Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Nanzen-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Premier Kyoto Shijo Meet
    • 10:50~12:00 　Uji, Byodo-in
    • 12:40~13:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 14:00~14:30　　Lunch break
    • 15:00~15:40 Nanzen-ji
    • 16:00 Disband at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Uji and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour for a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. The weather was fine, with mild temperatures that were not too hot, making for a pleasant day. We first went to Byodo-in Temple in Uji. One of the guests, who loves Japanese tea, enjoyed selecting tea at a long-established tea shop, and the group was moved by the statue of Murasaki Shikibu near Uji Bridge and the scenery along the river. They were delighted by many things at Byodo-in, including the wisteria trellis in full bloom, the large azalea flowers, the Phoenix Hall reflected on the pond, and the enormous pine trees in the garden. At Fushimi Inari, it was crowded with visitors, but the group was impressed by the torii gates and buildings set against the backdrop of Mount Inari. There were a few minor troubles, such as a slight delay on the Keihan train due to an accident and a mobile transit card becoming unusable, but I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Shijo～Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Uji240JPY
    Section 3TrainUji～Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 5SubwaySanjo～Keage220JPY
    Section 6SubwayKeage～Karasuma Shijo260JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    Tour Report by shige

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up　Hotel
    • 2. 11:50 Asakusa (Nakamise Street・Senso-ji Temple)
    • 3. 13:00 Lunch @ Asakusa
    • 4. 14:30 Ueno Station・Ueno Park
    • 5. 16:00 Rikugien Garden
    • 6. 17:25 Disband @ Shibuya

    タイトル: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like After Arriving by Ship in Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the guests had just arrived by ship in Yokohama that morning, after meeting we exchanged US dollars for Japanese yen at the currency exchange machine in the hotel. We started by purchasing a PASMO card at Shibuya Station on the Ginza Line. As the guests do not usually take trains where they live in North America, they seemed unfamiliar with it. During our conversation on the Ginza Line, it came to light that although they had bought tickets for a sumo practice viewing tour the following morning, the meeting point was listed only as "Ueno Station," and that they had not yet purchased their Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto for the day after next. Since we were going to Ueno later, we decided to resolve both matters there. In Asakusa, the guests looked around with great interest, and for lunch they had tempura, which they found very delicious and thanked me for choosing the restaurant. Afterwards they purchased T-shirts, Japanese tea, and a tea cup. At Ueno, we went to the JR EAST Travel Service Center and purchased tickets to Kyoto for the day after next as well as return tickets to Narita Airport. We also confirmed the meeting point for the sumo stable practice viewing the following day. We went to Ueno Park, but as we were running out of time, I limited the visit to an explanation of the park's history. At Rikugien Garden, the guests greatly enjoyed the abundant greenery and the azaleas, which, though just slightly past full bloom, were still very beautiful. As I was concerned about their return route, I accompanied them all the way to Shibuya and walked with them until the hotel was in sight before parting ways. At Shibuya Station, I walked with them while explaining the route from the hotel to the trains for the next day and the day after.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya～Asakusa252JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno178JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Komagome167JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome～Shibuya208JPY
    Total805JPY

    Tour Report by Mac

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

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    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 7:50　Meet up @ Daikoku Pier
    • 2. 8:50　@ Asakusa (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 3. 11:00　@ Tokyo Station (Station Square, inside the Marunouchi side station building, purchase Shinkansen tickets at the Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office)
    • 4. 11:30　Lunch @ "Washoku En" (Marunouchi Oazo)
    • 5. 12:30　@ Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 6. 13:15　@ Tokyo Tower
    • 7. 14:00　@ Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 14:15　@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 9. 15:00　@ Tokyo Station (2 of the 4 people return to Daikoku Pier by vehicle)
    • 10. 16:00 　Dismissal @ See-off at the Tokyo Station Shinkansen platform

