Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji

Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:30 Meet at Kyoto Umekoji Kaden-sho
10:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk ~ Tenryu-ji Garden
12:00 Kinkaku-ji
12:50 Lunch at Togenkyo
14:35 Disband in front of Fushimi Inari Taisha

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was quite hot from the morning, with a high of 36 degrees. I asked them to stay hydrated as frequently as possible. None of the sites were particularly crowded today, which made for a very comfortable experience. They took their time strolling through the bamboo grove and gardens, taking many photos. One of the guests especially enjoyed photography and took pictures with their own camera. At Kinkaku-ji, perhaps because it was around lunchtime, there were surprisingly few people, and the guest was very pleased to have taken many good photos. Since it was very hot and they were getting tired, I suggested lunch as a chance to take a short break, and as they wanted ramen, we went to a nearby restaurant. They were very happy with it. Although we had gone over the scheduled tour time, I finally guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, gave a brief explanation, and we parted ways. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Umekoji-Kyotonishi～Sagaarashiyama	200JPY
Section 2	Train	Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho	250JPY
Section 3	Bus	Kitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi	230JPY
Section 4	Bus	Kinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal	230JPY
Section 5	Subway	Kitaoji～Kyoto	260JPY
Section 6	Train	Kyoto～Inari	150JPY
Total			1,320JPY

Tour Report by Kaeko

Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day…

Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

August, 2026

Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:00 Hotel Meet (@Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Station)
9:00-9:30 Travel (contracted car: Hotel→Kiyomizu-dera/Chawanzaka)
9:30-10:40 Kiyomizu-dera visit (including Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do)
10:40-10:55 Travel (contracted car; Yasaka Pagoda parking→Sanjusangendo)
10:55-11:40 Sanjusangendo visit
11:40-11:55 Travel (contracted car; Sanjusangendo→Restaurant Sato)
11:55-12:45 Lunch (Sato)
12:45-13:05 Travel (contracted car; Restaurant→Fushimi Inari Taisha)
13:05-14:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
14:00-14:30 Travel (Fushimi Inari Taisha→Hotel)
※Tour ended a little early with the customer's agreement.　　14:30 Said goodbye to the customer in front of the hotel

Title: What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Kyoto Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member was very knowledgeable about history, and the reason the group had booked a guided tour was so that questions about history could be answered during the visit. I took the group to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Unfortunately, the temperature rose to 36°C during the tour, and the afternoon visit to Fushimi Inari in particular took place in extreme heat. Fortunately, we traveled by contracted vehicle, which made things much easier. After consulting with the guests, we ended the tour a little earlier than planned. Some of the guests said Fushimi Inari was their favorite, while another preferred Sanjusangen-do Temple. After the tour, I received several photos taken during the day from one of the guests.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Other	Hotel (Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Station)～Kiyomizu-dera (Chawanzaka)	0JPY
Section 2	Other	Yasaka Pagoda parking～Sanjusangendo	0JPY
Section 3	Other	Sanjusangendo～Restaurant Sato	0JPY
Section 4	Other	Restaurant (Sato)～Fushimi Inari Taisha	0JPY
Section 5	Other	Fushimi Inari Taisha～Hotel (Double Tree by Hilton Station)	0JPY
Total			0JPY

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 !

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Aug 4, 2026
Elie_S
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
We had a lovely…

Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…

Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

August, 2026

Tokyo in Half a Day: Sumida park and Sumida RiverWalk

Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:00 meeting with your guide ouside the entrance of Hotel
9:10〜9:50 transfer Osuka→Asakusa
(JR train ➕Tokyo metro)
9:50〜10:50 Sensoji temple, Nakamise shoping street, and Asakus shrine
10:50〜12:00 walking through Sumida park and Sumida RiverWalk
12:00〜13:00 Sky Tree shoping floor
13:00 End of the tour in a restaurant in the 7th floor of Sky Tree

Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. After exchanging messages in advance, they said they wanted to fully enjoy Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree (shopping and dining), so the itinerary was arranged accordingly. The guests actively asked a variety of questions, which made it a participatory tour driven by questions and answers. Since they seemed genuinely interested, I explained the Japanese sense of religion in considerable detail. At Tokyo Skytree, I took them to an official character goods shop they had wanted to visit for a long time. They were delighted and thoroughly enjoyed their shopping. Although it was only a half-day tour, they seemed to have had a wonderful time.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Otsuka～Ueno	178JPY
Section 2	Subway	Ueno～Asakusa	178JPY
Total			356JPY

