Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Ginza The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Before coming to Japan, they had won a dragon boat race in Asia, so they were quite spirited. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, and Takayama. First thing in the morning, they said they wanted to check the bus stop for a sightseeing bus tour scheduled for the next day, so we confirmed the boarding area at the east exit of Shinjuku Station. They were energetic, but their pace was a little slow, and they needed rest breaks at appropriate intervals. They took their time shopping at Meiji Shrine and also stopped at a cafe, so we ran a bit behind schedule. As a result, they decided it was fine to skip Asakusa, and instead they leisurely explored Koishikawa Korakuen and were delighted by the beautiful garden. Since there was time before boarding the bus in Ginza, they had a salad and drinks at a bakery cafe. They bought bread at the bakery on the first floor, and also purchased cake and a bag at the basement floor of a department store. I saw them off at the dissolution point, teamLab Planets, ending the tour. A notable stop on the tour was Koishikawa Korakuen. Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the oldest and most celebrated Japanese gardens in Tokyo, originally built in the early Edo period in the 17th century. The garden was designed to recreate famous scenic views from both Japan and China in miniature, featuring ponds, hills, stone bridges, and carefully arranged trees. It is especially known for its seasonal beauty, including plum blossoms in early spring, irises in summer, and vibrant maple leaves in autumn, making it a peaceful retreat within the busy city.

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Tour Report by Takako

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!!

Title: What Can You See on a Private World Heritage Tour of Nikko? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who planned to move on to Lake Chuzenji after the tour and stay there for two nights, so they wanted to focus their sightseeing on the World Heritage area. In addition to visiting Toshogu Shrine, they wished to see both Kanmangafuchi Abyss and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, but since visiting both was not possible, I suggested Kanmangafuchi Abyss. In the morning, I first guided them to Shinkyo Bridge and then we visited Toshogu Shrine. As Toshogu is truly the highlight of Nikko, the guests viewed it with great interest and seemed very moved. Since they wanted a light lunch, we ate at a souvenir shop in front of Toshogu Shrine. As it happened, we were able to eat with no waiting time at all, which seemed to please them. In the afternoon, I first guided them to Rinnoji Temple and then we visited Futarasan Shrine. After that, I took them to Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which the guests had been looking forward to. Kanmangafuchi Abyss had a completely different atmosphere from everything up to that point, offering the feeling of a mini hike along a riverside path, which the guests seemed to enjoy. Throughout the day they appeared to have a wonderful time, and I believe the guests were satisfied. A notable stop on the tour was Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Toshogu Shrine is a lavishly decorated Shinto shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and is renowned for its ornate carvings, including the famous "three wise monkeys" and the sleeping cat. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered one of Japan's most spectacular shrine complexes and draws visitors from around the world.

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Tour Report by Taka

I am a licensed guide based in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, with a passion for sharing the depth and beauty of this remarkable region.
In particular, I take great pride in introducing the magnificent World Heritage area, home to Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge. The rich history, spiritual atmosphere, and masterful craftsmanship found there are truly inspiring.
But Nikko has much more to offer beyond the World Heritage zone. The region is uniquely spread across three different elevation zones: the central town area, the Lake Chuzenji area at higher altitude, and the remote Yumoto Onsen area in the mountains. Each of these areas offers a different charm—from historic sites and sacred spaces to scenic lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs.
However, due to the area’s wide geography, limited public transit options, and seasonal congestion, even navigating efficiently within a single area can be challenging without local knowledge.
That’s why local expertise is essential. With in-depth knowledge of Nikko’s layout, transportation network, and crowd patterns, I help my guests make the most of their time, while focusing on the area that suits their interests best.
I don’t just recite what’s written in guidebooks—I offer deeper insights rooted in Japanese history, religion, and culture. From the legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu to the spiritual symbolism behind shrine architecture, I aim to provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
If you’re looking to discover the real Nikko, from its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’d be honored to guide you.

