Category: Uncategorized

  • Nagano in Half a Day: Gondo Arcade Street & Zenkoji Temple

    Nagano in Half a Day: Gondo Arcade Street & Zenkoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet at hotel
    • 12:40 Gondo Arcade Street
    • 12:45 Nagano Aioiza Roxy
    • 13:00 Zenkoji Temple
    • Daihongan Treasure Hall Sutra Repository Sanmon Gate Inner Sanctuary
    • 15:00 Zenkoji Daikanjin Zazen meditation experience (interpretation 1h)
    • 16:30 Disband at hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Nagano City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zenkoji and a Historic Cinema The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. I took them to Nagano Prefecture's oldest cinema, established in the Meiji era, so they could experience its history. The guests had a connection to a film currently showing, and seemed delighted to come across its poster. At Zenkoji Temple, I recommended a zazen meditation experience in advance. Since they meditate regularly, they gladly accepted. They were well versed in the proper etiquette, and it seemed they enjoyed a wonderful time away from the hustle and bustle. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNagano Station~Gondo190JPY
    Section 2BusZenkoji Daimon~Nagano Station190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Nice to meet you. My name is Emi F., and I am a licensed guide interpreter specializing in English. I was born and have lived and worked in Nagano, where I am especially knowledgeable about the northern, eastern, and central regions of the prefecture. After retiring early from a career in teaching, I began working as a guide interpreter in 2021. Since then, I have had the pleasure of guiding many visitors to some of my favorite places, including Nagano, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Matsumoto, Azumino, Yamanouchi, Obuse, Nozawa-onsen, Suzaka, and Karuizawa, among others. I have a deep appreciation for the diverse foods harvested in Nagano and am committed to providing a flexible and enjoyable experience for my guests. Additionally, upon request, I can also guide you in Kanazawa, Nagoya, Nara, and Kyoto. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to share a memorable and enjoyable tour together.

    Mar 21, 2026
    Cengiz_S
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
    We’re really enjoyed this…

    Apr 3, 2025
    R
    Robert_C
    Emi was a great guide who…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Emi was a…

    Jun 8, 2024
    James_M
    Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kokusaikaikan & Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion area

    Kyoto in One Day: Kokusaikaikan & Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:19- 9:25 Kokusaikaikan → Kitaoji 260 yen
    • 9:32-9:40 Kitaoji Bus Terminal → Kinkakuji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 9:50-10:35 Kinkakuji sightseeing
    • 10:40-10:52 Kinkakuji-michi → Nishinokyo-Enmachi Bus 230 yen
    • 11:07-11:13 Enmachi → Saga-Arashiyama JR 200 yen
    • 11:20-12:30 Arashiyama sightseeing (Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, Kimono Forest, etc.)
    • 12:40-13:20 Lunch @ Gyatei
    • 13:44-14:01 Arashiyama → Karasuma Hankyu 240 yen
    • 14:10-14:30 Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • 14:30-14:50 Shijo-Kawaramachi → Kiyomizu-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 15:00-16:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion area sightseeing
    • 16:30 Disband @ Harmony (café)

    What Does a Private One-Day Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America around Kyoto. After visiting Kinkaku-ji, we strolled through Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove Path in Arashiyama. The weeping cherry blossoms at Tenryu-ji were especially at their peak, and the guests were deeply moved by their beauty. For lunch, I took them to one of my favorite restaurants, "Gyatei," where they enjoyed Japanese cuisine. Afterwards, they experienced Japan's food culture with some free time to explore Nishiki Market. In the afternoon, we visited Kiyomizu-dera, where they took many photos against a backdrop of cherry blossoms that were nearly in full bloom. It was a day of fully enjoying Kyoto in spring. Since they had dinner reservations in Gion at 5:00 p.m., I guided them to a nearby café and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKokusaikaikan~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishinokyo-Enmachi230JPY
    Section 4TrainEnmachi~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama~Karasuma240JPY
    Section 6BusShijo-Kawaramachi~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meet up @ Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome Ekitower
    • 11:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40 Lunch @ McDonald's Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 13:40 Imperial Palace
    • 14:50 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:50 Akihabara
    • 17:05 Disband @ Hotel & Resort Nishishinjuku Gochome Ekitower

