Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 9:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 3. 11:00 Asakusa
    • 4. 12:15 Lunch (Asakusa Handmade Soba Towada Metro-dori Branch)
    • 5. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 15:00 Dismissal at Metro Meiji-jingumae Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The guests were visitors from North America, both making their first trip to Japan and having arrived the day before. From the following day, they were scheduled to join a group tour of about a week, planning to visit Kyoto and Osaka in addition to Tokyo. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group on a private one-day tour of Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine. Because it was raining, I made sure they walked carefully in places where footing could be slippery, such as Koishikawa Korakuen. They asked a wide range of questions at each location and enthusiastically enjoyed taking photos and shopping, so we gradually fell behind schedule. We had originally planned to visit Shibuya as well, but during lunch I consulted with the guests about whether to keep Shibuya in the itinerary or skip it. Since they preferred not to return to their accommodation too late, they agreed to skip Shibuya. As they wished to make their own way back, I explained how to return to the hotel from Meiji-jingumae Station on the metro, and we parted ways there. After the tour, before I could send a thank-you email, I received a thank-you email from the guests. I believe they enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ikebukuro～Iidabashi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi～Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Total716JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:03 Meet at Kanazawa Station Hokuriku Shinkansen platform, after purchasing rice balls at the convenience store inside the station, take the Hokuriku Railway route bus to Korinbo
    • 10:30 Stroll around the Nagamachi Samurai Residence District, visit the Nomura Family
    • 　　　Visit the Takada Family ruins, walk to Oyama Shrine
    • 11:30 Walk from Oyama Shrine, enter Kanazawa Castle Park through the Nezumita Gate and visit Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
    • 12:15 Stroll around Kenrokuen
    • 12:45 Walk from Kenrokuen to Omicho Market and visit, bought socks for the two children at a shop in Omicho Market.
    • 13:30 Do a gold leaf experience at Katani Gold Leaf
    • 14:20 Move from Katani to the Higashi Chaya District, a 10-minute walk away, where the tour ended.
    • From Kanazawa Station to Korinbo, we traveled by route bus, but at the customer's request, after that we traveled entirely on foot in the light rain.

    What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had emailed a request to be picked up at Kanazawa Station at 10:03 (already shared with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/)). At the guests' request, the tour was done entirely on foot from Korinbo onward. We walked through many of Kanazawa's back streets, and the guests were delighted to see a variety of old buildings, the daily lives of residents, and traditional culture living on in everyday life. The guests seemed deeply impressed by seeing so much: the Nagamachi samurai district and the buildings along the canal, the path from Oyama Shrine to Kanazawa Castle Park, the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, the liveliness of Omicho Market, and a wide range of Japanese food. Then, during the gold leaf experience at a specialty shop, they felt firsthand the thinness of 0.1 microns. Each of them expressed the impressions they had gained of Kanazawa using gold leaf, and the finished works turned out wonderfully (please enlarge the photos to see them). Everyone was delighted, saying it made a splendid souvenir.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station～Korinbo210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Tour Report by Masayo

    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,

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Mani Pagoda & Kongo Sanmaiin

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Mani Pagoda & Kongo Sanmaiin

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Daienin – Meeting
    • 11:05-11:20 Mani Pagoda
    • 11:25-11:50 Okunoin Approach Walk
    • 11:50-12:30 Lunch – Tenpu Terrace
    • 12:30-14:00 Okunoin Approach Walk / Travel by bus
    • 14:10-14:40 Danjo Garan Tour
    • 14:50-15:50 Kongobuji Interior Tour
    • 16:00-16:30 Kongo Sanmaiin Tour
    • 16:40 Daienin – Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Blessed with unseasonal snow and clear skies, it turned out to be a perfect day for guiding. We visited the Mani Treasure Pagoda located right near Daienin Temple. While it may not seem academically significant, it is rich in points of interest, connected to Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia, the Japanese military invasion during World War II, and the setting of "The Bridge on the River Kwai." The pitch-black basement is also an interesting experience, like "finding the Buddha in hell." Since visitors walk while firmly gripping the handrail with the right hand, I prepared a plastic glove for the right hand. After walking a few blocks along the approach to the Okunoin inner sanctuary, we stopped at Tenpu Terrace for lunch. We chose a suitable meal for the guest. A variety of options were available here. After the meal, we returned to the approach and continued walking, then took a bus to visit the Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temple. On the way back to Daienin Temple on foot, we visited Kongo Sanmaiin Temple. This place is surrounded by mountains, has no lightning strikes, and, rare for Koyasan, still preserves in its original form the Tahoto pagoda donated by Hojo Masako. It is designated as a World Heritage Site and is therefore important.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hira

