Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kamiyacho

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kamiyacho

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 8:30 Asakusa
    • 9:30 Asakusa to Suehirocho, walk to Akihabara
    • 10:00 Akihabara
    • 11:50 Shibuya
    • 12:20 Shibuya PARCO
    • 13:50 Kamiyacho
    • 14:00 Disband

    What's a Private Tokyo and Akihabara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had recently traveled to other destinations abroad, and throughout the tour they were delighted to find Japan clean, orderly, and comfortable. They seemed to enjoy games and manga, and mentioned that lately anime and K-pop have become more popular than Hollywood movies in Europe. They had a great time playing Mario Kart at a game arcade and shopping for figures and anime goods in Akihabara. They spent a long time deciding which goods to buy, and the tour was extended by two hours.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho66JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara～Shibuya208JPY
    Total494JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi, I’m Sam.
    I am happy to welcome you all to Japan.

    Since I was a child, my parents welcomed many international students into our home and I had many opportunities to interact with them. My mother is a translator, and I have always seen her guiding foreigners around Japan, so it was natural for me to start doing the same.

    I am good at guiding people to popular places such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, as well as photogenic spots in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Since I was a child, I’ve watched anime like Pokémon and played Nintendo games, and I still buy around 100 manga comic books a month. I love shopping in Akihabara! I currently live in Urayasu City, Chiba, so close that I can see fireworks from Disneyland from my house every night.

    Please feel free to ask me anything!

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2026
    Carl_W
    Tokyo city tour custom
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sam was very knowledgeable and…

    Sep 7, 2026
    782alessandrof
    Sam was amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    It was a very rainy day…

    Aug 24, 2026
    596vincentz
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Family-Friendly Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Sam was an star tour guide for us
    our Guide Sam was…

    Aug 10, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Tokyo
    We are so happy that…

  • Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet at Prince Sakura Tower
    • 5:20 Toyosu Tuna Auction, Wholesale Market
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8:00 Disband at Tsukiji Station

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji Walking Tour Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The tour was originally planned for the whole group, but since one of the guests was unable to get up in time, it became a tour for the rest of the group. One of the guests had spent several years in Tokyo and Kobe in the past, and throughout the tour they enthusiastically shared stories about Japan and their own experiences with the rest of the group. They were amazed at the high prices fetched by tuna at the year's first auction. At Tsukiji, in addition to eel and tuna, the guests enjoyed several delicious roasted sweet potatoes, and also bought some for the guest who could not join. They thanked me warmly, saying they had a wonderful time, and I saw them off at the platform of Tsukiji Station before we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusToyosu～Tsukiji 6-chome220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Nara in One Day: Nara Visitor Center for Foreign Tourists & Namba

    Nara in One Day: Nara Visitor Center for Foreign Tourists & Namba

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 9:40-10:50 Sightseeing at Kofukuji Temple & Naramachi Shopping Street
    • 11:05-11:15 Nara Visitor Center for Foreign Tourists
    • 11:30-12:20 Lunch @ Japanese Food Cafe Comfy
    • 13:35-14:15 Sightseeing at Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall & Nigatsudo Hall
    • 14:30-14:50 Sightseeing at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 15:36-16:16 Kintetsu Nara → Osaka Namba 680 yen Kintetsu
    • 16:25-16:31 Namba → Yodoyabashi 190 yen Osaka Metro
    • 16:45 Dismissal @ Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji

    Title: What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, and Kasuga Taisha I guided a group visiting from North America around Nara. At Kofuku-ji, the guests were amazed by the intricacy of the Buddhist statues that have survived intact despite seven fires over the centuries. At the Nara Visitor Center & Inn, the group was able to have their names written by hand in kanji characters (normally only a printout is provided, but on this occasion it was done specially). We had lunch at a Japanese-style cafe. After the meal, we walked around Todai-ji, Nigatsu-do, Wakakusa-yama, and Kasuga Taisha. The guests were very close and took family selfies at each sightseeing spot.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKintetsu Nara～Ikoma360JPY
    Total360JPY

    Tour Report by AndyMurao

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    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.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting place: the b Ginza
    • 10:40 Shimbashi Station
    • Shimbashi Station Purchase Suica card
    • 10:45 Depart Shimbashi Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Station Station Travel Concierge
    • 11:00 Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 12:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:10 Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 12:30 Depart Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 12:50 Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:30 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:00 Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 14:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 15:00 Disband: Ginza Station

