Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:00 Start at hotel
    • Travel by foot to Oyama Shrine
    • AM 9:15-10:00 Oyama Shrine, tour of Gyokusen'inmaru Garden
    • Travel by taxi to Kenrokuen
    • AM 10:15- 11:30 Tour of Kenrokuen and Seisonkaku
    • AM 11:30-11:50 Tour of Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Shopping at Kenrokuen Kontaya-zaka
    • PM 12:50 Travel by taxi to Omicho Market via Higashi Chaya District
    • PM 13:20- 14:20 Shopping and lunch at Omicho Market
    • PM 14:20 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The day before the tour, one of the guests called to ask about the next day's weather, and I explained that heavy rain was expected from the afternoon. The tour went ahead as scheduled the following day. We decided to visit Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park first. Since one of the guests had difficulty walking and was using a cane, I suggested using a taxi as needed. Around the Gyokusen'in area, one of the guests began to experience back pain, so after that we discussed it together and used a taxi for all subsequent movement. At Kanazawa Castle Park, it also began to rain, so we limited the visit to viewing the Gojukken Nagaya and turrets from around the entrance of Ishikawa Gate. As for the Higashi Chaya District, we only made a brief stop at Hiromi to take photos on the way by taxi to Omicho, so as to avoid putting strain on the back. Although the tour itself was not complete due to both the guests' condition and the poor weather, the guests still enjoyed shopping (a Kutani-yaki ornament) and lunch. After lunch, with the guests' consent, we ended the tour a little early.

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel
    • 10:20-10:30 Shibuya Hachiko, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 10:40-11:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00-12:45 Lunch in the basement of the Hotel building
    • 12:45-14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • -14:15 Break at a convenience store rest area
    • 14:45-16:00 Asakusa After sightseeing, guide to the restroom, explain the way back, and finish

    Title: What's a Standard One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from Europe who had met during their travels. Since they were happy with the itinerary I had proposed in advance and had no particular requests regarding food, I had not worked out the details too specifically. As it was their first day after arrival, they wanted to take breaks as needed, so I guided them along a standard sightseeing course while including rest stops. For lunch, due to timing, we ate in front of the Imperial Palace, and since there were not many options there, I took them to a restaurant serving chilled ramen. Their arrival in Japan the previous day was apparently not very early, but they showed no signs of fatigue and enjoyed the sightseeing energetically. After spending two days in Tokyo, they plan to board a cruise ship, stopping at Kochi and Kagoshima before returning via Asia. As we were of similar generations and both come from places with an imperial system, we talked about many things. Since they were fine with parting at the final sightseeing spot, we met in Asakusa, though having to transfer once at Ueno may have been a bit of a hassle for them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIkebukuro~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa290JPY
    Total830JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Omotesando Shopping Street

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Omotesando Shopping Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Hotel
    • 8:30 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 8:40 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 9:30 Daisho-in Temple
    • 10:30 Stroll along Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Miyajima → Peace Park
    • 14:30 Peace Park & Museum
    • 16:00 Tour ends at Hotel

    Title: What's a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. To match the tide levels at Miyajima, we changed the meeting time to 7:30 and carried out the tour. We traveled from the hotel to Nishi-Hiroshima Station by taxi, but on rainy mornings there are many taxi users and hardly any taxis waiting at the hotel, so I asked the front desk staff early to reserve a taxi for us. Unfortunately it rained that day, and there were times when it came down quite hard, so I tried to give my explanations in covered areas as much as possible. Thanks to the early hour and the rain, even though it was a Saturday there were almost no tourists around, so the guests took many photos and listened to my explanations attentively. Since one of the guests loved going around souvenir shops, we visited many stores along the Omotesando shopping street. At the Peace Park, we folded paper cranes together, and as the guests wanted to take them home as souvenirs, I placed them in a plastic bag and handed them over. The museum was crowded, but the guests viewed it with great interest. Finally, at the hotel the guests asked about transportation from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport, so I recommended the Narita Express, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNishi-Hiroshima~Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Hakushima~Hondori190JPY
    Total850JPY

    Hello. My name is Mari.
    I am a certified local tour guide in Hiroshima.

    I was born and grew up in Hiroshima until I entered in a university in Tokyo.
    After 6 years in Tokyo, I came back to Hiroshima because I really love my hometown and wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

    Hiroshima is very comfortable city to live in and rich in nature.
    I am so happy that I have been able to raise my kids here.

