Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel ~ 8:50-10:10 Fushimi Inari ~ 10:40-11:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ 11:30~12:30 Tenryu-ji ~ 13:00-13:40 Kinkaku-ji – 14:10~14:30 Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Highlights Tour by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group visiting from North America. As they preferred to skip lunch and see as many places as possible, I arranged an itinerary covering the highlights of Kyoto. Perhaps because the weather was unusually pleasant for this time of year, the temperature was high, and as they were not accustomed to Japan's climate, they appeared a little tired at each stop and often seemed eager to return to the car early. Even so, they seemed to be impressed by the beauty of the scenery at each location, especially the bamboo grove and the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. We finished by introducing the distinctive ingredients found at Nishiki Market.

    Hello. It is very nice to meet you. My name is Etsuko Nakaba. I am based in the Kansai Area, which includes popular sightseeing spots
    such as the old capital Kyoto with many old temples, Nara, which is well known for vowing deer, and Osaka-the city of gourmet, entertainment and commerce.

    The Kansai area was the center of Japanese culture, as this is the place where the capital of Japan was located in the olden times.
    I was born and raised in a historical city Kobe, which is also in the Kansai area. The city is famous for its port and old residences
    of merchants from Europe and Asia, as it opened its port for forreign trade about 150 years ago.
    It is also well known for the premium quality beef-Kobe Beef.
    The melting in the mouth texture is what every tourist would like to try. It is also one of the best 3 Japanese sake producing spots.
    Sake’s refined taste goes with not only Japanese traditional quisine, but also various dishes from around the worldaround.
    I am certain of its good match with Kobe beef. Some sake breweries show traditional sake making process, which are intriguing.
    It is also renowned for being home to one of the 3 oldest hot springs in Japan, Arima.The color of the water is gold,
    as it contains a lot of iron. It was frequented by a famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi 500 years ago.

    I love my hometown Kobe; however, I also lived in Tokyo for 20 years. So, l know the allure
    of the representative two cities o feastern and western Japan, Tokyo and Osaka.
    As a matter of course, there are many hidden gems in each area, in the northern, middle, or southern Japan.
    For example, Himeji City, which is to the west of Kobe city is renowned for its 400 year old castle. which is a world cultural heritage site.
    It was built by a shogun, the leader of samaurai- feudal warriors and the de facto leader of the nation.
    The original structure of the castle transfers us back to the olden times governed by samurai.
    Though some people believe that they still exist, the class was abolished aobut 150 years ago due to the drastic political reform called “Meiji Restoration”.
    If you would like to, I could take you to the fascilities where you can see authentic samurai’s armor and swords.
    Ninja or secret agents, who served feudal lords, do not exist any more either. A ninja museum in Shiga prefecture was a residence of ninja before.
    It is not rennovated for the service, so you can enjoy the complicated interior with some contraptions to defeat the intruders.

    Japan has distinct four seasons, which makes this country more attractive. Each season has its own attractions.
    Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, as the climate is mild and you can enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
    Between summer and autumn, there is the rainy season which lasts for about a month. This season feartures hydrangeas.
    A historical city Kamakura, where the first samurai government started, is embraced by a serene atomosphere in June, as the combination of the
    old temples and the delicate beauty of hydrangeas in the overcast or rainy weather is the essence of Japanese beauty.

    The southern island Kyushu was also a gate for overseas trade. Okinawa also has its own unique and rich culture, as it was not a part of Japan in the past.
    It was an independent country called ” Ryukyu Kingdom.”in the past.
    The beauty of the ocean and the unique culture and food have been captivating the hearts of the people all over the world.

    Like these, Japan is filled with historical and natural beauty.Furthermore, traditional Japanese quisene is an intangible world cultural heritage.
    It would be an honor if I could introduce you even one of them.
    I am thrilled to meet you and iintroduce the beauty of Japan to you.

