Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    August, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Transfer by bus to Hashibacho
    • AM 09:20 -10:40 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District, visit Shima, visit Utasu Shrine
    • Transfer by bus to Kenrokuen-shita
    • AM 11:00 -11:45 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • AM 11:45-13:00 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park　
    • Tour ends at Oyama Shrine

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. Although they had not decided on their destinations until the day of the tour, they chose to visit the Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle Park on the spot. Since the guests decided to visit the Nagamachi samurai district on their own after the tour, we ended the tour at Oyama Shrine, after which I told them the location of the samurai residences and the bus stop for returning to Kanazawa Station, and then concluded the tour. During the tour, the guests were very cheerful and enjoyable, even taking photos together with a local child and their mother.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Hashibacho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho／Hokuriku Railroad Bus～Kenrokuen-shita・Kanazawa Castle／Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

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    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 Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Nezu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 8:20　Tsukiji Market
    • 9:20　Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko
    • 10:50　Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 11:40　Nezu Shrine
    • 12:20　Escort to Higashi-Ginza Station where the hotel is located, and the guide ends

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace The guests were a friendly group visiting from Oceania. At Tsukiji Market, they did not eat anything in particular, but as they looked at fresh wasabi, fresh fish, seafood barbecue, and desserts, they said, "We've never seen anything like this." After experiencing the walk across Shibuya Crossing, when I guided them to the Hachiko statue, they said, "We know this dog, from the movie." At the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, I explained about the Emperor, the relationship between the Imperial family and the people, and the shoguns. At Nezu Shrine, I introduced myths such as that of Susanoo no Mikoto written in the Kojiki, and they said, "What a nice story, so interesting!" They said they wanted to visit a garden in the afternoon, so I wrote down directions to Koishikawa Korakuen for them, and the tour concluded.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Shibuya210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Kasumigaseki180JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae～Nezu180JPY
    Section 5SubwayNezu～Higashi-Ginza180JPY
    Total930JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Nusret_K
    See the best of Tokyo for a few hours
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meeting 9:15 @ Nagoya Port Garden Pier
    • （Due to the delayed arrival of the cruise ship, the start was 15 minutes later than scheduled, but the guide Miura was waiting on-site from 8:30, 30 minutes before the scheduled meeting time）
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and view Honmaru Palace and the area around Nagoya Castle (9:15-11:00) ・・From Nagoya Port to Nagoya Castle, travel by subway
    • 3. Move to Tokugawa Garden and view Tokugawa Garden (Japanese garden) (11:00-12:00) ・・From Nagoya Castle to Tokugawa Art Museum, travel by taxi
    • 4. Lunch @ Hozentei inside Tokugawa Garden (12:00-12:50)
    • 5. View the Tokugawa Art Museum (12:50-13:40)
    • 6. Move to Oasis 21 and view Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER and the Oasis 21 shopping area (13:40-15:40)
    • 　・・From Tokugawa Garden to the Oasis 21 area, travel by taxi
    • 7. Move to Atsuta Shrine and view the main hall of Atsuta Shrine, Kokoro no Komichi, and Kusanagi-kan (15:40-16:10) ・・From Oasis 21 to Atsuta Shrine, travel by subway
    • 8. Return to Nagoya Port Garden Pier and disband 16:45 (16:10-16:45) ・・From Atsuta Shrine to Nagoya Port, travel by subway

    What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Nagoya Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report At the guests' request, this tour was booked as an 8-hour tour, extended by two hours from the standard length. The guests, visiting from North America, had a strong interest in Japanese culture and greatly enjoyed the itinerary, which included Nagoya Castle, Tokugawaen Garden and the Tokugawa Art Museum, a kaiseki-style Japanese lunch at a restaurant within the garden, Mirai Tower, and Atsuta Shrine. In particular, at the "Hatsune no Chodo Exhibition" held at the Tokugawa Art Museum, the guests viewed with great interest the display of more than 70 National Treasures related to the "Hatsune no Chodo" collection held by the museum. When I explained that this special exhibition is an event held only once every ten years, they observed it with even greater interest. By adding Atsuta Shrine as an extra site to the usual six-hour one-day guided tour itinerary, I was able to ensure the guests were satisfied. Regarding the business report for the guided tour I conducted in May prior to this one, the visit times for each site had not been recorded, so I received instructions to return and resubmit the business report after making corrections. Accordingly, for this case as well, I will make the same additions and corrections and resubmit the business report.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoyako Station～Nagoyajo Station270JPY
    Section 2SubwaySakae Station～Atsuta-jingu-nishi Station240JPY
    Section 3SubwayAtsuta-jingu-nishi Station～Nagoyako Station270JPY
    Total780JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma　Meeting
    • ②　09:05 Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:45　Nijo Castle
    • ④　11:00　Daisen-in
    • ⑤　12:00　Hoshun-in
    • ⑥　12:40　Lunch break (around the Philosopher's Path)
    • ⑦　13:30　Philosopher's Path
    • ⑧　13:50　Honen-in
    • ⑨　14:30　Return again to the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑩　15:15　Disband near Nanzen-ji

