Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo: Imperial palace and east garden & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo: Imperial palace and east garden & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 AM –Meet you at Hotel and explain today’s schedule.
    • 8:15 AM— Depart from Lively Azabujuban Tokyo and pick up friends at Hyatt(Grand Hyatte Tokyo)
    • 8:30 Tokyo station, walking to Imperial palace
    • 9:00–9:50 Imperial palace and east garden
    • 10:10–11:00 AM – Asakusa (Stay: ~50 minutes)
    • 11:50–12:35 PM – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Stay: ~45 minutes)
    • 13:10 PM – Takeshita Street

    **Title:** What's a Private Group Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Harajuku **Body:** The guests were a group visiting Japan. This private day tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), started at 8:00 when I met part of the group at their hotel in Azabu-Juban. A bus was waiting in front of the hotel, so I explained the day's itinerary inside the bus. We then picked up the rest of the group from another hotel nearby, bringing the total to a single group, and I explained the day's plan to the second part of the group as well. Since the Imperial Palace East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen) open at 9:00, I had the bus drop us off at Tokyo Station. There I explained the architecture and history of Tokyo Station. From there we walked to the Otemon Gate, arriving at 9:00. I explained the history of Edo Castle, the design of the Ninomaru Garden, the tea house, and the carp, and the guests listened with great interest. Next, we spent about 50 minutes in Asakusa, where I talked about the history of Senso-ji Temple, the five-story pagoda, and the historical blending of Shinto and Buddhism. We then went to Shinjuku Gyoen. As it began to rain a little, we stopped at a cafe along the way for some matcha ice cream and strolled while I talked about the history of Naito Shinjuku. At 1:10 p.m., I guided the guests to the entrance of Takeshita Street and said goodbye. They were truly delighted. The guests said they wished to part ways at Takeshita Street. I offered to show them around Takeshita Street, but they said they would prefer to go wherever they liked, so we parted there.

    I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
    Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
    Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
    Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
    Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
    Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.

    Jul 7, 2026
    Ruppa_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
    It was our first time…

    Jun 8, 2026
    TAMARA_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…

    May 7, 2026
    Marianela25
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
    Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…

    Apr 29, 2026
    163neilh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
    We had a fantastic…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:00 Tour start
    • Travel by train to Sensoji Temple
    • AM 9:30-AM 10:45 Visit Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine
    • Travel by train to Meiji-jingumae
    • AM 11:15 – PM 12:15 Visit Meiji Shrine
    • Travel by train to Shibuya
    • PM 12:30 -PM 13:00 Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing. Tour concludes at the food court in Hikarie

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like from Asakusa to Meiji Shrine and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had asked in advance for tips on how to use Tokyo's public transportation, so I gave a short explanation before we set off on the tour. Because some of the guests enjoyed anime, I arranged the schedule so that, after visiting Asakusa and Meiji Shrine, we could take photos at the Hachiko statue as requested and end the tour in Shibuya. Although it was a weekend, we were fortunately able to take photos at the Hachiko statue without waiting in a long line. For lunch, I guided the group to the underground food hall of Hikarie, which is relatively uncrowded during the daytime, and they were very pleased. We ended the tour there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total576JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo: Tochomae Station & Tsukiji Shijo Station

    Tokyo: Tochomae Station & Tsukiji Shijo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting place: Hilton Tokyo, Shinjuku
    • 11:10 Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Aoyama-itchome
    • (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line)
    • Nagatacho
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 11:50 Arrive at Shijomae Station
    • Toyosu Seafood Wholesale Building
    • Seafood Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • Fruits and Vegetables Building
    • 13:30 Depart Shijomae Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Tsukiji Shijo Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Lunch: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
    • 15:00 Depart Tsukiji Shijo Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive at Tochomae Station
    • 15:30 Disband: Tochomae Station

