Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @Grand Hyatt
    • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:15 Lunch @Namiki Yabu Soba
    • 15:00 Asakusa
    • 17:00 Disband @Grand Hyatt

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. In our prior communication, they mentioned they would be staying in Tokyo and requested a tour of the major sightseeing spots where they could learn about history and culture, as well as how to use public transportation. I guided them through the classic route of Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa. The guests had joined a Toyosu and Tsukiji tour the previous day, but after it ended they could not find the subway station in Higashi-Ginza and gave up, returning by taxi. So we started the tour with the goal: "Today, let's master how to use the trains!" Even though it was May, the day of the tour reached 30 degrees, a summer-like heat. Worried about the heat, I brought a fan from home for the guests to use, and I reminded them to stay hydrated. Fortunately there was a breeze and the shade was cool, so I tried to give my explanations in shaded areas whenever possible. For lunch, the guests wanted to eat at an authentic, non-touristy restaurant, so after considering several options we went to Namiki Yabu Soba in Asakusa. I had the impression it was a place with long lines, but I figured it would be fine after 2:00 pm, and when we arrived there was no line and we were lucky to get a table. While we were eating, more and more customers came in, and by the time we finished, around 3:00, a line had formed. The guests were delighted with the atmosphere and the flavor of the restaurant, and they even ordered additional tempura. We ran a little over time as they did some shopping in Asakusa, but I saw them off to their hotel and said goodbye. From tomorrow, they should be able to sightsee on their own using Google Maps. I had a wonderful and enjoyable tour with such cheerful and friendly guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi~Ebisu180JPY
    Section 2TrainEbisu~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Roppongi290JPY
    Total1,040JPY

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

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

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up at the hotel in Shiomi
    • 10:00 Help obtain JR Pass at the JR Cafe inside Tokyo Station
    • 11:00 Stroll around Asakusa
    • 13:00 Izakaya lunch at Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:00 Shopping in Harajuku
    • 14:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:00 Disband at Shibuya Station

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They shared many fascinating stories with me, including the traditional haka war dance and how the indigenous traditions of their homeland are preserved, and as a big fan of rugby's All Blacks (New Zealand's national team), I was able to spend a truly valuable time with them. Talking with one of the guests about the recent activities of former All Blacks players now playing in Japan, the tour started off with a lively atmosphere from the very beginning. One of the guests had also worked for a major electronics company in Asia, and having been based in Singapore for six years myself, we enjoyed reminiscing about local Singapore topics together. The tour began in Asakusa. First, from Azuma Bridge, I explained the structure of Tokyo Skytree and behind-the-scenes stories from the time of its construction, and the guests were impressed that this modern, tall tower uses the same structural principles as the five-story pagoda in Nara. At Sensoji Temple, one of the guests drew an omikuji fortune and was delighted to pull the best possible fortune. On Kannon-dori, there was a limited-time workshop making shirts from recycled kimono (their home base is in Shiga Prefecture), and one of the guests loved the shirts so much that they happily took a photo in a haka pose with the shop owner in front of the store. In Yanaka Ginza, we bought menchi-katsu, fried horse mackerel, and fried quail eggs at a delicatessen, then went to a standing bar where one of the guests chose a summer limited-edition sake and the other chose an amber-style beer, enjoying the kakuuchi drinking experience. Both of the guests loved the deep-fried quail egg skewers. In Harajuku, at the request of one of the guests, we visited a shoe brand's outlet store, and they purchased a pair. Although the same brand is available in their home country, they said the selection in the Japanese store was much more extensive, and they immediately changed into their newly purchased shoes and enjoyed the rest of the tour. Finally, at the strong request of one of the guests, we experienced the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where they enjoyed taking many photos together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Tokyo200JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo~Asakusa380JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa~Nippori340JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Harajuku260JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.

    For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
    For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
    https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/

    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 25, 2026
    robert_s
    Fantastic experience!
    Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a tour booked with Toru…

    Sep 24, 2026
    Pamela_S
    Ask for Toru!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our travel date for this tour…

    Sep 13, 2026
    S4579HLmaxf
    An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
    Outstanding experience at the…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Victor_G
    All the temples and…
    Viator review: Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    All the temples and shrines were fantastic.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:25 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00 Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:30 Dismiss @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden and the rose garden. I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Higashi Hongan-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Higashi Hongan-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Mamatsuan
    • 10:05 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:55 Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 13:00 Lunch
    • 14:05 Higashi Hongan-ji
    • 14:55 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:30 Disband @ Mamatsuan

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were all very gentle and easygoing, and enjoyed the tour from beginning to end. In particular, one of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture, and asked many questions. The day was overcast throughout with high humidity, so after walking the mountain path at Fushimi Inari Taisha at the start, they mentioned it was "a bit hot," but since there was no direct sunlight afterward, it seemed more comfortable for them. They were also delighted with lunch, calling it a "great choice!"