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving at Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and had enjoyed a cruise of about two weeks through Southeast Asian countries before arriving at Yokohama Daikoku Pier. Some of the guests who had booked this tour planned to travel from Tokyo Station to Kyoto to spend three days there before flying home from Tokyo. The others planned to return to the cruise ship after the Tokyo tour, pass through the northern part of Japan, and take about three weeks to return to North America. The Tokyo tour itinerary had been decided after repeated discussions during our prior exchanges, but the night before, I received an email saying that those heading to Kyoto had not yet purchased their Shinkansen tickets and wanted to stop by Yokohama Station first. When we met on the day, I explained that they could complete the process without any trouble at Tokyo Station, but since they were very worried about it, I changed the original order of sightseeing and handled the ticketing at the Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office at Tokyo Station first, right after sightseeing in Asakusa. Considering time savings afterward, and since the guests said they were already hungry, we had lunch a little early at "Washoku En" in Marunouchi Oazo. They thoroughly enjoyed what each of them ordered, with some having sashimi and sushi, and those who did not care for sushi having tempura. At Tokyo Tower, which had been intended as a view from the vehicle, they got out of the vehicle for a few minutes to take photos, and at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing they were excited by the experience of actually crossing it and seemed to enjoy it greatly. In the end, while those heading to Kyoto were arranging to have their large suitcases sent by courier from the luggage storage to Narita Airport terminal so they could receive them in time for their return flight, we said goodbye to the group returning to the cruise ship. It appeared that these guests had become acquainted with each other during this cruise. Although there had been various developments during the preparation stage before the tour, in the end I was able to guide them all the way to their seats on the Shinkansen bound for Kyoto and see them off from the platform as the train departed safely.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel-10:00 Omotesando-10:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street-11:10 Omotesando-12:15 Tsukiji Outer Market-12:45 Lunch-13:30 Nishi-Ginza-14:15 Asakusa Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Harajuku, and Tsukiji The guest was a first-time visitor to Japan, and also visiting Asia for the first time, on the second day of a tour. After purchasing a PASMO card at Asakusa Station, we set out for Meiji Shrine, but since the guest's interest was in Hello Kitty and mini pigs, we headed straight to Omotesando. We strolled through Kiddy Land and an animal cafe on Takeshita Street, then went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. After walking around the area, the guest enjoyed an omakase sushi lunch at an authentic sushi restaurant. Aiming once again for Hello Kitty, we visited the Sanrio shop in West Ginza, where the guest bought plenty of souvenirs, and in Asakusa the guest also enjoyed shopping at a long-established shichimi spice shop.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Omotesando252JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Total670JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kanagawa: Owakudani & Mishima Skywalk

    Kanagawa: Owakudani & Mishima Skywalk

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:18 Board the cable car at Gora
    • 10:35 Board the ropeway at Sounzan
    • 10:45-11:50 Sightseeing at Owakudani
    • 11:50-12:10 Travel from Owakudani to Togendai by ropeway
    • 12:40 Board the pirate ship at Togendai Port
    • 13:20 Disembark at Motohakone Port
    • 13:30-14:20 Lunch at Ashinoko Chaya
    • 14:25-14:45 Travel to Mishima Skywalk by Tokai Bus
    • 14:45-15:45 Sightseeing at Mishima Skywalk
    • 15:51-16:18 Travel to Motohakone by Tokai Bus
    • 16:30-16:50 Return from Motohakone to Hotel Yutowa by taxi, and the tour ends

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Mount Fuji Views, the Pirate Ship, and Mishima Skywalk The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Before arriving at the hotel, Mount Fuji was clearly visible on the live camera. Based on that, I decided to take the route from Gora to Togendai. Neither Sounzan Station nor Owakudani Station was very crowded yet, so we were able to sightsee at a relaxed pace. Mount Fuji was visible for the first time in a while, and we were able to take great photos from the "Chikyu no Tani" terrace, which opened that very day. We also tried the famous black eggs. We were able to board the ropeway toward Togendai Station without much of a line either. From Togendai Port we boarded the pirate ship and had lunch at Moto-Hakone. In our prior discussion, the guests had expressed a preference for the Mishima Skywalk over the Open-Air Museum, so we traveled from Moto-Hakone to the Mishima Skywalk by bus. Blessed with clear weather, we had beautiful views of Mount Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula from the Skywalk. We could also watch people doing the zipline alongside. We relaxed on the terrace surrounded by fresh greenery and returned to Moto-Hakone by bus. We had intended to return to Gora from Moto-Hakone by bus and train, but one of the guests' phone was running low on battery and could not display the free pass screen, so the guests wished to return by taxi. We took a taxi from Moto-Hakone back to the hotel and ended the tour. The tour ended early at the guests' request. This was because we had already visited all the planned sightseeing spots and the younger members of the group were getting tired. Also, since we traveled by taxi, there was no need to change between buses and trains, and we arrived at the hotel early. As for the guests' reactions, they enjoyed the varied terrain, noting that where they come from the land is flat and there are no such dramatic landscapes; the younger members of the group enjoyed it too. Blessed with clear weather, I think it was a good tour. My point of reflection was lunch: Ashinoko Chaya had good views and the food was not bad, but the menu centered on rice-based set meals, and there was no fried chicken or other items that younger guests tend to like, so one of the younger members of the group only ordered edamame and french fries. I would like to research dining spots that also have menu items that appeal to younger guests.

