Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
    • 09:20 Sightseeing ①: Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:30 Sightseeing ②: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 12:20 Sightseeing ③: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 13:10 Lunch/Break: Arashiyama
    • 13:50 Sightseeing ④: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 13:40 Transfer to hotel
    • 14:10 Dismissal: Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like When Plans Change on the Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. On the day, however, some of the guests were not feeling well and decided to rest at the hotel with accompanying members of the group, so the tour ultimately went ahead with the remaining guests. I handled the advance communication and itinerary discussions with the group. The original itinerary listed Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, along with Kurama-dera. In response, I pointed out that Kurama-dera would be difficult for the group and that Kiyomizu-dera is an extremely crowded landmark that would also be quite challenging, likely requiring a wheelchair. After several exchanges with the guests, the driver of the private car kindly offered to bring along a wheelchair they had on hand. As for the destinations, I proposed visiting Arashiyama instead of Kurama-dera, and this was accepted. However, when I met the guests on the day, I was told that some members of the group, due to not feeling well, had decided to rest at the hotel, so the tour that day would be with the remaining guests. Both the driver and I were a little surprised by such a sudden change of circumstances, but we also felt somewhat reassured by the decision to prioritize health above all (though it was of course a pity for those who had to stay behind). Although the advance discussions had been quite challenging, the tour itself proceeded smoothly and concluded successfully as planned.

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

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Osaka in One Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Osaka Castle

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka
    • 11:25-12:20 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 12:50-13:00 @ Harukas Garden
    • 13:20- 14:25 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:55-16:10 @ Osaka Castle
    • 16:40-17:00 @ Dotonbori, Hozenji Temple
    • 17:10 Disband @ Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka's Local Spots Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and the booking was made through a travel agency. The travel agency shared the guests' email address, which allowed me to arrange the itinerary directly with them. They expressed a strong interest in Japanese culture and everyday local life, preferring popular local spots in Osaka over typical tourist attractions. We first visited Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, where they enjoyed its tranquil atmosphere. At Shitennoji Temple, it happened to be the day of the monthly festival, and the grounds were lively with worshippers and market stalls. At Osaka Castle, they attentively explored the museum inside the castle as well as the Toyotomi Museum, newly opened in April, and had a very fulfilling day. It was also memorable to see one of the guests earnestly praying for the peace and happiness of their family at each shrine and temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNankai Namba～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Toriimae～Tennoji Ekimae240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 4SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Request Booking

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
    yolanda552
    Sachiko the best tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sachiko was our tour guide…

    Sep 9, 2026
    peteraI5718XP
    My First Visit to Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…

    Sep 4, 2026
    S
    satchithh
    Hasabnis family
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…

    Aug 3, 2026
    G6602NEeduardoa
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour with Sachiko
    We had a great Osaka…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 Meet up @ Prince Park Tower
    • 10:40 Asakusa (Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Hoppy Street ~ Shin-Nakamise)
    • 12:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Gonpachi NORI TEMAKI
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:45 Takeshita Street ~ Ura-Harajuku ~ Omotesando ~ Prada
    • 16:15 Disband @ Seven Eleven Akabanebashi

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler from North America, visiting Japan for the first time and having arrived the previous day. After Tokyo, the guest planned to meet a friend and travel around Osaka and Kyoto. The guest came down to the lobby ten minutes early, clearly enthusiastic, which was very encouraging. Since the guest was interested in history, culture, and architecture and wanted to see a broad cross-section of Tokyo, we changed one of the destinations from Shinjuku Gyoen to Asakusa before departure. This allowed the guest to feel firsthand the difference between the old-town atmosphere of Asakusa and the Minato Ward and Omotesando areas near the hotel. At the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine, I explained the Edo Shogunate, the closed-country policy, the alternate attendance system, the Meiji Restoration, and the transfer of the capital to Tokyo. At Omotesando, the guest took many photos of the buildings. I explained the works of Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando, as well as the Prada building and the H&M store. Once again the temperature and humidity were high today, so we had to take a break to cool off at the rest area in the Ninomaru Garden of the East Gardens. Along the way, I also provided some background knowledge about Kyoto and Osaka.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMita Line Shibakoen～Asakusa Line Asakusa272JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza Line Asakusa～Tozai Line Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayChiyoda Line Otemachi～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza Line Omotesando～Oedo Line Akabanebashi286JPY
    Total945JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:00 @ In front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station
    • 2. 10:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:50 Lunch @ Otemon Chaya
    • 5. 13:20 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 6. 14:15 Disband @ 1st floor inside Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Half-Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met in front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station, then visited Castle View and Himeji Castle, had a light meal at a tea house near Koko-en Garden, toured Koko-en Garden, returned to Himeji Station, and ended the tour on the first floor inside Himeji Station. Since the guests enjoyed walking, at Himeji Castle we chose a relatively demanding route including the "West Bailey Hyakken Corridor" and the "Main Keep." Perhaps because the TV drama "SHOGUN" is popular in North America, the guests had a fair amount of knowledge about Japanese historical background, such as the relationship between Toyotomi Hideyori and Senhime. The tour today went smoothly overall, and the guests were satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Norio

