Category: Uncategorized

  • Gifu: Trekking begins & Tsumago-juku

    Gifu: Trekking begins & Tsumago-juku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet up @ Magome Bus Stop
    • 11:40 Trekking begins
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Toge no Chaya
    • 15:00 Arrive at Tsumago-juku
    • 16:00 Disband @ Tsumago-juku Taxi Stand

    What Is a Private Nakasendo Walking Tour from Magome to Tsumago Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. On the way to the meeting point, the train stopped, so I asked to move the meeting time back by 30 minutes. After joining up, we mainly talked about Japanese history and enjoyed the cultural exchange. One of the guests was very enthusiastic about taking photographs, so I increased the number of times I took photos of the group as well, and they seemed very pleased. Lunch was originally planned at a restaurant, but since it would take 30 minutes to prepare, I consulted with the guests and changed it to a teahouse along the pass. The guests walked at a fast pace, so we arrived at the Tsumago post town earlier than expected. They then mentioned they would take a private taxi to Takayama City, so I guided them to the taxi boarding area, saw them off as they boarded the taxi, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNakatsugawa~Magome800JPY
    Section 2BusTsumago-juku~Nagiso300JPY
    Section 3TrainNagiso~Nakatsugawa330JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Welcome to Japan! My name is Ryota Tsuchiya, and I am honored to be your guide during your journey in Japan.

    With a deep passion for Japanese culture, history, and craftsmanship, I specialize in creating immersive travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing. My tours are designed to introduce you to the true essence of Japan—through hands-on experiences, engaging storytelling, and personal connections with local artisans and experts.

    I have lived and studied abroad, gaining a deep appreciation for cross-cultural exchange. This background allows me to bridge the gap between Japan and international visitors, making history and traditions more accessible and enjoyable for you.

    Based in Nagoya, I offer exclusive tours across central Japan, including Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shiga. Whether you are interested in exploring historic castles, learning traditional calligraphy, visiting artisan workshops, or experiencing local festivals, I guide each tour to match your interests and curiosity.

    My goal is to ensure that your journey is not only memorable but also meaningful. I want you to leave Japan with a deeper understanding of its culture and a collection of unforgettable experiences.

    Let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together. I look forward to sharing the wonders of Japan with you!

    Jul 14, 2025
    wuschaefer
    A wonderful hike with stunning views
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Jul 11, 2025
    cindydZ5063DM
    Amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was very knowledgeable, gracious and friendly. My day…

    Jul 8, 2025
    Amanda_P
    Nagoya
    Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    The tour was amazing!!! Yoshi contacted us right away…

    Jul 4, 2025
    844roryb
    Nakasendo day hike
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing walk along an ancient route…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • Move to Asakusa
    • 9:20-10:30 Asakusa
    • Move to the Imperial Palace via the Ginza Line and Tozai Line
    • 10:45-12:20 Edo Castle Ruins and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:50 End at Asakusa

    What Can You See on a Private Tour of Asakusa and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. They appeared to be spending a few days sightseeing only in Tokyo before boarding a cruise in Asia. We had been able to communicate in advance, but they were easy-going, and after meeting on the day they mentioned they would like to see Asakusa and the Imperial Palace. Since we did not spend much time on transportation, I was able to guide them slowly through both Asakusa and the Imperial Palace, including spots I do not usually cover. I was a little concerned about whether the group could manage the slopes at the Imperial Palace, but they walked without any difficulty. The weather was fine, the azaleas at the Imperial Palace were beautiful, and the guests seemed very pleased. I saw them off near their hotel to end the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTawaramachi~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Tawaramachi0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Harajuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Ginza PREMIER (Guest 10 minutes late)
    • 10:20 Hotel
    • 11:00 Nezu Shrine ("Bunkyo Azalea Festival" entrance fee 500 yen/person, guide at own expense)
    • 12:45 Walk around Yanaka, lunch (eating while walking)
    • 14:15 Rikugien Garden
    • 15:45 Harajuku
    • 16:45 Dismissal

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Nezu, Yanaka, and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Tokyo after a one-week retreat in Ito Onsen. At their strong request, we entered the "Bunkyo Azalea Festival," and thanks to the fine weather they were delighted by the vivid azalea flowers. I guided them through the thousand torii gates and Nezu Shrine. On our walk through Yanaka, we waited in line a little but enjoyed street food such as taiyaki and menchi-katsu for lunch, and they enjoyed shopping at accessory shops and elsewhere. Since we were running a little behind schedule, we took a bus to Rikugien to save time, which allowed us to walk slowly through the garden. One of the guests seemed to have a deep interest in the Japanese view of religion, and I answered their questions carefully and sincerely, such as while we were resting at a quiet and calm teahouse. When we moved to Harajuku the tour end time was approaching, but I guided them through Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando, and parted from the guests as they continued shopping. In addition, since one of the guests was also interested in kabuki, I explained how to obtain single-act tickets at the Kabukiza Theatre.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Nezu178JPY
    Section 2BusSendagi 3-chome~Kamifujimae210JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Harajuku208JPY
    Total596JPY

    Welcome guests!

