Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinagawa Shrine & Hie Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinagawa Shrine & Hie Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up at Hotel Tokyo Haneda Airport
    • 10:50 Shinagawa Shrine
    • 11:15 Kagata Shrine
    • 12:05 Zojoji Temple
    • 12:55 Break @ Starbucks Atago Green Hills
    • 13:50 Atago Shrine — No visit
    • 14:30 Hie Shrine
    • 15:40 Disband at Mita Station

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Shrine and Goshuin Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained almost all day, and from the afternoon it occasionally fell heavily, so we had to wait indoors several times. The guests arrived from Europe at 8:00 in the morning, and since the tour started at 10:00, they were somewhat tired. They wished to collect goshuin (shrine seals), so as planned we went to Shinagawa Shrine, but contrary to the information found online, goshuin books were not being sold there and only paper versions were distributed. At Kaguwashi Shrine, the guests were pleased by things such as the whale monument and took many photos. At Zojoji Temple, they photographed the Amida Buddha in the main hall and asked various questions. They obtained a goshuin book and a goshuin here. Around this time it began to rain, and we took shelter in a coffee shop. Watching the movement of the rain clouds, we went to Atago Shrine, but they gave up on visiting because of the many steps. Since it was raining, they decided not to go to Hamarikyu or Ginza as planned, so instead I guided them to Hie Shrine. After obtaining a goshuin, the guests expressed a wish to "return as soon as possible," so I rode with them from Higashi-Ginza to a station along the airport express route, and there we parted ways. They kindly gave me a tip and some sweets.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHaneda Airport Terminal 3~Shimbamba327JPY
    Section 2TrainKita-Shinagawa~Sengakuji150JPY
    Section 3TrainSengakuji~Shibakoen900JPY
    Section 4TrainToranomon Hills~Kokkai-gijidomae0JPY
    Section 5TrainKokkai-gijidomae~Higashi-ginza0JPY
    Section 6TrainHigashi-ginza~Mita0JPY
    Total1,377JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel-10:15 Imperial Palace Outer Garden-11:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:00 Meiji Shrine-13:00 Tsukiji Outer Market-14:30 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street-14:15 Asakusa Sensoji Temple-15:30 Disband at Ginza Line Asakusa Station

    Day 3 of a Private Tokyo Tour: What Does a Licensed Guide's Itinerary Look Like? (Imperial Palace, Harajuku, Tsukiji) This was Day 3 of a first-visit-to-Japan tour for a group visiting from North America. First, everyone purchased PASMO cards, and the tour began at the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens. The guests were impressed by the contrast between the historic architecture of Tokyo Station, the modern skyscrapers of Otemachi and Marunouchi, and the historic, green scenery of the Imperial Palace built on the base of Edo Castle. At a mini-pig café on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the guests also expressed their delight, and they purchased good-luck charms at Meiji Shrine. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed grilled wagyu beef skewers and charcoal-grilled seafood, and spent a very satisfying day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuitengumae~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3SubwayYoyogi~Tsukiji Market220JPY
    Section 4BusTsukiji Rokuchome~Ginza Yonchome210JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza~Tawaramachi209JPY
    Total1,026JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 10:10 Tsukiji
    • 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens (eat ice cream)
    • 13:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 14:55 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 15:50 Dismiss at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was fine, and the tour proceeded pleasantly. At Tsukiji, the guests were surprised by the fresh seafood and by how little the market smelled. We took our time exploring the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the guests found some of the last remaining cherry blossoms and took a great many photos. In Asakusa, we browsed the various shops along Nakamise and took photos, but the guests left just past the Hozomon Gate. By this point we had spent quite a lot of time, so we skipped Meiji Shrine, walked along Takeshita Street, and finished at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. At the end of the tour, I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Tsukiji Market900JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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.

    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: Confirm tour details & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Confirm tour details & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet at hotel
    • 12:40 Confirm tour details
    • 13:00-13:30 Gion
    • 13:30-14:15 Kennin-ji Temple
    • 14:15-15:00 Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka
    • 15:00-15:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:45-16:00 Otani Hombyo
    • 16:00-16:20 Light meal
    • 16:45-17:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:00 Tour ends at hotel

    What's a Private Half-Day Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally scheduled to start at 14:00, but at the guests' request it was changed to begin at 12:30. I guided them around the Higashiyama area and Fushimi Inari Taisha. In the Higashiyama area, the guests said they particularly liked the quiet atmosphere of Kennin-ji Temple. To avoid the crowds, from Kiyomizu-dera we took the route passing through Otani Hombyo. Before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests bought snacks and coffee at a convenience store and enjoyed them on the platform at Tofukuji Station. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests were amazed that the torii gates continue all the way to the mountaintop, as well as by the car-purification vehicle. I helped make a dinner restaurant reservation and ended the tour at the Hotel. We finished about 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time, but the guests wished to do so since they had another tour the following day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojozaka~Tofukuji230JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3TrainTofukuji~Inari150JPY
    Total600JPY

    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!

