Category: Uncategorized

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Danjo Garan & Okunoin

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Danjo Garan & Okunoin

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:10 Meet at Koyasan Station
    • 13:30 Danjo Garan
    • 14:30 Kongobuji Temple
    • 15:00 Okunoin
    • 17:00 Disband at Okunoin Eireiden

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan (Mount Koya) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was clear with a temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius and almost no wind, making for perfect conditions. The guests were visitors from North America. After first asking about their preferences, we visited Danjo Garan and Kongobuji Temple, and then took our time exploring Okunoin. They also showed interest in the Okunoin night tour, but since their accommodation was in Osaka and joining the night tour would have meant returning to Osaka very late, they decided not to take part in the night tour this time. Mid-April is the season when the cherry blossoms of Koyasan are in full bloom, so the guests were able to take their time photographing the blossoms in front of the main gate of Kongobuji Temple and at Shojoshinin Temple, located at the entrance to Okunoin. The photo of the guests taken during the tour was captured with the cherry blossoms of Shojoshinin Temple in the background.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station~Kondo410JPY
    Section 2BusKongobuji-mae [Nankai Rinkan Bus]~Ichinohashiguchi160JPY
    Total570JPY

    I have guiding experience for 6 years. The name of my web site is “gururin kansai” which means to go around Kansai district.
    Kansai district includes Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Wakayama (Koyasan).
    I provide more than 2,000 sightseeing spots information in Japanese, English and Chinese.
    In 2021 I walked through four pilgrims loads in Koya and Kumano area.
    I also have the license of official guide of Kongobuji temple and world heritage master of Wakayama Prefecture.
    I would like to engage in the guide in English at Wakayama prefecture (Koyasan) and neighboring area.

    Jun 3, 2026
    388aneliap
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Opening your heart to the wonders of Japan.
    Naka,…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Javier_V
    Que es un recorrido…
    Viator review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Que es un recorrido agradable…

    Sep 12, 2025
    saraamann
    Interessante Tour mit kompetentem und freundlichen Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wir reisen…

    Aug 12, 2025
    NorthStar52593639505
    Great informative tour about Koya.
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was thorough…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: and stay at Osaka Castle

    Osaka in Half a Day: and stay at Osaka Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Osaka Station
    • 10:30-12:30 Move to and stay at Osaka Castle
    • 12:30-14:55 Move to Shitennoji, lunch, stay at Shitennoji
    • 14:55 Disband (return to Osaka Station by taxi)

    Can You Do a Private Osaka Day Tour with Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was changed to Osaka Station, as the guests contacted me to say they would arrive at Osaka Station from Kobe at exactly 10:30. Since one of the guests was unable to go up and down stairs, we first went from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle (viewing it only from the outside). We walked slowly, but enjoyed the nature along the way. The final slope was steep, so one of the guests rested on a bench while the other took photos to show them, and at several spots along the way I took many photos of the group with Osaka Castle in the background. In particular, a single large double-flowered cherry tree still had its blossoms intact, which delighted them and they took photos of it. Normally Shitennoji Temple is close from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, but since we could not go to the opposite side of Osaka Castle, we returned to Osaka Castle Park and went to Shitennoji Temple by taking the Tanimachi Line from Tennoji. Even getting there was a struggle, as we had to search for escalators and elevators, and although it is a place I usually walk to easily, we had to take a long detour. On the 21st, Shitennoji Temple holds a fair for Kobo Daishi with a flea market, and entry to the temple grounds was free, so I took photos of the group with the five-story pagoda as well. At the flea market, they purchased a handmade indigo-dyed bag. For lunch they enjoyed okonomiyaki and beer. We had planned to go to Dotonbori at the end, but since it was nearly 3 o'clock and I was concerned that one of the guests was tired, we decided to return to the Hotel by taxi and parted ways. They seemed to be planning to go to the EXPO from the next day, but I think the travel will be quite demanding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 2TrainOsakajokoen~Tennoji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total550JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 meet@Hotel
    • 14:00-14:10 travel by taxi
    • 14:30-15:15 travel by World Heritage Sea Route
    • 15:15-17:30 Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine
    • 17:30-18:15 travel by World Heritage Sea Route
    • 18:30 tour ends @ Hondori

    What's a Private Miyajima Tour Like from Hiroshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. On the boat ride over, the TV drama "Shogun" came up in conversation, so I guided them to a shop selling samurai warrior T-shirts in Miyajima. On the Omotesando shopping street, one of the guests looked for a handmade shuriken that a friend had asked for, but only machine-made ones were available. One of the guests was fond of matcha drinks and mentioned that at a certain point they had stopped drinking coffee and now had matcha drinks from places like Starbucks two or three times a day. I found this unusual and learned that matcha is enjoyed even outside Japan. Since the guests wanted to visit a 2nd Street store, I took them to the Hondori branch, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima2,200JPY
    Total2,200JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Pier & Senjokaku

