Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30　Meet up @ Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku
    • 10:00　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00　Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi Marunouchi Building
    • 13:00　Imperial Palace
    • 14:10　Sensoji Temple
    • 15:40　Disband @ Toyosu Station

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. Before arriving in Tokyo, they had already visited Osaka and Hakone, and they planned to return home in two days. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji, they listened attentively to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate, and they also purchased souvenirs along Nakamise Street. Since the guests had a reservation at teamLab Planets in Toyosu from 16:00, I guided them from Senso-ji to Toyosu Station, where we parted ways. Although it unfortunately rained today, I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Okubo～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae900JPY
    Section 4SubwayYurakucho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Toyosu0JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

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    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Kyoto Meeting
    • 10:30~11:30 Nijo Castle
    • 12:10~13:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 13:40~14:20 Disband at Gion Kaikan, Gion Hanamikoji, and Pontocho

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in the Rainy Season? A Licensed Guide's Report This was the guests' first trip to Japan, visiting from North America. They arrived in Kyoto yesterday. Unfortunately, the rainy season had begun, and today too it was raining heavily from the morning as we set out. At Nijo Castle, the guests were deeply impressed by the decorations of the Karamon Gate and the magnificent presence of the Ninomaru Palace. They gazed intently at the fusuma paintings and ranma carvings inside the palace, as well as the mannequins and costumes of the feudal lords in the great hall. In the garden, although it was raining, they repeatedly exclaimed "wonderful" and took many photos. At Fushimi Inari, they asked about Shinto and about the Japanese religious outlook that combines it with Buddhism. They were moved by the vermilion torii gates and the worship hall, and took many photos. Finally, we strolled through Gion in the Shijo area, and at the Gion Kaikan there was a screen presentation related to the Gion Festival in July. The guests were impressed by the history, elegance, and grandeur of the festival.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall Front～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Keihan Shijo220JPY
    Total850JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

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    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Maisen Harajuku
    • 14:30 Ginza Mitsukoshi
    • 15:30 Asakusa
    • 16:30 Disband @ Nishisando Street

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Ginza, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Meiji Shrine, they purchased a variety of omamori charms, and they enjoyed visiting a pig-themed café on Takeshita Street. For lunch they wanted either ramen or tonkatsu, so we went to a tonkatsu restaurant, and luckily we were able to get in without waiting. One of the guests enjoyed a double portion and was very satisfied. After stopping by the food floor of a department store basement in Ginza, we headed to Asakusa. Despite the rainy weather, they were surprised at how crowded Nakamise was. Since they had a tea ceremony experience booked from 17:00, we parted ways at the west approach. Even in the rain, the guests seemed to enjoy the day very much, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando～Ginza178JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Total533JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the accommodation → 8:45 Futami Okitama Shrine → 9:30 Sengukan → 10:15 Geku (Outer Shrine) → 11:00 Naiku (Inner Shrine) (worship & Kagura) → 13:00 Lunch in Okage Yokocho → 13:40 Strolling around Okage Yokocho → 14:00 End

    What Is a Private Tour of Ise and Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Guest Reaction The guests commented: "Because the itinerary was planned to reach Koyasan the same day, our stay in Ise was short—just one night and about half a day—but the beautiful nature of Ise Jingu in the rain, learning about the significance of the shrine relocation at the Sengukan museum, the deeply moving experience of the kagura performance, and Okage Yokocho, which is a paradise for anyone who loves shopping, meant there was nowhere near enough time. They say few foreign travelers know about Mie, but it is such a wonderful place that visitors will surely increase from now on. I would love to recommend Mie to my friends. I was truly satisfied with the itinerary you proposed." Tour Details It rained lightly at times, but this was well received as it made things feel mystical and allowed the guests to sense the scent of the forest. At the Sengukan museum, their questions were resolved, and they seemed to understand the importance of the shrine and the significance of the relocation. Since only one representative of the group could speak much English, I also used a translation tool to communicate. Impressions It was unfortunate that the wait for the kagura performance was longer than expected, that sitting on the wooden floor appeared to be uncomfortable, and that because the kagura ran over on time, there was almost no time left to stroll around Okage Yokocho. Requests I was asked to make a restaurant reservation and did so on their behalf—was that acceptable? What happens if a cancellation fee is incurred? When there are many guests, or when creating an itinerary, it takes a great deal of time for correspondence and research, so if the guide fee could be raised above the average, I would be able to work with even greater satisfaction.

