Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:39 Take the bus from Namiki-dori Iriguchi bus stop to Hiroshima Station
    • 9:12 Arrive at Hiroshima Station
    • 9:15 Take the train to Miyajimaguchi
    • 9:45 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:00 Take the ferry to Miyajima
    • 10:10 Arrive at Miyajima
    •     Shrine Omotesando
    • 12:20 Finish sightseeing in Miyajima and head to Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:30 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Lunch Chinchikurin Okonomiyaki
    • 13:30 Finish lunch
    • 13:47 Take the train to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:05 Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:12 Head from Nishi-Hiroshima Station to the museum
    • 14:30 Arrive at the museum
    •     Museum Monument tour
    • 17:00 Disband in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome

    What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe on a private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. At Miyajima, the timing coincided with high tide, so the guests were able to enjoy taking photos with the Great Torii Gate in the background. One of the guests was studying Japanese and had a particular interest in kanji. While most people begin learning Japanese through conversation, this guest had started with kanji, and understood all the kanji on the signs we passed. Since the group had researched a great deal of information online in advance, I focused my guiding mainly on anecdotes and stories. They planned to stay in Hiroshima the following day as well, and were looking forward to watching a kagura performance in the evening. Some of the guests also mentioned that, after visiting Hiroshima, they planned to travel to Kinosaki Onsen. Since it is a place not widely known among international travelers, I asked them why, and they explained: "Everywhere is crowded during Golden Week, and after researching onsen that allow guests with tattoos, we ended up choosing Kinosaki Onsen." These days, information is easily available online. That is precisely why I felt strongly, once again, that as a guide I must provide accurate and valuable information.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNamiki-dori Iriguchi~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 4TrainNishi-Hiroshima~Museum240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 シェラトンホテルロビー集合 Meet in the lobby of the Hotel
    • 10:20 Move to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Park 
    • 11:10 Visit the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:10 Move to Hondori
    • 12:40 Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 13:00 Visit Shukkeien Garden
    • 14:50 Dismissal at Shukkeien Garden

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the A-Bomb Dome and Shukkeien Garden The guests were a kind and thoughtful group visiting from Europe. The day before the tour, after arriving in Hiroshima, they kindly sent me the answers to a question I had asked earlier via a messaging app, which was very helpful. They viewed the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum with great attentiveness. In particular, some of the guests seemed deeply moved and saddened after visiting the museum. However, I was glad they were able to lift their spirits during the next visit to Shukkeien Garden. It was a pleasure to see them enjoy the annual tea-picking event and take part in a formal tea ceremony held in the beautiful tea house called Seifukan within Shukkeien Garden.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinkansen-guchi Station~Kamiyacho Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHatchobori Station~Shukkeien-mae Station240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tochigi in One Day: Kegon Falls & Shinkyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 11:40 Kegon Falls
    • 12:10 Lunch @Restaurant Tanaka
    • 14:05 Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:30 Rinnoji Temple
    • 16:00 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 16:30 Disband at Tobu Nikko Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was good, but there were times when the wind was very strong, which made things a little challenging. Kegon Falls was being blown about by the wind, creating quite a dramatic scene. I met the guests at Tobu Nikko Station, and since the roads did not seem too congested, I changed the plan and visited Kegon Falls first. After that, we had lunch at a soba and udon restaurant. The strong wind made it difficult. At Toshogu Shrine, there were surprisingly few tourists, so I was able to guide the guests at a relaxed pace. We were running short on time, but I explained the Buddhist statues at Rinnoji Temple, took photos at the Shinkyo Bridge, and then wrapped up at Tobu Nikko. Since the guests' train was scheduled for 16:33, I ended the tour after showing them to the platform.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Chuzenji Onsen1,250JPY
    Section 2BusChuzenji Onsen~Nishisando Entrance1,150JPY
    Section 3BusShinkyo Bridge~Tobu Nikko Station220JPY
    Total2,620JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Work ends at Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Work ends at Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet at the Hotel Kyoto lobby
    • 13:20 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove)
    • 15:20 Fushimi Inari sightseeing
    • 16:30 Gion Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji Street, Yasui Konpira, Hokan-ji Temple, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 18:00 Work ends at Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from the Station Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera 12:30 Met the guests in the lobby of a hotel in Kyoto. The guests arrived about five minutes late. → The guide introduced themselves and confirmed the day's itinerary and requests. The guide also mentioned that the day was a national holiday (Showa Day). → The route was adjusted according to their wishes, with a plan to focus mainly on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and the Kiyomizu-dera area. 13:20 Arrived in Arashiyama → The JR line was not crowded, so we were able to sit during the journey. On the train, using guide materials, I introduced basic information about Japanese history and culture. → At Tenryu-ji Temple, I explained Zen culture, the garden, and Bodhidharma. → At the bamboo grove, they took many photos and enjoyed strolling around. 15:20 Arrived at Fushimi Inari → I explained the origins and history of the Inari shrine, the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and the forms of faith in modern times. → They also tried the "Omokaru Ishi" (lifting stone) and seemed to enjoy it. 16:30 Strolled around the Gion and Higashiyama areas → From Gion-Shijo Station, we walked to Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera. → Under clear skies, they walked a somewhat long distance but enjoyed themselves throughout. 18:00 Tour ended at Kyoto Station → The guests were staying in Tokyo and had made a day trip to Kyoto by Shinkansen that day. → At the end, they said, "It was a lot of fun. Let's meet again," and I saw them off at Kyoto Station. ■ Notes The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. They listened attentively and took many photos. They had a strong interest in history, religion, and culture, and asked many questions at each location, so I spent time providing explanations. Everything finished as scheduled and they seemed satisfied. At the guests' request, we stopped by a convenience store along the way, and they asked about products I recommended. (They showed interest in curry bread, melon bread, sandwich packs, beer, daiginjo sake, chuhai, yukimi daifuku, and chocolate monaka ice cream, and purchased some of them.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello! I’m Don, a Kyoto native with 20 years of experience in Vancouver’s travel industry. Now back in Japan, I work as a tour guide interpreter, sharing my love for Kyoto and the Kansai region with visitors from around the world. I use visual aids and storytelling to make each experience both engaging and informative, and I’m always exploring new places to deepen my local knowledge.