    Jun 17, 2026
    Jason_W
    Viator review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely amazing tour and guide
    This was the perfect Kyoto tour for…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Malcolm_S
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Custom Private Tour of Kyoto
    Our tour guide,…

    May 29, 2026
    Andrew_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko was an exceptional…
    Etsuko was an exceptional tour guide. She catered…

    May 21, 2026
    Claire_G
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day Trip to Kyoto
    We could not have got around Kyoto in…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ Hotel Ginza Premier
    • 10:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:00 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Ura Hoppy Street, Orange Street, Shin-Nakamise)
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Ramen Hayashida
    • 14:00 Disband @ Asakusa Line Shimbashi Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Asakusa The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Oceania. Since they were especially interested in history, I took more time than usual to explain Japanese history carefully. To make up for the time, we took a taxi to the Imperial Palace. At the Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace, I explained the elements of a strolling pond garden. We walked up to the artificial hill and took photos of the garden from an angle different from the usual, standing in front of the waterfall. The irises were about seventy percent in bloom, but we were able to enjoy them fully. The guests were especially moved by the altar at Senso-ji Temple. To show the difference in atmosphere between Asakusa and areas like Ginza and Otemachi, we also walked through the back streets of Asakusa. As it happened, I guided guests from different parts of the same region during the same week, and I was reminded once again how strikingly different they can be.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi220JPY
    Total400JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (8:00) → Travel by JR and ferry → Miyajima (9:00) → Itsukushima Shrine (9:30) → Daiganji Temple (10:00) → Omotesando Shopping Street (10:20) → Okonomiyaki lunch (11:00) → Travel by World Heritage Sea Route → Peace Memorial Museum (13:10) → Peace Park (14:10) → Travel by taxi → Shukkeien Garden (15:00) → Dismissal (16:00)

    What's a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. They had also visited Kyoto, and after Hiroshima they mentioned wanting to see Mount Fuji from Hakone. Because we started early in the morning, Itsukushima Shrine was uncrowded and we were able to explore at a relaxed pace. The guests bought protective charms and took many photos. They greatly enjoyed shopping along the Omotesando shopping street and having okonomiyaki. The museum was also quiet, so we were able to view the exhibits leisurely. We visited the cenotaph and other memorials within the Peace Park, and afterwards went to Shukkeien Garden. The guests seemed to love plants and were very delighted by the flowers and scenery at Shukkeien Garden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,200JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I am a licensed childcare worker, a certified junior high and high school English teacher in Japan, and a guide interpreter licensed by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government.
    Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

    Jul 5, 2026
    568jettek
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mayajima
    Yoko Shimida was our guide on July 5, 2026 to…

    Jul 3, 2026
    X2480VKlizc
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima tour
    Yoko was well knowledgeable and catered to…

    Jun 18, 2026
    fdorerabadia
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you, Yoko-san!
    We booked this full-day tour directly…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Pickup at the hotel
    • 11:00 Travel to Nezu by subway. Walk around the streets from Nezu Shrine to Yanaka Ginza shopping street.
    • 13:00 Travel from Nippori to Yurakucho.
    • 13:30 Shopping and lunch at UNIQLO @ Yurakucho and Ginza Mitsukoshi.
    • 15:30 Travel to Yoyogi by train. Stroll through Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street.
    • 16:30 Disband at Omotesando.

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Yanesen, Ginza, and Meiji Shrine For a second consecutive day, I guided a group visiting from North America. Given their wish to efficiently visit Tokyo's sightseeing spots, and since they had already seen many lively places, I suggested the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi (Yanesen) area for a relaxed neighborhood walk. They showed interest, so we started the itinerary from Nezu Shrine. They listened attentively to explanations about Shinto and enjoyed strolling through the quiet grounds and the row of torii gates. As one of the guests runs a winery, they were especially interested in the origins of Inari, the deity of agriculture, and the connection to foxes. In Yanaka, the group enjoyed the gashapon capsule-toy machines together. We took the JR line to Yurakucho, browsed children's clothing at Uniqlo, and then headed to Ginza Mitsukoshi for lunch. At the basement food hall, they enjoyed shopping among the wide variety of products. After having lunch on the rooftop terrace, I introduced the group to the wine shop next to Mitsukoshi, where they eagerly asked about Japanese wine. We moved by train to Yoyogi, took a short break at a cafe, and then visited Meiji Shrine. Although they had already gained knowledge of Shinto and shrines at Nezu Shrine in the morning, they were once again impressed by the difference in scale and the rich natural surroundings. For the reasons mentioned above, they were also very interested in the sake and wine barrels displayed there. After the visit, we moved to Harajuku's Takeshita Street, where they browsed candy shops and souvenir stores and enjoyed the neighborhood walk. Passing through Takeshita Street and reaching the Omotesando area, I expressed my thanks for the two days and took my leave. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKokkai-gijidomae~Nezu210JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Yurakucho210JPY
    Section 3TrainGinza~Yoyogi340JPY
    Total760JPY

    Hello, and welcome to Japan.
    My name is Tomoya Kimura, and I will be your licensed guide for this tour.
    It is a great pleasure to meet you.