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 12:15 Break (café)
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ②: Shinsekai
    • 14:00 Dismissal: Shinsekai

    What's a Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai The guests this time were visitors from Europe, sightseeing in Japan. All prior communication and itinerary coordination were handled with a staff member of a local travel agency in Europe (there was no direct contact with the guests themselves beforehand). According to the agency staff, there was an unusual request: "The guided tour is four hours, but afterward the guests will join a local food tour in Dotonbori, so please do not let them have lunch or even a taste of anything." The itinerary was simple and finalized as: Hotel ⇒ Osaka Castle ⇒ Dotonbori ⇒ Namba Yasaka Shrine. On the day, although the sunlight was strong, it was cool in the shade, and the weather was good. However, since Osaka was the last stop of their trip in Japan, the guests seemed a little tired. After about an hour of touring at Osaka Castle, they wanted to "rest a bit at a cafe," so we took a coffee break of about 30 minutes. During the break, they expressed that "we have already seen many shrines and temples in Tokyo and Kyoto, so we would like to skip the final Namba Yasaka Shrine." Taking that into account, we moved on to Shinsekai and spent about an hour strolling around. Coming to Minami in Osaka and sightseeing without eating either takoyaki or okonomiyaki was quite an unusual experience. That said, after the tour ended, the guests must have thoroughly enjoyed Osaka's local food.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Osaka～Osakajokoen200JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Ebisucho240JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Osaka: Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Osaka: Nara Park & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 07:30 Hotel Osaka-Shinsaibashi
    • 09:15 to 09:45 Nara Park
    • 10:00 to 11:00 Todaiji Temple
    • 11:15 to 11:45 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street (Vegan menu)
    • Hotel Osaka-Shinsaibashi

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests today were a group of visitors from Asia. Some of the group had difficulty walking, and they had requested a car through a travel agency, but it turned out yesterday that due to some mistake the reservation had not been made. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) negotiated on their behalf, and it was decided that the tour would be conducted using a combination of public transportation and taxis. When I actually met the group, it was clear that walking was not possible without a walking aid, and moving by public transportation seemed impossible, so we ended up traveling the entire route using two taxis. At each spot, some of the group rested on benches, and I guided only the remaining members of the group. Rain had been forecast for Nara from the afternoon, but it did not rain, and I was glad that we were able to complete the tour without any trouble.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Haru

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Request Booking

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Finally gathered & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Finally gathered & Shimokitazawa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting place: Hotel TOKYO by HULIC
    • 14:30 Finally gathered
    • 14:40 Depart Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 16:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku West Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 17:30 Depart Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 17:40 Arrive Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • Shinjuku East Exit Omoide Yokocho
    • Kabukicho
    • Golden Gai
    • Isetan
    • 18:30 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • 19:00 Arrive Shimokitazawa Station
    • Shimokitazawa Shimokitazawa Vintage Clothing Street
    • Break / Cafe (Doutor Coffee)
    • 20:00 Depart Shimokitazawa Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 20:30 Arrive Ginza Station
    • 20:30 Disband: Ginza Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa The guests were visitors from the Middle East, on their first trip to Japan. This was an eight-day visit to Japan. After arriving at Kansai Airport, they traveled through Osaka, Kyoto, and Hakone, and arrived in Tokyo today. Some of the guests had prior experience traveling in Japan and had given the group various pieces of advice. They planned to stay in Tokyo for three days before returning home. [Points of note] 1. At the time of departure, I checked with the hotel front desk and was told that the guests had "not yet arrived and had not yet checked in." After waiting 30 minutes, the guests finally arrived. 2. Along the route, there were some challenges regarding certain habits, which I addressed several times. 3. Regarding traffic signals, I explained the local rules and asked the guests to wait at red lights. 4. Regarding the itinerary: Prior communication from the guests' travel agency had stated that the guests very much wanted to go to "Shimokitazawa." However, during the discussion on the day, the request changed, and they asked to be taken elsewhere since the next day's schedule was already decided. (The following day's plan was set for "Asakusa," "Harajuku," and "Shibuya.") I quickly reorganized the itinerary and changed it to the "Imperial Palace," "Shinjuku," and "Shimokitazawa." In the rain, we first went to the Imperial Palace. We strolled through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. There was a question about when the cherry blossoms were at their best. I explained "the history from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "why the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo." There were questions such as "Are there no more samurai?" and "Does the current Emperor of Japan hold political power?" We then went to Shinjuku. First, we visited the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building at the west exit. I explained "the history of Edo and Tokyo and more." The comments were: "I understand well that the city of Tokyo spreads out over a wide area," and "However, there are also buildings of more than 45 stories back home, so I am not entirely sure why I was brought here." We went to the Shinjuku west exit. I explained "the origins and history of Shinjuku" and "the difference between the east and west sides of the station." We walked around and explored "Shinjuku Golden Gai" (which was mostly quiet, though a few groups of foreign travelers were strolling around), Kabukicho, the Godzilla Head, and Omoide Yokocho. There were comments and questions such as "For some reason, the atmosphere feels completely different from other areas of Tokyo," and "Why do so many people gather here?" We moved to Shibuya, viewed the Scramble Crossing, and then went to Shimokitazawa. We took our time strolling around various parts of the neighborhood. The comment was: "It seems fun, but it is different from the town I had imagined. It is not that interesting." There were also comments and questions such as "It is strange that there is no litter on the streets," "Does no one throw trash on the streets?" and "This was my first time riding the subway, but it was very comfortable and convenient." In addition: 1. "In Hakone, it rained and I could not see Mount Fuji. I was dissatisfied." 2. "Carlos Ghosn is a hero back home. I do not understand why he was caught by the justice system in Japan or why he is spoken of poorly." Since the guests said "I have no idea how to get back to the hotel," I saw them off to Ginza Station and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi Station～Tochomae Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station～Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya Station～Shimokitazawa Station140JPY
    Section 7TrainShimokitazawa Station～Shibuya Station140JPY
    Section 8SubwayShibuya Station～Ginza Station209JPY
    Total1,410JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
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  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:00 Omote-sando Street
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Chinchikurin
    • 15:15 Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:15 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them was studying Japanese, so I also mixed in some Spanish, making it a trilingual tour in three languages. Since rain was forecast for the afternoon and there was also the departure time of the Shinkansen to Osaka to consider, we first went to Miyajima. As I had made a lunch reservation at a restaurant, we were seated right away. Afterward, when we arrived at Peace Memorial Park, it started to rain. By the time we left the museum the rain had become heavy, so the guests requested a taxi, but since there was already a queue, I recommended taking the bus. We then concluded the tour on board the bus.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroden Miyajimaguchi～Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Section 3BusHeiwa Koen-mae～Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae240JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Hibiya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Station & Hibiya Station

