Category: Uncategorized

  • Yamanashi: Saiko Nature Center & Fugaku Wind Cave

    Yamanashi: Saiko Nature Center & Fugaku Wind Cave

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Kawaguchiko Station
    • 09:10 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Saiko Nature Center
    • 09:44 @ Saiko Nature Center (Bat Cave)
    • 10:00-11:00 Join the Aokigahara Jukai Forest walking tour guided by a nature guide
    • 11:04 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Iyashi no Sato Nenba
    • 11:15-12:30 @ Iyashi no Sato Nenba
    • 12:50 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Fugaku Wind Cave
    • 13:00-13:45 @ Fugaku Wind Cave
    • 13:50 Take a taxi to Kosaku Kawaguchiko Store
    • 14:10-15:00 Lunch @ Kosaku Kawaguchiko Store (Hoto)
    • 15:10 Take the Fujikyu Bus to Kawaguchiko Station
    • 15:20 Disband @ Kawaguchiko Station

    What Is a Private Fuji Aokigahara Forest and Lake Saiko Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had come to the Lake Kawaguchi area the day before and enjoyed activities such as a sightseeing boat. On this occasion, they were looking forward to hiking in the Aokigahara forest. We joined a nature walking tour at the Saiko Nature Center and enjoyed a one-hour forest hike while I interpreted the explanations of the specialist nature guide. One of the guests was aware that the Aokigahara forest is well known and seemed captivated by its mysterious atmosphere. Afterward, the guests enjoyed Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, a village lined with traditional thatched-roof houses, and then explored a natural ice cave at the Fugaku Wind Cave. The guests were also very satisfied with the local specialty hoto, finding it delicious. I gave the guests some Japanese chopsticks and a Japanese tenugui towel as gifts, which were very well received. Overall, I believe the guests were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaguchiko Station~Saiko Bat Cave800JPY
    Section 2BusSaiko Bat Cave~Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba240JPY
    Section 3BusSaiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba~Fugaku Wind Cave270JPY
    Section 4BusYakuba-mae~Kawaguchiko Station180JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
    I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
    Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
    I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
    I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.

    Jul 16, 2026
    fernandorM8865OM
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Memorable day
    We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…

    Jul 11, 2026
    912courtneyp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great family guide
    May was a great tour guide.…

    Jun 27, 2026
    LPMarchica
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 Recommend
    We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Alisha_W
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    May was an enthusiastic…
    May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…

  • Yamanashi: Saiko Nature Center

    Yamanashi: Saiko Nature Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:42 Take the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station
    • 10:10 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Saiko Nature Center
    • 10:44 @ Saiko Nature Center (Bat Cave)
    • 11:15-12:15 Participate in the Aokigahara Jukai walking tour with a nature guide
    • 12:47 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Iyashi no Sato Nenba
    • 12:53-14:00 @ Iyashi no Sato Nenba
    • 14:05 Take a taxi to Narusawa Ice Cave
    • 14:25-15:00 @ Narusawa Ice Cave
    • 15:05 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Blue Line) to Kawaguchiko Station
    • 15:45 Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station
    • 16:00 @ Tourist Base Kawaguchiko for cafe time
    • 16:30 Disband @ Kawaguchiko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Fuji Five Lakes Nature Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Kawaguchiko Body: The guests were a group visiting from Europe. A Japanese agent was involved as an intermediary, so I had received information about the guests in advance, which allowed the day's itinerary to proceed smoothly. As highlights of the Fuji-Kawaguchiko area, I recommended attractions such as the sightseeing boat, the ropeway, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Oishi Park. However, since the guests were interested in nature trekking, I guided them on a hike through the Aokigahara forest (the "Sea of Trees"). Regarding the forest hike, simply walking through the woods without any change of scenery would not be interesting at all, so we decided to join an official guided tour at the Saiko Nature Center. (This turned out to be an excellent decision.) The guests seemed very impressed by the explanations about the formation of the forest, the history of Mount Fuji, the wonders of nature, and the atmospheric one-hour hike through the Sea of Trees. Afterward, we visited "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba," a village lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. Here, the guests enjoyed a rice-ball lunch box that I had prepared myself. (I had made it in the morning in case the hike ran long. I also took their dietary preferences into consideration.) After that, since the local bus times did not match up, we moved by taxi, visited the Narusawa Ice Cave, then returned to Kawaguchiko Station by bus, took a coffee break, and parted ways. I gave them a pair of chopsticks as a souvenir, which was also very well received. Overall, I believe the guests were satisfied. (I have already received a high review as well.)