    Click here for more details: Ise Jingu Shrine Customized Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMatsusaka Station～Iseshi Station490JPY
    Section 2TrainIseshi Station～Futaminoura Station210JPY
    Section 3BusSarutahiko Jinja-mae～Isuzugawa Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainIsuzugawa Station～Matsusaka Station500JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    I am a government licensed interpreter-guide who began my career in Kyoto, guiding tailored tours for individual and luxury FIT travelers.
    Before becoming a guide, I worked as an Okami (service manager) at luxury Ryokan(Japanese inn), where I learned how important it is to anticipate guests’ needs and respond flexibly in every situation.
    Now based in my hometown Mie, I would love to introduce you to experiences that are deeply rooted in Japan’s culture and nature
    —such as visiting the sacred Ise Grand Shrine, learning about the traditions of the Ama (female free divers), and enjoying local cuisine including Matsusaka beef and fresh seafood.
    I also have professional experience guiding cycling tours in Kyoto.
    This allows me to support experiences such as cycling and hiking with careful attention to safety, comfort, and pace, especially for guests who prefer a relaxed and well-balanced journey.
    While Mie is my home base, I am also happy to guide you in Kyoto and the wider Kansai area, adapting each tour to your interests, physical level, and travel style.
    More than simply guiding, I want to be a bridge between you and the local people.
    Through warm encounters and thoughtful hospitality, I hope to help you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, meaningful, and truly memorable.

    Request Booking

    Aug 7, 2026
    emielr398
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu Shrine Half-Day Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    A wonderful and insightful visit to Ise Jingu
    We had an…

    Apr 21, 2026
    Mary_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuka was exceptional. She…
    Yuka was exceptional. She guided us through the…

    Aug 27, 2025
    Fearless58228791378
    What truly makes the difference: more than a guide, a sincere friend!
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour…

    Jun 26, 2025
    MiguelP430
    Una de las visitas más interesantes en nuestro viaje a Japon
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0800 Hotel (directly connected to Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit) meeting point　Tokyo Station　Maru Building pine pillars　Gyoko-dori Avenue　Tatsumi Yagura Turret
    • 0905 Tsukiji Outer Market　Kabukiza Theatre　Ginza 4-chome Intersection
    • 1015 Shibuya　Hachiko Statue　Scramble Crossing
    • 1050 Harajuku　Meiji Shrine visit　Takeshita Street
    • 1230 Shinjuku　Omoide Yokocho　Godzilla Road　3D Cat Display　Lunch at Katsukura in Takashimaya
    • 1340　As you wished to return to the hotel, we disbanded at the Chuo Line platform

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for a First-Time Solo Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo visitor from North America. They had previously lived in another part of North America before relocating to their current home. They had visited Japan once about seven years earlier, but at that time there was no guide, and they did not clearly remember where or how they had traveled. This trip was a personal reward trip to Tokyo, planned as a five-day stay in Tokyo only, moving freely according to their own interests such as watches and vintage game consoles. At Tsukiji, the guest enjoyed a standing-style assortment of four pieces of tuna sushi, along with a strawberry daifuku. Today the guest mostly wanted to gather information in preparation for moving around on their own from the next day. I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and provided the necessary explanations. For lunch, we went to a tonkatsu restaurant located in a department store in Shinjuku, a place the guest had been eager to try beforehand. They thoroughly enjoyed the meal, saying it was exceptionally good. Since the guest had arrived at 4:00 that morning and the tour started right after they had unpacked, they were understandably a little tired, so we finished a bit early and they headed back from Shinjuku.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijubashimae～Hibiya～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza～Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku146JPY
    Total679JPY