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Focused on Zen and Traditional Crafts Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time. When I asked about their itinerary, they were traveling through Tokyo, Nagoya, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, and then from Kyoto to Nara. Their request was to experience the traditional beauty of old Kyoto, so they wanted to be taken anywhere good that conveyed a sense of history — whether streetscapes, temples, or shrines. They also wanted to buy handcrafted textiles. Today I spent a good deal of time talking about Zen Buddhism, wabi-cha tea culture, and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. They also enjoyed the bonsai at Hoshun-in. At Honen-in, I received quite a refined question such as "What is the difference between Pure Land Buddhism and Zen Buddhism?", which gave me a wonderful opportunity to explain at length. One of the guests was mainly focused on shopping, wandering into various shops and buying Kyoto-style handkerchiefs, tenugui cloths, tablecloths, T-shirts, and small items made of cotton and silk. Whenever my talks became a little long, this guest would quickly wander off somewhere, so I wondered whether they simply didn't enjoy listening. In fact, standing still for even five minutes caused dizziness, so they preferred to keep moving. Once I understood this, I tried various things: keeping my explanations concise, playfully announcing in advance "this story takes 3 minutes and 18 seconds," and giving talks while sitting down inside temples. When a guest doesn't seem to listen much, it's easy to end up cutting explanations short, but I realized that everyone has circumstances they don't necessarily mention. I was reminded once again of how important communication with guests truly is.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 9:30 ~ Shinjuku Gyoen 10:15 ~ Meiji Shrine 12:30 ~ Takeshita Street 13:30 ~ Omotesando 14:00 ~ Shibuya 14:20 ~ Akasaka-mitsuke 15:00 (Dismissal)

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Tokyo Report The guests were visitors from North America. Very cheerful and warm, they were in Japan during their trip. The group very much enjoyed Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and quickly shared with friends the photos I had taken for them. While resting at a coffee shop, they happened to sit next to someone from the same area, and had a lively and enjoyable conversation. At Shinjuku Gyoen, I explained the history of the garden, the feudal lords and shoguns, and the emperor and the Meiji government, all of which they listened to with great interest. At Meiji Shrine, when I explained how the forest, originally artificial, grew into a natural forest over the course of 100 years, they were deeply moved. They listened with keen interest to explanations of Shinto and Buddhism and the Japanese view of religion. The group seemed to have a great time in popular areas such as Takeshita Street, Omotesando, and Shibuya. They plan to go to Kyoto tomorrow. I showed them the way back to their accommodation and we said goodbye. Since the group was skilled at using Google Maps, the explanation was quick and easy. They mentioned that since they had walked so much today, they would stretch once they got back. It was a group that smiled from beginning to end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Shinjuku-gyoenmae210JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 4SubwayShibuya～Akasaka-mitsuke180JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Sally

    Hello, I’m Hizuru.
    I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and love for Japan with visitors from all over the world.
    After teaching English and Japanese to Elementary school and Junior high school students for about 15
    years, I got the National License of Guide and Interpreter in 2014 which allowed me to officially guide
    tourists around Japan.
    I have guided many tourists around Tokyo and its vicinities, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the
    city and learn about its rich history and traditions.
    Whether you’re interested in visiting historical landmarks, trying delicious Japanese cuisine, or experiencing
    the vibrant pop culture scene, I can tailor a tour suit your interests.
    My experience as a teacher greatly helped me in this role as I was able to efficiently communicate and engage
    with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
    I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable and insightful experience for all my guests.
    I look forward to welcoming you to in and around Tokyo and sharing the wonders of Japan with you.