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting place: The Peninsula Tokyo
    • Depart Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 8:20 Arrive Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan (breakfast)
    • Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 10:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:20 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:20 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Tawaramachi Station
    • Tawaramachi Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 12:15 Depart Tawaramachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Hibiya Station
    • 13:00 Dismissal: Hibiya Station

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo's Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Kappabashi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Japan once about 25 years earlier, but the others were visiting Japan for the first time. This was a trip of about three weeks. After finishing their time in Tokyo, they planned to travel around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima before returning to Tokyo and then heading home. They had arrived at Haneda Airport two days earlier and taken a taxi to their hotel. The previous day they had strolled around Harajuku, Roppongi, and Ginza. The night before, the whole group had gone out to a sushi restaurant in Ginza (they were all big fans of sushi). It was a clear day, and the tour took place under pleasant weather. First, we headed to Tsukiji Market. Everyone said, "We plan to eat sushi for breakfast at Tsukiji, so we didn't have breakfast at the hotel." We first went to a well-known eatery. We waited in line for a short while and were seated. Everyone appeared very satisfied. After that, we went to Tsukiji Uogashi. I explained "the history of the fish market since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." There were also questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and "Do all the people of Tokyo come here to buy fish?" We strolled around slowly. They purchased and sampled grilled eel (unagi kabayaki), grilled snow crab, matcha ice cream, strawberry mochi, fried sweet potato, and more. ("We just want to try everything," they said.) Next, we went to Asakusa. As always, it was very crowded. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the development from Edo to Tokyo," "what the five-story pagoda is," "what Buddhism is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." We took commemorative photos in front of Kaminarimon Gate and the five-story pagoda. There were questions such as "How many Buddhists are there in Japan?" "What other religions do people believe in?" and "How often do people who believe in Buddhism go to temples? Do they worship every week?" We strolled slowly through Nakamise shopping street. One of the guests bought a hat, saying it was hot. However, it took quite a while to decide before finally settling on one. We then moved to Kappabashi Kitchenware Street. One of the guests enjoys cooking and very much wanted to buy a kitchen knife. They were indeed interested in the knives, and after entering several shops and comparing various options, they purchased one. They also seemed to love the food samples and bought a small magnetic sushi sample. There were comments and questions such as "It's amazing that there's no litter on the streets. Is the cleaning that thorough? It's so clean, completely different from home." "I rode the subway for the first time, and it was very comfortable and convenient." "It's strange that there are no trash bins on the streets. Why is that?" Since the guests said they were a bit tired and wanted to return to the hotel, I saw them off at Hibiya Station and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Station～Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Tawaramachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTawaramachi Station～Hibiya Station209JPY
    Total774JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Hotel Osaka
    • 09:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior viewing only)
    • 10:45 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 11:30 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:15 Dismissal @ Kuromon Market

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. At Osaka Castle they viewed the exterior only, but they purchased souvenirs at the adjacent Miraiza facility. At Shitennoji Temple, admission happened to be free that day because it was the monthly memorial day for Kobo Daishi, and the grounds were lively with many food stalls and a large crowd of visitors. The guests asked many questions at each spot. They mentioned that they would be joining some kind of food-walking tour later that evening. At the final stop, Kuromon Market, they wished to stroll around on their own, including having lunch there, so we parted ways about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. This private one-day tour of Osaka was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi～Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Tennoji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
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    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
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