    In Kyoto, I often guide guests through iconic sites like Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, and Tenryu-ji Temple. We may also visit Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple in nearby Nara. In Osaka, popular stops include Osaka Castle, the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, and the historic Tsutenkaku Tower. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, I can introduce you to Maid Cafes, the Manga Museum, Crane Game Centers, the Pokémon Center, and karaoke spots.

    I also offer a taste of local life by taking guests to a variety of dining experiences — from high-end wagyu restaurants to casual izakayas and ramen shops. If you’re interested, I can accompany male clients to traditional onsen or sento baths and, in the evenings, to piano bars and other nightlife venues.

    Outside of work, I value time with my family. I have a wonderful wife and two daughters. One of them is currently studying international relations at a university in Tokyo, while the other is a high school student here in Kyoto. Family life is very important to me, and I believe that warmth and connection are key, not only in family but also in travel.

    Whether you’re here to see the famous sights or to experience the everyday life of Kansai, I’d be honoured to be your guide. Let’s make unforgettable memories together!

    Mar 30, 2025
    Cruiser537584
    Much Deeper Understanding of Japan
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Our guide, Takeshi…

    Mar 30, 2025
    sallybV2617DS
    Kyoto Temples and Shrines
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had the best…

    Mar 23, 2025
    jefferyo2025
    Amazing and Informative 6hr Kyoto tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Don Tanaka did an amazing job…

    Dec 26, 2024
    allisonj994
    Highly recommend!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wow, our guide, Don Tanaka was absolutely incredible. He knows…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Miyako City Osaka Hommachi ➡ 10:30 Umeda Sky Building ➡ 11:50 Osaka Castle ➡ 13:30 Shitennoji Temple ➡ 15:00 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine ➡ 16:40 Disband near the hotel