    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…

  • Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden & Rakushisha

    Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden & Rakushisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet at the hotel
    • 10:10 Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 10:30 Tenryu-ji Temple and its garden
    • 11:20 Lunch in Arashiyama
    • 12:15 Nonomiya Shrine
    • 12:40 Bamboo Grove Path, Okochi Sanso Villa
    • 12:55 Mikami Shrine
    • 13:15 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • 13:50 Rakushisha
    • 14:40 End of tour at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited from Oceania. They were spending three days in Kyoto, and today's tour focused on the Arashiyama area. The tour started at Togetsukyo Bridge. At Tenryu-ji Temple, I talked about Zen, including the Daruma figures, and the guests mentioned they wanted to buy one to take home for family. In the garden, they took their time enjoying the view while seated on chairs. For lunch, they enjoyed a tofu-based meal, including yudofu (hot tofu), yuba, and sesame tofu, saying, "This is delicious." At Nonomiya Shrine, I spoke about the Kojiki and the imperial family, and they purchased a traffic safety charm to bring home. From the Bamboo Grove path, we went to Mikami Shrine, which enshrines the deity of hair, where one of the guests said they wished they had visited it sooner. At Jojakko-ji Temple, we climbed the stairs up to the observation deck above the Tahoto pagoda and enjoyed the scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Total480JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & TAKESHITA STREET

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet in the lobby of the Conrad Tokyo
    • 10:30 1 TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 11:45 2 ASAKUSA
    • 12:45 2' Match Experience in Asakusa
    • 2:30 3 SHIBUYA, the Pokemon Center
    • 3:30 4 TAKESHITA STREET
    • 4:30 See off at Shinjuku

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very well-mannered, which made guiding them a pleasure and put me at ease. Even after having breakfast, they enjoyed sampling sashimi and croquettes early in the morning at Tsukiji, which they were delighted with. Based on their request, we booked and enjoyed a matcha experience at a tea house in Asakusa. I am considering using this service again in the future whenever there is such a request. When asked, the guests expressed a wish to visit the Pokémon Center, and they were happy to purchase character goods related to the characters saved on their phone. As they mentioned they had no dinner reservations, I guided them around Shinjuku as requested, showing them options such as ramen, katsudon, and izakaya, before taking my leave.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji~Asakusa – Shibuya – Shinjuku0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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.

    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: Guide to Namiyoke Shrine & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tokyo: Guide to Namiyoke Shrine & Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Shijo-mae Station. Guide through Toyosu Market
    • 10:30 Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market via the "Yurikamome"
    • 11:40 Guide to Namiyoke Shrine
    • 12:15 Move to Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 12:30 End the tour

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who wished to explore the Toyosu and Tsukiji markets. At [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we began at the exhibition area inside Toyosu Market, where I introduced Japan's fish culture and history, as well as the background of both the Tsukiji and Toyosu markets. We then observed the live tuna auction in progress, and I explained how the value of tuna is assessed, how the auction is conducted, and how the distribution system works. The guests were impressed that tuna caught all over the world gathers at Toyosu, and were fascinated by the size and variety of the fish, as well as Japan's unique distribution methods. For the trip to the Tsukiji market, the guests rode in the front car of the Yurikamome line, and they were delighted by the wonderful views from inside the train. At the Tsukiji market, the guests were surprised by the traditional, lively atmosphere and the large crowds. They greatly enjoyed the market's signature street food, including sushi, wagyu beef, and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet). Finally, we visited Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, where I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and the different ways of worship, all while observing the actual sites. The guests said they had made many new discoveries about Japanese culture. Since the guests planned to head to Shinjuku by public transportation on their own in the afternoon, we concluded the tour at Tsukiji.