    Hiroshima is absolutely full of beautiful and historically important places and also the great food.
    I am so excited to introduce the wonderful experiences here in Hiroshima and hope you will come to love this place, too.
    Look forward to meeting you.

    Sep 26, 2026
    F1357GRpaulg
    Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Mari was a delightful guide. We…

    Sep 29, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Do not miss this tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    This was fantastic. Mari…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Passport734191
    As good as it gets in Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Mari was a very…

    Jul 27, 2026
    Jen_S21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    The highlight of our trip!
    Mari was an excellent…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Best Western Yokohama & Cosme

    Tokyo in One Day: Best Western Yokohama & Cosme

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Best Western Yokohama
    • 10:00 Tsukiji Hongwanji, Outer Market, Fish Market
    • 12:00 Skytree
    • 14:00 Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Tanaka Soba
    • 16:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:00 @Cosme
    • 17:20 Disband @Harajuku

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Harajuku Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from South America. To get from the hotel in Tsurumi to Tsukiji, we took a bus from Shimbashi and arrived smoothly. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed tuna, shumai, pork buns, wagyu sirloin, salmon, and sake. The day before, I had recommended that the guests purchase Skytree tickets in advance, but they had mistakenly bought tickets for the previous day, so they had to buy them again. The guests did not mind, but I felt sorry and thought I should have advised them to check the date and time carefully. Since it was a Saturday, it was crowded and took longer than expected. In Asakusa, the guests enjoyed shaved ice, coffee, and ramen. They were delighted, saying all the food was very delicious. The guests had been asked to bring back a Korean cosmetics lip product, so after Meiji Shrine, we asked a staff member at a cosmetics store. As the exact item was not available, they purchased a currently popular fwee lip that was recommended. Apparently, purchases over ¥5,500 qualify for tax exemption. The guests were interested in history and listened attentively to my explanations. Since they wanted to do more shopping, I introduced Harajuku, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTsurumi~Shimbashi320JPY
    Section 2BusShinjuku~Tsukiji 3-chome210JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Market~Oshiage320JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Skytree~Asakusa160JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total1,270JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting InterContinental The Strings Tokyo
    • 9:35 Tsukiji
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:30 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:05 Dismissal InterContinental The Strings Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine The weather held up, and with no wind and no strong sunshine, it was a cool and comfortable day. The guests had a Suica card, so the tour proceeded smoothly. At Tsukiji, there was a request to eat sushi, so I introduced a pack of tuna sushi at the outer market, which the guests enjoyed on the rooftop. They said it was delicious. They remarked that this was a kind of market they had neither in their hometown nor in North America. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I introduced the ruins of Edo Castle and the gardens. The guests eagerly photographed the long-finned koi carp. In Asakusa, we covered the usual course. Since they did no shopping and did not look at the shops, we moved along smoothly. At Meiji Shrine, they commented that the greenery was very beautiful. I saw them back to the Hotel almost on schedule, and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Higashi-ginza370JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Takebashi700JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinagawa178JPY
    Total1,248JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Uji Bridge - Byodoin Temple in Uji & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in One Day: Uji Bridge – Byodoin Temple in Uji & Sanjusangendo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Double Tree By Hilton Kyoto Station Meeting
    • 9:40~10:30 Uji Bridge – Byodoin Temple in Uji 
    • 11:00~11:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine   
    • 12:10~12:50 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:20~14:00 Move to Sanjo, lunch break 
    • 14:10~14:40 Takase River ~ Pontocho Street ~ Gion Shirakawa ~ Tatsumi Bridge
    • 14:50~15:10  Move to hotel by taxi and disband

    Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Visiting Uji, Fushimi Inari, and Sanjusangendo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America and were looking forward to sightseeing in Kyoto. First, we headed to Byodo-in Temple in Uji. We took the JR line from Kyoto Station, but it was packed with tourists and groups of students on school trips, and the guests seemed particularly interested in the students in their uniforms. In Uji, I explained about tea, as well as the relationships between the aristocracy of the Heian period, the imperial family, and the samurai class. I described the suffering of common people caused by epidemics and wars, along with the concept of mappo (the age of the decline of Buddhist law), helping them imagine Japanese society at that time, and they were impressed by the long history of Japan. At Fushimi Inari, I explained the Japanese view of religion in relation to Shinto, and they wrote their wishes on gomagi (wooden prayer sticks). At Sanjusangendo, they viewed the 1,001 Buddhist statues and the statues of the 28 guardian deities, and were amazed by the power of Buddhism at that time and by the artistry of these works.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Uji240JPY
    Section 2TrainUji~Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 4TrainShichijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Total820JPY

