Category: Uncategorized

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower 9:00-10:30 ・・Move to Nagoya Castle by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawaen and view the Japanese garden of Tokugawaen 10:30-11:30 ・・Move to Tokugawaen by taxi
    • 4. Move to Tokuganji Temple and view the main hall, Bentendo, and the Great Buddha of Nagoya 11:30-12:20 Move to Tokuganji Temple (near Motoyama Subway Station) by taxi
    • 5. Move to Oasis 21, explain how to use the subway and taxi to return to the docking pier of the Nagoya Port cruise ship, and disband 13:00
    • ・・Move to Oasis 21 by subway and on foot

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. In our prior communication, the guests requested that the 4-hour guided tour end at Oasis 21, from where they would enjoy lunch and shopping on their own before returning to the pier at Nagoya Port. Accordingly, I arranged the tour so that they could visit three sites — Nagoya Castle, Tokugawaen Garden, and Tokugan-ji Temple — at a relaxed pace. One of the guests was very keen on photography, and under the fine weather, they enjoyed taking photos of the beautiful scenery and highlight spots at each site with great interest. The guests had also let me know in advance which sites in Nagoya they were interested in, including their wish to visit Tokugan-ji Temple, which is an unusual choice among sightseeing spots. I believe they enjoyed exploring each of the sites with genuine interest.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoyako Station～Nagoyajo Station270JPY
    Section 2SubwayMotoyama Station～Sakae Station240JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Request Booking

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Main Gate & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Hongwanji Main Gate & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: Tsukiji Hongwanji Main Gate
    • 8:10 Tsukiji Hongwanji Main Gate
    • (on foot)
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 9:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 9:20 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Midori no Madoguchi Ticket Office
    • 9:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 10:30 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Komagome Station
    • Komagome Rikugien Garden
    • 11:30 Depart Komagome Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive Nippori Station
    • Yanaka Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:30 Depart Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:40 Arrive Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 13:20 Depart Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:20 Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Hibiya Chanter
    • 15:20 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:30 Tokyo Station
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Tokyo Station

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of East Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, all traveling to Japan for the first time. They planned the trip around a summer holiday. The group had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous evening on a direct flight, and took a taxi to their hotel in Ginza. That night they strolled around Ginza and enjoyed grilled meat (yakiniku) for dinner. They planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks. The next day they were planning a day trip to Mount Fuji, along with a visit to DisneySea. After that, they intended to travel around Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sasebo before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They expressed a wish: "Today we would mainly like to explore the eastern side of Tokyo." It was a cloudy day, but the tour was carried out without any rain. After walking around the grounds of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Although it was a closed day, about half of the shops were open. I explained "the history of the Edo/Tokyo fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There was a question: "Do all people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?" We strolled leisurely, and they purchased and sampled dried squid, strawberry candy, matcha ice cream, and more. After purchasing SUICA cards at the JR ticket office at Ueno Station, we went to Asakusa. As always, there was a large crowd, with many foreign tour groups and school trip students in particular. Starting from in front of Kaminarimon Gate, I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took a commemorative photo in front of Kaminarimon Gate, and they bought a T-shirt as a souvenir on Nakamise shopping street. There were questions such as "What are the major religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" There was also a question: "Does everyone go to temples every week?" We moved to Rikugien Garden in Komagome (there had been a wish to see a beautiful Japanese garden). There were comments and questions such as "This is a truly beautiful garden. I'd like to make one in my own yard," "It's a shame we can't see the weeping cherry blossoms," and "Do pine trees naturally grow bent like this?" We then moved to Nippori and strolled around Yanaka Ginza (there had been a wish to see the old townscape of Tokyo). They were delighted to find cat figurines. After this, we moved to Nezu Shrine. I explained "the history of Nezu Shrine" and "Inari shrines." Passing through the torii gates, they said, "We also plan to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto." We moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled around the East Gardens. There was a question: "When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?" I explained "the history of Edo," "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "What happened to the shogun and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" There was a wish: "We'd like to eat sushi for lunch. For dinner tonight we're planning yakitori," so we went to Hibiya Chanter. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing there's no litter on the streets," "Doesn't anyone throw trash on the street?", and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" They also said, "The Tokyo subway felt safe and convenient. No one talks loudly," and "The public restrooms are excellent." They said they wanted to go to Tokyo Station, so I saw them off at Tokyo Station and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno Station～Komagome Station167JPY
    Section 5TrainKomagome Station～Nippori Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwaySendagi Station～Nezu Station178JPY
    Section 7SubwayNezu Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 8SubwayNijubashimae Station～Hibiya Station178JPY
    Section 9SubwayHibiya Station～Tokyo Station178JPY
    Total1,559JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Nagoya Port　8:30
    • Nagoya Castle　9:00
    • Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology　10:40
    • Osu Kannon + Shopping Street　13:30
    • Nagoya Port　14:30
    • The guide's transportation costs are included, so subway fees are not listed.

