Category: Uncategorized

  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:40 Meet, 6:50 Start from hotel by private car, 8:50 Mt. Fuji 5th Station, then Mt. Fuji Oniwa hiking, 10:15 Depart Oniwa, 11:00 Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, 12:00 Depart there, Purchase food at convenience store on the way, Eat in the car, 12:40 Oshino Hakkai, 13:40 Depart there, 15:30 Arrive at hotel

    Title: Can You See Mount Fuji on a Cloudy Day? A Licensed Guide's Private Fuji, Kubota Itchiku Museum, and Oshino Hakkai Tour Report The guests hoped to see Mount Fuji, but it was cloudy and the mountain was not visible from the lower areas. I suggested that if we went up to the 5th Station, we would be above the rain clouds, so we headed straight there to give it a try. The plan worked, and the guests were moved and grateful to see a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Before visiting Oshino Hakkai as the guests had requested, I proposed the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. After a video introduction, the guests viewed the exhibits and enjoyed experiencing a part of Japanese art. At Oshino Hakkai, we went up into the observation deck, and the harmony between the old traditional houses and nature felt very Japanese, so the guests took many photos, just as they had at Mount Fuji. The tour finished 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, but I had informed the guests at Oshino Hakkai that we might finish early, and they preferred to arrive back earlier so they could prepare for their departure to Kyoto the next day, so this had already been agreed upon.

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Aug 24, 2026
    Deb_K
    Viator review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Well organised tour
    Hiro is obviously an experienced guide.…

    Aug 6, 2026
    Marcus_J
    Viator review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing day with…
    Had an amazing day with Hiro.…

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kanda Myojin Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Kanda Myojin Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:50 Meet up @ Roppongi Hills Metro Hat, Afuri (ramen restaurant)
    • 13:30 Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Okuyama Omairi Machi ~ Hoppy Street ~ Denboin)
    • 14:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 16:00 Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 16:50 Disband @ Grand Hyatt

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Temples, Shrines, and Gardens The guest was a visitor from North America. On this day, the guest toured alone. Before arriving in Japan, there had been an ambitious request to make good use of about four hours to visit temples, shrines, and gardens, so I proposed the itinerary above and we set off. Since the guest needed to return to the Hotel by 5:00, it became a tight schedule. Sensing this, the guest had already finished lunch at a ramen shop that had suddenly become our meeting point. Fortunately, the roads were not crowded, so we also used a taxi. In Asakusa, the guest seemed to particularly enjoy the area beyond Omairimachi. At Koishikawa Korakuen, the irises had begun to bloom and the greenery of the trees was beautiful, and the guest kept saying "beautiful." I visited Kanda Myojin for the first time in a while, and by explaining its history — including the structural reasons it escaped destruction in the Second World War — and its blessings for business prosperity, it can serve as an alternative to Meiji Jingu. In the taxi, I was able to talk about Japanese culture, history, and national character. The guest responded very well to my explanations, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Line Roppongi~Ginza Line Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa Line Asakusa~JR Suidobashi324JPY
    Total533JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Shibamata Taishakuten & Harajuku

    Tokyo: Shibamata Taishakuten & Harajuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Keio Presso Inn Otemachi
    • 9:30 Tokyo Station~Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
    • 11:30 Nezu Shrine~Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:40 Shibamata Taishakuten
    • 14:00 Lunch at Otoo (Ueno)
    • 15:00 Ueno Park
    • 16:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 17:00 Disband at Omotesando Station

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from Europe who was traveling around the world during a vacation. Due to time constraints we were not able to visit Gotokuji Temple, but we went through the places I had suggested in advance in order, and I believe the guest thoroughly enjoyed the day. For lunch, the guest wanted to try Japanese noodles, so I took them to a restaurant in Ueno where you can eat Inaniwa udon, and they were very pleased. During lunch, I introduced some recommended sushi and ramen restaurants as well as spots in Kyoto, which the guest also appreciated. The guest was interested in Japanese history and culture, and seemed to be very much looking forward to visiting Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Nezu178JPY
    Section 2TrainNippori~Shibamata272JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Keisei Ueno272JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Omotesando178JPY
    Total1,109JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Kabukiza Basement, Tsukiji
    • 11:30 Ginza (Mitsukoshi Depachika)
    • 12:30 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Disband @ Harajuku

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour in Tokyo for a group visiting from Europe. The guests had developed an interest in Japan through a connection to Asia. At Tsukiji, the guests were amazed by the wide variety of fish and vegetables, and later at the basement food floor of a department store, they remarked that the boxed meals and sweets looked like works of art. Since downloading a Suica had not worked well, the guests purchased a Welcome Suica in Shibuya, and I showed them how to buy drinks from a vending machine. The guests really enjoyed Meiji Shrine, saying it felt very refreshing. After strolling through Harajuku, it was time to part ways, and the guests headed to Tokyo Tower on their own.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza220JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza~Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Total575JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @ Himeji Station North Exit
    • 2. 11:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 11:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:35 Lunch @ Ekisoba Otemae Branch
    • 5. 15:10 Disband @ In front of Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate

