Category: Uncategorized

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Higashimuki Shopping Street

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Higashimuki Shopping Street

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10：00　JR Nara Station
    • 10：20　Isuien Garden
    • 11：00　Todaiji Temple ~ Nigatsudo Hall
    • 13：00　Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14：00　Higashimuki Shopping Street (Lunch, etc.)
    • 15：10　Kintetsu Nara Station　Dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this day, one of the guests joined alone, as another member of the group had suddenly needed to return to their home country due to an unexpected matter. The weather was fine and the humidity was low, so the tour proceeded very comfortably. At Isuien Garden, the first stop, the guest listened to the sound of the flowing stream within the garden and enjoyed the scenery. The guest mentioned enjoying walking while listening to the sound of water. As with other guests, the guest enjoyed the deer of Nara at the foot of Mount Wakakusa and along the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Fortunately, the guest encountered a newborn fawn and was delighted to take photos from a distance. The guest also used voice input to record my explanations, both to share with a friend who could not join that day and to create a "travel journal" after the trip. After lunch, the guest requested to return to Kyoto quickly by limited express train, so we parted ways earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station～Kencho-higashi250JPY
    Section 2BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine～Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Yoshi

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

    Request Booking

    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Harukas Garden

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ Tempozan Terminal
    • 13:30-15:00 @ Osaka Castle
    • 15:25-16:20 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji
    • 16:45-17:00 @ Shinsekai (Mandarake)
    • 17:15 @ Harukas Garden
    • 17:20 Disband @ Restaurant in Harukas

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Osaka for a group visiting from North America. The guests had traveled by cruise ship, stopping at Tokyo, Shimizu, and other ports, and arrived at Osaka Port on the morning of the tour. They were very cheerful and delightful, and were pleased that this was the first clear, sunny day since arriving in Japan. Throughout the day, they enjoyed exploring Osaka while sharing jokes and laughter. Originally, the guests had hoped to take a boat ride at Dotonbori, go up Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, and have dinner there. However, wishing to avoid the wait at Tsutenkaku, the plan was changed to viewing the city from Harukas Garden and having dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant inside Harukas. The only regret was that the guests were unable to find a 1970s-era souvenir that a figure-collecting friend had asked them to buy.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNippombashi～Ebisucho190JPY
    Section 4SubwayEbisucho～Tennoji190JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00　Meet at HOTEL THE MITSUI
    • ② 10:05　Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ④ 12:20　Daisen-in Temple
    • ⑤ 14:00　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑥ 15:30　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑦ 16:30　Disband at Fushimi Inari

    A Private Kyoto Day Tour Report: What Do History-Loving Guests Enjoy? A Licensed Guide's Notes The guests were visiting from North America on a trip to celebrate a graduation. They told me that Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden and the samurai residences had left a strong impression on them for their rich history and beauty, so I made a real effort to show that Kyoto could hold its own. I believe they were especially pleased with the dry landscape garden at Daisen-in and with Sanjusangen-do. When I explained that most shrines and temples in Kyoto had at some point burned down during events such as the Onin War or the Meiji Restoration and were later rebuilt, they seemed to have a strong desire to see genuine sites with centuries of history. When I mentioned that the Golden Pavilion had been rebuilt after an arson more than 70 years ago, they were rather disappointed, and in turn asked me what the significance was of so many people visiting it. By contrast, when I explained that everything at Daisen-in and Sanjusangen-do was original and more than 500 years old, they were delighted. They said that their own country has a relatively short history. They found it a pity that photography was not allowed inside. However, at Daisen-in, while all the halls and gardens had previously been off-limits for photography, only a few weeks ago it became possible to take photographs of the dry landscape garden.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Request Booking

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: 15-55@Green Osaka

    Osaka in Half a Day: 15-55@Green Osaka

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:40 Meet up @Hotel Granvia Osaka
    • 13:20-14:25@Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 15:05-15:25@Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 15:45-15-55@Green Osaka
    • 16:00 Disband @Hotel Granvia Osaka

