Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Todai-ji Temple & Toshodai-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Todai-ji Temple & Toshodai-ji Temple

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet Seioro
    • 10:20 to 11:10 Todai-ji Temple
    • 11:40 to 12:10 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:30 to 13:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:50 to 14:30　 Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 15:00 to 15:30　 Heijo Palace Site
    • 16:00 to 16:40　 Toshodai-ji Temple
    • 17:10 Disband Kintetsu Saidaiji Station

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Nara Park? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. To make sure the tour could be completed smoothly across the wide grounds of Nara Park, I planned the day so that we relied more on buses than on walking. We also used taxis twice during the tour. As a result, we were able to complete the tour without any trouble. After we parted ways, I felt relieved that everything had gone well.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Kiyomizu-Gojo～Keihan Tambabashi220JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Tambabashi～Kintetsu Nara680JPY
    Section 3BusKintetsu Nara～Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine250JPY
    Section 4BusIn front of Kasuga Taisha Main Hall～Kenchomae250JPY
    Section 5BusSuzakumon Plaza～Yamato-Saidaiji250JPY
    Section 6TrainKintetsu Nishinokyo～Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji180JPY
    Total1,830JPY

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1030 The Okura Tokyo (5 min from Toranomon Hills Station on the Hibiya Line) meeting point
    • 1130 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1120 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Avenue Tatsumi Yagura Ote-mon Gate
    • 1245 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 1350 Lunch at Toen in Omoide Yokocho
    • 1520 Visit Meiji Shrine, photo shoot at Takeshita Exit of Takeshita Street
    • 1645 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing, explain the return route and disband

    Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They arrived at Haneda around midday the previous day, making their first visit to Japan. Today and tomorrow they would tour central Tokyo, and the day after they planned to depart on a cruise from Yokohama, visiting Kobe, Hiroshima, Jeju, and Ishigaki before returning to Yokohama, spending a little more time in Tokyo, and then returning home via Singapore. The previous day, they had taken a walk to Hibiya Park. As part of their cruise arrangement they were staying at a hotel, but they mentioned that everything apart from the included breakfast was expensive, so when I pointed out a convenience store on the way to Toranomon Hills Station and the dining area within the station, they were delighted. We were blessed with good weather, and the route from Tokyo Station to Otemon went smoothly, but we encountered an incident in which a car collided with a guard pipe in front of Otemon near the Imperial Palace, with no injuries and the driver arrested at the scene. This caused a slight delay, but we moved on safely. Originally I had planned to save the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory for last, but based on news the previous day about heavy inbound crowds (especially for sunset photography), I moved the visit earlier. Fortunately, the South Tower, which had been closed for renovation, had reopened, so with both the North and South observatories open, it was less crowded than usual. I had been unsure where to have lunch, but since we now had time to spare, we went to Omoide Yokocho, which was very well received. They mentioned they had a dinner reservation for 18:00 in Shibuya (an udon restaurant), and when I looked it up I found it was in Yoyogi (Shibuya Ward), so I explained how to get there from Shibuya where we parted, as well as how to return to the hotel, and we said goodbye. Since they planned to walk around on their own the next day, I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and, along with the Metropolitan Government Building observatory, pointed out the key highlights for sightseeing in central Tokyo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji – Hibiya～Nijubashimae178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi – Kasuga～Tochomae220JPY
    Section 4SubwayTochomae～Shinjuku West Exit178JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total1,046JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Hotel start
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 10:00- PM 12:00 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, visit Utasu Shrine, Shima, and Kanazawa Sakuda Gold Leaf
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 12:30- 13:30　Visit Kenrokuen Garden and light meal
    • PM 13:30-14:15 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park – Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Travel on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District area　　
    • PM 14:30-15:20 Visit Ashigaru Museum and Takada Family Residence
    • Travel by bus to Kanazawa Station　　PM 15:30 Tour ends

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I had heard that the guests would have another day in Kanazawa, I designed the tour to also introduce places they could explore on their own the following day. At the end, I summarized on a map the sites they planned to visit the next day — including Seisonkaku (Tatsumi Goten), a tea experience at Gyokusen'in, the Nomura Family Residence, and Myoryuji Temple — along with how to reach them by bus. The guests had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture, and they asked many questions throughout the tour. While answering them, I believe the tour ended up packed with a great deal of information, and the guests were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station～Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho～Kenrokuen-shita210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo～Kanazawa Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Tokyo Local Shopping Streets Tour

    Tokyo Local Shopping Streets Tour

    Tokyo Local Shopping Streets Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the hotel→10:30~11:00 Move to Nihonbashi→11:00~11:50 Explore the Pokémon Center→11:50~12:15 Move to Harajuku→12:15~14:00 Explore vintage clothing stores in Harajuku→14:00~15:00 Sushi lunch in Harajuku→15:30~16:00 Move to Nezu→16:00~16:30 Explore Nezu Shrine・Disband