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKawaguchiko Station~Fujikyu Highland Station173JPY
    Section 2TrainFujikyu Highland Station~Kawaguchiko Station173JPY
    Section 3BusKawaguchiko Station~Saiko Bat Cave800JPY
    Section 4BusSaiko Bat Cave~Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba240JPY
    Section 5BusNarusawa~Kawaguchiko Station530JPY
    Total1,916JPY

    Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
    I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
    Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
    I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
    I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.

    Jul 16, 2026
    fernandorM8865OM
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Memorable day
    We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…

    Jul 11, 2026
    912courtneyp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great family guide
    May was a great tour guide.…

    Jun 27, 2026
    LPMarchica
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 Recommend
    We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Alisha_W
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    May was an enthusiastic…
    May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Nezu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, Kaminari Issa
    • 12:00 Ueno, Saigo Takamori Statue, Shogitai Grave, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:10 Yanaka Ginza, Isetatsu
    • 13:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 14:20 Disband @ Hibiya Station

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa, Ueno, and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from Europe. They mentioned they wanted to have a matcha latte, so we stopped by a tea shop we passed in Asakusa and sat down to chat. The guests were very interested in Japan and asked me about many things, such as wabi-sabi and geisha. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the peony garden was open, and since one of the guests' favorite flower is the peony and it was also used in their wedding bouquet, we went in. My guide license could not be used, so I offered to wait outside, but they kindly paid for me as well. The guests loved the town of Yanaka, and when I recommended Yanaka senbei, they bought one. At Isetatsu, they purchased woodblock prints depicting cherry blossoms and autumn leaves to hang on their wall. Nezu Shrine was holding its azalea festival, and although it was not as crowded as the previous day, many people were visiting. There was a line in front of the thousand torii gates, so we gave up on that, but they took photos in front of the azaleas in full bloom and were delighted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Section 4SubwayNezu~Hibiya180JPY
    Total730JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM10:00 Start in front of the Tourist Information Center at Kanazawa Station
    • Transfer by bus to Hashiba-cho
    • AM 10:20 – AM 11:30 Stroll around Higashi Chaya District (Visit Shima, Kinpaku Sakuda)
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 12:00 – 12:45 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:45-13:30 Kanazawa Castle Park (Visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura)
    • Transfer on foot to Omicho
    • PM 13:30- 14:30 Lunch
    • Transfer by bus to Korinbo
    • PM14:30-15:40 Stroll around the Nagamachi Samurai District (Visit the Nomura Family Residence)
    • Arrange 3 taxis to the cruise terminal and end the tour.

    Title: What Is a Private Group Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The presence of a travel agency coordinator meant that meeting the guests at Kanazawa Station, after their arrival by a cruise-arranged shuttle bus, went smoothly without any trouble. Although it was during the Golden Week holiday period, the timing at the visited sites such as the Nomura Samurai District and the gold leaf shop Sakuda worked out very well. At the samurai residence, it was quiet enough to take a group commemorative photo indoors, and at Sakuda, there were no other groups of visitors, so I was able to explain the gold leaf process slowly while involving one of the craftsmen, which was very helpful. For lunch at Omicho Market, since some of the guests could not eat seafood, we first went to a shop with take-away options where they purchased packaged fresh products, and they also enjoyed ramen and curry at the food court in the basement. It was a group tour of ten people, but I believe it turned out to be a well-organized and cohesive tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKanazawa city~Kanazawa city800JPY
    Total800JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel-10:15 Meiji Shrine-11:30 Tsukiji Outer Market-12:45 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple-14:00 Disband at Shin-okachimachi