    I am Masa Abe, though everyone calls me MASA. For over 40 years, I worked as an in-house lawyer for one of the most renowned Japanese companies in the world. During my tenure, I spent eight and a half years in New York, where I had the pleasure of studying, working, and making friends with wonderful people. I truly enjoyed living and traveling in the U.S.

    After retiring from the company in 2023, I pursued a new path and soon qualified as a National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter. As your guide, I am excited to offer professional and heartfelt services to you, my new friends from abroad.

    Best wishes, MASA

    May 21, 2025
    CraigMaplewood
    Informative and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masa brought his strong historical knowledge and easy…

    May 15, 2025
    luc_arY4023MB
    A memorable Tokyo tour with Masa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I had a great time on…

    May 8, 2025
    Catherine_R
    Great Tour to take on Day 1
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of Tokyo including…

    Apr 25, 2025
    TomQ188
    A wonderful day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a wonderful…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Ginkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Emion Kyoto
    • 10:05 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:40 Walk: Philosopher's Path
    • 11:20 Nanzen-ji Temple ~ Suirokaku Aqueduct
    • 12:30 Lunch @Shijo Karasuma
    • 13:29 Gion Hanamikoji ~ Shinbashi
    • 15:00 Disband @Hotel Emion Kyoto

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Ginkaku-ji to Gion The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. In the morning, they requested a course starting from Ginkaku-ji, walking along the Philosopher's Path toward Nanzen-ji. Since one of the guests had some difficulty walking, we took plenty of time to proceed. I explained the historical background carefully, and the guests listened with great interest. After lunch, I took them to Gion, which they had also requested. Here, the guests listened to the explanations with great interest and asked many questions. Throughout the day, some of the guests were quiet, occasionally asking a question, but they frequently pointed their smartphones at the beautiful scenery, so it seemed they were interested in their own way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUmekoji-Kyotonishi~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 2BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3SubwayKeage~Shijo260JPY
    Section 4BusShijo Karasuma~Shijo Keihan-mae230JPY
    Section 5SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijo220JPY
    Section 6TrainNijo~Umekoji-Kyotonishi150JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Century Southern Tower, Shinjuku South Exit. Ueno Park at 9:40 – Saigo Takamori statue, cherry blossom viewing, Kiyomizu Kannon, Ueno Toshogu Shrine. 10:50-11:15 Coffee break at a cafe in Ueno Park. 12:00 Tokyo Skytree observation deck. 13:15 Asakusa Sumida Park. 13:25 Lunch at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Kaminarimon Gate, Sensoji Temple tour,
    • 15:00 Explanation of how to ride the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station. Guide to the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office to confirm the location for activating the Japan Rail Pass the next day. Tour of the Daimaru department store basement food floor. 15:50 See off outside Shinjuku South Exit and disband. Total 6 hours 50 minutes.

