Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien Garden & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meet at the gate of Kanda Myojin Shrine
    • 14:50 Rikugien Garden
    • 16:20 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 17:30 Akihabara
    • 19:10 Dismiss at TeamLab Planets

    Title: What Is a 5-Hour Private Afternoon Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was excellent, and we were able to spend a comfortable afternoon of about five hours together. I waited a little at the meeting point, but the guest appeared shortly after and we started five minutes late. At Rikugien, the azaleas were in full bloom, and the guest took many photos and seemed delighted. At Sensoji, the guest wished to receive a goshuin (temple seal), and I guided them there estimating that applying by 5:00 would be fine, but the deadline had been changed to 4:30, so we were unable to obtain it. It was very unfortunate. In Akihabara, a sudden request came up to buy Sony wireless earphones, so I guided the guest to a specialty earphone shop. They purchased two sets. The guest wished to buy subway-related goods, so we visited two places, but were unable to find what they wanted. We stopped by Uniqlo, where the guest bought some clothing. I paced the tour so we could go leisurely, but we arrived at TeamLab Planets at 19:10, fifty minutes earlier than planned. We parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOchanomizu~Komagome700JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome~Ueno167JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 5TrainAkihabara~Toyosu0JPY
    Section 6TrainToyosu~Shin-Toyosu189JPY
    Total1,056JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:00 @ Hotel Nagoya
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle keep
    • 3. Lunch @ Hosa (inside the Nagoh Noh Theater facility)
    • 4. Move to Oasis 21 and view the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and the Oasis 21 shopping area
    • 5. Move to Atsuta Jingu Shrine and view the main shrine, Kokoro no Komichi path, and Kusanagi-kan
    • 6. Return to near Hotel Nagoya and disband at 16:00

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since the guests were all strong walkers, we traveled between sites entirely on foot and by public transportation, without using taxis. The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tour covered Nagoya Castle, lunch at a restaurant inside a Noh theater near Nagoya Castle, shopping at the Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and Oasis 21, and Atsuta Shrine, all of which the guests enjoyed. They were especially pleased with the rice-bowl lunch at the restaurant and the sweets at the Miya Kishimen shop within Atsuta Shrine. Among the sites we visited, they particularly enjoyed the observation deck of MIRAI TOWER and the "Kokoro no Komichi" path that circles the outer area of the main shrine at Atsuta Shrine. As it was a Monday, none of the sites were crowded, and I believe the guests enjoyed the calm atmosphere of Nagoya.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Station~Nagoyajo Station240JPY
    Section 2SubwayNagoyajo Station~Sakae Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakae Station~Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station240JPY
    Section 4SubwayAtsuta Jingu Nishi Station~Kanayama Station210JPY
    Section 5TrainKanayama Station~Nagoya Station180JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up at the lobby of Hotel in Shinjuku. 8:15 Shinjuku ~ Tokyo Station ~ 9:15 Shimbashi, take the Yurikamome ~ visit the "Statue of Liberty" at Odaiba ~ visit the "Gundam Statue". 10:15 Odaiba ~ take the Yurikamome to Shimbashi. Walk from Shimbashi along Ginza Street ~ Ginza 4-chome ~ in front of the Kabuki-za ~ Ginza 4-chome ~ Sukiyabashi ~ visit inside the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho ~ Kyobashi. Police Museum ~ stroll along the pedestrian paradise of Ginza Street. 12:30 Ginza ~ move to Shinjuku via Akasaka-mitsuke. Lunch at Tempura Tsunehachi Main Store in Shinjuku 3-chome. 14:05 Shinjuku Station ~ Harajuku, visit Meiji Shrine ~ visit partway along Takeshita Street in Harajuku ~ 15:40 Harajuku Station ~ Shibuya Station. 15:50 Guide up to the 14th floor of Shibuya SKY and then disband. Total 7 hours 50 minutes.
    • Guide while adjusting the time to make it in time for the Shibuya SKY reservation.