Tour Report by Taki

My name is Takashi Koizumi. I work as a nationally licensed tour guide, based in Tokyo. Please allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. I obtained an MA in Peace Studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK. I worked in war-torn areas in the former-Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo for 15 years between 1996and 2011, engaging in peacemaking and inter-ethnic reconciliation issues through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I worked in the Tohoku region affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for four years from 2012 and 2016, engaging in a long-term NGO recovery program.

In 2019, I changed my career, starting to work as a licensed tour guide registered in Tokyo Metropolis. Since then, I have covered more than 180 one-day tours and 21 long tours lasting for more than 10 days. Regions where I have worked cover large parts of Japanese archipelago, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Hokkaido, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Marugame and Fukuoka.

As an excellent tour guide for international tourists, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, culture, and history in Japan. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the rich tapestry of these aspects.

I tailor my tours to suit the interest and preferences of each group. By understanding your preferences through informal conversation, I curate personalized itineraries that satisfy your needs.

Through my extensive oversea experience, I am well-versed in cross-cultural communication. I am also fully aware of the challenges that international tourists often face in Japan.

Furthermore, I am committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and respect throughout the tour. I educate guests on appropriate behavior, dress codes, and etiquette when visiting religious and cultural facilities such as Buddhis temples, Shinto shrines, and Japanese gardens.

In conclusion, through my in-depth knowledge of religion, culture and history, personalized itineraries, and commitment to cultural sensitivity, you can expect unforgettable and excellent experiences that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.

I am looking forward to meeting you.

Best regards,

Takashi

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Nov 6, 2025
janhN5861ZU
Excellent way to see Tokyo
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Takashi was our travel guide for a…

Aug 27, 2025
753lourdesh
Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
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Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking…

Jun 22, 2025
pkj1909
Wonderful & a memorable Trip
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We were assigned Mr.…

Dec 31, 2024
andreslau84
Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What an amazing day with Takashi, he…

August, 2026

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

8:30 Glanz Kei Kyoto Station　Departure
9:10 Tenryuji Temple　Arrival
Sagano Bamboo Grove　Arashiyama Park　Stroll　
10:20 Tenryuji Temple　　Departure
10:50 Nijo Castle Arrival
11:50 Nijo Castle　Departure
12:00～13:00　Lunch
13:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　Arrival
13:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　Departure
14;10 Toji Temple Tour
14:30 Glanz Kei Kyoto Station　Arrival

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari The first stop of this private day tour of Kyoto was Tenryu-ji Temple. From the north gate of Tenryu-ji, the guests were moved by the beautiful views of the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the observation deck at the park, and the scenery along the Katsura River. Next, we visited Nijo Castle. When I explained that the Ninomaru Palace consists of five buildings — the first and second for imperial envoys, the third for the outer feudal lords, the fourth for the hereditary feudal lords, and the fifth for the shogun, with 33 rooms and 800 tatami mats in total — the guests seemed very surprised. They were also interested in and asked questions about the nightingale floors, the Kano school wall paintings, and the large nail covers. In the Ninomaru Garden, they seemed interested in the large pond and the story of the stones shaped like a turtle and a crane, which symbolize longevity. For lunch, we went to eat udon, and they were amused by the robot serving the food. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Passing through the Senbon Torii, there is a stone called the "Omokaru Ishi" in the back right of the "Okunoin." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then, you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The guests were interested in the story that if the stone feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and they tried very hard at it. It was a hot day, but the guests told me it had been a wonderful trip.

