Category: Uncategorized

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb & Hakutsuru Sake Brewery

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at JR Shin-Kobe Station
    • 10:45 at Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:00 at Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 13:15 at Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
    • 14:30 Disband at Kobe Subway Sannomiya Station

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Sake Breweries The guests were a group visiting from North America who moved through the day smoothly. Since they had visited Japan several times before, they asked many detailed and in-depth questions. They were very pleased with the view of the Kobe cityscape from the observation deck at Nunobiki Herb Garden. On the way back from the observation deck, they walked down to the mid-station of the ropeway, showing great interest in the plants along the path. The guests seemed genuinely interested in plants and were quite knowledgeable about the names of the trees and vegetation. After that, before visiting a sake brewery, they wished to eat authentic "Kobe beef," so I guided them to a restaurant in Nankinmachi. They appeared very satisfied, saying it was extremely delicious. At the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, which we visited last, they toured with great interest and purchased plenty of souvenirs such as sake and sake cups. After the tour, since they were returning to Osaka, I provided guidance on taking the Shinkansen, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi~Sumiyoshi200JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi~Sannomiya200JPY
    Total400JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park and Museum & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park and Museum & Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:56 Pick-up @ Shinkansen platform at Hiroshima Station
    •  Travel by bus
    • 10:30-12:30 Peace Park and Museum (2 hours)
    • 12:30-14:00 Lunch (Okonomiyaki)
    •  Travel by World Heritage Sea Route (14:00-14:45)
    • 14:45-16:45 Miyajima sightseeing (Itsukushima Shrine, etc.)
    • (2 hours)
    • Travel by ferry and JR
    • 18:00 or so See-off at the Shinkansen ticket gate

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited the museum, and since part of their aim was educational, I explained an overview of the Pacific War, which they appreciated. As I had heard that one of the guests had strong food preferences, at an okonomiyaki restaurant I arranged yakisoba without meat and ordered pancakes. At the purification fountain of Daishoin Temple on Miyajima, I taught the proper procedure, and the guests enjoyed it so much that they showed the others in the group how to do it. Since the guests had not booked their return tickets, I helped them with the ticket reservation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen150JPY
    Section 2BusHiroshima Station North Exit~Museum Entrance240JPY
    Section 3OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,910JPY

    Hello, I’m Kyoko, a certified regional interpreter-guide for Hiroshima Prefecture. I was born, educated, and worked in Hiroshima while raising my children, and I absolutely love this city. I have a deep interest in learning about history and culture, and I enjoy exploring the city and trying out local foods. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and chatting with them brings me great joy, so I’m really looking forward to helping make your trip to Hiroshima a wonderful and memorable experience.

    Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a poignant reminder of history, standing gracefully within a beautiful park. Walking through the park together, we can reflect on the powerful message of peace it conveys. Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its red torii gate floating in the sea, is located on a picturesque island. It’s a place where you can enjoy a truly relaxing and serene time.

    I can also guide you to other popular tourist destinations, help you enjoy Hiroshima’s local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and conger eel, or assist you with shopping.

    I will do my utmost to ensure that your trip to Hiroshima becomes a wonderful and unforgettable memory.

    May 20, 2026
    629reniea
    Miyajima Island
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hi Kyoko
    We are very sad to hear about…

    May 8, 2026
    Jan S
    We were blessed with perfect weather and the perfect guide. Kyoko was knowledgeable, patient, polite, fun, sense humour
    Tripadvisor review:…

    Apr 9, 2026
    dianne321
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Emotional and confronting
    Moving experience with amazing guide Kyoko.…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Carmen Maria S
    Great afternoon at Hiroshima❤️
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was an excellent…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Walked toward Katani in Owaricho

    Ishikawa in One Day: Walked toward Katani in Owaricho

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel, take the local bus to Kenrokuen Garden
    • 10:20 Visited Kenrokuen Garden and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Arts and Crafts.
    • 11:20 Entered Kanazawa Castle Park through Ishikawa Gate and strolled around, then went from Gyokusen'inmaru Garden through Nezumita Gate to Oyama Shrine.
    • 12:10 From Minamicho, took the local bus to Musashigatsuji.
    • 12:20 After strolling through Omicho Market, had lunch at Ichiba Sushi Main Store.
    • 13:20 Headed toward the Hashibacho area, passing through Owaricho. Strolled through the Kazuemachi Chaya District.
    • 14:00 At Kinpaku no Sakuda, observed the gold leaf manufacturing process and did some shopping.
    • 14:30 Strolled through the Higashi Chaya District.
    • 15:00 Walked toward Katani in Owaricho.
    • 15:20 Had a gold leaf experience at Katani. The husband applied three types of gold leaf patterns to a large hand mirror and the wife to a round plate, then experienced applying gold leaf on top.
    • 16:00 The gold leaf experience ended, explained the way back to the hotel, and concluded today's tour.