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors to Japan from Europe, a group of several people. They run a business in the service industry. Coming from a small community where people are closely connected, they mentioned they prefer calm, smaller towns over big cities, so on their first visit to Japan they must have been quite amazed by the scale of Tokyo and its modern scenery. They noted that in their home region there are no trains and everyone needs their own car to get around. They sat in the front seats of the Yurikamome line and eagerly took many photos. The tulips at Odaiba were beautiful, and they are always satisfied when visiting there. From Shimbashi we walked all the way through Ginza, the Kabukiza Theatre, Sukiyabashi, Yurakucho, Kyobashi, and back to Ginza in a full loop. On the pedestrian paradise street, they stood in the middle of Ginza Avenue and enthusiastically struck poses for photos. They were very fond of Meiji Shrine. We also happened to encounter a traditional Japanese-style wedding, so I believe they were able to experience a traditional side of Japan as well. They purchased an ema votive plaque, and one of the guests wrote a wish on it in their own language and dedicated it. As it was their first day of sightseeing since arriving in Japan, I believe they enjoyed it thoroughly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shimbashi210JPY
    Section 2TrainGinza~Shinjuku210JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Section L Tsukiji gather
    • 2. 13:05 Namiyoke Shrine
    • 3. 14:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 4. 15:05 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 5. 17:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Miyashita Park
    • 6. 18:45 Asakusa
    • 7. 19:00 Sensoji Temple dismissal

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shinjuku Gyoen, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. Initially one participant was expected, but while discussing the tour details, they expressed a wish to join together with friends. I asked them to let me know in advance if the number would exceed the planned size, and they agreed. On the day of the tour, the number changed to a smaller group, and after confirming the itinerary, we set off. Before boarding the train, I gave a brief introduction to Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests enjoyed the late-blooming cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, and the scenery of the Japanese garden. In Harajuku, they were interested in the history of Meiji Shrine and the procedure for visiting a shrine, and afterward they curiously tried the ema votive tablets and omikuji fortunes. Along Takeshita Street and Omotesando, they enjoyed the pop culture, shopping, and street food, which were a complete contrast to the earlier tranquility. In Shibuya, we stopped by the scramble crossing, the Hachiko statue, and Miyashita Park, and there was even a moment when the guests were moved to tears by the story of Hachiko. Part of the group had originally planned to head back at Shibuya, but they became very interested in Japanese culture and decided to stay until the end. Lastly, I guided them to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. They were also curious to hear about the differences between shrines and temples. They were extremely interested throughout, and it was very rewarding to guide them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsukiji~Sendagaya350JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3BusOmotesando~Shibuya West Exit210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total970JPY

    Hello, I’m Miho Ozawa, and I’ve been working as a government licenced guide interpreter for six years in Tokyo. I live in east Tokyo with my family, including my three children, and I love art, gardens, photography and traveling.
    It’s such a pleasure to explore this fascinating city Tokyo with you. There are so many things you can do, although sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do within a limited time. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what you would like to do or where you would like to visit in Tokyo. I would be happy to help you plan to make your trip a memorable one. I’m forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Apr 18, 2026
    CRM
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day 1 Japan Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
    Miho was an amazing tour guide.…

    Mar 31, 2026
    M
    maaz06
    Private Half Day tour with Government Licenced Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our half day…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Maria_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant half Day Private tour customized to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Rick_G
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun day out with Miho
    We had a great time exploring the…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Glass Forest & pirate ship to Moto-Hakone

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Glass Forest & pirate ship to Moto-Hakone

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30. Pick up at Hotel
    • 10:30 By bus and mountain train, stroll through the Open-Air Museum
    • 12:00 Visit the Hakone Glass Forest by bus
    • 13:00 By bus to Togendai
    • 14:00 By pirate ship to Moto-Hakone
    • 15:30 By bus to the hotel