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

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    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Tokugawa Mausoleum & Kongo Sanmaiin Temple

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Tokugawa Mausoleum & Kongo Sanmaiin Temple

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Rengejoin Temple・Meeting
    • 9:15- 9:30 Tokugawa Mausoleum Tour
    • 9:40-10:45 Danjo Garan Tour
    • 10:55-12:10 Kongobuji Temple Tour / Bus Transfer
    • 12:30-12:50 Okunoin Approach Walk
    • 12:55-13:50 Lunch・Tenpu Terrace
    • 13:50-14:40 Okunoin Approach Walk / Bus Transfer
    • 14:50-15:20 Kongo Sanmaiin Temple Tour
    • 15:20 Dismissal・Kongo Sanmaiin Temple

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began just 200 meters from the guests' accommodation, so we first visited the Tokugawa Mausoleum. We then crossed over the hill to the Danjo Garan complex. After seeing the lotus pond first, we toured the buildings in order, including the interior of the Konpon Daito pagoda. Next we moved to Kongobuji Temple and toured its interior. We took a bus to the entrance path of Okunoin, then stopped at a restaurant for lunch along the way. After lunch, we returned to the path and walked the entire course, then took a bus to Kongosanmaiin Temple. The Odawara-dori bus stop is the starting point of the Kohechi route of the Kumano Kodo. We viewed the buildings at Kongosanmaiin that date from its founding, as well as the principal image, Aizen Myoo. At the guests' request, we parted ways at Odawara-dori. The guests were active and energetic, and we spent an enjoyable day together.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hira

    I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
    I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
    I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
    My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
    I wish to meet you soon!

    Request Booking

    May 12, 2025
    andrewgT8079NS
    Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful, interesting…

    Apr 29, 2025
    farmahel
    A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
    Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…

    Apr 27, 2025
    Sofia_N
    Had a great time. Guide…
    Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
    Had a great time.…

    Mar 23, 2025
    G
    GoPlaces681850
    Wonderful time with a local.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Hira,…

  • Kanagawa: Owakudani & Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

    Kanagawa: Owakudani & Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:00 Owakudani
    • 12:30 Gora Park
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:30 　Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
    • 16:30 Tour ends at the hotel

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America, staying in Hakone on their way to Kyoto after several days in Tokyo. There had been no contact from the guests until the night before, and this morning, when I went to the hotel that had been designated in advance, I discovered that the guests were staying at a completely different hotel — on the opposite side of Lake Ashi, no less — and for a moment I was unsure what to do. Fortunately, that hotel drove me the 20 minutes to the guests' hotel by car, so we were able to meet up somehow. It was likely a mistake in the arrangements by the agency or a missed change notification, but since I could not reach the guests until the last minute, it was a stressful situation. Hakone was rainy from the morning, and the rain was expected to grow even stronger in the afternoon, but I managed to take the guests to Owakudani. Even though we were in the clouds and could not see 100 meters ahead, they were able to sense the atmosphere of the place. After that, I took them to Gora Park, where the rose garden happened to be in full bloom, and they were delighted, taking many photos. In the afternoon, after consulting with the guests, we headed to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, where I believe they were able to enjoy the nature of Hakone despite the rain. Finally, I recommended heading to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, but since it was raining heavily and the museum is outdoors, the guests wished to return to their hotel, so the tour ended a little early.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:45 Shibuya Crossing
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Tsukiji Market Food Court
    • 14:00 Ginza (Mitsukoshi, Itoya)
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:00 Harajuku
    • 17:30 Disband @ Harajuku Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Tsukiji they enjoyed sashimi and strawberry daifuku, and were delighted, saying that all Japanese food was delicious. They also had ramen at a food court afterward. In Ginza, we visited the basement food floor of a department store and a stationery store. They loved the stationery store so much that they said they would like to return and take their time there again. Although it rained that day, they seemed to enjoy the stroll through Meiji Shrine. At UNIQLO, they took their time looking at T-shirts and made purchases, then we strolled along Takeshita Street and Omotesando. Since they were heading to Hakone the next day, I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets at Harajuku Station before we said goodbye.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIkejiri-Ohashi～Shibuya140JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Ginza178JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza～Meiji-Jingumae178JPY
    Total705JPY

    Tour Report by Rumi

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet up @Hotel at USJ
    • 12:30 Osaka Castle
    • 15:30 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 17:30 Disband @Tempozan Market Place