    Request Booking

    Oct 14, 2025
    vanessajK6787GS
    Great day out and about in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hizuru was an absolute delight.…

    May 23, 2025
    Inspire25413313092
    Tokyo walking tour 2025
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sally did a great job putting together a…

    May 3, 2025
    davidfZ3537PI
    Great tour with Hizuru!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the…

    Apr 17, 2025
    Sharon_F
    Sampling of everything in one day!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great sampling of lots of different…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: TOKYO TOWER & TOYOSU MARKET

    Tokyo in Half a Day: TOKYO TOWER & TOYOSU MARKET

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 meet at Westin Tokyo
    • 09:30 1 TOKYO TOWER
    • 10:30 2 ZOJOJI TEMPLE
    • 12:00 3 TOYOSU MARKET
    • （To secure TeamLab reservation time and lunch time, at the guest's request we disbanded at Toyosu Market at 12:15）

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Odaiba and Toyosu Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since I had also spent part of my earlier years in the same region, we shared common topics and the conversation flowed easily. The plan was communicated late the previous day. They had secured a reservation for TeamLab Tokyo starting at 13:30, and wished to have lunch beforehand and part ways somewhere nearby afterward. On the day itself, I revised the itinerary and guided them accordingly. Despite the last-minute change request, the itinerary worked out well, and they were especially pleased that the views of Tokyo and Odaiba from the Yurikamome line were wonderful, and that they could take a relaxed lunch at Senkyakubanrai in Toyosu Market. The combination of TeamLab and Senkyakubanrai seems like something I can make good use of going forward.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu～Kamiyacho178JPY
    Section 2TrainTakeshiba～Shijo-mae388JPY
    Total566JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Guided them through Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Guided them through Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Gather at the Hoshinoya Tokyo lobby. Discussed the route and departed with the plan of Tsukiji Outer Market → Sensoji Temple → Shinjuku Golden Gai → Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho. Regarding the Imperial Palace that had been requested in advance, since the East Gardens were closed on Friday, we decided they would go on their own on the morning of the 24th tomorrow, as it is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
    • 09:30-09:45 Guided them through the grounds of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.
    • 09:45-10:30 Guided them through Tsukiji Outer Market.
    • 11:15-12:00 Guided them through Sensoji Temple in the order of Kaminarimon → Nakamise Shopping Street → Hozomon → Main Hall → Asakusa Shrine. When finished, they requested to have lunch, so we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant on Kannon Street.
    • 12:00-12:45 Okonomiyaki lunch at "Tsukishima Monja Umauma" on Kannon Street. After finishing, moved to Shinjuku Sanchome.
    • 13:25-15:30 After guiding them through Hanazono Shrine, guided them through Shinjuku Golden Gai. They wanted to have a beer, so we went into "BAR ? (Question)" and drank beer together. After that, while guiding them through Kabukicho, we walked from the Shinjuku Station east exit to the west exit, and guided them through Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho alongside the railway tracks. I had intended to join them if they went into any restaurant to eat here, but they said they enjoyed just the atmosphere, and would return to the hotel to prepare for their reserved dinner, so at 3:30 PM, I guided them to the ticket gate of the Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station and said goodbye.

    What Is a Private Tokyo Food and Nightlife Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, making their first trip to Japan. They had wanted to visit Japan for a long time, and having finally secured about a week, they planned a trip covering Tokyo and Kyoto. Since they wanted to try a variety of Japanese foods, we had okonomiyaki for lunch in Asakusa. While they had often eaten sushi and tempura back home, okonomiyaki was a completely new experience for them, and they loved it, finding it delicious. In my ten years of guiding, I have never once had a guest of any background say they were "not satisfied" with okonomiyaki when I recommended it — it is extremely popular. Also, after lunch, one of the guests mentioned receiving a message asking them to buy a T-shirt. As we happened to be standing right in front of a shop selling T-shirts with designs related to traditional Japanese firefighters ("hikeshi"), I mentioned, "This place has T-shirts with old firefighter-related designs." One of the guests was surprised and said, "Really? I work as a firefighter," which was a remarkable coincidence. They went into the shop and purchased four T-shirts. It was an unexpected but enjoyable moment. Shinjuku Golden Gai was a place the guests had wanted to visit in advance, and among the few open bars, I took them to "BAR Question," where the owner speaks English. They had a lively conversation about Nikka and Suntory whisky, which they also found to be a fun experience. Afterward, I took them to Omoide Yokocho, thinking they might want to stop into a yakitori restaurant, but due to jet lag they became a little sleepy, and since they had a dinner reservation, they wanted to return to the Hotel to rest for a while. So they simply enjoyed the atmosphere before we finished. They kindly said, "It was so interesting to learn many things and gain a lot of knowledge about Japan," which reassured me as we said our goodbyes.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku Sanchome0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by MINORUASAI