    Can You Do a Private Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Market Tour in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan, four in total. Some of the guests had visited Japan eight years earlier, while others were coming for the first time. Early this morning, they arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight via London and took a taxi to their accommodation. The main purpose of this visit was to board a 12-day cruise around Japan departing from the Port of Tokyo the day after next, with plans to disembark in Seoul and return home. One of the guests enjoys fishing as a hobby and had extensive knowledge about fish, and had very much wanted to experience a fish market and sushi. Although it was cloudy, the tour went ahead without any rain. We first set off from the Seafood Wholesale Building at Toyosu Market. I explained the history of Edo/Tokyo fish markets since the Edo period, the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and the tuna auction. There were many questions, such as: "Where does most of the tuna come from?" "What are the prices?" "Who is allowed to participate in the auction?" "How much does a single tuna cost?" "Is there a price difference between fresh and frozen tuna?" and "Why are the tails of the tuna cut off?" We took photos in front of the tuna statue. We moved to the Intermediate Wholesalers Building, but unfortunately many shops had already closed. There was also a question: "Why can't we go inside here?" After walking around the Fruit and Vegetable Building, we headed to Tsukiji. We first strolled through Tsukiji Uogashi, and then went to the outer market. Despite it being the afternoon, it was extremely crowded, and everyone seemed a bit overwhelmed. The whole group had lunch at a restaurant. One of the guests ordered two set menus and finished them completely. Afterwards, we strolled leisurely through the market, sampling and purchasing items such as dried squid and kelp. There were also comments such as: "Japanese people are all so polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter," and "There is no subway where we come from. The Tokyo subway is systematic and very well designed." I saw them off at Tochomae Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station~Aoyama-itchome Station220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAoyama-itchome Station~Toyosu Station209JPY
    Section 3OtherToyosu Station~Shijomae Station189JPY
    Section 4OtherShijomae Station~Toyosu Station189JPY
    Section 5SubwayToyosu Station~Tsukishima Station178JPY
    Section 6SubwayTsukishima Station~Tsukiji Shijo Station178JPY
    Section 7SubwayTsukiji Shijo Station~Tochomae Station272JPY
    Total1,435JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo: Imperial Palace Plaza & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo: Imperial Palace Plaza & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up at Tokyo Station Marunouchi Square
    • 10:20 Imperial Palace Plaza → Otemon Gate
    • 10:50 Tokyo Tower
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine, Meiji Shrine Inner Garden
    • 14:10 Lunch
    • 14:50 Takeshita Street, Cat Street, Harakado
    • 15:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 16:00 Disband at Shibuya Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Some of the guests had especially been looking forward to visiting Japan, and I was touched that they had even learned a few simple greetings. Since the East Gardens were closed that day, we only viewed them from outside, but during our conversation I learned that one of the guests loved flowers, so I suggested the Inner Garden at Meiji Jingu. The Japanese irises were in full bloom, and the guests were deeply moved. They also thoroughly enjoyed Tokyo Tower and Harajuku, and the ramen restaurant I recommended and took them to delighted them, as they said it was the best ramen they had ever had. It was a wonderful tour filled with laughter from beginning to end. This private one-day Tokyo tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides serving all 47 prefectures.

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Luxury cabin pickup Kinjo Pier 9:00
    • Nagoya Castle 10:00
    • Osu 11:30
    • Atsuta Shrine. 14:00
    • Kinjo Pier 16:00

    Title: What Can You Do on a Private Nagoya Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osu and Nagoya Castle Because the guests' shoes had gotten wet in the rain, they asked to be taken to a shop where they could buy waterproof shoes, and they were very pleased to find them in the Osu district. After that, they also wished to visit Osu Kannon Temple, do some shopping, and buy a special kind of Vietnamese tea. Although finding this shop was a challenge, they were very happy that we managed to locate the tea they wanted, also in Osu. At Nagoya Castle, they were deeply impressed by the gorgeous decorations of the Honmaru Palace and the many rooms adorned with brilliant gold and silver ornamentation. Even though I have been there many times myself, I was once again moved by it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya~Nagoya Port270JPY
    Section 2TrainKinjo Pier~Nagoya360JPY
    Total630JPY

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

    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…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet up at Muesse Ginza Meitetsu
    • 5:25 Toyosu auction, intermediate wholesale market
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Tsukiji Station, disband

    Title: What's a Private Food Tour of Tsukiji in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a very friendly group visiting from North America. This was a repeat visit to Japan, and they were great admirers of the country. At Tsukiji they bought sushi, sashimi, and eel, and enjoyed their meal away from the bustle on the third floor of the Tsukiji Uogashi market building. They also greatly enjoyed a cafe, and our conversation flowed as we talked about John Lennon and the good things about Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu~Tsukiji 6-chome240JPY
    Total240JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:50 Meet at hotel. His two sons are still eating breakfast. 8:15 Tour starts. 8:45 Fushimi Inari. 10:40 Kinkaku-ji. 12:10 Lunch (rice bowl). 12:45 Nijo Castle
    • 14:20 Yasaka Pagoda. Couldn't reach the planned Kiyomizu-dera, tour ended