    # What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Unfortunately, it rained all day. The group had traveled from Kyoto by car that morning, but arrived about 30 minutes late due to traffic congestion. We departed just before 12:00 and headed to Osaka Castle, but since one of the guests had difficulty walking, we moved at a fairly slow pace. As a result, the overall schedule fell behind, and we arrived at the next destination, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, around 15:30. At the request of the group, we canceled the stroll around the Minami area and headed to Tempozan, the ending point, so the tour concluded a little earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUniversal City～Osakajokoen210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Tengachaya290JPY
    Section 3TrainTengachaya～Sumiyoshi Taisha360JPY
    Section 4SubwayTengachaya～Osakako290JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:55 Meet up @ Sapporo Station
    • 2. 9:05 Former Hokkaido Government Office
    • 3. 9:25 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 4. 9:55 Odori Park
    • 5. 10:15 Nijo Market
    • 6. 10:30 Tanukikoji
    • 7. 11:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 8. 12:45 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 9. 13:20 Lunch @ Picante (Soup Curry: Maruyama Branch)
    • 10. 14:50 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 11. 16:00 Disband @ Odori Park

    Title: What Can You See on a Private History and Culture Tour of Sapporo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who expressed interest in history and culture, so we began the private Sapporo tour at the former Hokkaido Government Office and the Sapporo Clock Tower (a facility of the former Sapporo Agricultural College, originally used as a drill hall). On the way to Hokkaido Shrine, we arrived at Maruyama Park by subway just as the bus to the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was about to depart. Since this bus runs only once an hour, we added the stadium to our itinerary. This made the tour take longer than planned, but I believe the guest enjoyed it. As this was my first time guiding a guest from North America, it was a pleasure to be able to talk about various topics, including society in that region.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station～Maruyama Koen Station210JPY
    Section 2BusMaruyama Koen Bus Terminal～Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium240JPY
    Section 3BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium～Maruyama Koen Bus Terminal240JPY
    Section 4SubwayMaruyama Koen Station～Miyanosawa Station250JPY
    Section 5SubwayMiyanosawa Station～Odori Park Station290JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Tour Report by Tom

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen Park & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen Park & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting up @ Hotel Shinjuku
    • 9:20-10:10 Shinjuku Gyoen Park
    • 10:30-11:00 the Imperial Palace Sakuradamon-Nijubashi
    • 11:15-11:40 Takeshita St. & Omotesando St.
    • 11:40-12:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 12:30-13:00 Shibuya

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, who had a strong interest in Japan, as one of them had once stayed in Japan for a week in the past. Although it rained that day, Shinjuku Gyoen was uncrowded, and the guests enjoyed a quiet stroll through the Japanese garden. At the Imperial Palace, they admired the impressive size of Sakuradamon Gate and the beautiful moats. One of the guests shared Korean customs and asked questions about the Japanese imperial family. On Takeshita Street, the guests were surprised by an animal cafe, and along Omotesando they enjoyed the remarkable architecture. At Meiji Shrine, they were moved by the quiet forest, and we had a lively conversation about religion. After viewing the Shibuya Crossing from above and then crossing it, one of the guests was interested in Nintendo and similar things, so I guided them to PARCO.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendagaya～Sakuradamon330JPY
    Section 2TrainNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Motoko

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    Keith_S
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  • Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Shinsekai

    Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    June, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ Wa-qoo Shitadera-machi
    • 09:45 @ Umeda Sky Building
    • 11:45 @ Dotonbori (via Shinsaibashi)
    • 12:45 @ Namba, Doguyasuji
    • 14:00 @ Shinsekai
    • 15:00 Disband @ Namba, Ebisubashi Shopping Street

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Food Walk and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They moved smoothly between locations, but they acted quite freely, and at one point I lost sight of them inside the Umeda Sky Building. I tried to reach them by phone and by message, but received no reply. I later found them taking a light meal and resting at a cafe, and we were able to resume the tour without any trouble. After that, one of the guests seemed to enjoy filming videos, so we frequently paused to allow time for that. The purpose of this tour felt like it was centered on filming videos and food-tasting. In Shinsaibashi they enjoyed cheese tarts, in Dotonbori they had takoyaki, and in Shinsekai they tried Billiken-shaped taiyaki. Afterward, they said they wanted to eat cheesecake, so I guided them to a shop popular among locals (which they planned to visit later). I presented them with a handmade drawstring pouch, which they were delighted to receive. Special note) The guests stayed at a temple-lodging-style facility, where breakfast was said to be shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). The guests mentioned that they had received no advance information about this facility from the agency. They also felt it was not in a particularly good location and that there were no places to eat nearby, and they seemed quite dissatisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTennoji～Osaka240JPY
    Section 2SubwayUmeda～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba～Dobutsuen-mae190JPY
    Section 4SubwayDobutsuen-mae～Namba190JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
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