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report This was the first day of an 11-day tour for first-time visitors to Japan from Europe, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). The guests showed a strong interest in culture, history, and architecture, so I explained the Yoyogi National Gymnasium designed by Kenzo Tange. At an ukiyo-e specialty shop in Asakusa, the guests were already familiar with Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," and mentioned that the museum connected to them had purchased the same print at a high price. At a shop with 400 years of history, the guests bought shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice) and a container for it, both for themselves and as souvenirs for family. They were delighted, saying that every time they use this shichimi, it will remind them of Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-shinjuku~Kita-sando178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Shin-okachimachi168JPY
    Total764JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Tobu Nikko Station
    • 9:40 Board the bus
    • 9:48 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 10:18 Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden
    • 11:00 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo
    • 11:50 Toshogu Shrine
    • 13:10 Lunch @ Sannai Shokudo
    • 14:15 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 15:26 Board the bus
    • 15:40 Guidance on the bus ticket counter etc. to use the next day at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 15:50 Dismissal @ Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What's a Private Nikko World Heritage Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America and Europe. After sightseeing in western Japan by cruise ship and finishing in Yokohama, they had traveled by train the previous day and stayed in Kinugawa. I had explained beforehand via a messaging app how to get from the hotel in Kinugawa to Tobu Nikko, and although they seemed a little unsure, they managed to arrive. They planned to visit Lake Chuzenji and Kinugawa on their own the next day, so today they wanted to fully enjoy the World Heritage sites. Because we walked slowly and carefully, the tour took longer than usual. Even so, the guests were very eager and curious, with no shortage of questions. They were remarkably knowledgeable about the Emperor, the Edo period, Japanese kimono, and Japanese history and culture, so each time the conversation grew deeper we stopped to talk, which took even more time. My approach was to let them enjoy each point thoroughly, making sure they understood everything one by one. They appeared to follow a Christian faith, so I chose my words carefully when speaking about religion, trying to make the topic feel approachable. However, my translation of Shodo Shonin as "Saint Shodo" was not well received, so from now on I plan to say simply "Shodo Shonin" instead. While explaining the deliberately incomplete elements of the five-story pagoda and the reversed pillar of the Yomeimon Gate, one of the guests offered a different perspective, explaining that in Islam there is a similar idea, but with a different meaning — that only Allah is perfect and humans are inherently imperfect. I have also once been taught by another guest that there is an English proverb, "Perfect is the enemy of good." Each of these carries a slightly different meaning, and honestly I am not sure of the true intent behind them. The reversed pillar is said to serve as a talisman against evil, but foreign visitors often do not quite grasp that explanation, so as I have tried to make my own interpretation easier to understand, this was a chance to reflect on whether it had become too much my own version. Since I often welcome well-informed guests, I once again felt that I need to study more.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Section 2BusTamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park~Tobu Nikko Station350JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Hanamikoji

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Hanamikoji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 15:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple > Sannenzaka > Ninenzaka
    • 17:00 Break at Starbucks
    • 18:00 Hanamikoji > Pontocho > Kyogoku Shopping Street > Nishiki Market
    • 19:00 End in front of Daimaru

    What Is a Private Afternoon Tour of Kyoto Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the guests arrived in Kyoto later than expected, we started the tour at 3:00 in the afternoon. Unfortunately it was raining, so we first visited Sanjusangendo, and then moved on to Kiyomizu-dera. We used taxis for both, so I did not need to cover any transportation costs on their behalf. The fresh green maple leaves were beautiful, and the guests took many photos. The guests came all the way from Africa. First, they treated me to fruit mochi. Afterward, they also enjoyed some cream puffs. They wanted to have coffee, so on the way back from Kiyomizu we stopped at a Starbucks. They treated me to a cappuccino. The guests had not had lunch, so they ate a Starbucks wrap sandwich. At the end, I tried to guide them to a restaurant, but it was already closed, so it was not possible. I guided them to buy something to eat in the basement food floor of Daimaru, and then we parted ways. For the first time, I received a 10-pound note as a tip.