    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…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet up @ Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi
    • 2. 11:55 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 13:30 @ Nunobiki Falls Hiking
    • 4. 14:45 @ Kobe Bay Cruise
    • 5. 15:30 Disband @ Dormy Inn Kobe Motomachi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nunobiki Herb Garden and Bay Cruise Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. They had arrived in Japan 12 days earlier and had toured Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. We met at the hotel where the guests were staying and visited some of Kobe's most representative attractions: the Nunobiki Herb Garden, a hike to Nunobiki Falls, and a Kobe Bay cruise. It was another hot day, but we moved around while avoiding the heat by using the umbrellas provided at the herb garden and walking in the shade during the hike. On the final bay cruise, the guests relaxed in the cool cabin and enjoyed the views from the sea. When I asked the guests for their impressions at the end of the tour, they said they had a wonderful time.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

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

  • Kyoto: Todaiji Temple approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Todaiji Temple approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Monday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo
    • 10:35 Todaiji Temple approach
    • 10:55 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
    • 11:50 Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:22 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:02 Lunch
    • 14:22 Nakatanidou ~ Naramachi stroll
    • 17:02 Disband @ Hotel Monday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

    What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Each of them had slightly different preferences, so some care was needed in arranging the day. It rained from the morning, and by the time we arrived at Nara Park, umbrellas were necessary. After the classic feeding of the deer and a visit to Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall, we took a break at a cafe at the request of one of the guests. We then had lunch, and I believe the guests were satisfied with both the atmosphere of the restaurant and the food. As the rain only grew stronger, at the request of one of the guests we watched the mochi pounding at Nakatanidou, after which the guests enjoyed some shopping. I then saw them off to their Hotel on the scheduled train.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi~Kintetsu Nara2,040JPY
    Section 2BusKintetsu Nara Station front~Great Buddha Hall parking lot250JPY
    Section 3BusNigatsudo Tamukeyama Hachiman~Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine250JPY
    Section 4BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine~Ukimido Takabatake parking lot250JPY
    Total2,790JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Hyogo: Mount Rokko & Nankinmachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 09:30 @ Mount Rokko
    • 11:15 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:15 @ Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park
    • 13:15 @ Nankinmachi
    • 13:45 Disband @ Kobe Port Terminal

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kobe Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rokko, Nunobiki, and Nankinmachi Body: The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, Europe, and North America, one of whom used a cane. Shortly after the tour started, we were caught in fairly heavy rain, and unfortunately the wonderful panoramic view of the city from the top of Mount Rokko was not possible. At the Nunobiki Herb Garden, despite the poor weather, the guests were delighted to be able to see the cruise ship they were aboard from the observation deck with the naked eye. Moving around in the rain seemed somewhat difficult for the guest who had trouble walking, and this guest waited apart from the group at the Nunobiki Herb Garden and in Nankinmachi. Possibly at this guest's preference (?), the time spent at each spot was shortened, and we ended the tour with more than an hour to spare. I suggested strolling through a nearby department store to avoid the rain, but considering the cruise ship's departure time (15:00), we decided to disperse early. That said, I felt that the other guests might have wanted to stay a little longer in Nankinmachi. The driver was mindful to drive carefully. Note) This time, the driver's details were not communicated until the day of the tour, and I received a call directly from the driver while heading to the meeting point, so we were able to start the tour without any trouble. Honestly, it was quite an anxious situation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherRokko Cable Shita~Rokko Cable Sanjo800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 09:40 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 11:30 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 12:30 Disband @ Nankinmachi Shuttle Bus Stop

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kobe Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. After meeting at the Kobe Port Terminal, we visited Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden and Sorakuen Garden, and ended the tour at the Nankinmachi shuttle bus stop. Although it rained and the weather was not on our side, the guests were delighted with the beautiful flowers and scenery at both Nunobiki Herb Garden and Sorakuen Garden. One of the guests had a fear of heights and was nervous about the ropeway at first, but relaxed on the way down. After Sorakuen Garden, I took the guests to the free shuttle bus stop. We had originally planned to continue to Nankinmachi and the Motomachi Shopping Street, but at the guests' request, we concluded the tour at the shuttle bus stop. After the tour, the guests sent me a thank-you email.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line Port Terminal] Station~[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line Sannomiya] Station100JPY
    Section 2Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Sannomiya] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Shin-Kobe] Station110JPY
    Section 3Subway[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Shin-Kobe] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line Kenchomae] Station110JPY
    Total320JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

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