations ago, the family had emigrated to their current home, overcoming many hardships to build their lives. At the observation deck of Tokyo Tower, everyone was excited, saying the view was wonderful and a first-time experience. One of the guests lay down on the look-down window to take a selfie, while another was too scared to do more than peek. One member of the group walked confidently across the glass floor, saying they were not bothered by it at all. At the end of the tour, one of the guests wanted to shop at a certain brand's store located in Shibuya, so after experiencing the Scramble Crossing, we searched for it using a map app, and parted ways once we arrived. Early in the day, we were caught in a downpour while walking along Ginza Street, and there were occasional light showers afterward, but it eventually eased to a drizzle. I believe they were able to enjoy a sightseeing experience that more than made up for the rain.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station～Higashi-ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Higashi-ginza Station～Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassToei Asakusa Line Daimon Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shimbashi Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Hotel → Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • • Departure point: the KNOT Tokyo Shinjuku
    • • Route: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Nishi-shinjuku → Otemachi)
    • • Arrival: 10:40　Otemachi Station → 5 min walk → Imperial Palace Otemon Gate
    • • Time spent: 10:45–11:30　Stroll around Otemon Gate, East Gardens, Ninomaru Garden
    • ② Imperial Palace East Gardens → Nihonbashi
    • • Departure: 11:35 Otemachi Station
    • • Route: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Otemachi → Mitsukoshimae)
    • • Arrival: 11:55 Mitsukoshimae Station　Nihonbashi "Kiya", viewing the Edo-period painting (Kidai Shoran) in the Mitsukoshi basement
    • Time spent: 11:55–12:30
    • ③ Nihonbashi → Nezu Museum
    • • Departure: 12:35 Mitsukoshimae Station
    • • Route: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, bound for Chuo-Rinkan, 7 stops → Omotesando
    • • Arrival: 12:55　10 min walk
    • ④　Nezu Museum　
    • • Time spent: 13:05–14:00
    • ⑤　Harajuku, Takeshita Street　14:30 Disband

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens, Nezu Museum, and Takeshita Street The tour took place with occasional heavy rain, so we walked with umbrellas at times. The guests were travelers from Europe who mentioned that they had arrived in Japan the previous night. Because we had exchanged detailed information beforehand through a messaging app, I was able to fully meet their wishes. The guests were all interested in Japanese history, and they listened attentively when I talked about the Edo period at the East Gardens. Since some of the guests wanted to buy a kitchen knife, we went to a specialty store in Nihonbashi. They found a knife they liked and were very satisfied. After that, we visited the Nezu Museum. As they were interested in Asian art, they took their time exploring the collection. I also showed them the garden. We then moved to Takeshita Street, where they wished to shop freely, so we parted ways there. All of their wishes were fulfilled, and they were very grateful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNishi-shinjuku～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi～Mitsukoshimae Station178JPY
    Section 3TrainMitsukoshimae～Omotesando Station209JPY
    Section 4TrainOmotesando Station～Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Total774JPY

    Tour Report by Mitch

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

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    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
    • 2.10:30 Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 3.12:00 Osaka Castle
    • 4.13:00 Aqua Liner Osaka Castle Port
    • 5. 14:20 Kura Sushi Kyobashi Store
    • 6.16:00 Disband @ near Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report on Namba, Osaka Castle, and Local Sushi The tour was for a group visiting from North America. The start had been scheduled for 9:00 in the morning, but when I checked a messaging app in the morning, there was a message asking to begin at 10:00 because they had returned to their hotel late the night before. There was nothing to do but wait for an hour at the hotel. After we met at 10:00, one of the guests spent some time completing some kind of procedure at the hotel front desk. After leaving the hotel, I suggested taking a taxi from Midosuji to Namba Yasaka Shrine, thinking it would be faster than walking, and they agreed. After sightseeing at Namba Yasaka Shrine, we tried to board the subway at Daikokucho Station, and everyone tapped their Suica cards at the ticket gate. However, one of the guests had not properly completed a Suica payment when arriving from Kyoto to Namba on the Kintetsu line on the 23rd, so no matter how many times they tried, an error appeared and they could not pass through the gate. So at Daikokucho they bought a ticket, went to Namba, explained the situation at Kintetsu Namba Station, and had the Suica issue resolved. After that, we went to Osaka Castle. At Osaka Castle, since they preferred not to walk, they took an electric car up to the Sakuramon gate. When I asked whether they wanted to go inside the castle keep, going up and down the stairs seemed difficult, so they were satisfied taking photos of the castle keep from the outside. After that, wanting them to get to know the city of Osaka, I recommended the Aqua Liner, and they were pleased since it was air-conditioned and required no walking. While we were talking about various things, one of the guests said they wanted to eat conveyor-belt sushi for lunch, so I guided them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant one subway stop away in Kyobashi. They looked very happy ordering conveyor-belt sushi, fried chicken, fried squid rings, and more, one after another. When the meal was over, one of the guests said they wanted to go stretch, so I recommended a department store inside Shinsaibashi Station, which was also close to the hotel. When the department store came into view, it was time to end, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayDaikokucho～Namba190JPY
    Section 2SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsaka Business Park～Kyobashi190JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyobashi～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:41 Meet at the Tobu Nikko bus stop. Leave luggage at the station.
    • 9:50　Board the bus
    • 9:57　Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:15　Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden
    • 10:30　Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 11:10　Rinnoji Temple Gomado Hall
    • 11:30　Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:40　Lunch @ Maruhide Shokudo
    • 13:30　Fujiya Tourist Center
    • 13:50　Lawson
    • 14:15　Nikko Saryo
    • 14:50　Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 15:56　Board the bus
    • 16:10　Tour ends @ Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Rainy-Day Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had stayed at a ryokan in front of Lake Chuzenji the previous night, and we met at the station on the day of the tour. In an email that morning, one of the guests mentioned not having much of an appetite, perhaps due to fatigue, and asked for something light like rice or noodles. However, by lunchtime the appetite had returned, and they finished a bowl of oyakodon completely, which was a relief. The forecast was cloudy with rain in the evening, but around noon, just as we entered the last building at Toshogu Shrine, there was a sudden downpour. In no time the stairs turned into what looked like a waterfall, water was flowing down the paths, and even with umbrellas we got completely soaked. We had planned to visit one more place before lunch, but decided to head straight to the lunch restaurant instead. When we arrived at the restaurant, the owner, who is a familiar face, kindly gave towels to all three of us, so we were able to dry our wet hair and clothes. However, since our T-shirts and socks had also gotten wet, after lunch we bought a change of clothes at a souvenir shop and a convenience store. One of the guests changed into a T-shirt with a sleeping cat design, and since the insides of the shoes were wet, changed socks as well when taking off shoes at the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. Although it was cold after getting caught in the rain, at the tea house in front of the villa the guests enjoyed the matcha and shaved ice made with natural ice that they had been looking forward to. Due to the rain we gave up on Kanmangafuchi Abyss and Futarasan Shrine, but we spent a relaxed time over lunch and at the tea house. Since it was the tenth day of the trip and fatigue had built up, I think this was actually for the best.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station～Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Section 2BusTamozawa Imperial Villa～Tobu Nikko Station350JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Yumi

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

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    Aug 24, 2026
    arzed
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A perfect day!
    My family and I had an…

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…