    The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. They planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Shibuya, they took photos of the Scramble Crossing from inside a Starbucks. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. 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 were interested in the explanation about the differences between temples and shrines. In Akihabara, the guests explored the anime and game shops with great interest. Since I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishishinjuku-gochome Station~Yoyogi Station900JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayYurakucho~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 7TrainAkihabara~Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 8SubwayYoyogi~Nishishinjuku-gochome0JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    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

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka & Saga-Arashiyama

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka & Saga-Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 9:15-10:05 Osaka→Inari JR 840 yen
    • 10:10-11:10 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:20-12:10 Lunch @ Dragon Burger Fushimi Inari branch
    • 12:14-12:24 Fushimi Inari→Sanjo Keihan 220 yen 
    • 12:36-12:48 Sanjo Keihan→Uzumasa Tenjingawa Subway 260 yen 
    • 12:55-13:10 Randen Tenjingawa→Arashiyama Randen 250 yen
    • 13:30-14:20 Sightseeing at Tenryu-ji Temple and Bamboo Grove Path
    • 14:31-15:29 Saga-Arashiyama→Osaka JR 960 yen
    • 16:00 Dismiss @ Hotel Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) guide led a private day tour for a group visiting from North America, visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Grove Path). Although it rained that day, the guests enjoyed the sightseeing calmly throughout. As they were using a stroller, some care was needed when moving through stairs and crowded areas, but there were no major problems. In the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the group took commemorative photos together, and the cheerful atmosphere was memorable. Since the guests appeared tired, we wrapped up a little earlier than planned and returned to Osaka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Inari840JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 4TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 5TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Osaka960JPY
    Total2,530JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Travertine Kyoto Kiyamachi
    • 9:15-10:30 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:40-11:20 Travel by car
    • 11:40-12:35 Lunch @ Gyatei
    • 12:40-13:30 Sightseeing in Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, etc.)
    • 13:35-13:55 Travel by car
    • 14:00-14:40 Sightseeing at Nijo Castle
    • 14:50-15:05 Travel by car
    • 15:10 Disband @ Travertine Kyoto Kiyamachi

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Nijo Castle The guests were a group visiting from North America. On this private one-day tour of Kyoto, I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Bamboo Grove path), and Nijo Castle. They were a very close-knit group, and they asked many questions at each location, which showed their strong interest in Japanese culture. At Nijo Castle in particular, they listened with deep interest to the beginning and end of the Tokugawa shogunate and to the class system of the Edo period, which was headed by the shogun. One of the guests came across as very composed and mature. Answering the many questions kept me on my toes a little, but it was a fulfilling day.

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Sanjusangen-do

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Sanjusangen-do

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet @ Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 8:45-9:30 Travel
    • 9:40-10:40 Sightseeing in Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, etc.)
    • 10:50-11:10 Travel
    • 11:15-12:00 Lunch @ Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 12:10-13:00 Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:05-13:30 Travel
    • 13:30-14:15 Sightseeing at Sanjusangen-do
    • 14:20-40 Travel
    • 14:40 Disband @ Dhawa Yura Kyoto

    What Is a Kyoto Private Tour with Two Guides Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On the day of the tour, I was suddenly asked to have my group travel together with another group (a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tour) staying at the same hotel. They agreed that the course I had prepared would be fine, so I proceeded with the cooperation of the guide of the other group. We visited Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Sanjusangen-do. I took the lead in giving explanations from the front, while I asked the other guide to provide support from behind. They also made the lunch reservation for us. Although it was my first time experiencing this, with the cooperation of both drivers, I somehow managed to see it through.