    **Title:** What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were traveling in Japan. After visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Himeji, they chose to spend two days in Kanazawa as their final destination, wishing to enjoy a relaxed sightseeing experience there. It was a beautiful day, so we enjoyed a stroll through Kenrokuen and took many photographs at Kenrokuen and the Gyokusen'inmaru Garden. Since the guests were fond of sushi and frequently visited a Japanese-run sushi restaurant back home, they requested local sushi and were delighted with the sushi at Ichiba Sushi Honten. They were then impressed by the Akari-zaka slope and the old teahouse architecture of the Kazuemachi Chaya district, and at a gold leaf shop they became very interested in the gold leaf manufacturing process. So I made a reservation at Katani and they enjoyed a gold leaf application experience. They were very skilled and the piece turned out beautifully, which pleased them. I provided information about the Nagamachi Samurai District and Shima in the Higashi Chaya district, which they planned to visit the following day, and we finished at 16:00.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHokuriku Railroad Kanazawa One-Day Free Pass~Kanazawa One-Day Free Pass800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:30 Miyajima
    • 13:30 Lunch
    • 14:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:30 Hiroshima Station – Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America on a family trip. They kindly sent photos of themselves in advance via a messaging app. They were very considerate guests, going so far as to ask whether shorts would be acceptable at religious sites. On the train on the way to Miyajima, one of the guests gave up a seat to an elderly passenger, which was truly a moving sight. Since they live in North America, the conversation turned to the Winter Olympics. As I had previously worked as a seasonal employee operating a ski lift at a ski resort near Sapporo, we had a lively conversation about skiing. The tour included a visit to Itsukushima Shrine, where I explained the proper way to worship, the Daishoin Temple with its dark underground path pilgrimage (Kaidan-meguri), a stroll along Maple Road, and a moment of silent prayer at the Peace Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Osaka in One Day: Okochi Sanso Garden & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Osaka in One Day: Okochi Sanso Garden & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Shinsaibashi
    • 10:30 Okochi Sanso Garden
    • 11:15 Bamboo Grove Path ~ Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden
    • 12:20 Lunch
    • 13:10 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 14:20 Sanjusangendo
    • 15:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 17:00 Disband @Hotel Shinsaibashi

    Title: What Is a Private Sagano and Arashiyama Walking Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They had traveled from different places and were meeting in Japan after a long time. For the Sagano area, I arranged an itinerary centered on natural scenery, which the guests enjoyed quite a lot. In particular, the fresh greenery of the Okochi Sanso Garden and the Hyakkaen flower garden at Tenryu-ji Temple were very well received. The lunch restaurant was fairly crowded with school excursion students, but the guests were pleased with all the menu items they chose. The weather was mild, and we were able to proceed almost exactly as planned.

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hie Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hie Shrine & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 9:10 Hie Shrine
    • 10:00 Nijubashi Bridge
    • 10:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Break @ Sarutahiko Coffee
    • 12:00 Takeshita Street
    • 12:30 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Dismiss @ around Shibuya Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hie Shrine, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Europe. One of the guests was fluent in English, having attended an international school. They had arrived the day before, and since they had time before check-in, they visited Asakusa on their own. On the day of the tour, we started at Hie Shrine near the hotel, then continued to Nijubashi Bridge, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya. Hie Shrine has a small treasure hall where you can see a Japanese sword designated as an Important Cultural Property, which delighted the guests. There was a wisteria trellis in the grounds that was in full bloom. I was surprised to see so many international visitors at the Senbon Torii behind Hie Shrine even in the morning. After guiding them through Meiji Shrine, we took a break at a coffee shop near Harajuku Station. I learned that a coffee time is important to visitors from Europe. Since the coffee shop serves espresso, they tried a Japanese coffee establishment. The guests were very cheerful and talkative, sharing many stories, which was both educational and enjoyable to listen to. They did not have an IC card, so I helped them purchase tickets each time. Thinking they would have trouble after we parted, I helped them buy a Welcome Suica at Shibuya Station and said goodbye near an area with a restaurant district. They are going on to visit Nara, Kyoto, and Himeji. I hope they have a wonderful trip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka~Nijubashimae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total540JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at hotel @12:00
    • →13:00 Sensoji Temple
    • →13:30 Lunch @Yorozuya Ramen
    • →14:30 Shibuya Scramble
    • →15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • →16:00 Disband at Shinjuku Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They filmed many videos at each location, and we moved through the tour while talking about culture, history, and views on religion. When I took them to a ramen shop in Asakusa, they were delighted and enjoyed the meal very much. I had a wonderful time hearing many stories, and I hope they enjoy the rest of their stay in Tokyo. For guests whose second language is English, they tend to speak in their native language among themselves, so I make an effort to communicate actively with them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Asakusa272JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya252JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku150JPY
    Total824JPY

