Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Rakusai Bamboo Path

    Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Rakusai Bamboo Path

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00　Departure@Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto
    • 09:30　Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 10:30　Kitayama Odaisugi
    • 11:30　Rakusai Bamboo Path
    • 12:40　Lunch
    • 14:30　Dismissal＠Hotel The Mitsui

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Arashiyama, Kitayama Cedar Village, and Bamboo Groves Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. The itinerary had been arranged based on the agency's request, and the guests' agreement had been confirmed well in advance, but a major change request came in the day before the tour. When I met the group on the day, we first headed to Arashiyama and I took them to the Monkey Park. They were delighted, as it was their first time seeing monkeys there. Afterward, since they wanted a place with abundant nature, we headed to the Kitayama cedar village, where I showed them the great Odaisugi cedar. They were amazed by this scenery they were seeing for the first time. Next, I took them to the bamboo grove in the Rakusai area. Larger in scale than Arashiyama and with almost no other visitors, this spot was also very well received. After that, they enjoyed some ramen, and we returned to the Hotel almost exactly on schedule.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hiro

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Double Tree by Hotel
    • 10:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • 12:30 Kinkakuji
    • 13:40 Lunch at Muraji Restaurant(Ramen, Fried Chicken)
    • 14:30 Nishiki Market
    • 15:30 Walk to Kiyomizudera from Shijo Kawaramachi through the Gion District
    • 16:10 Tour ends at Kiyomizu Zaka intersection after showing them the way to the hotel

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Japan Guide Agency Body: The guests were a group visiting from North America. All of them could speak English, but my explanations were interpreted into another language for the rest of the group by one of the guests. Since their accommodation was conveniently located for reaching both Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera, I planned an itinerary of four locations plus lunch, intending to finish the tour once we had entered the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera at the end. The transfers by train and bus went smoothly with little waiting time, but after lunch it took longer than expected to walk to Kiyomizu-dera, so I was not able to guide them all the way inside the temple grounds. Looking back, it might have been better to take the subway to Karasuma, treat Nishiki Market as a food-tasting stroll, and allow about an hour of extra time to walk slowly to Kiyomizu-dera while guiding them through Gion along the way. The guests were quiet, but they showed interest in souvenirs and food, and I believe they were able to have an enjoyable time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3BusKeihan Sanjo～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji～Karasuma Oike260JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour

    Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel⇒9:40 Hacksaw Ridge 10:50⇒11:20 Shuri Castle 12:20⇒12:30 Lunch in Shuri 13:30⇒14:00 Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters 15:00

    What's a 6-Hour Private Okinawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on WWII Sites, Ryukyu History, and Cuisine On this occasion, I had the pleasure of guiding a very friendly group from North America on my 6-hour tour combining "WWII battle sites, the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and Ryukyu culinary culture." The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) private tour followed the route of Hacksaw Ridge → Shuri Castle → lunch in Shuri → the Old Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, and the guests showed great interest in the history. They also enjoyed a variety of Ryukyu dishes served in small plates. I had worried it might rain throughout the tour, but we were grateful not to get very wet at all. At the end of the tour, they kindly said, "It was wonderful! I'll write a five-star review!" After returning home, they sent a message of thanks along with a selfie photo taken at lunch, and they also happily gave permission for the tour photos to be used for promotional purposes.

    Click here for more details: Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kumiko

    I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

    I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

    While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

    I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

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    Apr 23, 2026
    maxmU8561BR
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
    Ein schöner Tag in Naha
    Es war ein schöner Tag mit…

    Aug 1, 2025
    michelepL115IL
    This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…

    May 26, 2025
    Climber36185086226
    We loved our tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…

    Nov 12, 2024
    htaxeras
    Perfect quick day in Naha!
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
    Kumiko was awesome. She made a…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Grand Green Osaka & Shin-Osaka