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Moved to Hinode Kiin

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Moved to Hinode Kiin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet in front of the North Gate at Keikyu Yokohama Station/Today is the client's birthday, so I wanted to make it a special day.
    • 9:00-9:20 Traveled to Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line
    • 9:20-10:00 Strolled around the Red Brick Warehouse and Hammerhead area/It was a clear day with little wind, so we could stroll leisurely.
    • 10:10-10:30 Sightseeing on the Yokohama Air Cabin/At first he said he wanted to ride the Cosmo Clock, but we learned it doesn't open until 11:00, so we rode the Yokohama Air Cabin instead.
    • 10:30-11:10 Sightseeing at the Sky Garden of Landmark Tower. Clear skies and a great view; we could even see Mt. Fuji.
    • 11:20-11:50 Took a break at Starbucks on the 1st floor of Landmark Tower
    • 11:50-12:10 Moved to Hinode Kiin.
    • 12:10-13:00 As a birthday commemoration, played a game against a 6-dan instructor at Hinode Kiin. They welcomed us warmly and he enjoyed the game.
    • 13:00-13:30 From Sakuragicho Station, moved to Manchinro Tenshinpo in Chinatown, which had been reserved
    • 13:30-14:30 Meal. Since we had told them in advance about the birthday, they gave us a peach steamed bun as a gift and lent us a cake-like hat, so we could take photos.
    • 14:30-15:00 Moved from Chinatown to Yokohama Station and ended the tour

    Title: What Can You Do on a Private Day Tour of Yokohama Minato Mirai? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoyed a walk around the Minato Mirai district under clear skies. When they began to feel a little tired, we took the Yokohama Air Cabin, which gave them a nice chance to rest. From the observation deck of the Landmark Tower, Mount Fuji was also visible. This time, the guests wished to visit a Go parlor to celebrate a birthday, so I searched for one near Sakuragicho, confirmed by phone that they could join, and then guided them there. The instructor was a talented 6-dan player who had won a tournament in Yokohama, and since I had explained the situation in advance, the guests were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a game of Go. I guided them along an easy-to-follow route from the station so they could return again. As the guests also wished to enjoy delicious dim sum at the end of the tour, I had made a reservation at Manchinro Tenshinpo. The meal was delicious, and with a birthday gift as well, it turned out to be a truly special day. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Bashamichi200JPY
    Section 2TrainSakuragicho~Ishikawacho150JPY
    Total350JPY

    My name is Midori Katayama. I have been working as a national licensed English-speaking tour guide since 2024. I have guided group bus tours as well as FIT guests. I truly enjoy showing visitors from overseas the wonderful places in Japan and sharing our culture with them.

    I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is located just south of Tokyo and offers great sightseeing destinations such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone. There are four people in my family—my husband, my son, and my mother. My son has already moved out and lives on his own, so now the three of us live together.

    I also study tea ceremony, and I look forward to sharing Japanese culture with all of you.
    Thank you very much, and I hope to see you soon.

    Apr 27, 2025
    202travelor
    Magical birthday!
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Middy arranged a bespoke day in Yokohama for my husband’s…

    Sep 22, 2024
    M-N-M-FAB4
    Perfect Day And we saw Mt Fuji
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a pleasant…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel-10:15 Meiji Shrine-11:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:30 Ginza Lunch-13:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens-14:45 Fukagawa Fudodo Temple-15:30 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine-15:50 Disperse at Kayabacho

    Title: What Can You See on a First Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The first day of a private Tokyo tour for a group visiting from Europe. Some of the guests were visiting Japan for the first time and were very much looking forward to the day's tour. We began by purchasing Suica cards for the group at Shinjuku Station. After strolling from Yoyogi through Meiji Shrine, we were about to head to the Imperial Palace when the guests became hungry and requested an early lunch, so we made our way directly to the pedestrian paradise in Ginza. The guests enjoyed an authentic sushi lunch at a sushi restaurant with 136 years of history, and then strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. At Fukagawa Fudodo, the guests were amazed by the thunderous sound of the large drum and conch shell of the goma fire ritual, and also learned about the history of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Yoyogi146JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Ginza178JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza~Otemachi286JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
    Section 5SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Kayabacho178JPY
    Total966JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at the Shinkansen platform of Kyoto Station
    • (JR Line)
    • 11:30-12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • (Taxi)
    • 12:15-12:45 Sanjusangendo
    • (Keihan Railway)
    • 13:15-13:45 Lunch (eat-in at the delicatessen in the basement of Takashimaya)
    • (Hankyu Railway & Subway)
    • 14:10-14:40 Nijo Castle
    • (Taxi)
    • 15:05-15:35 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • (Taxi)
    • 15:55-16:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • (Keifuku & Subway)
    • 17:00 Disband at the izakaya in Sanjo Tominokoji