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo Station & Shinkyo bus

    Tokyo: Tokyo Station & Shinkyo bus

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: HOTEL METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI
    • 8:10 Depart Tokyo Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 8:45 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 9:00 Depart Tobu Asakusa Station
    • (Tobu Limited Express Spacia X No. 3)
    • 10:50 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station
    • 11:00 Depart Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 11:20 Arrive Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park bus stop
    • Nikko Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 12:26 Depart Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 12:50 Arrive Nishisando Entrance bus stop
    • Nikko Nikko Futarasan Shrine
    • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • Rinnoji Temple
    • Shinkyo Bridge
    • Break: Asaya
    • 14:30 Depart Shinkyo bus stop
    • (Tobu Bus)
    • 14:45 Arrive Tobu Nikko Station bus stop
    • 14:57 Depart Tobu Nikko Station
    • (Kegon No. 138)
    • 16:45 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    •   Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 17:15 Arrive Tokyo Station
    • 17:15 Disband: Tokyo Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, arriving from North America. The guest explained, "This was originally meant to be a trip with a friend, but the friend fell ill and was advised by a doctor not to travel, so it became a solo trip." The guest was staying in Japan for about three weeks. After flying into Kansai Airport, the guest visited Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Hida-Takayama, and Shirakawa-go before heading to Tokyo. Before visiting Japan, the guest had traveled through Oceania, and after leaving Japan planned to visit Oceania again as well as several countries in Asia, for a total of about three months of overseas travel. The guest mentioned, "I have traveled to about 90 countries so far. This is a long overseas trip to celebrate a milestone." The tour took place in the rain, under chilly weather. We traveled from Asakusa to Nikko via the Tobu Railway Nikko Line. On the train, I explained "the origins of Nikko," "about Tokugawa Ieyasu," and "the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration." The guest appeared to have already read through reference materials in advance. The guest requested, "Photography is my hobby, so I would like to focus on the important spots and spend a bit more time at each one." First, we took a bus from Tobu Nikko Station to the Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa. There were not many tourists, so it was quiet. The guest seemed interested in the facilities inside the villa and took photos in many places. Unfortunately, the weeping cherry blossoms had already fallen. The guest said, "I got a good sense of what the home of a Japanese noble of old times was like." We moved to the central part of Nikko by bus. First, we visited Nikko Futarasan Shrine. Although it took some time to take photos outdoors while holding an umbrella, we strolled slowly. From there we walked to Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Despite the rain, it was very crowded with tour groups from overseas and groups of Japanese schoolchildren and students. We went around the Yomeimon Gate, the main hall, and the crying dragon in turn. The guest especially seemed to like the "three monkeys" and the "sleeping cat," and spent a lot of time photographing them. At Rinnoji Temple, the cherry blossoms in front of the main hall were still in full bloom, and the guest took photos. We walked to the Shinkyo Bridge. For some reason there were not many tourists here, so we took our time photographing in various spots. After this, we took a short break at a shop, then took a bus to Tobu Nikko Station. The guest said, "Toshogu is completely different from the Japanese shrines I have seen so far. It is quite lavish, unusual, and fascinating." On the way back, the guest mostly napped on the train. I saw the guest off to Tokyo Station via Asakusa Station and Ueno Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station~Ueno Station167JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno Station~Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 3TrainTobu Asakusa Station~Tobu Nikko Station3,140JPY
    Section 4BusTobu Nikko Station bus stop~Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park bus stop350JPY
    Section 5BusNikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park bus stop~Nishisando Entrance bus stop150JPY
    Section 6BusShinkyo bus stop~Tobu Nikko Station bus stop220JPY
    Section 7TrainTobu Nikko Station~Tobu Asakusa Station2,850JPY
    Section 8SubwayAsakusa Station~Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 9TrainUeno Station~Tokyo Station167JPY
    Total7,400JPY