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour for Pokémon and Vintage Shopping Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Their goal was to visit a Pokémon Center, as one of the guests was very interested in Pokémon, and to explore vintage clothing shops in Harajuku, as some of the guests were very interested in secondhand fashion. At the Pokémon Center, they were very pleased with the wide variety of items and purchased many plush toys. I introduced them to six vintage clothing shops in Harajuku, and they were satisfied with the great selection and bought several items. Unfortunately, it was the first day of the Golden Week holiday, so the crowds were extraordinary, and every restaurant had a wait of over an hour. We therefore visited a slightly upscale sushi restaurant, where they enjoyed the sushi and were very satisfied with how delicious it was. After visiting Nezu Shrine, we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Local Shopping Streets Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Nihonbashi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayNihonbashi～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nezu209JPY
    Total596JPY

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

    Request Booking

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike

    Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet the guests at Hotel Urashima, 10:00 Daimonzaka, 10:30 Nachi Taisha & Seiganto-ji, 11:30 Hiro Shrine, 12:00 Nachi Falls, 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hayatama Taisha, 15:00~17:00 Hongu Taisha & Oyunohara, cafe, souvenir shops, 18:00 Drop off the guests at Hotel Urashima and finish.
    • Guided in a taxi arranged by the guests.

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of the Kumano Sanzan and Nachi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had the pleasure of guiding a group of guests around the Kumano region. One of the guests was very interested in Japanese history and nature, so I shared stories about Shugendo and nature worship. At the Kumano Sanzan, I carefully explained the customs such as the purification fountain (temizuya) and the two-bows, two-claps, one-bow ritual, and at Seiganto-ji Temple, I explained the proper way to pray at a temple. The guests stayed in Nachikatsuura Town for several nights, and I suggested some reasonable sightseeing options for the following days. They kindly sent me photos showing how much they enjoyed their time together. They were a truly wonderful group to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSho～Kii-Katsuura350JPY
    Section 2BusKii-Katsuura～Sho350JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by YOKO

    Hi, and Konnichiwa ! I am YOKO, lives in Nachi Katsuura in Wakayama where the Nachi falls is worshiped as a deity. I’ve been guiding as a Koya Kumano Licensed Guide and Interpreter since 2014. I speak business level English. Apart for this, I also have an extensive training in Hongu & Nachi guide association.
    I’d love to offer you an order made tour! Benefit from an itinerary that can be altered and adjusted according to your interests. Your guided tour will give you a personalized experience in spiritual land Kumano. I’m a local in Nachi Katsuura town, I will drive you around the village called Ota & Irokawa that shows you beautiful terraced rice fields, tea plantations etc. We’ll visit our friend’s farm to see cattle and other livestock. Listen to the story from organic farmers etc.
    Experiences; Indigo dyeing for tenugui hand towel,3000 yen or more per person, Tent sauna 5000 yen or more per person, besides tour fee.
    I also offer a regular trekking tour.( transportation fee is required depending on the area.) Please feel free to ask me questions!
    Nakahechi route: (Takijiri-Chikatsuyu, Hosshimon-Hongu taisha, Hongu taisha- Yunomine onsen, Ogumo tori-goe, Kogumo tori-goe, Hayatama taisha, Daimonzaka-Nachi falls via Nachi taisha&Seigan to-ji temple). I hope to share this with you while also learning your adventures !
    Instagram: (yoko.kumanokodoguide) https://www.instagram.com/yoko.kumanokodoguide?igsh=NGJobnhyMXFsYXE1&utm_source=qr

    Request Booking

    Apr 21, 2025
    mango575
    Kumano Kodo Nachi Falls Shrine Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoko is an…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu/Yanaka & ASAKUSA

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu/Yanaka & ASAKUSA

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet in the lobby of Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:30 1 Nezu/Yanaka
    • 12:00 2 UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 1:00 3 ASAKUSA
    • 2:00 See off at the pier of Tokyo Cruise
    • the 2:20 river cruise from Asakusa to Hama-Rikyu

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. As this was my first time being requested to guide the Nezu and Yanaka area, I did a preliminary site visit the day before. The weather was excellent, making it a perfect day to walk around Nezu, Yanaka, Ueno, and Asakusa, and the guests were very pleased. Even though I had done the site visit, I got slightly lost when moving from Yanaka to Ueno Park. I made various considerations, such as walking at a slower pace, arranging for the guests to sit down on the subway, and taking a break at a matcha cafe in Asakusa. I arranged cruise tickets from Asakusa to Hamarikyu via TOKYO CRUISE at the vending machine, and then took my leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi～Nezu700JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Gotokuji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Gotokuji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Henn na Hotel
    • 9:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:20 Harajuku Lunch GON PACH Hand-rolled Sushi
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:40 Gotokuji Temple
    • 15:00 Shibuya Station Disband