What Is a Private Hakodate Cruise Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report For this tour, the guests had requested a change to the meeting location, but the new location was a hotel near the Hakodate port area. When I inquired with the Hakodate City Port and Harbor Department about the docking location of the cruise ship Diamond Princess, it turned out that there had been no change and it would arrive at Wakamatsu Pier as originally scheduled. I suspected this was a misunderstanding on the part of the guests, so we exchanged emails and reached a mutual understanding. On the day itself, the weather in Hakodate was affected by a low-pressure system and a typhoon, bringing strong winds, with thunderstorms also feared in the afternoon. I was also concerned about the impact on the ship's docking and departure times at Hakodate Port. I arrived early at Wakamatsu Pier, received a message from the guests, and was able to meet earlier than the scheduled 9:00. We took a light look around the morning market, and afterward, given the weather described above, there was a high probability that the Mount Hakodate Ropeway would be suspended. So after consulting with the guests, we went up by taxi, got out of the taxi at Motomachi, and began exploring on foot. We continued the itinerary and sightseeing using public transportation. The guests were in good spirits and smiling throughout. From Motomachi we had lunch at the morning market. We took a bus to Goryokaku. We returned to the ship and parted a little before 3:00. The guests were able to buy souvenirs, and I believe their satisfaction was high. It was also fortunate that they were able to return to the cruise ship before the rain. We went up Goryokaku Tower; the guests paid for themselves, while I entered free of charge with my guide license. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress in Hakodate built in the late Edo period. Originally constructed as a defensive fortification, its distinctive five-pointed design was based on Western military architecture and is best appreciated from the observation deck of the adjacent Goryokaku Tower. Today the site is a popular park known for its cherry blossoms in spring and its historical significance in Japan's modern history.

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Tour Report by Meji

I’m certified guide speaking English and Spanish. I’m well experienced tour guide. My tour is always full of joy. I know Namahage, Onsen and alcoholic beverage verry well. I speak spanish too. I worked there for 5 years. My tour is always full of joy and smile. I was born in Hakodate, so naturally I know Hokkaido verry well including some special points too. I can tell you very special Samurai story, verry noce and local restaurants and verry typical atmosphere. I wait your kind offer. In my tour experiences, no one was unsatisfied. And if you want to ski, I’ll be happy to share a joy of winter spports.

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kuromon Market and Beyond The guests were visitors from Oceania. Their first day in Japan had been the day before an earthquake occurred in the Tokyo area (which they said had been frightening!), and they had already been in Japan for more than two weeks. Since their JAPAN RAIL PASS had expired the previous day, I assisted them in purchasing tickets to Tokyo for the following day at Osaka Station. At Kuromon Market, they remarked that it was even more wonderful than Nishiki Market in Kyoto, and they bought pears and other items to pack into their backpacks. They were strong walkers, and aside from the time spent sitting on trains and subways, they were on their feet the entire four hours. Fortunately, the weather was pleasant and stayed below 30°C, so they showed no signs of fatigue and remained energetic throughout. It was wonderful! A notable stop on the tour was Kuromon Market in Osaka. Often called "Osaka's Kitchen," Kuromon Ichiba Market is a lively covered shopping street with a history stretching back roughly two centuries. It is famous for its fresh seafood, seasonal fruits, and a wide variety of street food, and many vendors grill or prepare their offerings on the spot so visitors can enjoy them while walking. The market remains a favorite destination for those wishing to experience Osaka's vibrant food culture firsthand.

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Tour Report by Emi

Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

Title: What Is a Private Onomichi Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors traveling by car from Itozaki to Onomichi. After enjoying the view of the Onomichi Channel from an observation deck, the group walked to Senko-ji Temple. The guests were fond of visiting temples, and after paying their respects at the main hall, they wrote wishes on several kinds of ema plaques and wind chimes, which were then displayed within the temple grounds. They also selected many souvenirs such as omikuji fortunes and omamori charms, and since they spent more than an hour at Senko-ji Temple, the remaining time was filled with a leisurely stroll. The guests enjoy temples so much that they even collect goshuin temple stamps, and as they were able to spend their time unhurried, I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the visit. A notable stop on the tour was Senko-ji Temple in Onomichi. Senko-ji is a historic Buddhist temple perched on the slopes of Mount Senko, offering sweeping views over the town and the Onomichi Channel below. The temple is especially famous for its vermilion main hall and the surrounding area known for cherry blossoms in spring, and it can be reached on foot or by a scenic ropeway. As one of the most beloved landmarks of the region, Senko-ji is a popular destination for visitors interested in temple architecture, panoramic scenery, and the quiet atmosphere of a hillside sanctuary.

