Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.12：00　Meet at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen ticket gate
    • 2.12：20　Shukkeien Garden
    • 3.13：50　Hiroshima Castle
    • 4.15：00　Peace Park　
    • 5.16：00　Disband in front of the Peace Memorial Museum

    What Is a Private Half-Day Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. 12:00 Meeting point: Shinkansen ticket gate at Hiroshima Station ⇒ The guests had arrived early by Shinkansen and had already finished lunch at the station. 2. 12:20 Shukkeien Garden ⇒ The guests, who live in North America, compared the plants in Shukkeien Garden with those at a botanical garden in a neighboring area, which apparently also has many plants. 3. 13:50 Hiroshima Castle ⇒ Although not part of this tour, some of the guests, who seem to have developed an interest in Japan, showed particular curiosity here. 4. 15:00 Peace Memorial Park ⇒ The guests said they would explore the museum on their own and asked me to guide them around the park. Coming from North America, they showed particular interest in the reasons why Hiroshima was chosen. 5. 16:00 Dispatch: In front of the Peace Memorial Museum ⇒ As it was hot, I told the guests to take care of their health and enjoy their trip in the coming days, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station～In front of Shukkeien Garden240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Tour Report by tomo

    My name is Tomoko Nakayama. I am 60-year-old and live near Hiroshima station with my husband. I am a pharmacist.
    I like travelling, and I have visited about 20 countries so far.
    I was impressed by the vast nature of Canada. The lakes formed by water flowing from glaciers were emerald green and very beautiful.
    What I felt most in Europe was the difference between Japan and Europe over the ancient architectural styles. In Japan, wooden structures are the norm, but in Europe, there are many marble buildings, and I realized the difference in lifestyle and culture that comes from the difference in climate and topography.
    When I saw the musical Aladdin on Broadway in New York, I was painfully aware of the lack of my English skills.
    I think visiting different places has really helped me to broaden my horizons.
    Currently, I work as a English volunteer, guiding Peace Park, Shukkeien Garden, Miyajima island, and Hiroshima Castle.
    I am studying English hard so that I can more fluently explain the good things about Japan in my own words.
    I would be happy if I could be helpful to you on your trip.

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2025
    GARY_M
    She will make your day great.
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    MokoMoko is a fantastic guide.…

  • Shimane in Half a Day: samurai residences

    Shimane in Half a Day: samurai residences

    Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at JR Matsue Station
    • 11:10 Board the city bus
    • 11:20 ~13:10 Get off at National Treasure Matsue Castle Prefectural Office
    • 　　　Stroll around Matsue Castle, climb the castle tower
    • 　　　Visit Jozan Inari Shrine
    • 13:20~14:00 Visit the samurai residences
    • 14:20~14:50 Shimane Tourism Products Hall
    • 15:00 Disband at the taxi stand of the Matsue Castle Otemae Parking Lot. Guests will take a taxi to the Sakaiminato Cruise Terminal.

    What Is a Private Matsue Castle Town Tour Like from Sakaiminato Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The group arrived by taxi from Sakaiminato cruise terminal to Matsue Station. Because the first scheduled port of call, Nagasaki, was affected by a severe storm and they could not disembark, Sakaiminato became their first port of call in Japan. As it was their first visit to Japan, they had many questions, and it was a pleasure to guide them. There were few tourists, so we were able to leisurely stroll through the quiet castle and castle town. I was concerned about heatstroke due to the heat and humidity, but everyone stayed hydrated as needed and remained in good spirits as they boarded the taxi and headed back to Sakaiminato. I sent a confirmation email three days before the tour, but it apparently did not arrive. When I sent a message via a messaging app the day before, I received a reply.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMatsue Station～National Treasure Matsue Castle Prefectural Office210JPY
    Section 2BusShimane Prefectural Civic Center～Matsue Station210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by SAKANESAN

    I was born and brought up in Matsue City. I taught English at senior high schools in Shimane Prefecture for more than 30 years. I obtained certification as a national guide and interpreter after I retired. Unfortunately I could hardly work as a guide during the pandemic. Now I am very happy that more and more people have resumed visiting Japan. I like traveling in Japan and abroad. It is my pleasure to show my guests around my hometown and surrounding areas. They are full of historic sites, scenic spots and good places to eat. I am sure you will never regret visiting this region.