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima Pier & Senjokaku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:40 Hotel in front of Peace Park > 10:10 Peace Park (World Heritage Route) >
    • 10:55 Miyajima Pier > 11:30 Itsukushima Shrine > Daiganji Temple >
    • 12:10 Daishoin Temple > Momijidani Park >
    • 13:20 Senjokaku > Omotesando > 13:40 Guide ends at Omotesando

    What Is a Private Guided Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were retired travelers. One of them was interested in the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and asked many related questions, which I explained. At times, another question came in while I was in the middle of answering, so my response was interrupted, but I later found an opening to complete my explanation. There was relatively little photo-taking, and the guests moved through the sights smoothly. Along the way, I also received many questions, including casual conversation, and answered them. As the guests planned to have lunch on their own after the tour ended, I recommended their desired anago-meshi (conger eel rice). I do not know exactly what they ordered, but I felt it may have been somewhat different from what they had imagined.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMotoyasu Pier~Miyajima Pier1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    My name is Tsukumoto. I have been living in Hiroshima for about 60 years and have a great deal of knowledge on Hiroshima. I had worked in chemical industry for 44 years as an engineer having some experiences dealing with the oversea business. After retiring, I have been working as an English staff for helping tourists enjoy Japanese traditional culture activities such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and wearing kimono since 2023. Besides that, I am familiar with tourist spots, history of the domain, local food, and night life in down town. You will see some my travling videos on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@HiroshimaGuide-Nori
    I can help you explore any aspects of your interests, and will provide your safety travel and comfortable stay.

    Jul 16, 2025
    Travel15681726194
    Hiroshima 4 hour tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had a great day touring…

    Apr 14, 2025
    Michael_N
    Our family tour of Miyajima Island with a wonderful guide
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    An…

    Apr 7, 2025
    448margarets
    Miyajima- so much more than you think
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tsukumoto made this tour…

    Mar 29, 2025
    MICHAEL N
    A meaningful day in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Tsukumoto-san was very good…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ueno Park

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ueno Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:00 Ueno Park
    • 15:20 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour Focused on Japanese Culture and Religion? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Through email exchanges beforehand, they had expressed a wish to learn about Japanese values, views on religion, and culture, so the tour was arranged accordingly. We first headed to Meiji Shrine, where I explained Japanese views on religion, the influence of Buddhism and Shinto on Japanese culture, and the manners and behavior of Japanese people. The guests seemed to resonate deeply with these explanations. We also happened to come across a corporate purification ceremony, and they appeared amazed by this unique aspect of the culture. Next, we visited Shinjuku Gyoen, where the guests were surprised and delighted by the variety of plants and flowers across the vast grounds. They mentioned that although they have cherry trees at their own home, they had never seen such a magnificent landscape, and were truly moved. Finally, we headed to Ueno Park. Since the guests planned to return there two days later, I explained the various facilities in the area and their layout. After lunch, we returned to the Hotel, and the tour came to an end.

    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.

    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…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Kyoto: Saihoji & Kiyomizudera

    Kyoto: Saihoji & Kiyomizudera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto
    • 10:00 Saihoji (4000)
    • 11:30 Adashino Nenbutsuji (500)
    • 12:10 Bamboo grove
    • 13:00 Lunch (Japanese Cuisine Now Joy Nishioji Branch)
    • 14:20 Kiyomizudera (500)
    •  Sannenzaka
    •  Ninenzaka
    •    Yaska-no-to
    •   Yasui Kompiragu
    • 16:20 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour With a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. From the outset they had expressed a wish to visit Saihoji Temple, so I had advised them on how to make a reservation online. Since only two people can be booked per online application, I asked them to submit two separate applications. As the guide also needs to be registered in advance to enter, I was unable to join and waited outside. For lunch I had been considering conveyor-belt sushi or a family restaurant, but since they preferred Japanese cuisine, I took them to a Japanese restaurant, and they were very pleased, which was wonderful. We arrived at Kiyomizu-dera Temple around 14:20, and after passing through Hanamikoji Street in Gion, we parted ways.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Hotel Mystays Premier Omori (5 min from JR Omori Station) Meet up
    • 1040 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Tatsumi Yagura (Turret)
    • 1230 Kamiyacho Tokyo Tower
    • 1430 Koishikawa Korakuen
    • 1540 Harajuku Takeshita Street Explanation at Meiji Jingu First Torii Gate
    • 1610 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
    • 1630 Explanation of how to get to Parco, help with purchasing tickets to Omori, then disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, on their first trip to Japan. Originally the group was slightly larger, but part of the group had to return home earlier due to other commitments, so three of the guests joined the tour. During the planning stage, they had many places they wanted to visit, and we managed to put together the itinerary above. We had initially planned to visit Shinjuku Gyoen, but since it is closed on Mondays, we went to Koishikawa Korakuen instead. They had arrived in Japan ten days earlier and had traveled around Hiroshima and Kyoto. This was their first visit to Japan. For Tokyo Tower, the guests had booked tickets online in advance, but they had reserved the Top Deck Tour scheduled from 12:45. I waited on the main deck, but they did not come down for quite a while, and it took a considerable amount of time. At Koishikawa Korakuen, the wisteria trellis was at its best, and the guests were delighted. Since we had fallen quite far behind schedule, we did not go into Meiji Shrine to worship, but I explained about it at the first torii gate, and the guests understood. In Shibuya, one of the guests had an interest in anime, so I introduced PARCO, and they decided to stop by. Since they did not have SUICA or similar cards, we had to purchase tickets each time. At the end, I helped them purchase tickets from Shibuya to Omori, explained the route, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOmori~Tokyo230JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae – Hibiya~Kamiyacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOnarimon – Kasuga~Iidabashi220JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi – Yoyogi~Harajuku178JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total952JPY