    I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification in February 2025.
    I am actively participating in professional training programs and have recently started my guiding work.

    Before becoming a guide, I worked for 13 years at a major Japanese trading company, specializing in international sales.
    I also lived and worked overseas for a total of five years in Germany and Thailand.
    Through that experience, I learned how to work closely with people from different cultural backgrounds, to understand their perspectives, and to build trust through clear and respectful communication.
    I believe these skills are equally important when guiding guests from abroad.

    I am also a passionate traveler myself and have visited around 40 countries so far.
    My particular interests are Shintoism, Japan’s hot spring culture, and regional food traditions.
    During our time together, I hope not only to show you places, but also to share the stories behind them like why hot springs are so important to Japanese people, and how local food cultures have developed over time.

    I always try to adapt my guiding style to each guest’s interests and pace, so that you can feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly enjoy your time in Japan.
    I hope this journey will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the places we visit.

    Thank you very much, and I look forward to spending a wonderful time with you.

    Apr 18, 2026
    N9452DMrebeccaa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A beautiful day in Tokyo
    Tomo was wonderful and a great guide!

    Mar 30, 2026
    MarieC
    Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tomoya was a fantastic…
    Tomoya was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Yugen Kyoto Shijo
    • 9:20 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 9:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:05 Lunch at Doi Katsuman Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 14:10 Dismiss in front of Senbon Torii

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Today I guided the group visiting from North America. Although more of the guests had been expected to join, one of them was feeling tired, so it became a smaller group. I had previously guided one of the guests during a visit to Kyoto earlier in the year, and they kindly contacted me again to request a guided tour of Kyoto together, which led to today's tour. Fortunately, the weather was cloudy and not too hot, and both Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji were relatively uncrowded, which was wonderful. The guests had enjoyed eating eel during their earlier visit, so they savored unadon at the same restaurant. Afterward, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha, where I gave a brief explanation, and we parted ways in front of the Senbon Torii. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Yasui / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 3SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Total870JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji / Tour

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji / Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20 Meet at Hotel Rihga Place Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 10:30 Depart from the hotel
    • 11:10 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:10-1215 Tour Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:25 Arrive at Gontaro Kinkaku Branch / Lunch
    • 13:30 Depart Gontaro
    • 13:45 Arrive at Ryoan-ji / Tour
    • 14:30 Leave Ryoan-ji and end the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Sutra Copying Before the tour, I exchanged several emails with the guests to plan the day's itinerary, which allowed the tour to proceed smoothly. The guests had seen photos of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) in guidebooks and were very eager to visit. Seeing it in person, they were delighted. After letting them take as many photos as they wished, I explained the details of the Golden Pavilion. I also shared the story of the Rikushu no Matsu (the land-boat pine), which they found very interesting. We then strolled leisurely through the garden while I talked about features such as the carp climbing the waterfall, the mound of the white snake, and the Sekkatei teahouse. Since Kinkaku-ji offers a single-character sutra copying experience, I asked whether they would be interested, and they were very keen to try it. They worked hard writing the unfamiliar kanji with a brush and were very satisfied. For lunch, since the guests could not have tomatoes but were fine with anything else, we had lunch at Gontaro, a few minutes' walk from Kinkaku-ji. It was a tatami-room meal, and they were very excited to experience tatami for the first time. They were also interested in the staff wearing kimono and wanted to take a photo, so I asked, and the staff kindly agreed. At Ryoan-ji, I explained the rock garden. Using a miniature model designed for visually impaired visitors, I described the arrangement of the stones, and then told them that there is no single true answer to what the garden means, inviting them to sit quietly and imagine its meaning, which they enjoyed. After that, we looked at the tsukubai (stone water basin) and strolled through the Ryoan-ji garden. Compared with the crowds at Kinkaku-ji, it was very quiet, and they were very pleased, saying it had been a nice choice. Since the guests planned to visit the bamboo grove in Arashiyama the following day, I also recommended Tenryu-ji temple in case they were interested. The guests were very happy with the tour, which made me truly glad.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSubway Shijo Station~Kitaoji1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    I’m Azusa Nishimura. Nice to meet you.
    I have been working as a licensed national tour guide since 2006.
    Over the years, I have guided many visitors from countries such as Great Britain, the United States, and various parts of Europe to famous destinations including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Nishinomiya and Himeji.