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Tour Report by YASSY

Hello everyone, and welcome! My name is Yassy, and I will be your guide today.
Thank you very much for joining this tour. I’m truely delighted to spend this time with you.
We will explore some wonderful places and experience the culture, history and atmosphere of this area.
Each place we visit has its own uniquie story, and I will do my best to share those stories with you in a clear and engaging way.
As a local guide, I hope to introduce not only well-known attractions but also small details, local perspectives, and everyday life in Japan.
I belive these little insights can make your experience even more special and memorable.
My goal is to create a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful experience for each of you.
Let’s relax, have fun, and make great memories together!!

Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryugado Cave, Kochi Castle, and Katsurahama The guests were a group visiting Japan. During our prior communication I learned about the group, and since they seemed likely to enjoy something adventurous, I recommended Ryugado Cave, which they were pleased with. I proposed a tour centered on Ryugado Cave and the main keep of Kochi Castle. Kochi Prefecture was dangerously hot, so I believe this was a good choice. I also guided them to Hirome Market, but as the group was not very adventurous with food and had some preferences, we had a light meal at a Starbucks they were familiar with and took a longer break. One of the guests especially loved Starbucks and mentioned visiting one every day, but had been disappointed that recently fewer stores allow you to relax inside. This time they were happy to be able to take their time at a Starbucks with a spacious seating area. Finally, we strolled leisurely along Katsurahama Beach, and they seemed to like the view from the slightly elevated ground, which was different from their home region. When I asked which place they liked best, they answered Katsurahama. Since I did not want to rush anyone, our arrival at the new port was slightly delayed, but I believe they were satisfied. A notable stop on the tour was Katsurahama Beach. Katsurahama is a scenic beach located on the Pacific coast of Kochi, known for its beautiful curved shoreline, pine-covered hills, and dramatic ocean views. It is also famous as the site of a large statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a historical figure closely associated with Kochi and the modernization of Japan. The beach and its surrounding area offer visitors a peaceful place to enjoy the natural scenery and the sound of the waves.

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Tour Report by Peach

Hello! I am Peach, a licensed local guide in beautiful Kochi. Originally from Gunma Prefecture near Tokyo, I moved to the charming town of Ino-cho 30 years ago. Ino-cho is world-famous for its traditional Japanese Tosa Washi paper, and I am proud to call this place my home.
I have a deep passion for flowers, local cuisine, and discovering new experiences. I specialize in hosting international cruise ship guests with the spirit of “Omotenashi”—the heart of Japanese hospitality. From the historic Kochi Castle and the stunning Makino Botanical Garden to the crystal-clear “Niyodo Blue” of the Niyodo River, I love sharing the unique stories and specialties of our region. I am here to make your journey truly unforgettable. Welcome to our wonderful Kochi!

What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The person from Europe, who arrived in Japan the previous night, greatly enjoyed today's tour. It was their first time in Japan. Although it rained from the morning and we toured while holding umbrellas, they took many photos at each location and had a wonderful time. At Senso-ji Temple, they drew a "chukichi" (medium-good luck) omikuji fortune and were delighted. For lunch in Asakusa, they very much enjoyed the chilled nameko mushroom soba noodles and ate with great pleasure. Through our email exchanges beforehand, they had mentioned wanting to do a trial run of the bullet train area at Tokyo Station, as they felt anxious about navigating the route when heading to Kyoto by bullet train from the middle of this week. By including Tokyo Station in the tour, their concerns were completely resolved and they were very pleased. They especially loved the peaceful, green, and quiet environment at Meiji Shrine and took many photos there. They seemed to have fully mastered the differences between temples and shrines, the respective methods of worship, and how to pass through the torii gate. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, they asked me to take a photo of them in the middle of the crossing just before the light turned red, and they were delighted when I took the picture. They were a very talkative person, and we were able to have an enjoyable conversation, including some private topics, about the differences in national character between Japan and their home region, as well as the differences in cuisine and climate between the countries.