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Nagoya Private Tour from the Cruise Port? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a one-day tour beginning at Nagoya Port. As it was the guests' first visit to Japan and they wanted to see as much as possible, we started at Nagoya Castle and then enjoyed the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, followed by shopping at Osu Kannon. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides can arrange full-day itineraries like this from Nagoya Port. The guests were overwhelmed and captivated by the Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle and were deeply moved, and I felt it was the right choice to bring them there first. It also worked out well that we arrived early, before opening time, so there was no need to wait in line and we could view everything in an uncrowded setting, which I think was very fortunate. We also visited Osu Kannon and did some shopping, but since the ship's departure time was early, there was very little time to spend on shopping. Overall the guests were pleased and expressed their gratitude at the end.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

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    Request Booking

    Jul 18, 2025
    Lisa_M
    Nagoya is a Treasure
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Yoko gave us a wonderful tour…

    Jun 17, 2025
    Daniel_R
    Nagoya Tour from Cruise Port
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    If you are on a…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Fudarakusan-ji Temple

    Wakayama in One Day: Fudarakusan-ji Temple

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ' 7:50 Meet up・Kii-Katsuura Station
    • 7:50- 8:20 Drop off luggage at hotel・Buy lunch
    • 9:05- 9:24 Bus ride→Daimonzaka
    • 9:30-10:50 Walk　Daimonzaka→Nachi Falls→Three-Storied Pagoda
    • 10:50-11:50 Visit Seiganto-ji Temple・Nachi Taisha Shrine
    • 11:50-15:00 Kakenuke-michi Walk・Lunch　Amida-ji Temple・Myohozan・Nachi Kogen Park
    • 15:07-15:24 Bus ride　Nachisan→Nachi Station
    • 15:30-16:00 Visit Fudarakusan-ji Temple
    • 16:09-16:18 Bus ride　Nachi Station→Kii-Katsuura Station
    • 16:30 Guide to tuna restaurant・Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kumano Kodo Walking Tour Around Nachi Falls Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were met at Kii-Katsuura Station, where they left their luggage at their hotel. After buying bento boxes, we took a quick look at the tuna auction, and I recommended that they see it at its 7:00 start the following day. We walked the Daimonzaka slope, viewed Nachi Falls, and then headed to the three-story pagoda, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. As it became clear that the guests were strong walkers who wished to do more walking, after visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha we decided to walk the "Kakenuke-michi" path. This is the route where pilgrims who have finished worshiping at Nachi Taisha stop by Amida-ji Temple before returning to the Hongu. The guests were able to fully enjoy the magnificent view toward Katsuura from Amida-ji, as well as the quiet moss-covered stone steps leading toward the summit of Mount Myoho (unlike Daimonzaka, which is crowded and has no moss at all). Fudarakusan-ji Temple is famous for the "suicide voyages" undertaken in search of the Fudaraku Pure Land, and I emphasized that this is not an entirely groundless story, given that one voyager reached Okinawa and that the Asagimadara butterflies that set off from Wakayama are known to travel as far as places such as Hong Kong.

    Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike 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,…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meeting place: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 10:00 Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive at Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 12:00 Depart Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • Shop
    • 13:30 Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Lunch: Hidakaya
    • Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Irish Pub
    • 16:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:20 Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 16:50 Arrive at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station
    • 16:50 Disband: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Cruise Port Tour Like for a Solo Guest? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. This trip was a retirement celebration. The guest had boarded a cruise ship in Asia, spent 12 days traveling around various parts of Japan, and arrived this morning at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. After this, the day after next, the ship would call at various ports in Japan again before returning to a port in Asia, from which the guest planned to fly home. The guest had mobility limitations that made fast walking difficult and found being in crowds for long periods stressful. Because of this, we arranged the tour to use elevators and escalators as much as possible. The cruise ship docked earlier than scheduled. The guest expressed a wish to buy various souvenirs for family members during the tour. The tour took place under cloudy skies, with some rain along the way. First, we headed to Asakusa. As usual, it was very crowded, especially with large foreign tour groups and school excursion students. We started from in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained about Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo, what the five-story pagoda is for, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took a commemorative photo in front of Kaminarimon Gate. Along Nakamise shopping street, the guest bought chopsticks and a T-shirt as souvenirs. Because of the dislike of crowds, we did not enter the main hall. There were questions such as "What are Japan's main religions?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" There was also a question about whether people go to temples every week. We then moved to Akihabara. I explained about the history of Akihabara. The guest bought several character figures as souvenirs for family. The guest also wanted to buy a digital camera for personal use, but gave up because the price was not right. We moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens. There was a question about when the cherry blossoms are at their best. I explained about the history of Edo, the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. There were questions such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" At the shop, the guest bought a small accessory case as a souvenir for family. From here we moved to Shibuya. Since the guest wanted to eat ramen, we went to a ramen restaurant for lunch. At this point the rain began. We took photos at the Scramble Crossing. The guest said, "I don't want to walk into the middle of the crossing," and also asked, "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Mentioning a friend who collects Irish Pub T-shirts from around the world, the guest wanted to visit an Irish Pub near the top of Dogenzaka, so we went there. The guest made comments and asked questions such as, "It's strange that there's no litter on the streets," "Doesn't anyone throw trash on the streets?", and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" The guest also remarked that the Tokyo subway is hard to understand. I saw the guest off at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherTokyo International Cruise Terminal Station～Shimbashi Station388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwaySuehirocho Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shibuya Station209JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Shimbashi Station178JPY
    Section 7OtherShimbashi Station～Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station388JPY
    Total1,728JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Mani Pagoda & Okunoin Walk 20-cho

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Mani Pagoda & Okunoin Walk 20-cho

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

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting・East of the Koya town area on Prefectural Route 53
    • 11:10- 11:25 Visit Mani Pagoda
    • 11:35- 12:15 Visit Kongo Sanmai-in
    • 12:20- 13:10 Visit Danjo Garan (Tour inside Konpon Daito)
    • 13:25- 13:40 Visit Tokugawa Mausoleum
    • 13:55- 14:10 Visit Kongobu-ji
    • 14:20- 15:10 Okunoin Walk 20-cho→In front of Okunoin
    • 15:10 Dismissal・Okunoin parking space
    • （All travel uses the guest's rental car）

    Title: What Is a Private Koyasan Tour Like from Totsukawa Onsen? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests stayed two nights at Totsukawa Onsen and then visited Koyasan. Although the road is narrow, I designated a meeting point at a wide, open spot at the entrance to the Koyasan town area, using the shortest route via Prefectural Route 53. During the guiding, when I showed a photo of the Tanize Suspension Bridge, the guests became very interested and decided they wanted to head back before it got late (the Tanize Suspension Bridge cannot be seen when taking the bypass tunnel). First, we visited the Mani Pagoda. While there are some cultural questions about it, it allows one to convey topics such as Theravada Buddhism and Japan's wartime expansion into Asia during World War II. It also offers unique experiences, such as a Buddhist statue faintly visible in a pitch-dark basement and a bridge that served as the model for the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai." At Kongo Sanmai-in, we saw a building that, unusually for Koyasan, escaped fire damage, along with a distinctive Aizen Myoo statue. At the Danjo Garan, we also viewed the interior of the Konpon Daito. Next we visited the Tokugawa Mausoleum, and viewed Kongobuji from the outside. By going over the mountain, we were able to visit these three sites without traveling the same road twice. We then moved to Okunoin, starting from a roadside parking space and taking an approximately 1 km walk along the approach lined with gravestones.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour 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,…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Guide to the cat cafe and end the

    Tokyo in One Day: Guide to the cat cafe and end the

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:35　Hibiya Park, Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 10:30　Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond, Benzaiten, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Saigo Takamori Statue, etc.
    • 12:20　Lunch in Asakusa. Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, Asakusa Shrine, etc.
    • 14:40　Akihabara. Introduce Radio Kaikan, Don Quijote, etc.
    • 15:10　Guide to the cat cafe and end the tour