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    Oct 15, 2025
    out_of_VA
    Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with…

  • Shizuoka: leave the port & port say a good-by to each other

    Shizuoka: leave the port & port say a good-by to each other

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 a.m. meet at the port
    • 9:35　　　leave the port
    • 　　　　 for Nihon Daira(hill top)
    • 10:00～12:30
    • arrive at Nihon Daira
    • spend one and half hours
    • first go to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine by gondora ropeway "
    • then go to an observatory to see Mt.Fuji from the hill
    • 12:30 leave the hill for Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
    • 13:00 arrive at the Shrine spend 40 mini
    • 13:00～
    • 14:00 take a break at a Cha-Mise ,or Japanese green tea bar and shop
    • then have light lunch at Yabufuku, an ordinary Japanese restaurant
    • 14:00 leave the restaurant　for Shizuoka Prefectorial Police Headquarters
    • to see Mt.Fuji from the top floor
    • 　
    • 14:10 arrive at the building
    • spend 10 mini
    • 14:20 leave the building for nearby shopping mall 　
    • 14:30 arrive at the mall spend half an hour
    • 15:00 leave the mall for the port
    • 15:30 arrive the port say a good-by to each other

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu, and Sengen Shrine We visited several spots hoping to see Mount Fuji, but in the end we were unable to catch a view of it. Even so, the guests were pleased to enjoy the scenery in all directions from Nihondaira, to walk unhurriedly through Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, to share katsudon together at a typical Japanese eatery, and to take their time exploring Sengen Shrine with detailed explanations. At Sengen Shrine in particular, learning how various deities are enshrined together and understanding the role of each one, it was memorable to see one of the guests, who had an upcoming exam, praying earnestly. It seemed that the guests appreciated that this was a tour taken at a relaxed pace.

    Click here for more details: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by YASU

    I am Mr. Yasu Katou . I am an English-speaking excursion guide . I mainly take my guests to the popular tourist places around Shimizu ward and the city of Shizuoka.
    I am a typical “Shizuokan citizen”, who are too shy to refer often to the great things we have such as Mt. Fuji-San but are, in the deepest of our heart , very proud of them . It would be wonderful if our great things, which are represented by not only Mt. Fuji-San but also other historical and cultural spots, could be known to others coming from all over the world.
    So as a resident here in central Shizuoka-prefecture I would like to show my guests as many things such as our culture, history and nature as I can.

    Request Booking

    Aug 30, 2026
    Ellen_V
    Shimizu
    Viator review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Toffe ervaring en zeer bekwame gids. Zeker het bezoek…

    Jul 22, 2026
    Silke72
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of the Shizuoka sights
    Even though we did…

    Jul 11, 2026
    theinnocentabroad25
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    An Unforgettable Day in Shimizu with Yasu
    Here’s a warm,…

    Sep 12, 2025
    shelleysD5492YS
    A Great in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Our guide Yasu and his…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitenno-ji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitenno-ji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Pick up at Hotel Zentis
    • 11:00-13:00 Shitenno-ji Temple
    • 13:10-14:40 Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho / Kuromon Market
    • 14:40 Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Temple and Dotonbori Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because this was a last-minute tour, I asked several times about where the guests wanted to go and sent plan ideas, but they were not fully satisfied, and so we arrived at the day itself. The guests seemed to love temples, so we went to Shitennoji Temple, which they enjoyed. Some of the guests bought candles for honoring ancestors and candles for family safety, as well as charms, and they were very devout. They also rang the bell to honor their ancestors. However, they did not enter the main temple buildings and only took photos from outside. Next we went to Dotonbori, as they wanted to visit a waterside area, and we looked at the canal and the cruise boats, deciding to come back again after dark. Since the guests liked temples and shrines, I also showed them Hozenji Yokocho. Some of the guests wanted to eat takoyaki or okonomiyaki, but opinions were divided, and in the end we moved on without eating anything. We headed to Nipponbashi to look for Pokemon cards and kendama, but moving around in the heat was difficult, so we tried to walk through the covered arcades as much as possible. We could not find anything in particular, so I called a taxi to move to a waterside area, choosing the Sakuranomiya area. However, since only 20 minutes of tour time remained, the guests went there on their own and we parted ways. Before the start, one of the guests stayed behind to do their own activity, another was delayed in setting out, and moving from the Hotel in Nishi-Umeda to Higashi-Umeda, which is convenient for reaching Shitennoji, took longer than expected. I regret that I was not able to plan an efficient route from the guests' Hotel in advance. They had also suggested from the beginning using taxis for getting around, but I could not think of any natural waterside spots that they wanted to visit, so I ended up searching online and telling the taxi driver the places that came up. From that point it felt as though a guide was no longer needed, so we parted ways, but I wondered whether it would have been better to stay with them until the end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