    Can You Take a Private Guided Tour of Himeji Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's tour was arranged for a group of guests visiting Japan from North America, who were divided into two separate groups of five and six, each running as a different tour. I was in charge of the group of the guests. The tour was scheduled to start at 11:30, but while I was on the train heading to Himeji Station, the guests contacted me to say they had already arrived at Himeji Station. The meeting point had also changed, but we managed to meet up and started the tour at 11:00. After explaining an overview of Himeji Castle at Castle View, we headed to Himeji Castle and toured the Sannomaru, the Hishi Gate, the Nishinomaru Long Corridor and Hyakken Corridor, the Shogun-zaka slope, the Main Keep, and so on. Since everyone was very enthusiastic, sightseeing at Himeji Castle took more time than expected. After leaving the Main Keep, the guests contacted the other group and changed the tour plan (deciding not to visit Koko-en Garden) in order to meet the other group. They said that after handing the other group the Shinkansen tickets to return to Osaka, our group would eat "eki-soba" (station soba) and then return to Himeji Station. For this reason, we met the other group on Otemae-dori, ate eki-soba, and returned to Himeji Station. However, there was a bit of a commotion here. In fact, the day before the tour, the guests had asked me, "What time does the tour end? What time train should we reserve?" I replied, "The tour ends around 15:30, so please reserve a train departing after 16:00." The guests responded that they had reserved a train departing at 15:59. In reality, however, they had purchased a Shinkansen ticket departing at 13:59 (which had already left long before). A missed ticket cannot be changed to a new reserved seat. For this reason, I took the guests to the Shinkansen transfer gate and they returned home in the non-reserved seats. It was a tour with many twists and turns, but the guests were delighted with it.

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 11:45 @ Egret Himeji
    • 12:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:00 @ Light meal at the station soba shop
    • 14:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    Can You Do a Private Half-Day Himeji Castle Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from abroad. The person who had originally acted as the main contact was on a separate tour in the area, and it seemed that very little of the itinerary had been communicated from this contact. Since the guests left the plan up to the guide, we started the tour and I took them to the rooftop of "Egret Himeji" near Himeji Castle, where they appeared very pleased with the magnificent full view of the castle. At Himeji Castle, which we visited next, one of the guests was not feeling well and waited outside the gate, so five of us went in for the visit. The guests took many photographs and enjoyed themselves greatly. After visiting Himeji Castle, they said they would prefer a light breakfast rather than going around to more spots, so I guided them to Himeji's specialty "ekisoba," which they enjoyed. They then said they wanted soft-serve ice cream, so I took them to a popular shop near the castle. Out of consideration for the guest who was unwell, they decided to return to Osaka and I guided them to JR Himeji Station, where it turned out the Shinkansen they had reserved had already departed more than 30 minutes earlier. I informed them that they could use non-reserved seats, and we parted ways. It again seemed that the details of the itinerary had not been well conveyed from the main contact. I presented a handmade drawstring pouch made by my sister, which was well received.

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    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…

  • Okayama in Half a Day: Okayama Ekimae Sta & Kurashiki-Bikanchiku

    Okayama in Half a Day: Okayama Ekimae Sta & Kurashiki-Bikanchiku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Hotel Okayama [Meet]
    • on foot
    • 12:40 Okayama Ekimae Sta.
    • by Tramway
    • 12:45 Shiroshita Sta.
    • on foot
    • 13:00~14:15 Korakuen Garden
    • 14:20 Korakuen Garden Main Gate
    • by taxi
    • 14:30 JR Okayama Station
    • 14:49 JR Okayama Station
    • by train
    • 15:05 JR Kurashiki Station
    • on foot
    • 15:15~16:30 Kurashiki-Bikanchiku
    • on foot
    • 16:40 JR Kurashiki Station
    • 16:49 JR Kurashiki Station
    • by train
    • 16:57 JR Okayama Station
    • 17:00 JR Okayama Station [Say goodbye]

    What's a Private Day Tour of Okayama and Kurashiki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Originally I had proposed an itinerary of Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Kibitsu Shrine, but after meeting them they requested to skip the castle and the shrine and instead wanted to see Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki, so I adjusted accordingly. They had a warm and friendly rapport, and it was a pleasure to guide them. One of the guests had extensive professional experience in the travel industry, yet was very easygoing and did not make me feel any pressure at all. The other was studying environmental engineering, and was a serious and pleasant person. Since we were in Okayama, I told them the story of Momotaro while strolling through Kurashiki, and they listened with great interest. Their stay in Japan ran from late May into early June, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara (including Yoshino), Okayama, and Hiroshima. The weather was fine, and I believe they enjoyed a relaxed and pleasant day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOkayama Ekimae~Shiroshita120JPY
    Section 2TrainOkayama~Kurashiki330JPY
    Section 3TrainKurashiki~Okayama330JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • AM9:10 Osaka Castle Park
    • AM11:20 Shinsekai
    • PM12:10 Doguyasuji
    • PM13:00 Dotonbori Disband