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi The guests were visiting from Asia and wanted to return to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Venetian Glass Museum, which they had visited long ago, so we went there. The weather was fine and it was a pleasant stroll. At the Glass Forest, they seemed satisfied with the Italian salon concert. The double-flowered cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and they took photos. They were not interested in Owakudani. They were also pleased to ride the pirate ship again, as they had ridden it before. Since it was a weekday, the roads were not crowded and the buses ran smoothly. Although the weather was good, Mount Fuji was not visible, but there was no particular request about it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto~Hakone-Yumoto5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    My name is Naoko Fukai. I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Yokohama. I love Yokohama where Japanese modernity started from more than 150 years ago. I will guide you Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone and Tokyo. Sometimes I do guide in Kyoto , Himeji and Setonaikai inland sea area near Himeji. Japan is very unique . Very traditional but very modern. Very advanced but very ancient. I will show you around Japan in that point of views. 70 percent of Japanese land is covered with forests and mountains. Our life is closely related with nature. I will show you the beautiful nature in Japan.

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Day-of itinerary
    • ・9:00 a.m.   meet at Okitsu pier 
    • ・9:10       leave the pier for Nihon-Daira Hill Top
    • ・9:30~11:00   arrive at Nihon- Daira Hill Top
    •     spend 1 and a half hours
    • first going to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine by ropeway
    • return to Nihon-Daira to see Mt. Fuji from the highest point in the neighbourhood
    • ・11:00     leave the hill for Miho-Matubara Pine Trees' Groves
    • ・11:30~12:15 arrive at Miho-Matubara
    • spend 45 min.
    • ・12:15 leave Miho for the pier by taxi
    • ・12:45~13:15 arrive at Minowa-Inari shrine
    • spend half an hour visiting Minowa-Inari Shrine
    • ・13:30     back to Okitsu pier by taxi

    What Is a Private Shimizu Day Tour with Mount Fuji Views Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At 9:00 a.m., I met the guests, visitors from North America, at Okitsu Pier and began a tour themed around views of Mount Fuji. The guests had a strong interest in the various structures at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, so our stay there was extended a little. The taxi driver who accompanied us was knowledgeable about the shrine, and I interpreted his explanations. Along the way, Mount Fuji began to come into view, and we stopped at a photo spot recommended by the driver, which the guests seemed to enjoy. We took in the surrounding scenery from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace and headed to the next destination a little early. Because we had visited Kunozan first, the wait time for the ropeway was minimal. Next, we went to see Miho no Matsubara. The guests said the scenery, with Mount Fuji and the beach as a backdrop, was wonderful. Since I had set the return time to the pier early, by 13:30, to match the departure time, the guests had requested that we not schedule a lunch, but they became a little hungry and enjoyed Japanese tea and sweets at a souvenir shop. Finally, we visited Minowa Inari Shrine in the Shimizu district. The guests were interested not only in the torii gate but also in the surrounding residential streets, and they asked about local housing conditions and the like. Because the departure time was 14:00, limiting the tour to the Shimizu district allowed us to cover the main sightseeing spots, and the guests appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed the views of Mount Fuji and the structures.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherJR Shimizu Station~Shimizu Okitsu Pier3,440JPY
    Total3,440JPY

    I am Mr. Yasu Katou . I am an English-speaking excursion guide . I mainly take my guests to the popular tourist places around Shimizu ward and the city of Shizuoka.
    I am a typical “Shizuokan citizen”, who are too shy to refer often to the great things we have such as Mt. Fuji-San but are, in the deepest of our heart , very proud of them . It would be wonderful if our great things, which are represented by not only Mt. Fuji-San but also other historical and cultural spots, could be known to others coming from all over the world.
    So as a resident here in central Shizuoka-prefecture I would like to show my guests as many things such as our culture, history and nature as I can.