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Covering Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. This trip was a 10-day visit to Japan. They had arrived the previous day on a direct flight to Haneda Airport, then taken a taxi from Haneda to their hotel. They would stay in Tokyo for three days, then continue to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, before flying from Kansai Airport to Shanghai. After staying five days in China, they planned to return home. They said, "We want to learn how to use the subway and trains before we go home." It was a tour under fine, almost hot, weather. About half of the guiding was done partly in Spanish. First, they said, "We want to buy a SUICA card," so we went to JR Shimbashi Station. They also said, "We want to exchange our JR PASS for tickets and reserve the Shinkansen to the Kansai area in advance," so we went to the travel concierge at Ueno Station. After this, we headed to Asakusa. Here too they said, "First, we want to exchange US dollars into Japanese yen," so we went to the currency exchange inside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. There were huge crowds, especially many foreign tour groups and school excursion students. We started from in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of the Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. The guests both bought omikuji fortunes, and both drew "good luck," to their great delight. There were questions such as "What are the main religions in Japan?", "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?", and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people believe in?" There was also a question about "how often do people go to temples?" From here, they said, "We want to buy souvenirs for family," so we went to Akihabara. They bought many character goods. We moved on to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question: "It's a shame we can't see the cherry blossoms. When is the best time to see them?" I explained "the history of Edo," "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 questions such as "What happened to the shoguns and samurai after the Meiji Restoration?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" We went to Shibuya. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing. There was also a question: "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing there's no litter on the streets," "Doesn't anyone throw trash on the streets?", and "It was my first time on the subway, but it was very comfortable and convenient." They said, "We'd like to walk around Ginza, so please take us to Ginza Station," so I saw them off at Ginza Station and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi Station～Ueno Station167JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwaySuehirocho Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shibuya Station209JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Ginza Station209JPY
    Total1,119JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station building

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station building

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @MESM
    • 11:00 Tokyo Station building
    • 11:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:45 Lunch @Magurobito Shin-Nakamise
    • 13:15 Asakusa (Kaminarimon – Nakamise – Sensoji Temple – Okuyama Omairimachi)
    • 14:30 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 15:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:45 Takeshita Street – Ura-Hara – Omotesando
    • 18:15 Dismiss @MESM

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, part of a long journey covering several destinations before departing in July. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Japanese irises were only about 70% in bloom, but the guests were delighted. In Asakusa, they seemed to enjoy the quieter Okuyama Omairimachi area, which had fewer tourists. One of the guests wanted to see Japanese kitchen knives, so I quickly guided them to Kappabashi, which caused us to go a little over time. At Meiji Shrine there happened to be a bonsai exhibition, and all of the guests were impressed. Since they asked whether there were other places to see more bonsai, I introduced them to the Omiya Bonsai tour offered by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). On Takeshita Street they were delighted to see the various animal cafés, though there were so many that they eventually found it overwhelming. Some of the guests were full of energy, while others were rather tired, so from Omotesando we took a large taxi back to the Hotel, and I offered advice on how they might spend the following days.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Hamamatsucho～JR Tokyo167JPY
    Section 2SubwayTozai Line Otemachi～Ginza Line Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza Line Inaricho～Chiyoda Line Meiji-Jingumae252JPY
    Total597JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima: Museum & Pride of Hiroshima

    Hiroshima: Museum & Pride of Hiroshima

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the cruise terminal. Take a taxi to the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 9:30 Arrive at the museum, enter the building
    • 10:30 Museum → Cenotaph → Flame of Peace → Rest House → Children's Peace Monument → Peace Bell → Peace Bell → Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 12:00 Pride of Hiroshima → Hypocenter
    • 13:10 Okonomiyaki lunch at Wakataka
    • 14:30 Take a taxi to the cruise terminal

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group traveling in Japan by cruise. We were able to enter the memorial museum with almost no waiting, and it was not crowded inside. The guests viewed the exhibits very attentively and asked several questions. During the tour of the memorials in Peace Memorial Park, they also shared things they already knew, and I could sense the depth of their interest. After viewing the exhibition on Hiroshima's reconstruction at Pride of Hiroshima, we went for lunch. They seemed to really enjoy the okonomiyaki. At first I did not receive a reply and wondered how things would turn out (it seemed my email had not reached them), but we managed to get in touch the night before the tour, which was a relief.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by kazuko

    I was born in Fukuyama and have lived in Hiroshima most of my life. After graduating from university, I worked for a company for three years before I got married. Since 1991 I have been an instructor of a tutorial school. I also have been studying English and Chinese as a credited auditor at university. I love traveling abroad and have visited more than 20 countries. And I learned that it is an encounter with people while traveling that made my visit unforgettable. So through my own experience, I want to be a supporter for tourists to Hiroshima and help them make their travel special. My favorite places are Peace Park, Miyajima, Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden. I also recommend green tea from Sera. Actually I know a tea master who grows tea plants without agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. You will find wonders of green tea and learn how to make delicious tea.

    Request Booking

    Jun 23, 2026
    Patricia_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazuko was amazing!
    Great tour and amazing tour guide. Can’t…

    Jun 11, 2025
    Edward_T
    Hiroshima more than the A Bomb
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima is a good…

    Jun 8, 2025
    E
    eggtan
    Best short tour of Hiroshima Peace Park
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Booked Private 4…

    May 18, 2025
    B
    Brian_S
    Don’t miss Miyajima!
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kazuko Kuwata, is a delightful…

  • Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Monkey Park

    Osaka in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Monkey Park

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel Osaka
    • 09:30 to 10:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:50 to 12:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:50 to 13:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:30 to 15:30 Monkey Park
    • 15:45 Dismissal Sagano Bamboo Grove