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle The guests were visitors from Europe. I had exchanged several emails with one of the guests to finalize the itinerary. Originally, we had planned to visit the Umeda Sky Building last, but since rain was forecast for the afternoon, we decided to visit it first. This was because the guests had already purchased their tickets online, and since the outdoor Floating Garden Observatory is occasionally closed due to bad weather, we agreed to visit while the weather was still good so that the tickets would not go to waste. They had also purchased their Osaka Castle tickets online, so they were able to enter right away. Although it rained, the guests seemed very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySakaisujihommachi~Umeda190JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba190JPY
    Section 5TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 6TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba240JPY
    Section 7SubwayNamba~Hommachi190JPY
    Total1,420JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 10:45 @Peace Park 
    • 3. 12:45 Okonomiyaki @Benbee
    • 4. 15:00 @Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine Daishoin
    • 5. 18:30 Disband @Hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoyed walking a great deal. They had been planning to visit Japan since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were delighted that they were finally able to come. They spent a long time carefully viewing the Peace Memorial Museum, listening quietly and attentively without saying much. They also enjoyed Miyajima, taking photographs. As they mentioned they liked ramen, they asked me about ramen in Hiroshima. I guided them to some of the major ramen shops in Hiroshima and explained that these shops had learned from the famous Hakata ramen establishments, and that they could try such ramen in Hiroshima as well. They praised how clean and free of litter everywhere was, and how safe the area felt.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Section 4BusHiroshima Station~Tanaka-cho240JPY
    Total1,960JPY

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ Four Seasons at Otemachi
    • 10:20 Imperial Palace (from the 39th floor of the hotel)
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:45 Takeshita Street ~ Ura-Hara ~ Omotesando)
    • 13:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:15 Lunch @ Sandaya (Asakusa)
    • 15:00 Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Hoppy Street ~ Shin-Nakamise Street)
    • 16:15 Dismiss @ Four Seasons at Otemachi

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. At their last-minute request, we met 15 minutes later than planned. They decided to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on their own, so I gave an overview of the Imperial Palace from the 39th floor of the Hotel (I love this Hotel because it makes this possible). We made it in time for the bugaku performance on the sacred stage at Meiji Shrine, and although it was a shame that photography was prohibited, the guests were able to film the procession of a Shinto wedding ceremony. The travel agency had asked that we visit Takeshita Street, but since the guests did not seem interested, we passed through quickly and I took them to the Ura-Hara area, which they liked so much that they dropped a pin on Google Maps to revisit during their stay in Japan. They were impressed by the Japanese garden in the gardens, even though it is man-made. During lunch at a restaurant, we were able to talk about many things, which was wonderful. Recently, more guests seem to prefer Hoppy Street and Shin-Nakamise over Nakamise. I had planned an itinerary with plenty of walking, but on Omotesando one of the guests began to be concerned about their foot, and when I asked, it turned out to be an aftereffect of an injury from last year, so we used taxis for the rest of the itinerary. (Lesson learned: it is not good to make assumptions.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayChiyoda Line Otemachi~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total209JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara station & Ukimido

    Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara station & Ukimido

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at the hotel: Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi
    • Walk 6 minutes
    • 7:44 Subway train leaves Karasuma Oike station.
    • Transfer at Kyoto and Yamato-Saidaiji
    • 8:47 Arrive at Kintetsu-Nara station
    •   (taxi 850 yen)
    • 9:10- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • 9:10-20 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    •   (walk 5 minutes)
    • 9:30-10:00 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    •   (walk 5 minutes)
    • 10:10 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    •   (walk 5 minutes)
    • 10:20-50 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 11:10-20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • lunch at Mizuya Chaya ?
    • 11:40-12:10 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance 700 yen
    •   (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:30-40 Ukimido  (walk 10 minutes)
    • 13:00- Nara-machi (Old Merchant Quarters) & Kofukuji
    • Sake tasting, Traditional house, Nakatanidou etc.
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 14:30 Kintetsu-Nara Station
    • 15:30 Kyoto Station (End of Tour)

    Title: Can You Do a Private Nara Tour Focused on History? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe. I tried to include as much information related to their home region as possible, such as explaining that the countless holes in the pillars of the Great South Gate (Nandaimon) of Todaiji Temple are said to be bullet marks, and that the introduction of firearms to Japan by European traders was the original cause. I also explained that the second fire that destroyed the Great Buddha Hall was closely related to how the arrival of firearms dramatically changed the way battles were fought. Since someone in the guests' family runs a winery that has even won awards in a Japanese wine competition, our conversation became very lively during the sake tasting as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Kintetsu-Nara1,280JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu-Nara~Kyoto760JPY
    Total2,260JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Hakodate Customized Half-Day Tour