    Jul 22, 2026
    Silke72
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of the Shizuoka sights
    Even though we did…

    Jul 11, 2026
    theinnocentabroad25
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    An Unforgettable Day in Shimizu with Yasu
    Here’s a warm,…

    Sep 12, 2025
    shelleysD5492YS
    A Great in Shimizu
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Our guide Yasu and his…

    Jul 9, 2025
    Jennifer_M
    Great tour, great guide.
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Fantastic tour. Traveling in a small…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Godzilla Head & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Godzilla Head & Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:20 Meet up @ teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
    • 13:15 Shinjuku Godzilla Head (around Shinjuku Kabukicho)
    • 13:30 Shinjuku Isetan (food floor)
    • 14:30 Lunch @ Ichiran (Shinjuku)
    • 15:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:10 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 17:50 Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 18:20 Dismiss @ Hotel Otemachi

    What Is a Private 6-Hour Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived a few days earlier and had already visited Senso-ji Temple and experienced go-kart driving in costume. On the morning of the tour, they enjoyed teamLab Planets in Toyosu before starting the 6-hour tour. One of the youngest members of the group, who had recently begun to walk, was very charming, and many passersby as well as strangers shopping at Isetan in Shinjuku smiled and remarked how adorable the child was. At Meiji Jingu, the group let the little one take a few wobbly steps. The child made lively, almost word-like sounds, yet somehow they never felt noisy, which was quite remarkable. During the car transfers, the child slept peacefully, and all of this added to the endearing atmosphere. The Isetan basement food hall made a strong impression on the guests. They commented that every item looked delicious, and above all fresh and clean. They took many photos and purchased items such as shrimp and chicken kushikatsu, fried sweet potato, and spicy skewers of chicken with shishito peppers and paprika. Afterward, they requested Ichiran Ramen, so I searched online and we went to the branch near the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku. As a popular restaurant, there was a line, and the staff said the wait would be about 30 minutes. However, the guests were keen to eat Ichiran Ramen even if it meant waiting, so we lined up. In practice, we were able to start lunch after about 20 minutes, so it did not significantly affect the tour. That said, the guests asked to walk at a slower pace, and since the little one appeared to be getting sleepy later on, we skipped the originally planned stroll along Takeshita Street in Harajuku. At the Imperial Palace, I explained Sakuradamon from the car and we got out only to walk to Nijubashi. In addition, from the car I was able to show them the Ginza 4-chome intersection and Ginza main street, the Kasumigaseki government district, the National Diet Building, and the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station. On this trip they did not visit Kyoto and stayed only in Tokyo for a short period, but they expressed how much they had come to love Japan, saying that they would definitely return and already had plans to do so.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet
    • 9:30-10:30 Asakusa
    • 11:00-11:50 Meijijingu shrine
    • 11:50-12:30 Lunch
    • 13:00–13:20 Shibuya Crossing
    • 14:00-14:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:00 Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sensoji, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Tokyo Tower At Sensoji Temple, the guests were very interested in the buildings and took many photographs. They were delighted by the beautifully blooming azaleas in the garden and the nishiki koi carp in the pond. At Meiji Shrine, the guests enjoyed the path leading to the main hall while admiring the trees along the approach. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the guests only took photographs and video. They did not wish to cross the intersection themselves. At Tokyo Tower, the guests were not interested in taking the elevator to the top, and instead enjoyed only photography and shopping.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMetro one-day pass~Metro one-day pass700JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I am Yumiko Hoshida. I was born in Osaka and live in Tokyo now. I have been to UK (ESL) and The USA (Executive Secretary course) as a student.
    After I came back to Japan, I worked at Osaka EXPO as an interpreter. And then I worked at foreign companies at Osaka and Tokyo. After resignation, I have got the national guiding license. I have been enjoying guiding sightseeing spots and showing Japanese history & culture etc. to the guests from overseas. It is really wonderful for me to spend time with foreign guests in Japan.
    I am very looking forward to welcoming foreign guests.
    I do hope to see YOU soon!