    # What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on a trip to Japan. Traveling from their accommodation in Osaka, we met at Kyoto Station at 11:00. Their wish was to see as many of Kyoto's famous attractions as possible while fitting in a quick lunch, so I arranged the following itinerary: Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → lunch at the delicatessen in the basement of a department store → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → Kyoto Station. What left the strongest impression was Sanjusangendo, which had not been on the guests' original request list; they paused in awe at the solemn sight of the rows of Buddhist statues. Inside the hall, they also purchased a goshuin book and an English-language pamphlet. At Nijo Castle, they listened with great interest to explanations of how the expansion of Western powers into Asia influenced the return of political power to the Emperor. Along the way, our conversation ranged freely from how the guests first met, to the current state of overtourism, to differences between the railway situations in Japan and the UK (I explained the privatization of Japan's national railways and competition among private railway companies), and even to differences in healthcare systems. One especially memorable remark from the guests was their impression that no other country is culturally similar to Japan. They observed that in Europe, despite differences in language and ethnicity, deep historical exchanges — such as the Roman Empire extending its influence as far as the British Isles — have left behind similarities and shared traits. In contrast, they felt that Japan seemed not to belong to any other cultural sphere. At the end of the itinerary, we had planned to return to Kyoto Station, but the guests asked about having a distinctly Kyoto-style dinner in the downtown area, so I made a reservation at an izakaya I occasionally use and took them there, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinkansen Kyoto Station~Shinkansen Kyoto Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 5SubwayShijo~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Randen-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 7SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Karasuma-Oike260JPY
    Total1,420JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Higashi-ginza Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Higashi-ginza Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting place: Hotel, Ginza Tsukiji
    • 12:10 Depart Higashi-ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 13:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 15:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 15:20 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • Omotesando
    • 16:45 Depart Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Center Gai
    • 18:00 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 18:30 Higashi-ginza Station
    • 18:30 Disband: Higashi-ginza Station

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening on a flight via Shanghai, then transferred via the Skyliner and subway to reach their hotel. They planned to stay in Japan for a period of time, spending some days in Tokyo before traveling on to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, and returning home from Kansai Airport. They also planned a day trip to Mount Fuji the following day. Regarding the destinations, they said, "We'd like to visit the main sightseeing spots in Tokyo. We'll leave the specific choices up to you." The guests spoke among themselves in their own language, but we were able to communicate and hold conversations in English well enough. The weather was unsettled, alternating between sun and clouds, but we avoided any rain and were able to carry out the tour. We started from Higashi-Ginza Station and headed first to Asakusa. Despite the early morning hour, it was very crowded. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took a commemorative photo in front of Kaminarimon. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" "What religions do other people believe in?" and "How often do Buddhists go to temples?" The guests purchased a "traffic safety" amulet. We strolled leisurely through the Nakamise shopping street, and there was a question about the maneki-neko: "What does it mean?" We then moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens. There were comments like "It's a shame we can't see the cherry blossoms" and questions such as "When do the cherry blossoms reach full bloom?" I explained about "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were comments and questions like "The pine trees are beautiful, like bonsai," "Does the Japanese Emperor hold political power?" and "Is it possible to meet the Emperor?" We moved on to Harajuku, first visiting Meiji Shrine. I explained about "Shinto and Buddhism," "the torii gate," "Emperor Meiji," "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the Meiji Restoration," and "why wine barrels are displayed there." There were also questions such as "When did Shinto originate?" and "Who or what is enshrined at a shrine?" After this, we strolled along Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando. We continued to Shibuya. We viewed the Scramble Crossing and actually walked across it, and there was a question: "Why and for what reason do so many people gather here?" We took a photo of the Hachiko statue and strolled through Center Gai. Along the way, there were many questions about transportation, such as "How to reserve the Shinkansen," "How to get to Nikko," and "How to get to Kamakura." There were also comments and questions like "The streets are clean with no litter," "Does everyone refrain from littering?" "There are no homeless people around," and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" There was also a comment: "No one is chatting on the trains. It's quiet." We returned to Higashi-Ginza Station and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-ginza Station~Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayOmotesando Station~Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya Station~Higashi-ginza Station209JPY
    Total983JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
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