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Kanra Kyoto
    • Travel (Kyoto Municipal Subway)
    • 10:00~11:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • Travel (Kyoto City Bus)
    • 11:30-12:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30~13:15 Lunch @ Sea Bream Rice, Maki
    • Travel (Kyoto City Bus, Subway)
    • 14:00-15:00 Nijo Castle
    • 15:00 Disband @ Nijo Castle

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle Although I had signed up for it, I felt a little nervous because it was a larger group than I am usually comfortable with, but the guests turned out to be a very cheerful group visiting from Oceania. It took a little time before we could set off. At first, it seemed the guests wanted help with refunding a Shinkansen ticket and said, "We'd like to stop at Kyoto Station at the start of the tour," but one of the guests said, "That kind of thing can wait until after the tour," so it was decided they would handle it themselves afterward. Also, when boarding at Gojo Station, none of the guests could pass through the ticket gate, so I used the intercom button to speak with a station attendant, who helped resolve the issue. It turned out that they had used SUICA in Tokyo the previous day, but the processing had not been completed. After everyone had passed through the gate, one of the guests—I have no idea where they learned it—said "Banzai!", and I found myself joining in with a "Banzai!" too. With all that behind us, we headed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where today too I received enthusiastic questions such as the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun, where the Emperor's tomb is located, and whether under current Japanese law only a man can become Emperor. Some of the guests had studied the Japanese Imperial family quite well, and some even knew that the current Empress is a former diplomat. Then we went to Kinkaku-ji, where I also received questions such as "How much gold was used?" When I explained that the current Golden Pavilion was rebuilt after it was destroyed by arson in 1950, I received questions such as "Why did the monk end up committing arson?" and "What happened to the monk afterward?" For lunch, they said they wanted to eat something Japanese, so we first went to an udon restaurant across the street, but there were no seats available for eight people, so we decided to walk to another restaurant. On the way, one of the guests spotted a photo of sea bream ramen and said "This one looks good," so we decided to enter that restaurant, which was a first for me as well. Personally, I found the soup delicious, made with a salted sea bream broth and topped with a slice of sea bream, and I think it is a fine restaurant. After that, we moved on to Nijo Castle. Here everyone went ahead, so I walked through the grounds keeping pace with the last of the guests. Here too I received a question such as "Why did the Shogun need to return governing power to the Emperor?" In this way, I was able to spend a very enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGojo~Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2BusDoshisha-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji Oike230JPY
    Section 4TrainNishioji Oike~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total940JPY

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel
    • 10:40-12:00. Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:00-14:00 Strolling around Ginza, lunch
    • 14:30-16:00 Strolling in Hamarikyu Gardens, dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Guests Who Prefer a Relaxed Pace? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. When asked what they wanted to do to celebrate a milestone, one of them had expressed a wish to visit Japan, which led to their joining this tour. However, it seemed there had been a misunderstanding that the tour would include a car, and since the guests became tired during the tour, we proceeded while taking breaks along the way. We used the subway from Ginza to Tsukiji Market, but for the move to Hamarikyu Gardens and from Hamarikyu Gardens to the Hotel, we took a taxi. Since no specific requests had been made at the outset, I decided on the destinations while consulting with the guests as we traveled. Some of the guests enjoyed shopping and spent a good amount of time browsing the department stores.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRoppongi~Tsukiji Market178JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji Market~Ginza178JPY
    Total356JPY

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Hiroshima: Tour Shukkeien Garden & Hondori

    Hiroshima: Tour Shukkeien Garden & Hondori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00  Gather at Hotel lobby・Move to Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 09:15 Tour of Atomic Bomb Dome・Peace Park・Peace Memorial Museum 
    • 11:30 Tour Hondori・Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:20 Tour Shukkeien Garden
    • 12:50 Move to Hondori
    • 13: 15 Disband at Hondori

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. This was my first time guiding guests from this region. It turned out that they had changed the name of the group's representative to whoever was most comfortable with English. Because interpretation went from English into another language as a second step, explanations required more time than usual. I felt a little regretful that I could not explain more about Miyajima for the following day. Listening to the guests, I learned that their home country places great emphasis on peace education, which impressed me. At the same time, I was filled with gratitude that they had traveled all the way to Hiroshima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori Station~Shukkeien-mae Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainShukkeien-mae Station~Hatchobori 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…