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Tour Report by Nobby

Hello and how do you do?
My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4900 tourists from 54 countries.

Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
Thank you!

Best regards,

Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

タイトル: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangendo 本文: The guests were a group visiting from North America. Initially, we had agreed in advance to visit Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari. However, during the final itinerary discussion on the day of the tour, the guests requested a change because they planned to visit Fushimi Inari the following day. Since most sightseeing spots close after 16:00, after visiting Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangendo, I took them to Yasaka Shrine instead of Fushimi Inari. As part of the group was moving by stroller, I guided them along the accessible route at Kiyomizu-dera. At Sanjusangendo, they viewed the hall while carrying the young one. There was one moment of crying at Sanjusangendo, but the group remained calm at other locations, which was very helpful. The guests showed great interest in the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo. A notable stop on the tour was Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto. Sanjusangendo, formally known as Rengeo-in, is a Buddhist temple famous for its main hall, which is the longest wooden structure in Japan. The hall houses 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, including a large central seated figure flanked by 1,000 standing statues arranged in rows. The temple's name refers to the thirty-three spaces between the pillars of the hall, and it is renowned for the striking visual impact of its gilded statues standing together in a single space.

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Tour Report by Michi

My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

Title: What Is a Cruise Port Private Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was difficult to get in touch beforehand, which was a little worrying, but we eventually connected. However, there was only one reply via a messaging app, so I felt quite uneasy. I had arranged to meet at the exit of the Hakodate Port terminal building, but the guests had already gone ahead to the morning market, so it took a little time to find each other. When we met, they were very friendly and easygoing, which made the tour go smoothly. We visited Goryokaku Tower and the park, and the guests were amazed by its scale, looked at the exhibits with great interest, and seemed very pleased. As I noted in the tour time section, some of the guests were very interested in shopping, and the rest often followed along afterward. The tour was scheduled to end at 15:30, but since the cruise ship was departing at 16:00, there was not much time to spare. After the shopping was finished, the guests wished to return to the cruise right away, so the tour ended a little over an hour early. The photo was taken on the top floor of Goryokaku Tower. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort built in the late Edo period, and it is one of Hakodate's most iconic historical sites. From the observation deck of the adjacent Goryokaku Tower, visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the distinctive star-shaped moat and the surrounding city, which is especially beautiful in the cherry blossom season.

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Tour Report by KAZU

I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

Title: What Can You See on a Private Hakodate Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Part of the group had been referred by a friend whom I had previously guided in Hakodate, and I was delighted to hear that they hired me based on that friend's recommendation. As expected, the ropeway was closed due to strong winds, so I focused the tour on the morning market, Goryokaku Park, and a walk through the Motomachi district. Some of the guests did not enter the Catholic Church or the Russian Orthodox Church in Motomachi. One of the guests was not fond of the smell of fish and did not go into the morning market. They were very interested in history and asked many questions, which I greatly enjoyed. When asked when firearms were first brought into Japan, I answered "1543" without hesitation. They had to be back on the ship by 3:00 without fail, but they were pleased that we were still able to visit the Red Brick Warehouses. Since they seemed tired from all the walking, we took a short rest at Goryokaku. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku Park in Hakodate. Goryokaku is a star-shaped fortress built in the late Edo period, and it was the first Western-style fortification of its kind in Japan. Today it is a popular park known for its distinctive geometric shape, which is best appreciated from the nearby observation tower, and it is especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The site also played a significant role in the Boshin War, making it an important historical landmark that offers visitors both natural beauty and a window into Japan's period of modernization.

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Tour Report by Akira

Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.