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

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    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

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

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: castle keep & Kokoen Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: castle keep & Kokoen Garden

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50　Meet at the hotel where you are staying. Since you had prepared early, we departed early.
    • 10:20　Arrived at the castle passing through the old shopping district.
    • 10:30~12:20　Tour of the castle keep
    • 12:30~13:10　Nishinomaru Hyakken Corridor
    • 13:20～13:50　Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15　Arrived at the hotel (because luggage was left there) and disbanded
    • After this, the guests will head to Hiroshima by Shinkansen

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was traveling alone and had visited many countries, and was very fond of Japan. The guest showed particular interest in the architecture of the castle. During a special public opening, there was a corner explaining the castle keep with a screen presentation, so I took the guest there. The guest watched the video explaining the structure with great enthusiasm, and I was glad to have shown it. During the visit, the guest said "so interesting!!" many times, so I believe the beauty and appeal of castle architecture came across well. Since I had asked about the reserved time for the bullet train, we toured Koko-en Garden and returned to the Hotel with plenty of time to spare.

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

    Tour Report by Chiyuki

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Request Booking

    Aug 9, 2026
    Angelika_H
    Viator review: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Tour
    Super Tour who was Shaped for us…

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide Chiyuki was…

    Jun 21, 2026
    M9524SIphilippel
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sake tour in Kobe
    Chiyuki is one of the…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Pinoy V
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Station & Sannomiya Station

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kobe Station & Sannomiya Station

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Kobe Station
    • 12:15 Harborland
    • Lunch
    • 14:30 Hakutsuru Sake Museum
    • 17:00 Sannomiya Station

    Title: What's a Private Kobe Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harborland and a Sake Museum There was a schedule change that shifted our timing by one hour, and as a member of the group had recovered, the tour proceeded smoothly. However, since it was extremely hot outside, we visited Harborland and had lunch together. While chatting about various topics and how to eat soba, more than an hour passed, and because of the intense heat we skipped Nankinmachi. We went directly to the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, where the guests enjoyed a tasting and did some shopping. Afterward, we returned to Sannomiya and did some shopping together. Since the guests were going to meet a friend after the tour, I took them to that location and ended the tour there. We went over by one hour, but it was a pleasure to spend the time together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHanshin Kobe Station～Sumiyoshi Station530JPY
    Total530JPY

    Tour Report by Harumi

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • 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

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:40 Meiji Shrine, Gyoen Garden
    • 11:40 Ueno Station, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Shogitai Grave, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Haruka
    • 14:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 15:20 Dismissal @ Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station

    What's a Private Family Tour of Meiji Shrine and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Asia. Due to the extreme heat continuing from the previous day, I changed the plan from Rikugien Garden to the shaded Meiji Shrine and began the tour. The group showed interest in the irises and the Kiyomasa Well in the Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, so I showed them around. Along the way, they bought water several times from vending machines and also enjoyed ice cream. Since they wanted to activate Shinkansen tickets they had purchased online, we exchanged the QR codes for paper tickets for the entire route at a ticket machine in Ueno Station, and I added English readings next to the station names shown in Japanese. We decided to have lunch in Ueno, and since the guests eat only fish and vegetables, I suggested a Japanese restaurant with set meals, but they preferred an Asian restaurant that had suitable menu options, so we went there. The group seemed quite tired from the heat, but they were very well-behaved and did not complain at all. At Meiji Shrine, they dedicated an ema votive plaque, and the guests listened attentively to the historical explanations. I saw them off at the ticket gate of the Toei Asakusa Line, received words of gratitude, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Ueno210JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Total540JPY

    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!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Nonaka no Shimizu and Ippou-sugi

    Wakayama in One Day: Nonaka no Shimizu and Ippou-sugi

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ' 7:45 Meet at Hotel Sanrakuso
    • 8:30- 9:30 Kumano Kodo, walk near Takijiri-oji
    • 10:00- 10:20 Visit Nonaka no Shimizu and Ippou-sugi
    • 10:45- 11:15 Visit former Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara
    • 11:45- 12:00 Dorokyo Post Office
    • 12:00- 12:15 Totsukawa Village Tourism Ambassador
    • 12:25- 12:45 Yamabiko Bridge, lunch
    • 12:55- 14:00 Sightseeing boat, board the Kawasemi
    • 15:10- 16:20 Daimonzaka walk, Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji, Three-Storied Pagoda, visit Nachi Falls
    • 18:20 Arrive at Hotel, dismissal
    • 　　　　(Vehicle surcharge to be paid by guest directly to driver)

