Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Doguyasuji / Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Doguyasuji / Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 13:00-14:00 Doguyasuji / Kuromon Market
    • 14:20-15:30 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:50-16:35 Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley
    • 16:35 End of tour

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Osaka's Dotonbori and Kuromon Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who came from Kyoto in the morning and wished to sightsee around the Dotonbori area. Starting from their hotel, we headed toward Nipponbashi and walked through Ota Road, enjoying the atmosphere of the town while watching the maid café staff and other sights. We passed through Doguyasuji, looking at kitchen knives and food samples, then went to Kuromon Market, where we ate takoyaki and dango. I took many photos for them around the town and in front of the lanterns at Kuromon Market. At Shitennoji Temple, they were delighted to see the turtles, though the temple did not seem to interest the younger members of the group much, and they were far more excited about Dotonbori. We took photos striking the same pose in front of the Glico sign, as well as in front of the crab signboard. I also gave directions back toward the hotel and pointed out Amerikamura and Shinsaibashi shopping street. After showing them Hozenji Yokocho, some of the guests became a little hungry, so we decided to have a light meal at a café in Sennichimae and parted ways a bit earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNippombashi (Osaka)～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba (Subway)190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

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    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet (Hotel Blossom Kyoto)
    • 10:00-11:00 Travel (Subway; Gojo → Uzumasa Tenjingawa, Keifuku Electric Railway; Randen Tenjingawa → Arashiyama)
    • 11:00-12:20 Arashiyama walk & sightseeing (Kimono Forest, bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji garden [Hyakkaen, Sogenchi garden], Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 12:20-13:20 Travel (Hankyu Electric Railway; Arashiyama → Kawaramachi Shijo, Keihan Electric Railway; Gion Shijo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 13:20-14:00 Fushimi Inari sightseeing
    • 14:00 Tour ends.　　After the tour, we saw the guests off to their hotel and said goodbye.

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I had initially been told there would be three participants, but on the day of the tour the group joined without one of them. One of the guests had previously stayed in Kyoto, Japan for study some years earlier, while another was visiting for the first time. It was a short 4-hour private tour, and the route from the Hotel (near Gojo Station) to Arashiyama and then to Fushimi involved a lot of travel distance and was somewhat inefficient, but in line with the guests' requests I took them to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari. The guest visiting Japan for the first time especially enjoyed the Sogenchi Garden at Tenryu-ji Temple, while another said Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was the highlight.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama～Kawaramachi Shijo240JPY
    Section 4TrainGion Shijo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 　Hotel tour start
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:20 – 10:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, Utasu Shrine, Gold Leaf Sakuda
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • AM 10:50 – AM 11:30 Visit Kenrokuen
    • AM 11:30- PM 12:15 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Travel on foot to Nagamachi Samurai District, via Gyokusen'inmaru Garden and Oyama Shrine
    • PM 12:30 -12:50 Visit Nagamachi Samurai District, Takada Residence and Ashigaru Museum
    • Travel by bus to Rokumaicho, tour ends near the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like During the Hyakumangoku Festival? A Licensed Guide's Report Today was also the day of the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival, so I explained that public transportation would be restricted from the afternoon before we started the tour. The guests were visiting Japan and had been enjoying their stay in Japan without any trouble so far. The tour was a cheerful and lively experience, with frequent high-fives requested throughout my explanations, which I very much enjoyed as well. At Oyama Shrine, the main guest playing the role of Maeda Toshiie, actor Yoshizumi Ishihara, happened to be visiting the shrine just before the parade that started at 14:00, so the guests were able to take photos. Since the Hotel faced the main street of the parade and all buses were going to be unable to pass through, we rode as close to the Hotel as possible and ended the tour there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMusashigatsuji～Hashibacho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho～Kenrokuen210JPY
    Section 3BusNagamachi Samurai District～Rokumaicho100JPY
    Total520JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto, departure　➡　On foot, Sanjusangendo　➡　By Keihan Train, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　➡　By taxi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple　➡　On foot, Yasaka Pagoda　➡　On foot, Gion　➡　On foot, Takashimaya　➡　On foot, Nishiki Market　➡　By taxi, Kinkaku-ji Temple　➡　Disband at the bus stop after leaving Kinkaku-ji Temple (guests will go to the hotel by taxi) (Ends at 17:00, 2-hour extension JGA-T95058643)