    Osaka in Half a Day: Grand Green Osaka & Shin-Osaka

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:20 Shin-Osaka Station (meet)
    • 8:50 Grand Green Osaka
    • 9:30 Osaka Castle
    • 10:45 Tsuruhashi
    • 11:30 Kuromon Market – Dotonbori
    • 13:00 Shin-Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like for JR Pass Holders Staying in Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were staying in Kyoto and holding a JR Pass. Since they had visited Himeji Castle the previous day, we viewed Osaka Castle only from the outside without entering, and I explained the construction process and historical background. Because the guests walked quickly and were not interested in shopping, I added Tsuruhashi and Kuromon Market, which were not originally on the itinerary, and then guided them to Dotonbori. One of the guests enjoyed baseball and wished to watch a Japanese professional baseball game, but there were no matches scheduled during their stay in Tokyo. I looked into it and found that the Giants had a regional away game while they would be staying in Kanazawa, so I helped them obtain tickets, which they were very pleased about.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka～Osaka180JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka～Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 3TrainOsakajokoen～Tsuruhashi150JPY
    Section 4TrainTsuruhashi～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 5TrainNamba～Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Seiko

    Hello! I am Seiko, National Licensed Guide since 2007.

    Private tours available in:
    Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Naoshima, Kurashiki, Okayama
    Nagano (Snow monkey park, Obuse, Togakushi area, Myoko, Joetsu)


    I was born and raised in Kurashiki (Okayama pref.), spent my college days in Kyoto, lived in Osaka for more than 15 years and recently moved to a city near Nagano (guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc in spring & fall, Nagano area in summer & winter).

    I studied Hospitality & Tourism in Wisconsin/USA for 2 years and worked as a translator/interpreter, market researcher, and executive assistant with global companies in Japan for many years where I enjoyed spending a precious time with people from different backgrounds and cultures and broaden my world and horizons.
    I myself am a traveler for life, been to more than 30 countries and all the prefectures in Japan. I am also a hiker, kayaker, scuba diver, and snowboarder enjoying myself mostly outdoors in every season.

    Please feel free to let me know if you have special interests and/or specific items that you are looking for in Japan. Also, it would be nice to know if you have any physical challenges, food allergies, or anything that I should know before the tour.
    Let’s have a fun time and unique experience with me!

    Seiko

    Request Booking

    Mar 29, 2026
    KarlaD124
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4 hr Gion Private Guided Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner
    This was an amazing once in a…

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

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

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meeting: Rin Niomon
    • 08:35 Sightseeing ①: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 09:00 Break: Ninenzaka・Café
    • 10:20 Sightseeing ②: Kennin-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Sightseeing ③: Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Lunch: Ginkaku-ji・Approach
    • 14:00 Dismissal: JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kennin-ji, and Ginkaku-ji The guests were visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. The prior contact and itinerary planning were arranged in advance with one of the guests. From the early stages of communication and coordination, their preferences for destinations were very clear, and we finalized the route as "Kiyomizu-dera ⇒ Kennin-ji ⇒ Ginkaku-ji." When creating the itinerary, I took into account the crowds at Kiyomizu-dera and the fact that Ginkaku-ji is located somewhat far away. Since it was a "6-hour course" with only three destinations, I made sure to include rest breaks in between so we could go at a relaxed pace. Also, since this route is not easy to navigate by train or subway, all transportation was done by bus. On the day of the tour, the temperature was low for late May, cool enough to feel a bit chilly at times, but this made for comfortable weather conditions for a walking tour. In the morning, when I actually met the guests at the accommodation, I learned that some care would be needed for walking and moving around. Even so, the guests said, "I can walk normally, so it's fine," and we set off in good spirits. The guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture and seemed to have studied quite a lot beforehand, so it appeared they understood nearly 100% of my explanations. At each place we visited, conversations about Japanese religion, history, and culture flowed lively, and at Kennin-ji we took our time so they could also experience meditation (zazen). In the afternoon, the guests expressed a wish to "visit Arashiyama on our own," so I recommended the JR line as the fastest way to get there, and we said goodbye at JR Kyoto Station. With almost no trouble at all, it turned out to be a fulfilling tour. Note regarding the admission fee for Kennin-ji: At Kennin-ji, guides are also required to pay admission, and I paid 800 yen, but I carelessly failed to obtain a receipt. I attached the ticket stub, but as it does not serve as proof, I am withdrawing this claim.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Niomon～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2BusGion～Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusGinkakuji-michi～Kyoto230JPY
    Total690JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Ginza & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 Ginza sightseeing
    • 11:00-13:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:00-15:00 Travel from Sensoji Temple, via Akihabara to Tsukiji　Tsukiji sightseeing, lunch
    • 15:10-16:30. Visit Meiji Shrine, disband