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Yokohama Cruise Terminal
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Explore Shibuya
    • 13:30 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 14:30 Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple
    • 16:50 Tour ends at the station nearest to Yokohama Cruise Terminal

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour from Yokohama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Having just finished a cruise around Japan the day before, they spent their final day sightseeing in Tokyo before returning home the next day. We headed directly from Yokohama to Meiji Shrine. In the precincts, I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the differences in ways of worship, before strolling through the grounds. We were fortunate enough to see as many as 21 Shinto-style weddings taking place in the precincts, and the guests were delighted by the mystical atmosphere. Next we headed to Shibuya, where at the Hachiko statue the guests said they had not known it was located there and enthusiastically took many photos. They were also amazed by the Shibuya Crossing and the Mario karts driving around, and seemed to really like the atmosphere of Shibuya. After lunch, we went to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, where I explained about the Imperial family, and then headed to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where they purchased many souvenirs. They asked how to get to Haneda Airport the next day, so I explained the route and method in person at Yokohama Station, then saw them off at the nearest station to the cruise ship, ending the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market / Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market / Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at Hotel Granvia Osaka
    • 12:00-13:30 Osaka Castle
    • 14:00-15:30 Shitennoji
    • 15:50-16:50 Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 17:10-18:30 Kuromon Market / Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Dotonbori The guests wanted to take many photos of Osaka Castle from the outside rather than going inside, so we entered Osaka Castle Park through the Aoyamon Gate and walked a route exiting at the Otemon Gate near Tanimachi 4-chome, taking photos from various angles. Since they were collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), they received them at Hokoku Shrine, Shitennoji Temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha. They bought souvenirs for their grandchild in many places. They also liked the souvenir shop inside Miraiza Osaka-jo. We had zaru soba at "Hayauchi" near Shitennoji Temple. Since it is a popular restaurant, we were lucky to get in without waiting just before closing time. We went to Sumiyoshi Taisha by tram and interacted with locals on the train. On the way back, we used the Nankai train because we were heading to Dotonbori. Being able to use these different routes drew on my experience of having visited Sumiyoshi Taisha several times. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, we happened to see a Shinto priest performing a purification ceremony for a new car, which was interesting. The guests seemed to like shrines and temples, but they also enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. I taught them how to take the subway on the way back, and since they were going to have dinner in Dotonbori, we parted ways. As they had canceled a food tour with another company that had been planned for the evening, we extended the tour by two and a half hours, and I received a small additional fee for that.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Osakajokoen180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tennoji190JPY
    Section 4TrainTennoji～Sumiyoshitoriimae240JPY
    Section 5TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba Station (Nankai Electric Railway)240JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

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

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
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    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel (Yokohama Grand InterContinental)…(Taxi)…13:20 Yokohama Chinatown (Lunch at Kaseiro)…(Taxi)…15:00 Sankeien Garden…(Taxi)…16:00 Yamashita Park…Kaikou no Michi / Yamashita Rinko Line Promenade…Head to the hotel while viewing Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama World Porters, Cup Noodles Museum, and Yokohama Cosmoworld…16:30 Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Yokohama Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Chinatown, Sankeien Garden, and Yamashita Park The guests came to Japan and were scheduled to return home the following day, and they requested a Yokohama tour, so I guided the group to Yokohama Chinatown, Sankeien Garden, and Yamashita Park. When we met, the guests said they wanted to have lunch in Chinatown, so we headed there first. I guided them to a restaurant on the main street of Chinatown (lunch set 3,000 yen). The restaurant had an upscale, spacious, and quiet atmosphere, the staff were all pleasant, and the guests seemed very satisfied with the delicious Chinese food. I had been worried because there are few buses to Sankeien Garden, but we were able to travel entirely by taxi, which was a great help. They were delighted by the beautiful fresh greenery and the many historic buildings. Several brides in beautiful kimono were also taking photos, which was lovely. (The admission fee was paid by the guests.) At our final stop, Yamashita Park, the many roses were beautiful and magnificent. The guests enjoyed wonderful views of the Bay Bridge, the Hikawa Maru, and the cruise ships at Osanbashi Pier. It was a fun tour with a very friendly group.

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

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

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    Apr 14, 2025
    618phillipa
    Wonderful tour of Tokyo on foot and metro
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Emiko was a wonderful…

    Oct 17, 2024
    Shane_N
    Great guide and experience
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour giving a great taste of Tokyo.…