    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…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①9:00 Meet at the hotel, travel to Asakusa by subway
    • ②9:55–10:45 Sensoji Temple, Asakusa area
    • ③10:55–11:30 Sumida River Cruise (water bus)
    • ④11:30–12:30 Light meal at Waters Takeshiba, then travel from Hamamatsucho Station to Harajuku by JR
    • ⑤12:30–13:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • ⑥13:20 Disband at Yoyogi Station, guests travel from Tochomae Station to the hotel by Toei Subway

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and a Sumida River Cruise — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This was their first time sightseeing in Tokyo, using a day off, and they left the itinerary entirely up to me. I planned a tour centered on Asakusa and Meiji Shrine, incorporating a Sumida River cruise (water bus) as the means of transportation, which delighted everyone. At Sensoji Temple, the guests drew omikuji fortunes and purchased omamori charms, strolling around and clearly enjoying themselves. At Meiji Shrine, although the rain grew heavy, they thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing atmosphere of worshipping within the grounds. As they had plans at the Hotel in the afternoon, I saw them off at Yoyogi Station on the Toei Subway line, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2TrainHamamatsucho~Harajuku210JPY
    Total490JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi Station & museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:15 Take the train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 10:45 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 11:00 Take the ferry to Miyajima
    • 11:10 Arrive at Miyajima
    •     Shrine Omotesando
    • 13:10 Finish sightseeing in Miyajima Head to Miyajimaguchi
    • 13:20 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 13:25 Lunch at the okonomiyaki restaurant Chinchikurin
    • 14:30 Finish lunch
    • 14:49 From Miyajimaguchi Station to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 15:07 Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 15:15 Take the bus from Nishi-Hiroshima to the museum
    • 15:30 Arrive at the museum
    •     Museum Monument tour
    • 17:30 Finish the monument tour Disband in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    Can You Do a Private Guided Art and History Tour of Hiroshima and Takayama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were highly cultured travelers. In Tokyo, they visited the Nezu Museum and viewed Ogata Korin's folding screen "Irises." When I mentioned that these irises are depicted on the back of the 5,000 yen note, they were very surprised. In Takayama, they appreciated works by Toko Shinoda, and over lunch we enjoyed a lively discussion about art. At the memorial museum, when I spoke about keloid scars as an aftereffect of the atomic bomb, the guests showed a deep interest in the subject. Since their return train was booked for the 18:33 departure, we finished the tour by 5:30 p.m. and they headed to Hiroshima Station by bus.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Museum240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Nikko Osaka
    • 11:45 at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 13:15 at Doguyasuji
    • 14:00 at Kuromon Market (including lunch)
    • 15:00 Disband at Kuromon Market entrance

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Doguyasuji, and Kuromon Market The guests were visiting from Europe. As some of the guests had difficulty walking and the weather was very rainy that day, they requested spots where they would not have to walk much or get wet, so I significantly changed the tour from the original plan before starting. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the "Taiko-bashi" (drum bridge) was also closed off due to the poor weather. However, thanks to this there were fewer visitors and we were able to view things at a relaxed pace. The guests experienced worshipping, picked up the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles, purchased the small amulet pouch, and also took an interest in the "petting rabbit," stroking it with delight. At the next spot, "Doguyasuji," at a knife shop frequently used even by professional chefs, one of the guests purchased a quite specialized knife for "cutting chicken bones and all," saying it would be used at home. At the final spot, "Kuromon Market," they savored "katsu curry" at a curry shop I recommended and were very satisfied, purchasing a large amount of retort curry as souvenirs. After that, they wished to enjoy some seafood as well, so I guided them to a recommended shop where they ate plenty of seafood. They then wished to explore on their own, so we parted ways at the entrance to "Kuromon Market." I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch made by a family member, which they were pleased to receive. Once again, the guests were very fond of Japan and it was a great pleasure to guide them. They said, "We would like to go to the Kobe and Himeji area tomorrow—could you guide us?" Unfortunately, I had another appointment and had to decline, which I felt sorry about.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Namba190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine~Namba240JPY
    Total670JPY