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shiba Zojoji Temple & Shibuya Sky

    Tokyo in One Day: Shiba Zojoji Temple & Shibuya Sky

    Tour Itinerary

    • 2:00 Meet at the hotel, briefing
    • 2:40 Shiba Zojoji Temple
    • 3:40 Tokyo Tower
    • 5:30 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 7:20 Shibuya Sky
    • 7:50 Guide to the restaurant and end of service

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zojoji, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Sky The guests were a group from Europe. They seemed interested in spirituality and were very intrigued by the Jizo statues at Zojoji Temple for quite some time. They were also fascinated by the koinobori (carp streamers) at Tokyo Tower, and were delighted when I sang the koinobori song. At Meiji Shrine, they were moved by the beauty of the greenery. They offered a tip to a monk who was practicing takuhatsu (alms-gathering). It was a pleasure to guide them. At Shibuya Sky, they enjoyed the beauty of the night view and the lively crowds, and appeared very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Daimon220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKamiyacho~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total550JPY

    Hello!

    My name is Romy, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

    I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

    Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

    But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

    In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

    I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

    I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

    Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

    I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

    Thank you,
    Hello!

    My name is Hiromi, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

    I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

    Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

    But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

    In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

    I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

    I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

    Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

    I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

    Thank you,
    Romy

    Feb 6, 2025
    markkP1217JD
    Nice Tour with a lot of helpful Informations!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our trip was wonderful!…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel→9:00~9:30 Travel to Asakusa→9:30~11:00 Explore Asakusa→11:00~11:30 Travel to Nezu→11:30~12:30 Explore the Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine→12:30~13:00 Travel to Harajuku→13:00~13:45 Enjoy a ramen lunch in Harajuku→13:45~14:20 Explore Omotesando→14:20~14:30 Travel to Shibuya→14:30~15:00 Experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Disband

    Two-Couple Private Tokyo Tour Report: Asakusa, Nezu Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya Crossing by a Licensed Guide Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. We first visited Asakusa, where the guests bought souvenirs for their grandchildren at Nakamise and enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes. Next, we visited Nezu Shrine and experienced the azalea festival, and the guests said how happy they were to be able to see such beautiful azaleas. They were also captivated by the beauty of the thousand torii gates, and I took photographs of the guests there. After that, we tried ramen in Harajuku, and they were delighted, saying they could enjoy ramen that was three times more delicious at one-third of the price back home. After strolling around Harajuku, we experienced Shibuya Crossing, where the guests took selfies and were thoroughly satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza~Nezu502JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total920JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 10:00 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:20 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 13:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 14:10 Disband @ Koko-en Garden (Bamboo Garden)

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of friends visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Since they arrived earlier than the scheduled meeting time via the Bantan Line from Fukusaki, we started the tour a little early. First, at Castle View, I explained an overview of Himeji Castle and the historical background of its construction, and then we headed to Himeji Castle. The guests were not necessarily comfortable with English. Moving as a single group tended to be difficult, and some in the group occasionally fell behind, so the sightseeing tended to take longer. While resting at the bamboo garden (arbor) in Koko-en, the guests expressed their wish to conclude, so we ended the tour there. The guests seemed truly moved by the beauty of Himeji Castle and Koko-en, and they said as much.

    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!

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

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

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

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