    What Is a Private Kumano Kodo and Nachi Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I was able to meet the guest in the hotel lobby about 30 minutes early, and the vehicle also arrived 15 minutes ahead of schedule, so we were able to depart right away. Since the guest lives in a modern, large-city environment, we first experienced the steep mountain trail behind Takijiri-oji. I aimed to let them enjoy as much of the thrill as possible while staying prepared to respond in case of a stumble or fall. As this was before the tour buses arrived, the environment was very quiet. The guest enjoyed the unique natural surroundings of Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring and the Ipposugi cedars. At Hongu, due to time constraints, we only visited Oyunohara, the site of the former grand shrine. At Dorokyo Gorge on the Kitayama River, there were many unique experiences. Since the guest wished to purchase a souvenir at a post office, we went into the Dorokyo post office. Although it seems only a few houses are within walking distance, it is a traditional and relatively large post office, and the guest bought a postcard with a unique same-day postmark (photo). Despite being a post office in the mountains, a staff member responded in English. We spent some time with the local police officer and the cat cared for by the owner of the Kawasemi boat, the "Totsukawa Village Tourism Ambassador" (photo). We had lunch at Yamabiko Bridge, where I explained the level reached by the 2011 flood. From the bridge, we tossed Uradajiro (fern) into the air (in the photo, at the far left, at the height of the guest's hand). Although it was not planned at all, since the timing worked out and there was space in the seats, we took a sightseeing ride on the Kawasemi boat. We moved on to Nachi, walked the upper half of Daimonzaka, visited the waterfall, and toured Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and the Three-Storied Pagoda, before heading to Shirahama. Since the guest had told me in advance that they would pay an overtime fee, we ran considerably behind schedule, but I accommodated their wishes as much as possible. When I consider that most guests will likely never visit the same place twice in their lifetime, I believe that the chance of "now" is irreplaceable and precious, and I want to meet the guests' wishes as much as I can. Due to time constraints, we passed by Kushimoto and Hashigui-iwa without stopping.

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hira

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

    Request Booking

    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Tour itinerary consultation & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Tour itinerary consultation & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet
    • 10:45 Tour itinerary consultation
    • 12:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 14:00 Nijo Castle / Cafe break
    • 15:45 Kinkaku-ji
    • 16:35 Disperse at Shijo Kawaramachi

    **Title:** What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) provided assistance, I was unable to make contact with the guests before the day of the tour. We were able to meet successfully at the hotel, so I asked about their wishes. In addition to the planned destinations, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was also included, but since it was close to the hotel, I recommended that they visit early the next morning before it becomes crowded. It was a very hot and humid day, and because I was guiding them through places without air conditioning, I included frequent breaks and plenty of hydration. The guests listened with great interest to my explanations, particularly about the relationship between the shogun and the emperor. As they wished to do some shopping, we parted ways at Shijo Kawaramachi.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Sanjo170JPY
    Section 2SubwayKeihan Sanjo～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayImadegawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4BusNijojo-mae～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Shijo Kawaramachi230JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Odawara Station 10:50 Depart Odawara by mountain train, via Hakone-Yumoto and Gora, arrive Sounzan 12:14 Ropeway, at Owakudani Ropeway arrive Togendai 13:55 By pirate ship 14:20 Disembark at Hakonemachi Port Lunch at Donburi Chaya Maruyama Bussan Watch marquetry (yosegi) presentation 15:36 By bus from Sekisho-ato (checkpoint ruins), get off at Hakone-Yumoto
    • Depart this station 16:36 By train, arrive Odawara Station Accompany to the Shinkansen ticket counter and disband at 16:55

    A Private Day Tour of Hakone: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You? A Guide's Report One of the guests was feeling slightly unwell with a cold, so we purchased cough medicine at a convenience store. Since the group was hoping to see Mount Fuji, I explained at the outset that it would be difficult today, but we set off saying that we would take routes where there was a possibility of seeing it. The group enjoyed shopping and had a great time at Owakudani. The guests mentioned that their home region in Asia is very green and reminded them of Hakone. On the pirate ship, they thoroughly enjoyed the scenery from on board. Lunch was at a donburi restaurant, and because it was rather late, there were fewer other customers, which may have worked in our favor. When one of the guests wanted an omelet, which was not on the menu, the owner kindly made one specially. The guests were also interested in the Japanese language and asked me what "ikigai" (a reason for living) means, which I found quite challenging to explain.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…