    Can You Do a Private Group Day Tour of Kyoto and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Since there was a concern about rain, we started slightly early at 8:00. Some of the guests wanted to rent kimono in Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo grove, so we had made a reservation for 2:30. However, quite a lot of time was spent buying souvenirs, which caused some delays in the tour's progress. As a result, we relied mainly on taxis to get around. I guided the members who were not wearing kimono to the Monkey Park. I believe all of the guests were able to enjoy the day in their own way.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Yodoyabashi240JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Yodoyabashi～Fushimi Inari420JPY
    Section 3BusKiyomizu-michi～Higashiyama-sanjo230JPY
    Total890JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Request Booking

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Jingu & Shinjuku Gyoen National

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Jingu & Shinjuku Gyoen National

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet up @ 5-3-8 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku (Airbnb)
    • 10:30　Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 11:50　Imperial Palace
    • 12:30　Lunch @ Mr. Farmer (Hibiya)
    • 14:00　Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 15:00　Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the difference between shrines and temples, and they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they were fascinated by the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed strolling through the beautiful Japanese garden and rose garden. Since I responded exactly to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsagaya～Harajuku180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae700JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Hibiya0JPY
    Section 4SubwayHibiya～Shinjuku-gyoemmae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae～Shinjuku0JPY
    Total880JPY

    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…

  • Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Tokyo Station ~ 8:26 Tohoku Shinkansen Nasuno – JR Utsunomiya – 10:18 JR Nikko – 10:45 Taiyuin/Futarasan-mae bus stop –
    • Futarasan Shrine – 11:30 Nikko Toshogu – 13:00 Lunch @ Kishino – 13:30 Rinnoji – Garden – 14:40 Shinkyo bus stop – Tobu Nikko ~
    • 14:50 Tobu Express Kegon – Kita-Senju – Metro Otemachi – 17:30 Disband at Tokyo Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests from North America were staying at a hotel near Tokyo Disneyland and were concerned about traveling all the way to Asakusa, so we arranged to meet at the Shinkansen south transfer gate at Tokyo Station, which can be reached directly from Maihama. In the end, however, they came by taxi and emailed to say they had arrived at the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station. After managing to find and meet them, we hurried aboard the Shinkansen as planned. From there, the trip to Nikko started smoothly, and we visited Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple. They had started their journey from Asia and had originally planned to visit only Tokyo Disneyland, so they were very moved by the nature and history of Nikko. After lunch, we toured the Sanbutsudo hall and gardens of Rinnoji, then walked to the Shinkyo Bridge to take photos. Since we arrived at the station earlier than scheduled, on the way back we took the Tobu Railway to Kita-Senju, then transferred to the metro to return to Otemachi. From Otemachi to Tokyo Station, I gave a quick tour of the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and Marunouchi, and we parted at Tokyo Station. Regarding the receipts, I have the receipt for the outbound trip, but I accidentally handed the return receipt to the guest. For both the outbound and return trips, I purchased tickets for all three people together and settled up afterward. This was because the guest thought they could pay by card and did not have much cash on hand, so I covered the cost temporarily, and after returning to Tokyo they withdrew cash from an ATM and repaid me. As a result, while exchanging receipts and settling the cash, things got a little confusing, and it seems the guest took the return Tobu Railway receipt home with them. I had told the guest in advance to prepare cash, but having come from abroad, they may have let their guard down a bit. For now, I am attaching only the one-way JR receipt from Tokyo to Nikko. The bus fare was paid with PASMO, so there is no receipt. Various things happened, but I believe they enjoyed themselves. I have one question. The planned guide fee is listed as 29,091 yen, but since I submitted my invoice registration in April, I thought the fee would be paid in full going forward. I had assumed I would declare the consumption tax myself. Am I misunderstanding something? I would appreciate your guidance.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Tokyo～JR Nikko5,680JPY
    Section 2TrainTobu Nikko～Tobu Kita-Senju3,273JPY
    Section 3SubwayKita-Senju～Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4BusJR Nikko～Taiyuin, Futarasan Shrine-mae350JPY
    Section 5BusShinkyo～Tobu Nikko Station350JPY
    Total9,863JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour

    Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour

    Otaru Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:53 Meet up @ Cruise Terminal
    • 2. 10:08 Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
    • 3. 10:40 Sakaimachi Street
    • 4. 12:00 Former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch (Finance Museum)
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch @ Nihonbashi (Sushi Restaurant Street)
    • 6. 13:35 Otaru Canal
    • 7. 13:50 Disband @ After crossing the Otaru Canal, where the cruise ship comes into view

    Can You Do a 4-Hour Private Otaru Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived on a cruise ship and were visitors from North America. They had specific requests such as Tanaka Sake Brewery, Kitaichi Glass and the music box hall along Sakaimachi Street, which made it easy to plan the itinerary. As a route, after first taking a taxi to Tanaka Sake Brewery, the rest of the tour could be covered efficiently on foot without any wasted movement. Since visiting a sushi restaurant on Sushiya Street was also one of their requests, when moving from the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch, we walked along the site of the old Temiya Line, the first railway laid in Hokkaido, all the way to a restaurant on Sushiya Street. I think it was an efficient itinerary for a 4-hour private tour of Otaru.

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

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

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    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…