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour with Harajuku, Gotokuji, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very cheerful and friendly. They had watched a film set in Japan's samurai era, so they understood and listened enthusiastically to stories about the Sengoku period and the Tokugawa era. For lunch, they could not have pork or fish (though shellfish was fine), and they had eaten ramen the day before, so with it also being a public holiday I was a little concerned. Fortunately, we were able to get into a restaurant in Harajuku early, and all of the guests were very satisfied and said it was delicious, which was a relief. Gotokuji was not too crowded, so they enjoyed it in a relaxed way and bought a beckoning-cat figurine, which seemed to work out just as they had hoped. They also really liked the residential area and the local shopping street around Gotokuji, and were happy to have experienced everyday life in Japan. In Shibuya, they thanked me for a wonderful tour and showed their kind appreciation, and we said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishikasai～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae200JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Gotokuji325JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji～Shibuya256JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    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

    Request Booking

    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.…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Station

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30　Meet at hotel lobby
    • 　→To Miyajima by JR & JR Ferry
    • 10:30　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 10:45　Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:00　Daisho-in Temple
    • 12:30　Conger eel rice bowl lunch
    • 13:30　Omotesando Shopping Street (Momiji manju and tea break)
    • 14:30　Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Miyajima Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. The weather was excellent, and they relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. We were able to visit Itsukushima Shrine right at high tide, and they were delighted by the sight of the shrine and torii gate appearing to float on the sea. Daisho-in Temple had few tourists, so it was quiet and atmospheric, and they liked it very much, taking many photographs. They also enjoyed the Kaidan-meguri walk through the darkness. For lunch, they had anago-don (conger eel rice bowl) at a restaurant with a beautiful view overlooking the torii gate, and they said it was a luxurious and wonderful experience. Since they seemed to want to enjoy the scenery in a calm setting, I chose routes with as few tourists as possible. Along the way we talked about our families and showed each other photos, and it was a very enjoyable time. They mentioned that a member of their family would be coming to Japan next year, and that they would recommend this tour again.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima200JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima200JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi～Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Tour Report by Mari

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Celine B
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    A faire
    Une belle visite, bcp d’émotions.
    Mari a été…

    Jun 25, 2026
    Bill_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    My son and I really…
    My son and I really…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Beth W
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mari is a fantastic guide for your Visit…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at the b ginza
    • 2. 9:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 11:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch (Tsukiji Nihonkai Toyosu Ciel Tower)
    • 5. 13:30 teamLab Planets
    • 6. 15:00 Disband at Shin-Toyosu Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan the day before, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and other destinations, staying in Japan for about two weeks in total. I guided them around Asakusa, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and teamLab Planets. They walked energetically and completed the planned itinerary without any problems. At each location, they enthusiastically took photos and enjoyed the sightseeing. Since it was a national holiday and many places in the Otemachi area were closed, we moved to Toyosu and had lunch at a sushi restaurant. Finally, at Shin-Toyosu Station, the nearest station to teamLab Planets, I explained how to get back to the hotel, 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 1SubwayGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Toyosu178JPY
    Section 4TrainToyosu～Shin-Toyosu189JPY
    Total754JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    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!

    Request Booking

    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
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Okochi Sanso Villa & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Okochi Sanso Villa & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Kyoto Station
    • 10:10 Tenryu-ji Temple ~ Bamboo Grove Path
    • 10:40 Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 11:15 Kameyama Park
    • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:45 Lunch
    • 13:45 Gion Shinbashi ~ Hanamikoji Street
    • 14:25　Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 15:30 Disband @ Kyoto Station

    Was a Private One-Day Kyoto Temple Tour with a Licensed Guide Worth It? A Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were a keen traveler, and Japan was reportedly their 70th country. Since they said they liked temples, we made our way to the first bamboo grove by passing through Tenryu-ji Temple. As they walked quite quickly, we finished the final planned stop in Gion about an hour ahead of schedule. So, as a final stop, I took them to Sanjusangen-do Temple, where they were overwhelmed by the many Buddhist statues and the solemn atmosphere, and said, "I love this temple." When we parted ways at Kyoto Station almost as scheduled, they gave me a hug, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Section 6BusShijo-Karasuma～Shijo-Keihan-mae230JPY
    Section 7TrainGion-Shijo～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 8BusHigashiyama-Shichijo～Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total1,840JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…