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, who had booked through a travel agency. The plan was a day trip from Kyoto, meeting at a hotel arranged through the travel agency, and covering Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and the Umeda Sky Building. On the day of the tour, however, the plan was changed because the guests had arranged to meet someone in Osaka at 4:00. We skipped Shinsekai, and for the Umeda Sky Building we simply took photos of it from a spot near Osaka Station. The guests were in good spirits throughout, praying sincerely at Hokoku Shrine and Hozenji Temple, and it was memorable to see them wide-eyed and amazed at the size of the crowds in Dotonbori.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba～Umeda240JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Namba & Shitenoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Namba & Shitenoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 meet at the cruise tarminal
    • 12:00-12:30 move to Namba
    • 12:30-14:35 Dotombori / Kuromon Market
    • 14:50-15:40 Shitenoji Temple
    • 15:40-16:20 Osaka Port near the cruise tarminal （End of the tour）

    Can You Do a Relaxed Private Walking Tour of Dotonbori and Kuromon Market in Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I had been told that one of the guests preferred to avoid stairs, we took our time enjoying a leisurely food walk through Dotonbori and Kuromon Market. The guests enjoyed takoyaki and beer, and at Hozenji Yokocho we offered candles and incense to the Fudo statue and poured water over it. At Kuromon Market, while one of the guests rested on a chair in front of a shop, we sampled tempura and other foods and looked at the fish on display and swimming in the tanks. Shitennoji Temple is also quite large, so while one of the guests sat in the shade, the rest of us strolled around the temple grounds. On the way back, we passed a station near Osaka Castle, so I let the guests know we could go to a spot where the castle is visible, but they felt that a little sightseeing per day was enough, and since they had learned how to use the subway, they said they would go tomorrow if possible. I saw them off at a spot with a view of the cruise ships at Osaka Port, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Namba290JPY
    Section 2SubwayNippombashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Osaka Port290JPY
    Total770JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    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.

    Request Booking

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Meet at Hotel Ginza (5 min from Ginza Station on the Ginza Line)　Kabukiza Theater　Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1015 Asakusa　Nakamise　Sensoji Temple　Asakusa Shrine　
    • 1200 Ueno　Lunch at Hinazushi in Sakura Terrace　Shogitai Monument　Statue of Saigo Takamori　Kiyomizu Kannon-do　View the Tokyo National Museum and more on the way to Ueno Station
    • 1330 Nippori　Yuyake Dandan　Yanaka Ginza　Yomise-dori　Nezu Shrine
    • 1430 Tokyo Station　Marunouchi Building pine pillars　Marunouchi　Gyoko-dori　Tatsumi Yagura Turret
    • 1515 Guide to the Hibiya Line platform at Hibiya Station and disperse

    The guests were a group visiting from North America. After traveling around the Kansai region, they arrived in Tokyo the previous night. One of the guests had visited Japan long ago but had only faint memories of it, while the others were visiting for the first time. One of the guests had recently completed studies and said this was a graduation trip to make up for a student period spent unable to travel due to the pandemic, with plans to pursue further advanced studies. Another guest was also engaged in research and hoped to pursue advanced studies in the future. Unlike many groups, only one of the guests took photographs, while the others were not particularly keen on it. Since one of the guests needed to avoid gluten, I gave them a Japanese-made gluten-free soy sauce as a gift. They brought it along on the tour, and we had lunch at Hina Sushi in Ueno, where they enjoyed plenty of sushi. However, I let them know that the marinated toppings and the omelet might contain regular soy sauce, so those were exchanged for fatty tuna with another guest. They love mochi, so at a dango shop called "Akitaya" in Nezu, after confirming that no wheat flour was used, they thoroughly enjoyed kusa-mochi. As an aside, I was impressed that they understood exactly why it was necessary to ask whether wheat flour was used even at such a shop. The "Matsugui" (wooden pile) exhibit at the Marunouchi Building, which had been closed for some time, had reopened, so I was able to explain it again after a long while.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTsukiji to Ueno～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Nippori146JPY
    Section 4Free PassNezu～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassNijubashimae～Hibiya0JPY
    Total846JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    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.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Ted, our guide was…

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Meet (@Mercure Kyoto Station)
    • 8:20-8:50 Travel (Subway; Kyoto Station → Nijojo-mae)
    • 8:50-10:00 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 10:00-10:40 Travel (City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 10:50-11:40 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:50-12:50 Lunch (Japanese Cuisine Joy)
    • 12:50-13:10 Travel (City Bus: Kinkakuji-michi → Ryoanji-mae)
    • 13:10-14:00 Visit Ryoan-ji
    • ※Tour ends after visiting Ryoan-ji.　　　After the tour, we saw the guests off to their hotel and said goodbye