    May 13, 2025
    Glenda_P
    4 Hour Walking Tour Tokyo
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yumiko was an excellent guide. Yumiko met…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Sounzan & POLA Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Sounzan & POLA Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:10 Meet at Gora Station
    • 10:40 Sounzan
    • 11:10 Owakudani
    • 12:15 Lunch (Togendai Station Restaurant)
    • 13:15 Lake Ashi Cruise, Pirate Ship, Special Cabin
    • 13:40 Hakonemachi Port
    • 13:55 Take H Bus to Kowakidani Station
    • 14:20 From Kowakidani Station to Gora Station
    • 14:45 Shuttle bus from Gora Station to POLA Museum
    • 15:00 POLA Museum tour
    • 16:43 Bus to Gora Station
    • 17:10 Disband, guests take Hotel shuttle bus to the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who love nature, visiting Japan during the middle of their trip. A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private one-day tour of Hakone, adjusting the pace flexibly while consulting with the guests based on how tired they were. For example, we moved the pirate ship cruise to a later time so we could take a longer lunch break. For the pirate ship cabin, I recommended the special cabin, using the example of the cabins where Rose and Jack stayed in the movie Titanic, and the guests were delighted with the result. Since the Hakone Tozan Bus departs from Hakonemachi Port, I arranged for us to disembark the pirate ship at Hakonemachi Port rather than Motohakone Port, so that everyone could be sure of getting a seat on the bus. Before disembarking, I explained why we were getting off at this particular port so the guests understood and were reassured. I told the guests each time what the next part of the itinerary would be, roughly how long it would take, and how many bus stops until we got off, so that they would not feel anxious. Since mountain weather changes easily, I brought a cardigan in case the guests felt cold and two hand fans in case they felt hot. I had also contacted the guests in advance, as a precaution, to bring a light jacket, an umbrella, and something that showed the ages of the younger members of the group. I made an effort to communicate two-way with all of the guests, including asking about their impressions of Tokyo. The POLA Museum of Art was the guests' request, as they had heard that nature and art are integrated there. After touring the museum, they walked along the outdoor promenade and enjoyed the sound of birds and the babbling stream. I had scouted this itinerary in advance beforehand, and I was glad I did. It allowed me to guide with confidence.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara~Gora5,000JPY
    Section 2Free PassGora~Sounzan0JPY
    Section 3Free PassSounzan~Owakudani0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOwakudani~Togendai0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTogendai~Hakonemachi Port0JPY
    Section 6Free PassHakonemachi Port~Kowakidani Station0JPY
    Section 7Free PassKowakidani Station~Gora0JPY
    Section 8Free PassPOLA Museum~Gora0JPY
    Section 9Free PassGora~Odawara0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Hello, I am Ikuyo HOSODA. It is a great pleasure to be your guide during your stay in Japan. I will do my utmost to make your journey unforgettable.
    I am a mother and grandmother in my early 60s and live in a seaside town in Kanagawa.
    I used to live in London for 4 years, and in New York for 12 years.
    My favorite activities are walking, baking, reading, and talking with people.
    After passing the National Guide Interpreter Examination, I have been involved in many walking tours, bus tours, and others.
    I am looking forward to seeing you soon in Japan!

    May 6, 2025
    mr121212
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Station & Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Station & Koko-en Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Himeji Station
    • 10:20 Himeji Castle (Main Keep, Hyakken Corridor)
    • 13:10 Tea ceremony in front of the Himeji Castle entrance (matcha, with sweets)
    • 13:40 Koko-en Garden
    • 14:30 Head to the souvenir shop restaurant
    • Introduce the restaurant and disband

    What Is a Private Japanese Garden and Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The person who made the request was quite knowledgeable about Japan, growing bonsai and showing great interest in Japanese gardens. Their questions about Japanese gardens were very perceptive. I shared my own views, and I would be glad if I was able to convey even a little of what I hoped to. Since they had come to Japan after traveling in Asia, we also had a lively conversation about the differences between the two countries. The cherry blossoms at the castle were nearly at their end, but I was able to show them some remaining blooms. I also recommended a spring seasonal tea ceremony, which they enjoyed very much, savoring matcha and Japanese sweets.

    Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
    I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
    I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
    And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
    I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

    Jul 9, 2026
    727tessv
    We had the best time in Kobe
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    Our guide Chiyuki was…

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    Pinoy V
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    Very interesting and informative.
    Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…

    Jun 11, 2026
    Sharon G
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    A wonderful day!!
    After getting off to a rocky start our…