    What Is a Private Day 2 Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Nishiki Market, and Kinkakuji This was Day 2 of the tour. Although it was not part of the planned itinerary, we stopped by Sanjusangendo Temple on the way to the station, and the guests were very pleased. The sight of 1,000 life-sized standing Kannon statues arranged in perfect order seemed grand and impressive to them, and they purchased a photo book at the shop. In the latter half of the tour, we stopped at a department store for a restroom break, and by chance the latest collection of a luxury brand favored by the guests was on display. They purchased a perfume, and since the tax-free procedures took about an hour, we had to move through Nishiki Market and Kinkakuji at a somewhat rushed pace. It was heartwarming to see the guests giving each other various pieces of advice while making the purchase of a fragrance, and I was a little surprised that using perfume from such an early age seemed perfectly normal to them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Total170JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kowakien bus & Hakone-Yumoto bus

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kowakien bus & Hakone-Yumoto bus

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting point: Hotel Hakone Kowakien
    • 9:10 Depart Kowakien bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Railway)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 10:00 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 11:00 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:15 Arrive Togendai Station
    • 11:25 Depart Togendai Station
    • (Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 12:05 Arrive Motohakone Port
    • Motohakone Hakone Shrine
    • Cedar Avenue
    • 12:45 Depart Motohakone Port bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 13:00 Arrive Amazake Chaya bus stop
    • Amazake Chaya Amazake Chaya
    • Hakone Old Highway
    • 14:00 Depart Amazake Chaya bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 14:30 Arrive Hakone-Yumoto bus stop
    • Hakone-Yumoto Lunch: Hakone Cafe
    • 15:10 Depart Hakone-Yumoto bus stop
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:30 Arrive Kowakien bus stop
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Kowakien bus stop

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. For some of them it was their first visit to Japan, while another had visited once before. This time they were on a trip of about two weeks. After arriving at Haneda Airport, they traveled through Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima, then went to Mount Fuji. After that, they moved to Hakone the previous evening. Following this tour, they planned to stay in Hakone for three days and then return home from Haneda Airport. Interestingly, everyone in the group loved history and had researched Japan in various ways before the trip. They said they planned to visit the art museums of Hakone the following day. It was a tour under a perfectly clear sky, almost hot. As the guests said they were not used to walking for long periods, the tour proceeded at a relaxed pace. The tour followed their wish to "make a full loop of the main spots in Hakone." We met at their accommodation, the Hotel. First, we took the Hakone Tozan Bus to Gora Station. From there, we took the Hakone Tozan Cable Car via Sounzan to Owakudani. We took commemorative photos at Sounzan. Unfortunately, Mount Fuji was hidden by clouds and could not be seen. I explained the overview and history of Owakudani. The group tried the "black eggs" together and also visited the Geo Museum. There were questions such as "Is Owakudani an active volcano? Has it ever erupted?" and "Is Mount Fuji also an active volcano?" We took the ropeway, changing lines, to Togendai. After a short wait, we boarded the "pirate ship." From the boat, Mount Fuji finally appeared, and the guests took commemorative photos many times. We disembarked at Motohakone Port and strolled around Hakone Shrine and the cedar avenue. They said, "Japan has so much greenery, which is calming. Where we live it is hot all year round, with nothing but barren land and no greenery." We then changed buses to visit the Amazake Chaya, which they had requested. It was not very crowded, and each of them tried "amazake," "tokoroten," "miso dengaku," "mochi," and more, then strolled again along the nearby mountain path. From there, we took a bus to Hakone-Yumoto. We had a late lunch at a café near the station. They also bought and tried soft-serve ice cream. They commented, "Everywhere in Japan the towns are orderly and clean. There is no litter." "Everyone is polite." "The trains are quiet, with no one making noise." "We don't see homeless people. Why is that?" They also said, "Kyoto was crowded with tourists, but it left the strongest impression on us." I saw them off at the Kowakuen bus stop, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKowakien bus stop～Gora Station5,000JPY
    Section 2OtherGora Station～Sounzan Station0JPY
    Section 3OtherSounzan Station～Owakudani Station0JPY
    Section 4OtherOwakudani Station～Togendai Station0JPY
    Section 5OtherTogendai Station～Motohakone Port0JPY
    Section 6BusMotohakone Port bus stop～Amazake Chaya bus stop0JPY
    Section 7BusAmazake Chaya bus stop～Hakone-Yumoto bus stop0JPY
    Section 8BusHakone-Yumoto bus stop～Kowakien bus stop0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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.