    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

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 10:00 ~ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden 10:50 ~ Cafe 11:20 ~ Omotesando 12:30 ~ Takeshita Street 13:00 ~ Lunch 14:20 ~ Meiji Shrine 15:00 ~ Dismissal 16:00

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. There was little time between the booking and the tour date, and it was difficult to get in touch, so the destinations remained unclear until the last minute. Early in the morning on the day, I received a message, and I headed to the hotel while looking up transportation for the tentative destinations. The guests were very pleasant, and they told me they had planned a tour after the Tohoku earthquake that did not come to pass, so they had been looking forward to this trip. Since heavy rain was forecast from the afternoon, we skipped the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower and managed to finish Koishikawa Korakuen Garden in the morning. As they were tired from walking, they enjoyed a set of Japanese sweets and coffee at the café in the garden. After that, we walked along Omotesando in the rain, and on Takeshita Street they enjoyed rainbow cotton candy and strawberry candy, and spent 25 minutes interacting with the pigs at a micro pig café. As the rain grew heavier, we walked through Meiji Shrine and had lunch at the food court. It was still raining hard when we finished visiting the main hall, so we skipped Shibuya, which was to be our final stop, and they returned by taxi. They were sorry about the rain but were delighted that they had been able to do everything they wanted, which was a relief.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi-itchome~Iidabashi180JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi~Omotesando180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hello, I’m Hizuru.
    I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and love for Japan with visitors from all over the world.
    After teaching English and Japanese to Elementary school and Junior high school students for about 15
    years, I got the National License of Guide and Interpreter in 2014 which allowed me to officially guide
    tourists around Japan.
    I have guided many tourists around Tokyo and its vicinities, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the
    city and learn about its rich history and traditions.
    Whether you’re interested in visiting historical landmarks, trying delicious Japanese cuisine, or experiencing
    the vibrant pop culture scene, I can tailor a tour suit your interests.
    My experience as a teacher greatly helped me in this role as I was able to efficiently communicate and engage
    with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
    I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable and insightful experience for all my guests.
    I look forward to welcoming you to in and around Tokyo and sharing the wonders of Japan with you.

    Oct 14, 2025
    vanessajK6787GS
    Great day out and about in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hizuru was an absolute delight.…

    May 23, 2025
    Inspire25413313092
    Tokyo walking tour 2025
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sally did a great job putting together a…

    May 3, 2025
    davidfZ3537PI
    Great tour with Hizuru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the…

    Apr 17, 2025
    Sharon_F
    Sampling of everything in one day!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great sampling of lots of different…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Kappabashi Kitchen Town Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Kappabashi Kitchen Town Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace
    • 10:50 Tokyo National Museum
    • 12:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Cafe Blondy (Asakusa)
    • 13:40 Kappabashi Kitchen Town Street
    • 14:10 Disband @ Kappabashi Kitchen Town Street

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Kappabashi The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo and Kamakura, they planned to visit Hida-Takayama, Kyoto, and other destinations. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Edo Shogunate, and the Meiji Restoration. At the Tokyo National Museum, they enjoyed viewing exhibits related to Japanese history and art. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. Since Nakamise Street was very crowded with tourists and the guests wished to avoid the congestion, we took a back route to reach the Hozomon Gate and the main hall. At Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, the guests expressed a wish to explore shops such as the cooking-knife stores at their own pace on their own, so we parted ways there. Although the weather was unfortunately rainy today, I responded in accordance with the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total350JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet in front of Cartier Ginza Boutique
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:45 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 13:45 Break (Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu)
    • 5. 14:30 Disband in front of Takeshita Street entrance

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of three visiting from North America, who mainly spoke Spanish when talking among themselves. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had arrived the previous day, planning to travel around various parts of Japan by cruise for about two weeks starting the next day. The meeting point was originally set at a hotel, but a few days beforehand I was informed that they had changed to a different hotel. On the morning of the tour I received a further message saying that they were having breakfast in Ginza and wished to meet in front of the Cartier store in Ginza. When I searched, I found that there are three Cartier stores in Ginza, so I asked them to send their location information to confirm the meeting point. In the end we met quickly without any trouble, though it felt a little hectic. I guided them around Asakusa and Meiji Shrine. At both places they said "Beautiful" and enjoyed taking many photos. Since one of the guests was elderly, we went around at a relaxed pace. Lunch was not particularly needed, but we stopped at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu for a break. I had planned to visit Takeshita Street as well, but after we moved to the entrance, one of the guests became tired, so they said they wanted to end the tour earlier than planned and return to the hotel. I therefore hailed a taxi, saw the guests off, and we parted ways. The travel from Asakusa to Meiji Shrine had also been by taxi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa209JPY
    Total209JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
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    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…