    Kyoto, in particular, is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    I enjoy sharing the rich history and interesting stories behind each place, and many of my guests have told me how much they enjoyed the tours.

    I sincerely hope that as many visitors as possible will discover and experience the wonderful aspects of Japan through my guiding.

    May 30, 2026
    marcvB3813BU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Relaxed en vriendelijk
    Annie is een heel vriendelijke gids met veel kennis…

  • Tokyo: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo: Shimbashi Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Mercure Tokyo Hibiya
    • 9:10 Shimbashi Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Nippori Station
    • (Keisei Oshiage Line)
    • Keisei-Takasago Station
    •   (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • 9:40 Arrive at Shibamata Station
    • Shibamata Shibamata Taishakuten
    • Yamamoto-tei
    • 10:30 Depart from Shibamata Station
    • (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • Keisei-Takasago Station
    • (Keisei Oshiage Line)
    • Oshiage Station
    • (Keisei Oshiage Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive at Nippori Station
    • Nippori Yanaka Ginza
    • 11:30 Sendagi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:40 Nezu Station
    • Nezu Nezu Shrine
    • 12:30 Depart from Nezu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kokkai-gijidomae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • Short break
    • 14:00 Depart from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 14:20 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu
    • Lunch: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 15:40 Depart from Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omote-sando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:40 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive at Shimbashi Station
    • 17:00 Disband: Shimbashi Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibamata, Yanaka, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for all of them. Unfortunately, one of the guests could not join today's tour due to a cold. The purpose of this visit to Japan was a 12-day cruise around Japan, after which the group arrived in Tokyo two days ago. The previous day, they had visited Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Palace with the help of an acquaintance. Today was the final day of their stay, and they planned to return home from Haneda Airport the next day. They expressed a wish to visit the main spots in Tokyo. It was a sunny day with almost hot weather. First, we headed to Shibamata. There were surprisingly many tourists, and we strolled slowly along the approach path. I explained the history and current state of Taishakuten Temple, as well as "what Buddhism is" and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." Since the guests had seen a film set in this area, they were quite familiar with its background. We entered the temple grounds and paid our respects. One of the guests remarked, "Asakusa was too noisy for my liking. This place is more relaxing and pleasant." We also strolled around Yamamoto-tei. We moved to Nippori. I explained the history and current state of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas. However, Yanaka Ginza was extremely crowded with tourists from overseas. The guests commented, "Compared to other areas of Tokyo, it's quiet and calm — this is exactly the kind of place I wanted to visit." At Nezu Shrine, we passed through the torii gates of the Inari shrine and paid our respects. The azaleas had already finished blooming. One of the guests said, "It's quiet, and I prefer this side." We moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history and current state of Shinjuku Gyoen. Despite the almost hot weather, the garden was full of many tourists. In the Japanese garden, the guests enthusiastically took commemorative photos. One of the guests also said, "The Japanese garden is wonderful. I am building a Japanese garden in my own yard." We took a short break at a teahouse in the garden. We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about torii gates," "about Emperor Meiji," "why sake barrels are displayed," and "why wine barrels are displayed." There were questions such as "what kind of religion is Shinto?" and "how do Buddhism and Shinto differ?" A wedding ceremony was taking place, and the guests photographed the procession. We had lunch at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, where the guests said, "The soba is delicious." We moved to Shibuya. After that, we viewed Scramble Square and crossed the scramble crossing on foot. There were questions such as "why are so many people gathered here?", "about how many people cross at once?", and "why did it become famous?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests made comments and asked questions such as "there are public restrooms everywhere, which is very helpful," "vending machines are everywhere too, which is convenient," "Tokyo's streets are clean and there is no litter," and "everyone is quiet on the trains." I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Nippori210JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Shibamata280JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Nippori280JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagi~Nezu180JPY
    Section 5TrainNezu~Shinjuku-gyoemmae210JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku-gyoemmae~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 7TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 8TrainShibuya~Shimbashi180JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    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
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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet @ Hotel TatoBe Sumida(Address need to be determined: 5-chōme-29-1 Higashimukōjima Sumida City, Tokyo Prefecture 131-0032 Japan)
    • 2. 12:15 @ Tsukiji Police Station
    • 3. 13:20 @ Ginza (Chuo-dori pedestrian paradise, 4-chome intersection, WAKO, NISSAN showroom, etc.) + Yurakucho
    • 4. 14:20 Lunch @ Hanamaru Udon (Hamamatsucho)
    • 5. 15:00 @ Zojoji Temple
    • 6. 15:30 @ Tokyo Tower (including Main Deck)
    • 7. 16:40 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 8. 17:20 Disband @ NINTENDO front in PARCO