    Can You Do a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Covering Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Despite sending several emails, I received no response, and only after [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) kindly followed up did we finally decide to change the meeting point from Tokyo Station to the Hotel. I had thought that coordinating opinions within a larger group might be quite difficult, but when I met them on the day, the answer was "we don't know where we'd like to go." So for the time being I included the representative sights of Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, and although the schedule was tight, I also added Tsukiji, which they apparently wanted to visit. As it turned out, they had actually received a recommendation for a Tsukiji shop from a friend, and if they had told me sooner I could have put it at the very start. Although we did not manage to fit everything within the 6 hours, I was relieved that we were able to complete the visits.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total774JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Matsuchiyama Shoden & Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Matsuchiyama Shoden & Kappabashi Kitchenware Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @Hotel
    • 10:15 Matsuchiyama Shoden
    • Imado Shrine
    • Asakusa
    • 13:00 Lunch @Sansada
    • 14:00 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 15:50 Disband @Ueno Park

    What Can You See on a Private Tour of Asakusa and Kappabashi in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. At their request, they left everything up to me except for Imado Shrine, so I guided them around the Asakusa area including Imado Shrine, as well as the Kappabashi Kitchen Town. When we met, they told me they had learned about Imado Shrine through social media. They also knew about Gotokuji Temple, another birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat), but chose Imado Shrine because Gotokuji was farther away. Since arriving in Japan, the guests had been getting around by taxi and did not have an IC card, so they purchased a one-day subway pass and used public transportation on the day of the tour. While viewing the hydrangeas beginning to bloom in Sumida Park, I guided them to Matsuchiyama Shoden and Imado Shrine. They were delighted that this part of Asakusa had hardly any tourists and was quiet and relaxing. At Matsuchiyama Shoden they purchased a goshuincho (stamp book) and collected temple stamps throughout the tour. After visiting Asakusa Shrine and Sensoji Temple, we had lunch and walked to the Kappabashi Kitchen Town. There they bought an apron with a maneki-neko design and personalized chopsticks. Since the personalized chopsticks would take time to make, they arranged to have them shipped to their hotel. At Kappabashi Kitchen Town, one of the guests took a liking to the tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines rather than the kappa, and took photos of them here and there. I had never noticed before, but once I paid attention, there were tanuki figurines all over the place. Because they took their time shopping, we ran short on time, so I saw them off before the antique market at Ueno Park, which had been planned as our final stop, and we parted ways. The guests had apparently signed up for various experience tours on their own, but they said they had wanted to join a tour like this one that lets them visit places they couldn't reach by themselves, and they were very pleased with this tour, which made me happy. I hope they enjoy the rest of their trip in Japan.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKokkai-gijidomae～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2SubwayTawaramachi～Ueno0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Request Booking

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Tochomae Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting place: Hilton Tokyo
    • 9:40 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Kuramae Station
    • (Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
    • 10:40 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:00 Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 13:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:15 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:15 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
    • 15:15 Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 16:20 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 17:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:30 Tochomae Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Tochomae Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had arrived at Haneda Airport the previous afternoon via a connecting flight, then taken a taxi to their hotel. The purpose of this visit to Japan was a cruise around Japan departing from Yokohama Port, with only two days spent in Tokyo. They planned to fly home from the cruise's final port of call in Asia. The night before, they had strolled around the hotel area and enjoyed grilled meat. It was overcast, but we were able to carry out the tour without any rain. First, we headed to Asakusa. It was extremely crowded, making it difficult to move forward. We started from in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. I explained "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is for," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of the Kaminarimon Gate. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" and "Besides Buddhism, what other religions do people follow?" Next, we went to the Tsukiji Market. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between the Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were also questions like "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all people in Tokyo come here to buy fish?" We strolled at a leisurely pace and bought and sampled "strawberry mochi" and "fried sweet potato." We then moved to the Imperial Palace and strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question, "When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?" I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "Are there no more samurai?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" Since the guests said they wanted to have lunch somewhere, we went to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. The guests had varying preferences regarding food, so in the end we entered a soba restaurant, where each person chose according to their own taste. We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained "about Shinto," "about the torii gate," "about Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed there." There were also questions such as "What kind of teachings does Shinto have?", "When did Shinto originate?", and "How many shrines are there in Japan?" We went to Shibuya. First, we took photos at the Scramble Crossing. There was a question, "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "It's strange that there is no trash on the streets," "Doesn't anyone throw trash on the streets?", and "I rode the subway for the first time, and it was very comfortable and convenient." Since there was a request to be taken back to the hotel, I saw them off at Tochomae Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station～Asakusa Station272JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Tsukiji Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station～Hibiya Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayHibiya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya Station～Shinjuku Station167JPY
    Section 8SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi Station～Tochomae Station178JPY
    Total1,506JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour