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. When I met the guests, I reviewed the schedule that had been confirmed in advance, but the guests commented that they had not been informed of this schedule, so we discussed and reworked the itinerary together. It appears that the local travel agency had not communicated the details well. This was a case where, despite repeated attempts to make contact with no reply, cancellation had been under discussion with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/); the connection was made only because the local travel agency happened to reach out just before the actual cancellation, and even the previously agreed content had not been conveyed to the guests. As a result of our discussion, we decided to visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji. For the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which had originally been agreed upon, I recommended using the English guide service there, and swapped it for Ryoan-ji, which the guests had requested. Regarding Fushimi Inari, which the guests had also requested, I explained its historical background and highlights during lunch, and they were satisfied to visit it on their own. Since the guests were particularly interested in Ryoan-ji, I explained it in detail. In the end, I am glad that I was able to take the guests to Ryoan-ji and help them gain at least some understanding of Japanese culture rooted in Zen.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Station～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusWaratenjin-mae～Ryoanji-mae230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizudera & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizudera & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel Vischio Kyoto by Granvia
    • 12:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • 15:20 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 16:30 Bamboo grove by taxi
    • 17:50 Fushimi inari (0) by JR train
    • 19:00 Kyoto Station by JR train
    • End of the tour

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The departure time was ultimately changed from 10:30 to 12:00. A travel agency was involved between [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and the guests, and I communicated directly with the guests on the day of the tour. The guests were visiting from Asia. They were a family who loved photography, striking poses here and there and taking many photos. They were more interested in food than in crafts, so I recommended various things to sample, and they seemed to really like Ochanokosaisai, purchasing quite a lot of it. We completed the entire itinerary, but with all the shopping, photo-taking, and ice cream along the way, the guests had no sense of time at all, and the tour ended up running one hour over. Still, I was glad they enjoyed it.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    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!

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet　10:13 Depart Yumoto Nakajuku by bus　via Motohakone　Arrive Hakone Sekisho-ato 11:05　Hakone Checkpoint　Old Tokaido cedar avenue　After Maruyama Bussan　13:10 Pirate ship from Hakone Port　13:50 Togendai　By ropeway　via Owakudani　Depart Sounzan 15:03 cable car　via Gora, Arrive Hakone Yumoto 16:08　Walk to hotel, after picking up luggage 17:05 Depart Hakone Yumoto by bus, Arrive Odawara 17:25　After guiding to the Shinkansen platform 17:35　Dismissal　The guest, after dining, 19+:35 to Kyoto by Kodama

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had traveled to many places around the world, but Japan was their first destination in Asia. They had studied a great deal using Japanese guidebooks. In that sense, Hakone was an ideal place from both a historical and natural perspective, and they enjoyed it very much. In particular, they were delighted by the marquetry (yosegi-zaiku) presentation at a local specialty shop, and they purchased souvenirs. It was a shame that only a small part of the foothills of Mount Fuji was visible, but I told them the legends of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, and they also listened with great interest to talks about Shinto, Buddhism, the Japanese way of life, and kanji, so we spent a pleasant day together. After consulting with the guests and receiving their consent, we skipped lunch to focus on sightseeing.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station～Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meeting point: Country Yard Shin-Osaka Station
    • 10:15 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori
    • 12:30 Sightseeing ③: Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:30 Dismissal: Namba

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, sightseeing in Japan. This was my first time guiding a group visiting on consecutive days. Most of the prior communication and itinerary discussion was handled through a travel agency. As it was their first visit to Japan, they requested that I "carefully select and guide them through the highlights of Osaka," so we finalized the route as Osaka Castle → Dotonbori → Shitennoji Temple. On the day of the tour, the sunshine was strong and the weather felt like early summer, but the air was dry and it was comfortable in the shade. When I actually met the guests, I found that they had a deep interest in Japanese culture and history and seemed to have studied quite a lot in advance. One of the guests had also been studying Japanese and understood the language fairly well. At Osaka Castle I explained Japanese society during the samurai era, at Dotonbori the common culture and food culture of Osaka as a "merchant city," and at Shitennoji Temple the relationship between the Japanese people and Buddhism since ancient times. The guests listened to my explanations with great interest and asked many questions. Initially, the plan was to use trains and subways for the entire route, but since one of the guests was a little tired in the latter half, we used a taxi for part of the way. Although it was the shortest "4-hour course," it turned out to be a very fulfilling tour, and the guests seemed satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka～Osakajokoen200JPY
    Section 2TrainOsakajokoen～Nipponbashi310JPY
    Total510JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…