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

    Tour Report by Middy

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00Travel byJR and ferry
    • 12:00-14:30Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Lunch okonomiyaki
    • 14:30-15:30Travel byferry, JR, taxi
    • 15:30-17:30Peace Park, Museum
    • 17:30-18:00Travel byMaple-loop bus
    • End＠Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Daishoin Temple and Local Food The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had a lively, excursion-like atmosphere, and at Daishoin Temple they enjoyed a variety of experiences as if they were attractions. In the pitch-dark underground corridor used for ascetic training, and standing on Buddha's footprints, I told them that chanting a fairly long mantra seven times would bring good fortune, so everyone gave it a try. They each whispered into the ear of the Jizo statue that listens to complaints, and when I explained that touching the Buddhist statues would heal the corresponding part of the body, they touched the statues eagerly. They enjoyed Daishoin Temple more than any guests I had guided before. They also enjoyed local Hiroshima specialties such as okonomiyaki, personalized name-engraving on chopsticks, and momiji manju (choosing cream-flavored ones and others, since they had grown tired of the red bean paste filling).

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusPeace Memorial Museum～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Tomoyo

    As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2025
    Paige_M
    Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide for this…

    May 8, 2025
    Smatty68
    Tomoyo was a star guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We really enjoyed our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Josh_H
    Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Chloe_O
    The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tomoyo was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Ujina port & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Ujina port & Miyajima

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Visit Hiroshima Ujina port
    • 09:30 Tour start
    • Take tram to the Peace Memorial Park
    • 10:30 Visit the monuments in the Peace Park
    • Atomic Bomb Dome→ Aioi bridge → Children's Peace Monument →Peace Bell → Cenotaph
    • 11:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:00 visit Miyajima by boat
    • visit itsukushima shrine, lunch
    • 15:30 Back to Ujina port by boat
    • Tour finish

    Title: What's a Private Cruise Port Day Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived on a cruise ship, with the ship arriving in port at 9:00 and departing at 18:00, so it was a very tight schedule. To get around efficiently, we traveled by ship. The restaurant we stopped at took a very long time to serve the meal, which I felt bad about. The tour had a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and since the guests spoke Spanish, we also enjoyed conversing in Spanish. To catch the free shuttle bus, the tour ended two hours early. (In fact, we could have extended it by about another hour, but some of the guests were nervous about the time, likely because the next port was Busan.)

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKaigan-dori～Hondori240JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima～Ujina Port1,150JPY
    Total2,490JPY

    Tour Report by Tomoe

    Hello, my namae is Tomoe Ishihara.
    I am qualified as a Hiroshima prefecture tour guide interpreter.
    I have been a tour guide in Hiroshima for three years, mainly working as an interpreter guide at the Japanese traditional garden, Miyajima Island, and Peace Memorial Park.
    Through my activities as a tour guide, I would like to convey the wonders of beautiful traditional Japanese culture.
    I speak English, Spanish, and Japanese. I love art, traveling, movies, reading, and cooking.
    Let me be your guide to help you create wonderful memories of your trip to Hiroshima!

    Request Booking

    May 24, 2026
    James_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Best tour on our trip
    Tomoe was absolutely a…

    Mar 18, 2026
    richardF7501FH
    Perfectly balanced tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Tomoe gave us an excellent tour. The…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Jennifer L
    Historical Must!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Tomeo offered a great deal of fascinating…

    Jul 20, 2025
    TATIANA_M
    Gran ciudad y gran city tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Es un excelente tour…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Meet at Hotel
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation and brief overview of Kyoto's history
    • ③　10:00　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④　11:45　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤　13:15　Lunch and stroll at Nishiki Market
    • ⑥　14:00　Shopping on Teramachi Street and Sanjo Street
    • ⑦　15:30　Tenju-an
    • ⑧　16:00　Konchi-in
    • ⑨　17:00　Disband in front of Pontocho

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto. They had traveled through Tokyo, Hakone, Hida-Takayama, and Hiroshima, and today was their second day in Kyoto. They mentioned they would go to Nara the next day, so I provided guidance on access to Nara and related information. At first, they did not particularly care for detailed or lengthy explanations and kept walking briskly, so I adjusted my approach and made an effort to match their rhythm as much as possible. After lunch, we did some shopping at a long-established knife shop on Sanjo Street. From the afternoon, they gradually began to listen more attentively, and at our final stop, Konchi-in, I was delighted that they took notes on their smartphone while listening to my explanations. Tenju-an and Konchi-in are both sub-temples of Nanzen-ji, each a treasure trove of history with truly wonderful gardens, yet they attract relatively few visitors. Since the guests had been a bit overwhelmed by the crowds at Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nishiki Market, I believe they were able to relax in the latter half of the tour. They said their next visit would be for the autumn foliage.