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Coincidentally, when I was younger I had taken part in a training program at a university in the same region, and since some of the guests were also from that area, we had a lively conversation about it. The tour was originally scheduled to start at 10:30, but at the guests' request we changed it to an 8:00 hotel meet-and-start. Having arrived in Japan the day before and reached Kyoto in the evening, it seemed a bit hard for them to get up early in the morning. When I arrived at the hotel, some of the guests were still having breakfast, so the start was delayed. They were a very pleasant group and asked many questions, which was great, though it did take time. Running considerably behind schedule, we were unable to reach the final destination, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After I guided them as far as the Yasaka Pagoda, one of the guests suggested that since we had already gone over time, we should end here, so I explained how to get to Kiyomizu-dera and the tour concluded. If the combined total of the guests and myself had been four or fewer, I could have used a taxi to save time, but with a total of five it would have required two vehicles, so I did not suggest it. There is something I sometimes think about at tourist sites: I wish guides would keep their explanations at each point to under one minute. Today, at the spot where I was explaining the photographs inside Kinkaku-ji, I could see from a slight distance that another guide was giving an explanation, so I waited a bit before moving over. However, that explanation continued and I ended up waiting quite a while. It is something I want to be mindful of myself. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassUmamachi~Tofukuji1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainTofukuji~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 4Free PassEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji Oike0JPY
    Section 6Free PassNishioji Oike~Nijojo-mae0JPY
    Section 7Free PassNijojo-mae~Higashiyama0JPY
    Section 8Free PassHigashiyama Sanjo~Kiyomizu-michi0JPY
    Total1,450JPY

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

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Parco

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Parco

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 9:30 Hamarikyu
    • 11:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 13:10 Purchase Welcome Suica at Shibuya Station
    • 13:25 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 13:35 Shopping at Shibuya Parco
    • 14:40 Disband at Shibuya Sky

    What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Sky The weather was neither rainy nor too sunny, so the guests were able to enjoy the tour comfortably. After meeting at the Hotel, we headed to Hamarikyu Gardens. At Hamarikyu, the guests had a set of matcha and sweets at the teahouse on the island, though it did not seem very popular with some of the guests, who left the Japanese sweets and matcha unfinished. Before heading to Meiji Shrine, the guests had a snack of donuts and drinks inside the subway station. At Meiji Shrine, there were questions about history and religion. The guests were surprised that Japan is a country with such a long history and that the imperial family has continued for so long. On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed buying capsule toys and snacks from the stalls. After purchasing Welcome Suica cards in Shibuya, we passed through the scramble crossing and went to a shopping complex to buy some anime-related goods that the guests wanted. We arrived just in time for the 2:40 Shibuya Sky admission and finished the tour. A tip was received.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Shiodome900JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-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…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00: Meeting at the station
    • 10:40: Arriving at Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:50: Arriving at the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:50: visiting the monuments, the hypocenter, and the A-bomb Dome
    • 13:50: Arriving at Hiroshima station and saying goodbye

    Title: What Is a Private History-Focused Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were very knowledgeable about history and seemed to take in my explanations quickly. When I mentioned that my explanation might differ from the history taught in their schools and thanked them for listening, they replied, "We are taught things that differ from the facts, and we need to verify them. It was the same with Vietnam. Thank you." They shared that, having a strong interest in history, they had also visited Normandy, Auschwitz, and Hanoi. After seeing the memorial museum, the hypocenter, the destroyed graves, and the Atomic Bomb Dome, they said, "I'm so glad we came. Thank you." At Hiroshima Castle, they were captivated by the sword collection.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~In front of Hiroshima Castle240JPY
    Total240JPY

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

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30  Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Higashi Honganji Temple
    • 12:00 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00  Meiji Shrine
    • 14:50 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:10 Tour ends

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. They planned to stay in Tokyo before heading to Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa. Today they wanted to get a sense of Tokyo's key spots as a reference for later visits. They had arrived in Tokyo only the night before and were still recovering from jet lag, but I first guided them to the Tsukiji Outer Market, walking them through the area while explaining the history and current state of Tsukiji. Next we visited Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji, where I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and the influence each has had on Japanese culture. They said that visiting both places one after another made the differences very clear. Next I took them to the Imperial Palace, explaining the history of the Imperial family and Edo Castle while they viewed Nijubashi Bridge, and then we headed to Meiji Shrine. They had long been interested in collecting goshuin (shrine seal stamps), and they were delighted to obtain one here. They said they wanted to collect many more at the places they would visit afterward. Finally we headed to the Shibuya Crossing, where I introduced the Shibuya area and let them experience the crowded intersection. As they wished to continue exploring Shibuya, I introduced the main shops and restaurants, explained the transportation options for returning to their hotel, and ended the tour there.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
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    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Ashish_L
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    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…