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Skytree The guests were a group of friends from Oceania, most of whom were visiting Japan for the first time. They had only just arrived the day before. Having previously worked in advertising and been involved for many years in promoting outbound tourism and travel campaigns related to Oceania, I felt a natural affinity with the guests, and we enjoyed the sightseeing together while chatting warmly about all sorts of topics. Since Tokyo is a large metropolis compared to where they were from, they felt some anxiety about the geography and transportation, but everyone had already loaded SUICA onto their smartphones, so there was no need to buy tickets and we were able to get on and off the trains smoothly. Because it was a large group, I prepared a flag and led the way holding it up as we visited the sights. Even so, one of the guests got separated in the Nakamise shopping street at Sensoji Temple, having gone ahead, but we managed to reunite. At Tokyo Skytree, one of the guests had a fear of heights and chose to wait at the entrance, so I went up to the observation deck with the others and, after the visit, we regrouped and moved on to Asakusa. When I asked what they would like to eat, they said Japanese food, and sushi was fine too. Since finding a restaurant for a large party of nine including the guide would be difficult, I looked into a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near the Sumida River boat pier, found there were seats, and we split up along the counter to enjoy sushi. There was a sushi chef inside the counter, so it was possible to order directly by voice in addition to taking sushi from the conveyor belt. I handed out a document I had prepared, an English-Japanese reference guide to Japanese foods listing all the sushi toppings, and told them to use it to order in Japanese. The restaurant offered better ingredients than an ordinary conveyor-belt sushi place, and they were satisfied. I always prepare documents explaining the difference between Buddhism and Shinto, the Japanese view of religion and their practical use of it, an explanation of kabuki, an overview of Japanese history, events from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, the process leading to the birth of the Tokugawa shoguns, and the difference between the emperor and the shogun, so I handed these over for them to read on the bullet train. After visiting Sensoji Temple, they enjoyed matcha ice cream, and I explained how to board the bullet train at Tokyo Station and where to activate the Japan Rail Pass at the ticket office. I advised them to always exit from the south gate at JR Shinjuku Station, and had them take photos of the platform for trains to Tokyo Station and the Yamanote Line platform toward Harajuku and Shibuya, so they would be prepared to travel independently from the next day. In the end we all shook hands and parted. As I was the oldest in the group, my secret to staying youthful and the youthfulness of Japanese people became a topic of conversation, tied in with current affairs, with them saying Japan should export that to their country. I had also once met members of the championship-winning rugby team from their country, and since I feel a familiarity with people from Oceania, we all enjoyed the sightseeing together cheerfully to the very end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Shinjuku Station~JR Ueno Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainTobu Asakusa Station~Tokyo Skytree Station160JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Kanda180JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Kanda Station~Tokyo Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo Station~Shinjuku Station210JPY
    Total910JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station ➡ 9:35–10:20 Travel by bus to Chuzenji Onsen ➡ 10:30 Walk to Lake Chuzenji shore ➡ 10:30–10:45 Stroll along Lake Chuzenji shore (photos, etc.) ➡ 10:45–11:00 Enjoy the Nikko wood carving shop ➡ 11:00–11:10 Walk to Kegon Falls ➡ 11:10–11:35 Sightseeing at Kegon Falls ➡ 11:40 Walk to the lunch venue ➡ 11:40–12:20 Lunch ➡ 12:40 Walk to Chuzenji Onsen Bus Terminal ➡ 12:40–13:07 Travel by bus to Nishisando Entrance ➡ 13:07–13:30 Sightseeing at Futarasan Shrine (including Jogyodo) ➡ 13:30–15:00 Sightseeing at Nikko Toshogu Shrine ➡ 15:00–15:25 Sightseeing at Rinnoji Sanbutsudo ➡ 15:35 Walk to Shinkyo Bridge and sightseeing ➡ 15:45–16:10 Walk to the dango shop for a break (dango + matcha) ➡ 16:10–16:25 Walk to Tobu Nikko Station and disband

    What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We were originally scheduled to meet at 8:30, but as one of the guests had experienced food poisoning the day before, the tour started 45 minutes later. The weather was poor, and we were unable to visit the planned Akechidaira observation deck (due to strong winds), so we used that freed-up time to complete the rest of the planned itinerary. Since one of the guests appeared to be feeling unwell, I remained attentive throughout our travel and sightseeing. Toward the end, however, perhaps because they had recovered, they showed a smile, which was a relief (they also seemed to enjoy the dango sweets). One of the guests was very interested in hot springs and mentioned they planned to tour Japanese hot springs again next year, so when I recommended some of the most representative hot spring areas, the conversation flourished and we spent an enjoyable time over lunch and at a sweets shop. I was truly glad that I had asked for a mobile phone number in advance and stayed connected via a messaging app.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTobu Nikko Station~Chuzenji Onsen2,300JPY
    Section 2Free PassChuzenji Onsen~Tobu Nikko Station0JPY
    Total2,300JPY

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

    May 22, 2026
    michaeliI2370UG
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nikko with Ichiro Amazing!
    Ichiro was an awesome tour guide and made…

    May 15, 2026
    Laurent S
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    excellent
    Ichi was very patient, indulgent, super nice, always had an…

    May 12, 2026
    H4725BUbarbarab
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichi memorable tour
    Ichi made our trip to Nikko very memorable. He…