    Nagoya Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meeting 8:30 @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier (The scheduled meeting time was 9:00, but since the guests disembarked early, the tour started 30 minutes earlier)
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle keep (8:30-10:10)・・From Nagoya Port to Nagoya Castle, travel by subway
    • 3. Move to the Oasis 21 area and view the shopping area (10:10-11:10)・・From Nagoya Castle to the Oasis 21 area (near Sakae Station), travel by subway
    • 4. Move to Atsuta Shrine and view the main shrine, treasure hall, and Kusanagi Hall (11:10-12:20)・・From the Oasis 21 area to Atsuta Shrine, travel by subway
    • 5. Return to Nagoya Port Garden Pier and disband at 13:00 (12:20-13:00)・・From Atsuta Shrine to Nagoya Port Garden Pier, travel by subway

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. As it was a half-day tour, I focused on guiding them around two of Nagoya's most representative sites, Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. The tour was originally scheduled to begin at 9:00, but since I had arrived early and was waiting on site, the guests came to the meeting point at 8:30, so we moved the start time forward and began at 8:30. To make things comfortable, we avoided using stairs at subway stations as much as possible and used elevators or escalators instead. Because of this, transfers at each location took a little extra time, and we returned to the starting point at the Port of Nagoya at 13:00. The tour ended up taking about 30 minutes longer than planned, but I believe the guests were satisfied. They mentioned that they would like to come back to Japan and take their time sightseeing again.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoyako Station～Nagoyajo Station270JPY
    Section 2SubwayNagoyajo Station～Sakae Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwaySakae Station～Atsuta Jingu Nishi Station240JPY
    Section 4SubwayAtsuta Jingu Nishi Station～Nagoyako Station270JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Todd

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

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

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

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

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

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Hotel – 9:20 Honmura District (visit approximately 8 locations including the Art House Project) – 11:20 Lunch – 13:20 Benesse House Museum – 15:30 Chichu Art Museum – 17:10 Miyanoura Port, Naoshima Onsen inspection – 18:30 Arrival at Hibi no Yado Hinemosu (Uno)

    The guests were visitors from Europe. From the very beginning, it was a series of surprises. Originally the guests had planned to stay at a hotel in Uno, then changed to a hotel in Naoshima, and then changed again to a hotel in Uno, so there was even a possibility that we might not have been able to meet each other if things had gone slightly differently. Initially the guests had requested rental bicycles, and although the weather was fine on the day and I informed them that bicycles were available, they changed their preference to walking instead. Then, when I suggested that the Chichu Art Museum, which we had almost given up on, might still be bookable on the same day, a reservation was made right there on a smartphone, and we were able to secure a 3:30 slot, which was truly delightful. I felt the importance of not giving up and giving things a try. The guests were deeply impressed by the group of artworks in the Honmura district. After successfully viewing both the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum, the guests boldly decided to hike back from the Chichu Art Museum all the way to Miyanoura Port, so we walked through the mountains. The guests had remarkable physical strength and energy, which was overwhelming. The hike was wonderful, allowing us to enjoy scenery that we would not have noticed from the bus. And on our way back, we were able to raise a toast to celebrate the success of the day's tour.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyaura～Honmura300JPY
    Section 2BusHonmura～Benesse House Museum300JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

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    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…