Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing & Shin-Urayasu

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya Crossing & Shin-Urayasu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:40 Shibuya Crossing
    • 11:00 To Akihabara
    • 11:30 Explore the game center, figure shops, and Bic Camera
    • 12:30 Yoshinoya
    • 12:55 To Shin-Urayasu
    • 13:25 Bakery at Atre Shin-Urayasu
    • 14:00 Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Family Tour with a Chartered Taxi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. Since one of the guests had difficulty walking, a chartered taxi was arranged with prior approval from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). At the Shibuya crossing, they took photos and videos and enjoyed themselves. In Akihabara, as they did not have any particular requests, we watched people enjoying the arcade games and browsed the electronics stores. They were surprised that there were no places where you could actually touch and see so many electronics in person, and they were fascinated by the wide selection, from mice and keyboards to USB cables. Since it was the week when leavened bread became available to them again, they wanted to eat some bread, so we stopped by a bakery near the Hotel. They purchased items such as melon bread and cherry blossom bread, which I had recommended and had been curious about from information gathered in advance.

    Hi, I’m Sam.
    I am happy to welcome you all to Japan.

    Since I was a child, my parents welcomed many international students into our home and I had many opportunities to interact with them. My mother is a translator, and I have always seen her guiding foreigners around Japan, so it was natural for me to start doing the same.

    I am good at guiding people to popular places such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, as well as photogenic spots in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Since I was a child, I’ve watched anime like Pokémon and played Nintendo games, and I still buy around 100 manga comic books a month. I love shopping in Akihabara! I currently live in Urayasu City, Chiba, so close that I can see fireworks from Disneyland from my house every night.

    Please feel free to ask me anything!

    Jul 10, 2026
    Brooke_J
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo History Modernized!
    This tour was a wonderful experience.…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Catherine_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience!
    We had a wonderful time with Sam, who took our…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Elena_Q
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun visit to Tokyo!
    Wonderful customized tour of Tokyo with Sam. She…

    May 12, 2026
    Leonard B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience with a very knowledgeable friendly guide.
    We had an…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at hotel @11:00
    • →@11:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • →@11:45 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • →@13:00 Lunch @Udon Iroha
    • →@14:00 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
    • →@15:00 Return to hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Food and Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They showed a strong interest in Japanese culture, history, and food, and we talked throughout the entire tour. They requested udon for lunch, so I took them to an udon restaurant near the Takeshita exit, and they were very pleased. Lately I feel that many guests prefer noodles or rice bowls for lunch, often requesting ramen, gyoza, udon, soba, gyudon (beef bowl), or oyakodon (chicken and egg bowl). The restaurant we visited today served not only traditional Japanese udon but also many pasta-style arrangements tailored to international visitors, making it a popular spot among foreign tourists.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashi209JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo~Akasaka-mitsuke178JPY
    Total711JPY

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kazuemachi Chaya District & Omicho Market

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kazuemachi Chaya District & Omicho Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet at Hotel SANRAKU KANAZAWA
    • 10:25 Kazuemachi Chaya District
    • 10:35 Higashi Chaya District (Shima)
    • 12:10 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 12:40 Kanazawa Castle
    • 13:30 Omicho Market
    • 13:40 Disband at Omicho Market

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe around Kanazawa. In the Higashi Chaya District, the guests admired the elegant historic architecture and purchased items such as wind chimes and chopsticks. Upon arriving at Kenrokuen, one of the guests decided to rest at the rest area of Kanazawa Castle. At Kenrokuen, one of the guests remarked how soothing the lush natural scenery was. At Kanazawa Castle, one of the guests was interested in the structure of the buildings. After briefly explaining the Omicho Market, I guided the group to a seafood restaurant and we parted ways. (Regarding the meeting point and schedule change: The end time was originally 14:30, but it was changed to 13:40.)

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Wait at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsu Cho Daimon. It turns out to be Sotetsu Fresa Inn Daimon Ekimae, so move there.
    • 9:15 Meet up with the customer at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Daimon Ekimae.
    • 9:30 Hamarikyu
    • 10:40 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:00 Asakusa
    • 13:10 Akihabara Lunch
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:15 End at Shibuya Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like Visiting Asakusa and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. According to the instruction sheet, I waited at the Hotel, but when I confirmed their accommodation, it turned out they were staying at a newly opened property in the same chain nearby. After contacting them, I hurried over and was able to meet them 15 minutes late. They kindly understood the situation and accepted it graciously as an unlucky mishap. Since they lead a relaxed life in a large house in a suburban area a two-hour drive from a major European city, they seemed quite tired by the crowds in Asakusa, but at Meiji Shrine they were refreshed by the forest bathing atmosphere and were deeply impressed by the solemnity of the main hall. After the tour, they planned to stop by Shibuya before returning to their hotel, so I saw them off at Shibuya Station and said goodbye. Although the start was a bit chaotic, they told me it was a good tour and were very considerate, and everything ended smoothly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 2TrainTEX Asakusa~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Harajuku178JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total820JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Kyoto: Yakushi-ji temple & Todai-ji temple