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    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 11:15 Tsukiji (enjoy street food at multiple shops for lunch)
    • 3. 13:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Statue)
    • 4. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 14:30 Disband at the entrance of Takeshita Street

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Meiji Jingu? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of visitors from North America. They had arrived in Japan a couple of days earlier, spending several days in Tokyo before planning to visit Kyoto, for a total stay of about a week in Japan. The private tour covered Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Meiji Jingu. The whole group had been looking forward to enjoying street food at the Tsukiji Outer Market, and they sampled a full range, including sushi, wagyu beef, grilled seafood, yakitori, and strawberry desserts. They were delighted, saying everything was very delicious. At Meiji Jingu, since it was the season for irises, we also visited the inner garden. They were very pleased, saying it was very beautiful. Some of the guests were interested in vintage clothing, so I guided them to the entrance of Takeshita Street. I explained how to get back to their hotel, and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Market272JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Total627JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

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    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:00　Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • ② 09:05　About the itinerary and the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 09:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • ④ 12:00　Byodoin
    • ⑤ 12:20　Bamboo grove walk ~ Stroll through Kameyama Park
    • ⑥ 13:00　Tenryuji Temple Garden
    • ⑦ 13:40　Lunch break (stroll around the Hogonin area)
    • ⑦ 14:20　Kinkakuji Temple
    • ⑧ 15:45　Disband around the Yasaka Pagoda area

    Kyoto Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide: A Full-Day Report on Gion, Geisha Culture, and Kyoto Dialect The guests were visitors from North America. They were of a similar generation and had many children and grandchildren, so we naturally ended up chatting about such things — a topic that may be universal around the world. In both English and Japanese, we talked about how grandparents like to be called by their grandchildren. Since their family had an immigrant background, we discussed quite a few topics, even politically tinged ones that might normally be considered taboo. We spent a long time talking about the world of Gion, even though we did not actually visit it this time — for example, the custom of not accepting first-time customers ("ichigen-san okotowari"), and the daily lives of geisha and maiko. From the story that many maiko come from other prefectures and struggle to learn the Kyoto dialect and Gion dialect, the conversation moved on to the Southern drawl in the United States region, whether Spanish has something like a Southern drawl, and whether there is a Costa Rican Spanish. It was fascinating. I listened while thinking that the Gion dialect is a kind of "Western drawl" itself. That said, "oideyasu" and "okoshiyasu" apparently differ quite a bit in meaning, even though both share the same gentle "hannari" softness. When you go to a public bathhouse in Gion in summer, the proprietress at the counter always greets you with "okoshiyasu~." I gave thorough explanations at each of the places we visited, but beyond that, we spent the whole day talking freely about all sorts of things as they came to mind, following the flow of the day. It was a truly interesting day.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinagawa Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinagawa Station & Harajuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 9:40 Depart Shinagawa Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:10 Arrive Komagome Station
    • Komagome Rikugien Garden
    • 11:00 Depart Komagome Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Nishi-Nippori Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 11:30 Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:30 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:45 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • 13:40 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shinagawa Station
    • 14:00 Dismissal: Shinagawa Station