    What Is a Private Osaka Shopping and Food Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a cheerful group visiting from South America. Before coming to Japan, they had traveled through several destinations in Asia, with Japan as the final stop of their trip. In Osaka, rather than sightseeing, they were more interested in the city's atmosphere, food, and shopping. Since they wanted to buy tableware, I took them to Doguyasuji. They visited three shops and bought around twenty plates in total (perhaps impulse purchases since the prices were low). They mentioned they had bought so many souvenirs that they would need to purchase another suitcase. Because they spent a lot of time shopping and their luggage had increased, we skipped Kuromon Market, which had been on the plan. However, since they said they wanted to eat sushi, I took them to a popular conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Dotonbori, where we said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Osakajokoen-mae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba190JPY
    Total610JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Onomichi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Onomichi Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Cycle U2
    • 9:00 Visit "Onomichi Grandma and Hotel" via Shin-Onomichi Station
    • 11:00 Lunch at Onomichi Roman Coffee Mitsunari Branch
    • 13:00 Travel to Setoda for Kosanji Temple and Miraishin no Oka (Hill of Hope)
    • 14:30 Travel to Fukuyama and participate in a talk event at Ichi Setouchi
    • 15:00-17:00

    What Is a Custom Private Concierge Tour of Onomichi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This time the request was not sightseeing-focused. The guest wished to visit places in Onomichi related to community-based welfare activities, connected to work the guest is involved with abroad in North America. Fortunately, I knew several acquaintances and locations engaged in similar new initiatives — community-oriented welfare activities that are open to the local area rather than being closed "facilities." I compiled a list and shared it by email, and was able to connect the guest with exactly the right places and key people. As a result, the guest was very pleased! (A high review has been posted on the relevant tour page on the booking platform.) https://www.getyourguide.jp/onomichi-l151178/onomichi-full-day-private-trip-t393540/ This time, going beyond the role of a "sightseeing guide" who simply shows tourist spots, I took on the roles of a concierge who listens to the guest's goals and plans accordingly, a coordinator who arranges appointments with the relevant parties, and an interpreter who supports communication on the day. It was a very fulfilling day for me as well, and I felt happy to be able to do this kind of work! It might even be worth creating custom plans as products — an Onomichi version, a Fukuyama version, or a combined Bingo-area version covering both… haha.

    Hi, this is Mami! I am a qualified regional interpreter guide for Hiroshima Prefecture. I love guiding guests in Onomichi, a town with many Japanese heritage shrines and temples. Strolling through town is a lot of fun, as many of the renovated shops and restaurants each has its own character and design!
    The breath-taking view from Mt. Takami, is a picture-perfect scene, encompassing the many islands surrounded by the tranquility of the Seto Inland Sea. The highest mountain in Mukaishima surely is a must-see spot! Many attractive outdoor activities await, including cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, sea kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. For a more relaxing experience, Zen meditation is offered at the temples in Onomichi-city.

    According to your interest, I will prepare a special itinerary for you!

    May 10, 2025
    TheBrowns1000
    Hurry book this tour and request marvelous Mami Mukai for an amazing day!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour…

    Apr 20, 2025
    Passport548066
    Sehr guter Tag in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mami war eine super…

    Apr 10, 2025
    K
    K6047IAjenniferv
    Incredible
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mami was amazing! She meet us at…

    Apr 4, 2025
    Hansu24
    An Extraordinary Experience of Onomichi
    Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I spent 2 days…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet up Mecure Kyoto Station
    • 10:10 to 11:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:30 Shopping at Kiyomizu-michi
    • 13:00 to 13:30 Lunch at Shinkyogoku-dori (Vegetarian Ramen)
    • 13;45 to 14:15 Gion
    • 15:00 to 15:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Dismissal Kinkaku-ji Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from Asia. They asked many detailed and in-depth questions about Buddhism, which kept me on my toes. Some of the guests were very interested in Kyoto souvenirs, and along Kiyomizu-zaka they bought many small items such as folding fans, chopsticks, dolls, and hair ornaments, which took up quite a lot of time. As a result, although we had planned to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove after Kinkaku-ji, we ran out of time and ended the tour at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShichijo-Horikawa~Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2BusKiyomizu-michi~Shijo-Keihan230JPY
    Section 3BusShijo-Kawaramachi~Gion230JPY
    Section 4BusShijo-Keihan~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Total920JPY

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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

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

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

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