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Tokyo Tower and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, who had known each other since their university days. On this trip they were not visiting Kyoto, and although they planned to go sightseeing around Mount Fuji the next day, their main focus was exploring Tokyo. They were staying at a private lodging about a ten-minute walk from Higashi-mukojima Station. When we met, they came down to the entrance one after another, and by the time everyone had gathered, about twenty minutes had already passed since the scheduled departure time. When I confirmed where they wished to go, I found we would need to make a major change to the itinerary. This was because one of the guests, who had arrived in Japan early that morning and then gone out drinking in Shinjuku, had left a mobile phone in a taxi on the way back, and a message had come in from the Tsukiji Police Station where it had been handed in. Since there had also been a plan to download and use a mobile Suica, retrieving that phone became our starting point. To be safe, from in front of the lodging I called the Tsukiji Police Station on my mobile phone as the guide and explained the situation in Japanese, confirming the reception hours and required details. First, everyone bought bottled water at a nearby supermarket and we boarded the train. It took about an hour to reach the Tsukiji Police Station, but the staff member I had spoken to on the phone was at the counter, and since there were no other visitors besides us, the procedure went smoothly. The phone was safely returned to its owner, and with the shift from despair to hope, we all took a commemorative photo in front of the police station. The guest who had lost the phone said, "In any other country I'm sure it would never have turned up, but in Japan I was able to get it back. I've come to love Japan for that." Along with thanking the officers, I interpreted that remark and conveyed it to them. After that, we walked out onto Ginza Chuo-dori, which had become a pedestrian zone, and everyone greatly enjoyed strolling around, including stopping into Cartier. In particular, everyone showed interest in the Nissan showroom, went inside, and on the second-floor display area even sat in a car and took commemorative photos. Furthermore, at a commercial facility we passed through on the way to Yurakucho Station, they did some shopping tailored to each person's interests, including scented soap and doughnuts. Before heading to Zojoji Temple, we had lunch at a Hanamaru Udon in front of Hamamatsucho Station to satisfy everyone's slight hunger. They each enjoyed their own choices, such as meat udon, curry rice, and toppings like tempura and croquettes. As the guide, I had originally assumed we would just pass through Tokyo Tower, but there was a request to go up to the observation deck, so we ascended to the main deck and took many photos, including through the look-down window. They also enjoyed shopping at the souvenir shop. The scheduled time had already passed, but I guided them to Shibuya so they could enjoy shopping there, and we said our goodbyes on the sixth floor of PARCO, where the Pokémon Center is located.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashimukojima~Kitasenju160JPY
    Section 2TrainKitasenju~Higashiginza210JPY
    Section 3TrainYurakucho~Hamamatsucho160JPY
    Section 4TrainKamiyacho~Ebisu180JPY
    Section 5TrainEbisu~Shibuya160JPY
    Total870JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
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    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku・Hotel & Shibuya

    Tokyo: Shinjuku・Hotel & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: The Kimpton Shinjuku
    • 10:10 Depart Shinjuku・Hotel
    • (Minivan)
    • 10:30 Arrive Asakusa
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:15 Depart Asakusa
    • (MInivan)
    • 11:30 Arrive Higashi-Ueno
    • Higashi-Ueno Lunch: American Diner ANDRA
    • 12:30 Depart Higashi-Ueno
    • (Minivan)
    • 12:45 Arrive Tsukiji
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 13:30 Depart Tsukiji
    • (Minivan)
    • 13:45 Arrive Tokyo
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:00 Depart Tokyo
    • (Minivan)
    • 14:20 Arrive Harajuku
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 15:00 Depart Harajuku
    • (Minivan)
    • 15:15 Arrive Shibuya
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:40 Depart Shibuya
    • (Minivan)
    • 16:00 Arrive Shinjuku
    • 16:00 Dismissal: The Kimpton Shinjuku