    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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel 38th Floor Lobby
    • 9:00 Tsukiji
    • 10:50 Asakusa
    • 12:10 Lunch at Naya Ohashi in Monzen-Nakacho
    • 12:50 Fukagawa Fudodo
    • 13:50 Orihara Shoten
    • 14:30 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 15:30 Disperse at Mitsukoshimae Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Fukagawa I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful, refreshing, and courteous group. It was very hot, exceeding 30°C, but for some reason many of the sightseeing spots were uncrowded today, which made it a lucky day in that respect. At the start, the guests had no cash, so after obtaining Japanese yen at an ATM in a convenience store, we visited Tsukiji Hongan-ji. As the birthday of Shinran Shonin fell the next day, we were once again unable to see the Buddhist altar, but it was nice that the market was relatively uncrowded and easy to walk through. In Asakusa, when I asked what the flame monument of Asahi Beer looked like to them, one of the guests gave a great answer — "President Trump's hairstyle" — which I think I'll use next time. I was glad this topic created laughter for quite a while. Since they had eaten sushi and meat in Tsukiji, I delayed lunchtime, but we arrived at Monzen-Nakacho too early, so we ended up eating here after all. It was my first time at the restaurant, tucked away on a back street, but the set meal with obanzai side dishes was tasty and well received, so I recommend it. At the goma fire ritual at Fukagawa Fudo-do, I had them purchase a 1,000-yen goma stick for good health and we took our seats. It was wonderful that we were able to sit in the central seats despite arriving just before it began. As always, both guests were startled by the first large drum, which was charming. Also, during the okaji blessing where belongings are held over the goma fire, one of the guests (who had no luggage) tried to take the other's hat, but they said "this is mine" and handed over the bag instead, which was a heartwarming exchange. Apparently there was worry that the strap of a favorite hat might be burned. They showed great interest not only in the goma ritual but also in the prayer corridor, the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage circuit, and the other Buddhist statues. Since sake came up as a topic during lunch, we had drinks at a sake shop before Kiyosumi Garden. We took photos there, and the guests spoke to me with carefree, beaming smiles about how they looked forward to being featured by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), which was perhaps the highlight of the day. At Kiyosumi Garden, the carp we had hoped for did not appear, perhaps due to the heat, but instead many turtles and softshell turtles charmed us with their presence. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the turtles and the atmosphere of the Japanese garden. Finally, I took them to Mitsukoshimae and ended the tour by telling them to find the Ginza Line (or the Hanzomon Line) and head for exit A7 to return to their hotel. It was a truly enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Monzen-Nakacho209JPY
    Section 4SubwayMonzen-Nakacho~Kiyosumi-Shirakawa178JPY
    Section 5SubwayKiyosumi-Shirakawa~Mitsukoshimae178JPY
    Total1,029JPY

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Okunoin & Danjo Garan

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Okunoin & Danjo Garan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:40 Meet up @ Rengejoin
    • 13:10 Observe the Goma fire ritual at Shojoshin-in
    • 13:50 Lunch @ Ichinohashi Tourist Center Kirihoju
    • 14:30 Okunoin
    • 15:50 Kongobuji Temple
    • 16:10 Danjo Garan
    • 16:30 Shopping @ FamilyMart
    • 17:00 Disband @ Rengejoin

    What Is a Private Koyasan Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally scheduled to start at 12:00 noon, but on the morning of the day the guests contacted me via a messaging app and changed the start time to 1:00 PM. After meeting, I let the guests know that it was possible to observe the Goma fire ritual, and since they were very eager to attend, we watched the Goma fire ritual at Seijoshin-in. After the observation, the guests wanted to have lunch, so we ate at a restaurant at the Ichinohashi tourist center. Afterward, I guided them through Okunoin, Kongobuji, and the Danjo Garan, and since they wanted to buy food to eat at their temple lodging, we stopped by a convenience store. The weather was wonderful, and the guests were enthusiastically taking photographs with a single-lens reflex camera.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusSenjuinbashi~Okunoin-guchi160JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae~Kongobuji-mae270JPY
    Total430JPY

    I have guiding experience for 6 years. The name of my web site is “gururin kansai” which means to go around Kansai district.
    Kansai district includes Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Wakayama (Koyasan).
    I provide more than 2,000 sightseeing spots information in Japanese, English and Chinese.
    In 2021 I walked through four pilgrims loads in Koya and Kumano area.
    I also have the license of official guide of Kongobuji temple and world heritage master of Wakayama Prefecture.
    I would like to engage in the guide in English at Wakayama prefecture (Koyasan) and neighboring area.

    Aug 18, 2026
    414elijahz
    Amazing Tour of Koyasan
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    Naka,…

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    Que es un recorrido…
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  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 12:00 Hotel start
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya
    • PM 12:30-13:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya district, visit Shima, gold leaf, Sakuda
    • Travel by bus to Nagamachi Samurai Residence District
    • PM 14:00-15:30 Visit Nomura Family Residence
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • PM 16:00-16:45 Kanazawa Castle Park (visit Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura)
    • PM 16:45-17:15 Visit Kenrokuen
    • Travel by bus, PM 17:45 Tour ends

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Kanazawa Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour started at 12:00 PM, as the guests arrived from Tokyo in the early morning and traveled to the area. Since it was a 6-hour tour, I adjusted the itinerary while keeping in mind the 4:30 PM entry deadline for viewing the interior of Kanazawa Castle. As one of the guests found walking tiring, at Kanazawa Castle Park I had the group take breaks at resting spots while viewing the Hishi Yagura, the 50-ken Nagaya, and the Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura. Most of the sightseeing spots had a 5:00 PM entry deadline, so in the end I saved Kenrokuen Garden for last, but since one of the guests seemed quite tired, I chose a course that could be shortened as much as possible. As the guests seemed to have already seen many temples and shrines and grown a little tired of them, I believe they still enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa~Hashibacho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashibacho~Korinbo210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo~Kenrokuen210JPY
    Section 4BusHirosaka~Kanazawa210JPY
    Total840JPY

    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
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    Sep 28, 2026
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    YOSHI san was incredible!
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    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
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    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…