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: Guide to Kofukuji Temple & Guide to Naramachi

    Nara in One Day: Guide to Kofukuji Temple & Guide to Naramachi

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00: Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 10:30: Guide to Kofukuji Temple
    • 11:00: Stroll through Nara Park
    • 11:30: Guide to Okumura Corporation Research Institute
    • 12:30: Guide to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:00: Guide to Nigatsudo Hall
    • 14: 00: Guide to Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
    • 14:30: Lunch @ Izasa
    • 15:30: Guide to Naramachi
    • 16:00: Disband in front of Kintetsu Nara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America with a strong interest in Japanese culture, and I received many questions from them. At Kofukuji Temple, they took an interest in Jizo Bodhisattva and children, as well as Kannon Bodhisattva, and they were also intrigued by the Saigoku Pilgrimage. In Nara Park, they took photographs while watching travelers interact with the deer. Afterward, I guided them to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and when I explained the legendary connection between the many deer in Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha as a legend, they seemed convinced. We then proceeded from Kasuga Taisha through Wakakusayama to Nigatsudo Hall, where they watched a video of the Omizutori ceremony in the rest area and walked along the corridor. From Nigatsudo we moved to the Great Buddha Hall, and after I explained about the Great Buddha, the guests enjoyed a persimmon leaf sushi lunch at a restaurant. Finally, I guided them through Naramachi, and as the parting time approached, we moved to Kintetsu Nara Station, where we said our goodbyes.

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

    Tour Report by Toshi

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Request Booking

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    April, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:40 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:20 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch @ Otemon Chaya, Outdoor Bench
    • 5. 12:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 6. 13:50 @ Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (Maniden, Daikodo, Jogyodo, Jikido)
    • 7. 15:50 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 8. 17:00 Disband @ Inside Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They had just arrived in Japan the day before. Today's tour began with intense confusion. We were able to meet slightly earlier than scheduled. However, as soon as the guests met me, they said, "I put a 10,000 yen note into a vending machine, but no change came out." I immediately explained the situation to a station attendant, went to the vending machine, and called the vending machine management company. First, we arranged for the management company to check inside the machine and inform us of the result by phone, and then we began the tour. While I was explaining an overview of Himeji Castle at Castle View, the vending machine management company called. They said, "There was no 10,000 yen note inside the vending machine." They explained, "The machine does not accept 10,000 yen notes, so it returns them. Since they are a different size from 1,000 yen notes, one might get caught inside. It is also possible that the next person found it and took it." I explained this to the guests. The guests' wallet had 10,000 yen notes and 1,000 yen notes mixed together and not organized, but the guests said, "I think I put in a 10,000 yen note." Next, we went to the Shinki Bus Center, purchased a discounted ticket set for the bus between Himeji Station and Shosha Station and the ropeway round trip, and then I guided them through Himeji Castle. After Himeji Castle, the plan was to guide them through Koko-en and then Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha, and end the tour. However, the guests said they also wanted to visit Nadagiku Sake Brewery. From the beginning, the guests had said, "After Himeji Castle, Koko-en, and Engyo-ji, we also want to go to Nadagiku Sake Brewery." For this reason, I had answered, "Touring Himeji Castle, Koko-en, and Engyo-ji usually takes seven hours. Also, we would need to arrive at Nadagiku Sake Brewery by 4:00 p.m. I think it will be difficult to go to Nadagiku, but if we have time, let's go." However, the guests eagerly insisted that they wanted to go. So, we purchased light meals at a nearby shop and decided to have lunch on an outdoor bench. After lunch, I guided them through Koko-en, and then we went to Engyo-ji. Perhaps because today was the day before Golden Week, there were few tourists, and we were able to tour Engyo-ji quickly. Since we also returned to Himeji Station early, we went to Nadagiku Sake Brewery, completed the full course of the sake-making process explanation, tasting, and shopping, and returned to Himeji Station. Just to be safe, I had both Himeji Station and the convenience store near that vending machine check whether any 10,000 yen note had been reported turned in, but there was no report. It was an unfortunate result. Finally, I asked the guests for their impressions of today's tour and showed them a review card. Then, without even taking the card in hand, the guests scanned the QR code and wrote a review. I did not strongly ask them to write a review. I add this note for the record.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Kokoen-mae] Station～[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station320JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyoji Micro Bus Round Trip (Shinojo Ropeway Mountaintop Station～Below Maniden)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station～[Shinki Bus Himeji Ekimae] Station320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…