    Kyoto: Yakushi-ji temple & Todai-ji temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet at the lobby of Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • (take Kyoto city subway to head for Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto station)
    • 10:30-11:00 Yakushi-ji temple
    • 11:30-12:00 Kofuku-ji temple’s National Treasure Museum (including Ashura statue)
    • 12:15-13:15 Lunch (Fukujukan Nara Park Store)
    • 13:40-14:10 Kasuga Taisha shrine
    • 14:10-14:40 Walking through Nara Park (to the direction of Todai-ji temple)
    • 14:40-15:10 Todai-ji temple
    • (move to Kintetsu Railway’s Nara station)
    • 17:00 Back to Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Based on their wishes, the itinerary was set as follows: Hotel → (subway and Kintetsu line) → Yakushiji Temple → Kofukuji National Treasure Museum → lunch → Kasuga Taisha Shrine → Todaiji Temple → (Kintetsu line and subway) → dispersing at Shijo Karasuma. The tour ran into unexpected situations right from the start. We experienced a delayed departure from the Hotel, trouble with a Pasmo card not passing through the ticket gate, a route change and ticket refund caused by missing the train we had planned to take, and crowded restrooms. Things were hectic up until the transfer toward the Nara area, but the guests placed their trust in the guide, and by the time we arrived at Yakushiji Temple the tour had settled down. The guests expressed admiration for the architecture and Buddhist statues at Yakushiji Temple and the Kofukuji National Treasure Museum. Around Kofukuji Temple, when I arranged some time to interact with the deer, the guests happily photographed the deer with their own smartphones, or had their pictures taken together with the deer. For lunch, I took them to a wagyu restaurant they had requested, where they enjoyed steak-don and sukiyaki-don. We also had some friendly exchanges, such as the guests introducing their pet dog and the guide introducing a pet cat, and I taught them some simple Japanese. At the final stop, Todaiji Temple, everyone seemed overwhelmed by the scale of the Great Buddha. Back in Kyoto, we finally addressed the Pasmo issue at Hankyu Karasuma Station, and after supporting them in taking a taxi to their accommodation at the Shijo Karasuma intersection, the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Nishinokyo760JPY
    Section 3TrainNishinokyo~Kintetsu Nara300JPY
    Section 4BusIn front of Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall~Kintetsu Nara250JPY
    Section 5TrainKintetsu Nara~Takeda760JPY
    Section 6SubwayTakeda~Shijo260JPY
    Total2,590JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Sanjusangendo Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Rihga Gran Kyoto
    • 9:39 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 10:19 Walk: Bamboo Grove ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 11:04 Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 12:46 Lunch @ Shijo Kawaramachi
    • 14:03 Sanjusangendo Temple
    • 15:00 Disband @ Rihga Gran Kyoto

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama and Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. At their request, I arranged an itinerary centered on the Arashiyama area, but since they walked very quickly and did not need much time at each site, we ended up running about an hour ahead of schedule in the morning. So I took them to the Kawaramachi area, where they enjoyed some shopping for a while, and then we headed to Sanjusangendo. This place seemed to leave the strongest impression on them. They spent plenty of time viewing it carefully. Overall, I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Kyoto-Kawaramachi240JPY
    Section 3BusShijo Kawaramachi~Higashiyama-Shichijo230JPY
    Section 4BusHigashiyama-Shichijo~Kujo-ekimae230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

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

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku Gyoen Park & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up@Cittadines Central Shinjuku
    • 9:15-10:00Shinjuku Gyoen Park
    • 10:15-10:55 Meiji Jiugu Shrine
    • 11:05-11:35 Takeshita Street
    • 11:50-13:00 Shibuya