    Title: What Is a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo's Gardens and Historic Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This time they were on a short visit of only three days, as they were unable to travel for a long period. The day before, they arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight, then transferred trains from Haneda to reach their hotel. All of them love gardens and wanted to visit as many Japanese gardens as possible during their stay in Japan. They also said they wanted to learn how to use the subway and trains before returning home. The tour took place under fine, almost hot weather. First, we visited Rikugien, which the guests had requested. I explained the history of Rikugien as well as the origins and history of Edo and Tokyo. The guests mentioned that Japanese gardens are also popular in their home region, with many people creating them in their own yards. We then moved on to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. One of the guests said it was a shame not to be able to see cherry blossoms and asked when the best time to view them is. I explained the history of Edo, the transition 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 shogun and samurai after the Meiji Restoration, and whether the current Emperor of Japan holds any political authority. Next we moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained about Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. There were questions such as what kind of teachings Shinto involves, when Shinto originated, and what the differences are between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests also commented that it was surprising to see no trash on the streets, that the subway was very comfortable and convenient, and asked why there are no trash cans on the streets. I saw them off at Shinagawa Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa Station～Komagome Station274JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome Station～Nishi-Nippori Station146JPY
    Section 3SubwayNishi-Nippori Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shinagawa Station178JPY
    Total985JPY

    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.

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    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…

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    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

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

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

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:20　Depart from the hotel
    • 10:40　Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 12:05　Ride the ropeway to Owakudani
    • 13:15　Pirate ship cruise, introducing Kuzuryu Shrine, Komagatake, Onshi Hakone Park, etc.
    • 14:00　After stopping by a souvenir shop, guide through the Hakone Checkpoint, and take a short stroll along the cedar avenue of the old Tokaido road
    • 14:55　Lunch
    • 15:35　Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine
    • 16:40　Arrive at the hotel, end of the guide

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally assigned to start at 11:00, but taking the opening hours of the destinations into account, I wrote 10:00 on the shared itinerary given to the driver company. The driver received the itinerary but had not reviewed its contents, so after an urgent phone call, the guiding began about 20 minutes late. (The driver was excellent.) I reflected that I should have sent a short confirmation message the night before. The weather was beautiful, and at the Hakone Open-Air Museum the guests were able to appreciate sculptures by Rodin, Picasso, and others. At Owakudani, the guests were amazed by the vivid crater seen from the new observation deck, and were delighted to see a splendid view of Mount Fuji. Since we were able to catch an earlier pirate ship, we stopped by a souvenir shop at Hakonemachi Port, then I introduced the Hakone Checkpoint, and we walked along the old Tokaido road, reflecting on times gone by. For lunch, I discovered that the restaurant I had reserved was mainly curry-focused, so I canceled it and we enjoyed Italian food instead. At Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine, everyone offered a coin and prayed earnestly.

    Click here for more details: Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherSounzan～Togendai1,500JPY
    Section 2OtherTogendai～Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Total2,700JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
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    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet at Kyoto Station　9:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　10:45 Ryoanji Temple　11:45 Lunch (Sushi)　12:35 Kinkakuji Temple 14:00 Nijo Castle
    • 15:10 Drop off at the subway station near the hotel and end the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We were able to meet at Kyoto Station earlier than the scheduled time, so the tour started very smoothly. It was a pleasure to guide them, as everyone listened carefully to the explanations throughout the tour. Although it was over 30 degrees Celsius, everyone in the group seemed used to walking, and they had even walked more than 20 minutes to Kyoto Station in the morning. Partly because we started in the afternoon, both Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle were relatively uncrowded and easy to sightsee. After Nijo Castle, I saw the group off at Gojo subway station, which was near their accommodation, and the tour ended. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama～Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoanji～Waratenjin-mae230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji Oike230JPY
    Section 5SubwayNishioji Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 6SubwayNijojo-mae～Gojo220JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…