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, coming from North America. Before arriving in Japan, the guest had spent time on holiday in Asia, and afterward came to Japan alone. The guest had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous day and traveled to the hotel by taxi. This visit to Japan was for a longer trip, with a stay in Tokyo followed by plans to visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and heading home. Today, the guest wished to get a quick overview of Tokyo's famous sights. It was a tour under clear, almost hot skies. First, we headed to Asakusa. In the vehicle, I explained the history and significance of Tokyo. We started in front of Kaminarimon Gate. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the purpose of the five-story pagoda, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. We took commemorative photos at Kaminarimon, in front of the five-story pagoda, and at various spots. The temple grounds were extremely crowded (full of visitors from overseas), and we strolled slowly through the Nakamise shopping street. The guest asked questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "What about Christians?" There was also a question about why so many people were seen wearing kimono on the grounds, and whether they were all Japanese. In front of Nitenmon Gate, we boarded the minivan and moved to Higashi-Ueno. The guest expressed a strong wish to try a hamburger that has been a hot topic in North America, so we went to a specified restaurant. The specialty was said to be a hamburger dipped in cheese. The guest was very pleased. Incidentally, the previous night the guest had yakitori for dinner, and also bought and tried an egg sandwich from a convenience store, describing it as "Amazing." The guest also had a reservation for sushi that evening. We went to Tsukiji, which was as crowded as ever. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and the tuna auctions. The guest asked whether everyone in Tokyo comes here to buy fish, and commented that despite the crowds, it seemed there were many tourists. The guest said, "I'm full, but I'd like to try something," and ended up sampling matcha ice cream. The guest also bought wasabi peanuts as a souvenir. We moved to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained the history of Japan from Edo to Meiji, the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, the history of the imperial family, World War II and the air raids on Tokyo, and how the stone walls were constructed. The guest asked whether the current Emperor of Japan holds political authority, who the next emperor would be, and whether a woman could become emperor. The guest remarked that the pine trees were wonderful. We also visited Nijubashi Bridge. We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, why sake barrels are displayed, and why wine barrels are displayed. The guest asked what kind of religion Shinto is and how Buddhism and Shinto differ. A wedding ceremony was taking place, and we took photos of the procession. We took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. We moved to Shibuya, which was extremely crowded. We viewed the Scramble Crossing and walked across it. The guest asked why so many people gather there, roughly how many people cross at once, and why it became famous. We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guest commented that Tokyo's streets were clean with no litter, that many people dressed neatly, and asked why there were no trash bins on the streets, noting also that vending machines were everywhere. The guest said that Japanese convenience stores were well-stocked and convenient, and that they were fond of the egg sandwiches. Finally, I saw the guest off at the hotel entrance, and we parted ways.

    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
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  • Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagasaki Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Matsugae International Terminal → 9:50 Atomic Bomb Museum → 10:50 Hypocenter Park → 11:10 Peace Park → 12:20 Megane Bridge →13:00 Chinatown (lunch) → 14:00 Dejima →15:00 Disband after touring Dejima

    Title: What Is a Private Nagasaki Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Atomic Bomb Sites, Meganebashi, and Dejima The guests were a group from North America who seemed to be enjoying the tour. In Nagasaki, they first wished to visit sites related to the atomic bombing, so I guided them to the Atomic Bomb Museum, the Hypocenter Park, and the Peace Park. The guests were interested in history and culture, and they explored each destination with great enthusiasm. Afterward, I guided them to Meganebashi (the Spectacles Bridge), and they listened with interest to the background of how the bridge was built. For lunch, at the guests' request, I took them to Chinatown. At Dejima, they listened with great interest to the historical background of how Dejima was constructed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherNagasaki Shinchi Chinatown~Dejima110JPY
    Total110JPY

    Hello, I’m Hiroshi Kuribayashi, but you can just call me Hiro. I’m thrilled to be your guide around my hometown, Sasebo City, and the neighboring areas, such as Nagasaki, Omura, Hirado, Arita, Imari, and more. I love showing guests around these beautiful places, including their nature, history, food, and more.

    Before I ventured into guiding, I worked as a businessman, handling international business affairs with various countries such as the U.S.A., U.K., Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Egypt, and more. Drawing from my business background, I offer interpretation services for business meetings and translation services for engineering and contractual documents. If there’s something specific you’d like assistance with, feel free to let me know.

    Jun 15, 2026
    GGuy_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent guide with good knowledge
    Excellent guide with good knowledge…

    Mar 4, 2026
    S943KUrobertb
    The best of Nagasaki
    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our tour guide Hiro, was just…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Ian_M
    Walking with Hiro
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    Our Guide, Hiro, was very knowledgeable and engaging. We…

    Sep 3, 2025
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    Nagasaki Full Day Tour
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    We had a lovely day exploring…