    What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were from Oceania, and this was a return visit for one of them and a first visit to Japan for another. They shared that they wanted to enjoy Tokyo's culture and sightseeing spots rather than shopping for goods. Since they had already traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, I hoped they would experience the appeal of Tokyo beyond shrines and temples. To enjoy the late-blooming cherry blossoms, we first went to Shinjuku Gyoen. They were able to enjoy not only cherry blossoms such as ginkgo and Fugenzo, but also azaleas. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony, and the guests listened attentively to my guiding about Shinto and Japanese religion, which I think was a good opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of Japan. In Shibuya, after viewing the Shibuya Crossing from the bridge leading to the Inokashira Line, they enjoyed a pachinko parlor and the Hachiko statue, and then actually walked across the Shibuya Crossing themselves. After that, we strolled around Nonbei Yokocho, Miyashita Park, Movita, and more, and then the guests enjoyed purchasing Nintendo goods as souvenirs on the 6th floor of PARCO.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shinjuku-gyoemmae180JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagaya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainOmotesando~Shibuya180JPY
    Total510JPY

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

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ebisu Shrine & Ryoan-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Ebisu Shrine & Ryoan-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:20 Ebisu Shrine
    • 10:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 Tenryu-ji Temple / Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Ryoan-ji Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Fushimi Inari to Ryoan-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide DON led a private one-day tour of Kyoto for guests visiting Japan. Overview On the day of the tour, we met at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the guests' hotel in Kyoto City. After a brief self-introduction, the guide outlined the day's plans and possible destinations, letting the guests know they were welcome to share any requests at any time, and the tour began in a flexible manner. Destinations and Tour Content Gion to Fushimi Inari Taisha We walked to Gion-Shijo Station and took the Keihan train to Fushimi Inari. Along the way, we stopped at Ebisu Shrine, where I briefly explained the role of Japanese shrines and the characteristics of Shinto. At Fushimi Inari, I focused on the origins of the shrine, Inari worship, and the symbolic meaning of foxes and torii gates. The guests actually tried the "Omokaru-ishi" (lifting stone) and greatly enjoyed the experience. Arashiyama Area Since the guests had a JR Pass, we used JR to travel to Arashiyama. In Arashiyama, I introduced the traditional Japanese craft of "zogan" (damascene inlay) and guided the guests to a specialty shop. The guests purchased two items as souvenirs for their grandchildren and seemed very satisfied to find something different from ordinary souvenirs. Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove At Tenryu-ji, I introduced the highlights of the garden, the philosophy of Zen, the activities of Rev. Thomas Kirchner, and the relationship between Zen and Japanese gardens. Camellias were blooming in the temple grounds, and although they were not a special variety, their beauty sparked lively conversation. This talk about camellias later served as a natural introduction to the "wabisuke camellia" we saw at Ryoan-ji. Afterward, I guided the guests to the bamboo grove in Sagano, where they enjoyed a stroll in the quiet setting. Ryoan-ji (Final Destination) Toward the end of the tour, the guests expressed a wish to visit a quintessentially Kyoto place with fewer crowds, and among Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, they chose Ryoan-ji. At Ryoan-ji, I focused on the karesansui rock garden (the arrangement and meaning of the 15 stones) and also touched on the design and message of the tsukubai (stone water basin). Connecting back to the camellia discussion at Tenryu-ji, I introduced the "wabisuke camellia," and the guests were delighted that there was a consistent thread throughout the day. I also shared the story of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and his cultural activities. Conclusion and Farewell Around 15:00, we ended the tour at Ryoan-ji and I saw the guests back to their hotel by taxi. The guests kindly said they would love to come back to Japan and tour together again, and we parted with a promise to meet again. Additional Notes For this tour, there was a situation in which I was unable to make direct contact with the guests about the meeting point up until the day before. I consulted [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) by email, and thanks to their prompt response, [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) contacted the agency in Europe on their side and confirmed the guests' hotel. On the day, being careful not to be impolite, I asked during the tour whether they had received the emails. They said it seemed they had not, but laughed warmly, saying such things happen. The guests explained that they had left everything to the agency in Europe and did not seem concerned at all. According to the guests, the agency in Europe had struggled to find an English-speaking guide in Kyoto, and in the end they happily said they were glad to have met me. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) staff for their prompt response.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama~Ryoan-ji-mae250JPY
    Total710JPY

    Hello! I’m Don, a Kyoto native with 20 years of experience in Vancouver’s travel industry. Now back in Japan, I work as a tour guide interpreter, sharing my love for Kyoto and the Kansai region with visitors from around the world. I use visual aids and storytelling to make each experience both engaging and informative, and I’m always exploring new places to deepen my local knowledge.

    In Kyoto, I often guide guests through iconic sites like Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, and Tenryu-ji Temple. We may also visit Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple in nearby Nara. In Osaka, popular stops include Osaka Castle, the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, and the historic Tsutenkaku Tower. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, I can introduce you to Maid Cafes, the Manga Museum, Crane Game Centers, the Pokémon Center, and karaoke spots.