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Tour Report by Kaji

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

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

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

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

August, 2026

Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park to Tokyo National Museum & Akihabara

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:00 Meet @ Imperial Palace Otemon Gate ~ Imperial Palace East Gardens
10:00 Kanda Myojin Shrine, Yushima Seido (Shoheizaka Academy)
11:15 From Ueno Park to Tokyo National Museum
13:00 Tobu Asakusa Station ticket office
13:05 Asakusa stroll (Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Okuyama Omairimachi ~ Rock Street ~ Shin-Nakamise)
14:00 Akihabara (Chuo-dori ~ in front of Animate ~ in front of Culture Zone ~ in front of GIGO)
14:30 Disband @ Akihabara Radio Kaikan

What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan on a trip from Europe, having arrived the day before, with plans to travel to Kanazawa and Kyoto after Tokyo. Since they had sent a long list of places they hoped to visit before arriving, I changed the meeting point from the Hotel to Otemon Gate of the Imperial Palace and set the ending point at Akihabara in order to fulfill their wishes. At the information center in the East Gardens, I gave the orientation that I usually do at the Hotel. We stopped by Yushima Seido as a bonus, and the guests were delighted to have the place almost entirely to themselves. It was lucky that the Tokyo National Museum was on their list of desired destinations, as it gave us a way to escape the heat. At Tobu Asakusa Station, I helped them purchase tickets for their trip to Nikko the next day. After seeing all the main sights of Asakusa, we proceeded as planned to Akihabara, where I guided them through the major spots. As they wanted to look at figures and other items carefully on their own, we parted ways a little early. The heat today was dangerously intense, and although the guests were accustomed to high temperatures back home, they seemed to struggle with the clinging humidity.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Chiyoda Line Otemachi～Chiyoda Line Shin-Ochanomizu	178JPY
Section 2	Train	JR Ochanomizu～JR Ueno	146JPY
Section 3	Subway	Ginza Line Ueno～Ginza Line Suehirocho	178JPY
Total			502JPY

Tour Report by Hideki

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

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

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

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

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

August, 2026

Wakayama in Half a Day: Danjo Garan & Okunoin approach

Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

May, 2025

Tour Itinerary

10:20 Meet at Koyasan Station
10:29- 10:42 Bus ride: Koyasan Station → Reihokan-mae
10:50- 11:25 Danjo Garan tour
11:35- 12:00 Kongobu-ji tour (from outside)
12:10- 12:25 Tokugawa Reidai tour
12:44- 12:49 Bus ride: Senjuinbashi → Tamagawadori
12:55- 13:30 Lunch (Tenpu Terrace)
13:35- 15:00 Okunoin approach walk
15:05- 15:26 Bus ride: Okunoin-mae → Koyasan Station
15:30 Dismissal at Koyasan Station

What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report (At the guest's request, there are no photos.) The meeting time was 11:00. I arrived at Koyasan Station a little after 10:00 and was preparing in the second-floor waiting room, where I noticed a guest sitting alone, but assumed they were heading to Osaka and did not think much of it. When I went down to the first floor and waited for the cable car to arrive, the guest came over, and I realized they were my guest, so we were able to meet about 40 minutes early. We took the bus to the bus stop in front of the Reihokan Museum, passed by Hasuike Pond, and made a full loop of the Danjo Garan complex. We walked to Kongobuji Temple and viewed it from the outside. The guest showed interest in the fire-prevention water barrels placed on the roof. We walked to the Tokugawa Mausoleum and toured it. From Senjuinbashi we took the bus to Tamagawa-dori and had lunch. We walked about half of the approach path through the cluster of gravestones at Okunoin, then moved from the Okunoin-mae bus stop back to Koyasan Station, where we parted ways. The guest was of large build and said walking on flat ground was not a problem, but I chose the shortest possible route where I could.

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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!

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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,…

August, 2026

Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

11:00 Meet up @ Hotel
11:20 Meiji Shrine
12:30 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
13:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Lunch
14:20 Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple)
15:40 Ginza

What Is a Private Asakusa and Ginza Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. They love Japanese food, and mentioned they had enjoyed dinner at an izakaya in Shinjuku the night before. They were happy to try anything — sushi, tempura, and so on — but at one guest's request, we had ramen. At Nakamise, they enjoyed eating dango and shopping for souvenirs. After Asakusa, I took them to Ginza. When I explained that Mitsukoshi is a department store similar to Harrods in London, they said it was even lovelier than Harrods. Since one of the guests is studying music, I introduced them to Yamano Music and Yamaha before we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Shinjuku～Harajuku	146JPY
Section 2	Train	Harajuku～Shibuya	146JPY
Section 3	Subway	Shibuya～Asakusa	252JPY
Section 4	Subway	Asakusa～Ginza	209JPY
Total			753JPY

Tour Report by Rumi

Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

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Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took…

Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi…

Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very…

August, 2026

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

1. 09:50 Meet up@HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU
2. 09:55 Transfer∶Subway
3. 10:35 Stay@Imperial Palace East Gardens
4. 11:35 Transfer∶Subway
5. 12:20 Lunch@Sushizanmai Asakusa Kaminarimon Branch
6. 13:10 Stay@Sensoji Temple
7. 13:45 Transfer∶Subway
8. 14:25 Stay@Meiji Shrine
9. 15:05 Stay@Takeshita Street
10. 15:35 Transfer∶Subway
11. 15:50 Stay@Shinjuku Street, Omoide Yokocho
12. 16:05 Disband@HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Takeshita Street, and Shinjuku Communication was mainly done through a messaging app. The guests purchased a one-day pass at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, and we traveled by subway. Since the guests did very little shopping, we proceeded at quite a fast pace. For lunch in Asakusa, the guests requested sushi, and I looked for a place that was relatively empty, but following the opinion that a place with a line is more trustworthy, we decided to wait in front of Sushizanmai. The turnover was surprisingly good, and we were able to get inside after about a 10-minute wait. When the tour of Takeshita Street was finished, there was still time to spare, so before taking them to the hotel, I took them to Shinjuku-dori, which was a pedestrian paradise, and Omoide Yokocho. This was even more popular than I had expected. Since one of the guests especially enjoyed taking photographs, it seemed they were very pleased with it.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Free Pass	Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Otemachi Station	900JPY
Section 2	Free Pass	Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station	0JPY
Section 3	Free Pass	Asakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station	0JPY
Section 4	Free Pass	Meiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station	0JPY
Total			900JPY

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…

August, 2026

Osaka: Osaka Castle & Namba Yasaka Shrine

Osaka Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

8:00 Meet up @ Holiday Inn Osaka Namba By Ihg
8:20-9:10 @ Osaka Castle
9:40-11:00 @ Umeda Sky Building
11:30-12:20 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
12:45-13:30 @ Shinsekai (Lunch)
13:45-13:50 @ Namba Yasaka Shrine
14:00 Dismissal @ Holiday Inn Osaka Namba By Ihg

What Is a Private Family Tour of Osaka's Shinsekai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Asia who booked through a travel agency. Their trip had originally been planned for an earlier date but was postponed by three weeks. There was some initial concern about the physical condition of a couple of the guests, who needed to take breaks here and there, but the group reassured me and I felt at ease. Because they needed to rest at various points, and to accommodate everyone's condition and interests, the group occasionally split up for a while. At lunchtime, the guests seemed to have grown a little tired of Japanese food, and everyone unanimously said they wanted to go to McDonald's. Although it was not part of the original plan, I guided them to the McDonald's in Shinsekai, and they were especially delighted.

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Tour Report by Sachiko

I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

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Sep 26, 2026
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Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb & Kikumasamune Sake Brewery

Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

June, 2025

Tour Itinerary

09:00 Meet @ Kobe Port Terminal Building 3rd Floor
09:30 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
11:30 @ Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum
12:45 Dismissal @ Port Liner Sannomiya Station

What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and a Sake Brewery The guests were visitors from North America, and the tour went smoothly. However, during the pre-departure briefing, we ended up making significant changes to the itinerary. At Nunobiki Herb Garden, the guests explored enthusiastically and took many photos. They also purchased many souvenirs. From the observation deck, the guests were delighted to be able to see the cruise ship they were traveling on with the naked eye. Inside the ropeway, I presented a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, and the guests were very grateful. On the way to the sake brewery, the guests purchased sweet buns at a long-established Kobe bakery recommended by me, located inside the nearest station, and enjoyed them within the station premises, seeming very satisfied. At the sake brewery, they toured the production process and also experienced a tasting. Although they had initially wished to have lunch in Kobe, it turned out they would be eating on board the ship, so we parted ways a little earlier than planned.

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Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Port Terminal～Sannomiya	210JPY
Section 2	Subway	Sannomiya～Shin-Kobe	210JPY
Section 3	Subway	Shin-Kobe～Sannomiya	210JPY
Section 4	Train	Sannomiya～Uozaki	200JPY
Section 5	Train	Uozaki～Sannomiya	200JPY
Total			1,030JPY

Tour Report by Yama

Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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