    Hakodate Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Wakamatsu Wharf ⇒ Morning Market ⇒ (City Bus) Goryokaku Tower & Park ⇒ 12:00 Hakodate Station (Taxi) ⇒ Mount Hakodate Ropeway ⇒ Motomachi Stroll ⇒ Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses 13:30 End

    What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The booking was made last October, and we finally met on the day of the tour. With [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), being able to communicate through a messaging app beforehand was very helpful, giving a sense of familiarity as if we already knew each other before meeting. The guests were a calm and pleasant group, one of whom had visited Japan many times for work, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time. Although it was unfortunately rainy, the weather kept it from becoming overly crowded, and the guests fully enjoyed the 1,600 cherry trees in full bloom. They seemed to find the morning market interesting as well and wanted to return in the afternoon. At the famous Hachiman-zaka slope, they had fun taking photos, including one with a jump. I was delighted when one of the guests told me they would show me around if I ever came to Europe.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusCity Bus from Kamiyama Street~To Hakodate Station620JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello, my name is Keiko Ichinei. I was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Hakodate is located in the southernmost in Hokkaido, so compared with Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Hakodate is not so cold or hot all through the year, very moderate climate and comfortable to live in.

    Hakodate has been chosen one of the three most popular destinations for travelers in Japan, including Kyoto and Sapporo. A few years ago Hakodate was chosen number one for three years consecutively. Why don’t you come to Hakodate and find why Hakodate is so popular?
    My family consists of four: husband, daughter and son. My husband is an alpine photographer and is a curator of his own photo museum. His museum is not in Hakodate but in Asahikawa city, 400 km away from Hakodate. The museum opens on May 1 and closes at the end of October, because it’s too cold there in winter time. That means we live separately for 6 months every year. We enjoy this kind of life style, because, you know, “A mouse will have to play when a cat is away !”
    I have five grandchildren. My two kids and all my grandchildren are so gentle and kind and always support me, to my thanks.

    I used to be an English teacher at a junior-senior high school for about 24 years while working as an interpreter and a tour guide sometimes. I love kids, flowers and dogs. However, I wanted to be a “through guide”, who accompanies the clients for a few weeks traveling all the way together with them. Consequently, I quit being a teacher in 2015 and decided to focus on guiding since then.
    As an interpreter, I have experienced in a wide range of fields, including interpretation for VIPs and seminars, facility and factory tours, and medical interpretation at hospitals.

    I believe that my job is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so my priority is to create as many happy memories as possible. I will do my best to make sure that you return home fully satisfied and with a smile on your face

    Apr 20, 2026
    Gail_H
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    Great private tour of Hakodate!
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    Apr 1, 2026
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    Hakodate
    Our guide tour in Hakodate keiko was great. Very knowledgeable of…

    Oct 8, 2025
    Edward_P
    Great full day
    Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Full day of fun and cultural experiences with our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    monika_everywhere
    Beautiful – even on a rainy day
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  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10;00 Meet at the hotel, walk to Naka-Gora Station. Departure at 10:24 by cable car to Sounzan. Ropeway. Explore Owakudani and enjoy black eggs. By ropeway to Togendai. 12:00 Pirate ship. 12:40 Arrive at Motohakone. After visiting the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, 13:20 by bus to Hakone Checkpoint Ruins. Lunch at Donburi Chaya. Shopping at Maruyama Bussan. 14:30 by bus, get off at Ninotaira. Walk to the Hakone Open-Air Museum by 15:10. 16:15 take the train from Chokoku-no-Mori Station. 16:20 Arrive at Gora Station and disband. Customers will return to the hotel on their own by cable car via Naka-Gora, taking the same route they came in the morning.

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. We visited Owakudani and took the pirate ship, and from Moto-Hakone we were just able to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji (not the whole mountain, but part of it). I made the usual celebration board and took photos. At Owakudani, the guests tried the black eggs and said they were delicious. They mentioned that they often eat Japanese food back home, and they finished an entire rice bowl dish at a donburi restaurant. The presentation on marquetry (yosegi woodwork) at a local products shop was fascinating to them, and they even filmed a video, showing great admiration. They purchased a framed piece with a pattern design. The Hakone Open-Air Museum was one of their main goals, and although it came last on the route, they took many photos and thoroughly enjoyed it. During the meal, we talked about kanji characters, and the guests listened with great interest.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
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    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
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    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
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    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

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