    I also offer a taste of local life by taking guests to a variety of dining experiences — from high-end wagyu restaurants to casual izakayas and ramen shops. If you’re interested, I can accompany male clients to traditional onsen or sento baths and, in the evenings, to piano bars and other nightlife venues.

    Outside of work, I value time with my family. I have a wonderful wife and two daughters. One of them is currently studying international relations at a university in Tokyo, while the other is a high school student here in Kyoto. Family life is very important to me, and I believe that warmth and connection are key, not only in family but also in travel.

    Whether you’re here to see the famous sights or to experience the everyday life of Kansai, I’d be honoured to be your guide. Let’s make unforgettable memories together!

    Mar 30, 2025
    Cruiser537584
    Much Deeper Understanding of Japan
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Our guide, Takeshi…

    Mar 30, 2025
    sallybV2617DS
    Kyoto Temples and Shrines
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had the best…

    Mar 23, 2025
    jefferyo2025
    Amazing and Informative 6hr Kyoto tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Don Tanaka did an amazing job…

    Dec 26, 2024
    allisonj994
    Highly recommend!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wow, our guide, Don Tanaka was absolutely incredible. He knows…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building、 & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building、 & Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Aloft Osaka Dojima Meet up
    • 10:10~10:50 Umeda Sky Building、
    • 11:15~12:00 Osaka Castle Park
    • 12:15~12:45 Shinsekai
    • 13:00~13:30 Kuromon Market, Sennichimae, Dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Both of them love Japanese food, culture, and especially anime, and they were thoroughly enjoying this trip to Japan. They had arrived in Osaka the previous day, gone to Dotonbori, and enjoyed eating takoyaki. On today's private one-day tour by a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide, the guests were impressed by the view of Osaka from the Kuchu Teien Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building, the beautiful harmony between the lawns and park of Grand Front Osaka in Umeda and the surrounding buildings, and the moats and vast outer fortifications of Osaka Castle, and they took many photos. Finally, I introduced an okonomiyaki restaurant in Sennichimae, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka Station~Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Dobutsuen-mae240JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total610JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.13:00 Meet up in front of etto at Miyajimaguchi Pier
    • 2.13:30 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3.14:30 Daigan-ji Temple
    • 4.15:00 Daisho-in Temple
    • 5.15:45 Taki Koji
    • 6.16:00 Omotesando
    • 7.16:50 Disband at Miyajimaguchi Taxi Stand

    Title: What's a Private Afternoon Tour of Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. 13:00 Meeting point: in front of etto at Miyajimaguchi Pier ⇒ The guests kindly let me know their status via a messaging app when they left the Hotel. 2. 13:30 Itsukushima Shrine ⇒ Since it was in the afternoon, it did not take much time to enter. A Noh performance had been held up until the previous day, so the audience seating was still set up, which the guests found interesting. 3. 14:30 Daiganji Temple ⇒ When I explained the "healing Buddha" statue you stroke, the guests said their whole body ached and stroked all of it. 4. 15:00 Daisho-in Temple ⇒ The guests were deeply moved by the Five Hundred Rakan and the sand mandala, and took many photos. 5. 15:45 Takikoji ⇒ The guests seemed a little tired from the steep slopes within Daisho-in Temple, so we walked especially slowly. 6. 16:00 Omotesando ⇒ The guests bought a small rice scoop as a souvenir. They were delighted, saying that Japanese soft serve ice cream was delicious. 7. 16:50 End of tour: Miyajimaguchi taxi stand ⇒ The guests said they would take a taxi to the Hotel, so I accompanied them to the taxi stand. As they planned to join a tour of central Hiroshima the next day, I told them to rest well and prepare for the next day before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Total100JPY

    My name is Tomoko Nakayama. I am 60-year-old and live near Hiroshima station with my husband. I am a pharmacist.
    I like travelling, and I have visited about 20 countries so far.
    I was impressed by the vast nature of Canada. The lakes formed by water flowing from glaciers were emerald green and very beautiful.
    What I felt most in Europe was the difference between Japan and Europe over the ancient architectural styles. In Japan, wooden structures are the norm, but in Europe, there are many marble buildings, and I realized the difference in lifestyle and culture that comes from the difference in climate and topography.
    When I saw the musical Aladdin on Broadway in New York, I was painfully aware of the lack of my English skills.
    I think visiting different places has really helped me to broaden my horizons.
    Currently, I work as a English volunteer, guiding Peace Park, Shukkeien Garden, Miyajima island, and Hiroshima Castle.
    I am studying English hard so that I can more fluently explain the good things about Japan in my own words.
    I would be happy if I could be helpful to you on your trip.

    Apr 21, 2025
    GARY_M
    She will make your day great.
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    MokoMoko is a fantastic guide.…