    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

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimiinari & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Fushimiinari & Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
    • 09:30 Fushimiinari
    • 10:30 Kiyomizudera
    • Sannenzaka
    • Yasaka-no-to
    • 12:30 Lunch（Kura Sushi Kinkakuji branch）
    • 13:20 Kinkakuji
    • 14:20 Bamboo Grove
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Group Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of former university classmates visiting from Oceania. The tour started at 9:00, but there was heavy rain and a heavy rain warning had been issued for Kyoto Prefecture. At Fushimi Inari, on the route to the Senbon Torii, we were stuck in a crowd and could not move forward for a while. Afterward, we headed toward Kiyomizu-dera, but since Kiyomizu-zaka was extremely congested, we took a route entering from the back. Since we were running behind schedule, we took photos at the Okunoin, saw the Nure-te Kannon, and went down Kiyomizu-zaka without going up to the main hall, though even there we were temporarily unable to move forward. We somehow made our way down Sannen-zaka, saw the Yasaka Pagoda and Koshin-do, and just as we began heading toward the Kodai-ji area to meet up with the taxi, one of the guests began saying they did not need photos, shops, or food, and wanted to go to the main hall of Kiyomizu-dera. There was some back and forth among the guests for a while, but in the end the leader decided it was fine to follow the original itinerary, so we proceeded with the tour. With a group of this size, everything takes time. For lunch, I asked for their preferences and we went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Kinkaku-ji, which they were pleased with. Since we were running behind schedule, we returned to the Hotel 30 minutes late after visiting the bamboo grove.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Kyoto: Kyoyado Biyori Gojo & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kyoyado Biyori Gojo & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kyoyado Biyori Gojo
    • 9:40 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 10:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 12:10 Lunch at Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
    • 13:30 Gion Tatsumi Bridge & Hanamikoji Street
    • 14:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:55 Kyoyado Biyori Gojo

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America. Since the group ranged widely in age, they wished to take the tour at a relaxed pace. It rained in the morning, so we viewed the garden from within the buildings of Tenryu-ji Temple. Afterwards, we strolled through the bamboo grove in the rain, but there were not many people around and the greenery was beautiful, so the group was delighted. For lunch at Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato, we had a reservation, so they were able to enjoy their meal at leisure. We moved quickly through the Gion district, but at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine there were fewer people than usual, and we were able to enjoy walking through the Senbon Torii after the rain had stopped.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM10:00 Gather at Hotel
    • AM10:30 Fushimi Inari
    • AM11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • PM13:00 Kiyomizu-dera
    • PM14:30 Gion
    • PM 15:30 Nishiki Market
    • PM16:00 Disband at Shijo

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, coming to Japan for the first time. On the day of the tour it unfortunately rained, but we proceeded with the itinerary as planned. The guests are accustomed to mountain walking back home, so they did not mind walking and moved quickly, and since it looked like we would finish earlier than scheduled, I added Nishiki Market at the end. They mentioned that the next day they would enjoy a mountain walk in Kurama and Kibune. While they showed great interest in Japanese culture, they also seemed to enjoy food and drinks, and they told me they had a lively time at karaoke in Tokyo. They requested sushi for lunch, so I took them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Gion. Sushi and ramen are often requested, so it is helpful to know a few good places. The one consolation was that the rain stopped before 2 p.m.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo190JPY
    Section 3BusSanjusangendo-mae～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total570JPY

    Tour Report by Naoki

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
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  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 8:45 Nijo Castle
    • 10:30 Sanjusangen-do
    • 11:20 Gion
    • 12:15 Nishiki Market + Lunch
    • 13:45 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 15:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:30 Disband @ Dhawa Yura Kyoto

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. We had agreed on the itinerary in advance, but since it was raining heavily from the morning, I decided to change the order and visit the indoor sites first. They were pleased to experience unique history and culture at Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, the Gion Hanamachi Art Museum, and other places. After lunch the rain stopped in the afternoon, so we were able to visit Nanzenji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine without umbrellas. They were happy that we managed to get around smoothly thanks to the change in arrangement.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae440JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3BusHigashiyama Shichijo～Gion230JPY
    Section 4BusGion～Shijo Karasuma230JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo～Keage260JPY
    Section 6SubwayKeage～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 7TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari440JPY
    Total1,990JPY

    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!

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    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Kuromon Market & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 9:25-11:20@Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 11:50-12:10@Kuromon Market
    • 12:20-12:40＠National Bunraku Theatre
    • 13:10-13:45@Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:15 Disband @Restaurant in Harukas

    Can You Take a Private Osaka Walking Tour on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America who had booked through a travel agency. Since the travel agency had provided the guests' email address, I was able to confirm the itinerary in advance. Unfortunately, it had been raining since the previous day, and the forecast predicted gradual improvement from the afternoon, so I adjusted the itinerary to avoid the need for umbrellas by adding the Bunraku Theater and having the guests visit nearby Dotonbori on their own after the tour, as it was close to the hotel. The guests enjoyed the Bunraku performance even more than I had expected. This was a commemorative trip, and the guests, wearing T-shirts and shoes they had purchased the previous day at Onitsuka Tiger, strolled around happily and in a relaxed mood despite the rain.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNippombashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

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    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
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    G6602NEeduardoa
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