    Apr 5, 2026
    EmilioP6
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great day with Ichi
    Our day in Nikko with Ichi was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet@Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 08:55 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:40 Visit@Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:50 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 11:00 Visit@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 11:20 Travel∶Subway
    • 7. 11:50 Visit@Tsukiji Fish Market
    • 8. 12:15 Lunch@Tsukiji Sushisei Annex
    • 9. 13:15 Travel∶Subway
    • 10. 13:35 Visit@Asakusa
    • 11. 14:50 Travel∶Subway
    • 12. 15:40 Disband@Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests were visiting from North America. Their English had a distinctive accent, but since they did not speak too quickly, I found it easy to have a conversation with them. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are closed on Fridays, I focused the tour on other popular spots. Also, since Shinjuku offers good access to the Toei subway, we first purchased a common one-day pass for both the Toei subway and Tokyo Metro at Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station. The guests love seafood, and the sushi restaurant in Tsukiji that I introduced for lunch was especially well received. Although we spent somewhat longer in Asakusa, perhaps because we did not visit the East Gardens, we had plenty of time to spare until the end. After returning to Shinjuku, I showed them the 3D cat and other displays at the Cross Shinjuku Vision, then took them to their hotel, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku-nishiguchi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa Station~Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Outer Gardens & Yanaka

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Outer Gardens & Yanaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Shinjuku
    • 13:30 Takeshita Street ~ Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
    • 15:15 Nezu Shrine
    • 16:00 Yanaka
    • 17:00 Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing / Hachiko) Dismissal

    What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Yanaka The guests were visiting from North America. On the morning of the tour, I received their requested destinations and quickly prepared two itinerary plans. We started with a glimpse of Takeshita Street and a currency exchange, then headed to Meiji Shrine, where they wrote a prayer plaque and drew omikuji fortunes. At the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, some cherry blossoms still remained, and since they had given up on seeing cherry blossoms, they were delighted. As we were running short on time, we skipped the Imperial Palace East Gardens. They seemed to enjoy the azaleas at Nezu Shrine, the vintage clothing market on the shrine grounds, sampling prepared foods at Yanaka Ginza, and the sunset at the Yuyake Dandan steps in Yanaka. Since they had a reservation for go-karting in Shibuya, I accompanied them to Shibuya. When incorporating Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace and visiting three locations, even a 4-hour course ends up covering about 5 km of walking, with roughly 1 hour spent walking, 1 hour spent traveling by subway and other transport, and about 2 hours of actual sightseeing each time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Section 4SubwaySendagi~Shibuya260JPY
    Total830JPY

    Hi I am Hiroaki. I am pleased if I could help you to have a good and memorable experience here in Japan.
    I started as a guide in 2017 after retiring. My expertise is outdoor/town walking tour as well as universal tourism.
    If you like, I might show you a lively ordinal local life during the tour.
    I love tourism. I visited all 47 domestic prefectures in Japan and all 50 states in US. I like long journey like walking/biking historical/pilgrimage routes, and love sports especially rugby, triathlon.
    I would like to make your tour as much as customized according to your preference. So the information about spots you want to visit, things you want to do is very helpful for me to prepare plan some options of the day.
    Do not hesitate contact me via email.

    Mar 22, 2025
    Tracy_L
    Special Day in Tokyo with Hiroaki!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful day with Hiroaki! He tailored…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 3. 12:00 Lunch at Katsuraku (Ueno)
    • 4. 12:50 Ueno (Ueno Park, Ameyoko)
    • 5.14:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 15:15 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 16:15 Dismiss at Meiji-jingumae Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Some of the guests were visiting Japan for the first time, while others had been once before, though their previous visit was 20 years ago, so I heard their preferences and decided on the course before we started. They expressed a wish to see cherry blossoms, and since we were able to see some late-blooming cherry blossoms at Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the guests were very satisfied. For lunch, they were torn between tonkatsu and okonomiyaki, but chose tonkatsu, and in the end they seemed very pleased with their choice. We were also blessed with good weather, and it was warm enough that short sleeves and shorts were perfectly comfortable. Overall, I believe the guests were largely satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 3SubwayYushima~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30  Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 09:45 Move to Miyajima
    • 10:35 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 13:05 Move to Hiroshima
    • 13:40 Move to Shukkeien Garden
    • 14:50 Move to Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:50 Move to Atomic Bomb Dome / Peace Park
    • 16:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:15 Move to Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The group visited Japan from North America. One of the guests had traveled to Japan many times before for their work prior to retirement, and gave the impression of someone who had once had a very active and accomplished career. This was their first visit to Hiroshima and Miyajima, and their enthusiasm to see as many places as possible came through clearly even in the emails beforehand. I was a little concerned when I heard that one of the guests had not been feeling well the previous night, but as time passed they regained their energy, which put me at ease. At first everyone's expressions seemed a bit tense, and I honestly felt somewhat uncertain, but as the day went on the guests began to relax and smile, and I was delighted when they told me it had been a very enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima100JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 4BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit~Shukkeien-mae240JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…