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

    Jul 21, 2026
    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel at 10:00, arrived at Nezu at 10:40, from Nezu Shrine to Hebi-michi, Yomise Street, Yanaka Ginza, Asakura Museum of Sculpture Street, Yanaka Cemetery, passed through Ueno Park from Tokyo University of the Arts, arriving at 14:00. After lunch near Ueno Station, arrived at Asakusa at 14:50, strolled around the area after visiting Senso-ji Temple, finished strolling at 16:00, and rode together to Ueno on the Ginza Line.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Yanaka and Nezu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. Since they wanted the taiyaki from Nezu even if it meant waiting 30 minutes, we placed an order in advance, visited Nezu Shrine, and returned 30 minutes later to enjoy it. As we began walking through the alleys of Sendagi, one of the guests was surprised and asked, "Is this really Tokyo?" and I answered, "This is the center of Tokyo." We walked along Hebimichi, peeked into Isetatsu for its traditional chiyogami paper, and happened to catch a finger puppet show at Warakichi, which they thoroughly enjoyed. After eating a brown sugar manju at Fukumaru Manju, they were already full before having ice cream at Waguriya, but they enjoyed the old streetscape of Yanaka and window shopping. At Yanaka Cemetery, they looked with great interest at Japanese graves. When I explained that the refreshingly green Ueno Park had been the grounds of Kaneiji Temple during the Edo period, the guests were amazed at its vast size. They were also fascinated by the Ueno Great Buddha, of which only the face remains. As we parted, one of the guests told me, "The experience I learned from you was truly enjoyable."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAriake~Toyosu251JPY
    Section 2SubwayToyosu~Yurakucho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayYurakucho~Nezu29JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total638JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Harajuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN (Check on the guests' condition and readjust the destinations)
    • 10:25 Depart from hotel
    • 11:10 Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:50 Nezu Shrine, a light lunch at a Chinese restaurant found on the way to the bus stop
    • 14:40 Rikugien Garden
    • 16:10 Harajuku
    • 16:45 Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Asakusa, Nezu Shrine, and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were remarkably energetic. I had presented two possible itineraries in advance, but the destinations remained undecided until the day of the tour. When we met, I explained each option, but the guests seemed unable to let go of either, so on the spot I created a third itinerary tailored to their wishes, and we proceeded along that plan. Asakusa was extremely crowded as expected, but since I had informed the guests in advance, we were able to explore it calmly. For the trip from Asakusa to Nezu Shrine, the guests experienced riding a local bus for the first time, and they enjoyed the journey. The azaleas at Nezu Shrine were in full bloom, and since I had deliberately not mentioned this beforehand, the guests were delighted. They also seemed particularly interested in the stone fox statue in front of Komagome Inari Shrine, and it was heartwarming to see them taking many photos. Since it was a hastily arranged third itinerary, I was a little worried about lunch, but as I had heard they had tempura the previous night and would have sushi that evening, I took a chance and we went into a casual local Chinese restaurant we spotted along the bus route, where the three of us ate gyoza. It turned out to be unexpectedly delicious and inexpensive, and the guests were very satisfied. At Rikugien Garden, one can enjoy matcha, and although the guests seemed a little hesitant, they were curious to try it, so I joined them, and we spent a relaxed moment in the gentle sunshine. Our final stop in Harajuku was brief, but the guests were satisfied simply to get a feel for the atmosphere. Overall, we were blessed with good weather, and the guests seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno-hirokoji178JPY
    Section 3BusUeno Park~Nezu Shrine Entrance210JPY
    Section 4BusSendagi 2-chome~Kamifujimae210JPY
    Section 5TrainKomagome~Harajuku208JPY
    Total1,015JPY

    Welcome guests!

    I am Masa Abe, though everyone calls me MASA. For over 40 years, I worked as an in-house lawyer for one of the most renowned Japanese companies in the world. During my tenure, I spent eight and a half years in New York, where I had the pleasure of studying, working, and making friends with wonderful people. I truly enjoyed living and traveling in the U.S.

    After retiring from the company in 2023, I pursued a new path and soon qualified as a National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter. As your guide, I am excited to offer professional and heartfelt services to you, my new friends from abroad.

    Best wishes, MASA

    May 21, 2025
    CraigMaplewood
    Informative and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masa brought his strong historical knowledge and easy…

    May 15, 2025
    luc_arY4023MB
    A memorable Tokyo tour with Masa
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    I had a great time on…

    May 8, 2025
    Catherine_R
    Great Tour to take on Day 1
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of Tokyo including…

    Apr 25, 2025
    TomQ188
    A wonderful day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a wonderful…