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. I guided them through Hibiya Park, mentioning the Imperial Hotel and the site of the Rokumeikan, and explained their contribution to Japan's modernization. From the Sakuradamon Gate we walked to the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, where I explained Japanese castles, the emperor, and the shogun. We then moved to Ueno Park, where I explained that Kan'ei-ji Temple was built here to protect Edo Castle and later became a park. I guided them around Shinobazu Pond, Bentendo Hall, and Kiyomizu Kannon-do, which were modeled after Kyoto, and introduced Saigo Takamori. Moving on to Asakusa, the guests were delighted with casual Japanese food such as oyakodon, makunouchi bento, and katsudon with beer. At Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, I explained Buddhism and Shinto and their influence on Japanese life. In Akihabara, as the guests seemed a little tired, I gave brief explanations while walking through the town and took them to the cat cafe they had been looking forward to.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOnarimon～Hibiya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae～Yushima180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Akihabara180JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU
    • 10:50 Rikugien Garden
    • 12:10 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:50 Yanaka
    • 13:20 Lunch @ Wosakana Shokudo
    • 14:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:30 Disband at Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Ueno, Yanaka, and Harajuku It was a day with occasional direct sunlight that made it warm, but it was not too hot, so the tour progressed smoothly. I gave an overview of the tour in Shinjuku and then headed to Rikugien Garden. The guests took many photos there. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, many questions came up about religion and history. The guests were quite knowledgeable about Tokugawa Ieyasu. From Ueno we went to Yanaka, where I explained the old townscape and temples, and we had lunch at a restaurant in Nezu that I did not know well, but it turned out to be a wonderful place, surprising both the guide and the guests. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, the guests also took many photos and enjoyed themselves. On Takeshita Street they bought tapioca drinks and had a great time. The guests were very interested in animal cafes. When I guided them to Onitsuka Tiger Omotesando as requested, they indicated that we could finish there, so the tour ended. Tip received.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Komagome178JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome～Ueno167JPY
    Section 3TrainNezu～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total554JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto & JRKyoto Sta

    Kyoto in One Day: Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto & JRKyoto Sta

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto
    • 13:40 Kinkakuji by 5-seater taxi
    • 14:50 Ryoanji by walking
    • 16:40 Randen Arashiyama Sta.
    • Togetsukyo
    • Arashiyama
    • Kameyama Park
    • 17:10 Bamboo Grove by walking
    • 17:00 Arashiyama by walking
    • 18:15 SagaArashiyama Sta. by walking
    • 18:40 JRKyoto Sta. by JR train
    • 18:50 Subway Kyoto Sta.
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since there were several guests, we called a taxi through a rideshare app to get to Kinkaku-ji. We walked to Ryoan-ji, but it was extremely hot and humid today, and the sweat would not stop. The guests were very taken with the atmosphere of Ryoan-ji and purchased a paperweight featuring the design of the rock garden. There were many water lily buds, but none were in bloom. We took the Randen tram to Arashiyama. Its relaxed atmosphere suited the guests well, and I think it was a good choice. They moved at a leisurely pace and enjoyed various snacks along the way, so partly because we were running short on time and partly due to some fatigue, they decided not to extend the tour to the final planned destination of Fushimi Inari and instead returned to the Hotel by subway. It was a fun atmosphere everywhere we went.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRyoanji～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Kyoto240JPY
    Total490JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Tofuku-ji Temple & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Tofuku-ji Temple & Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 09:30 to 10:15 Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:00 to 12:30 Gion
    • 12:45 to 13:15 Nishiki Market
    • 14:00 to 14:30 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Dismissal JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for Guests with Limited Mobility? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. The weather forecast indicated that it would be another hot day. There was some concern about whether the whole group would be able to make it up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. When we reached the Nio-mon Gate, one of the guests said it was no longer possible to continue climbing, so we did not enter the paid area. I had hoped to use the bus as much as possible so that we could somehow continue the tour to the end. With their perseverance, we were able to complete the planned itinerary. I was glad that we were able to see it through to the finish.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto Station～Tofuku-ji Temple230JPY
    Section 2BusTofuku-ji Temple～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 3BusKiyomizuzaka～Gion230JPY
    Section 4BusGion～Shijo Kawaramachi230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Takakura～Shijo Omiya230JPY
    Section 6TrainRanden Shijo Omiya～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 7TrainJR Saga-Arashiyama～Kyoto180JPY
    Total1,580JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
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    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
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    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
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    Charlie_Jane00
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    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…