Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka: Nakanoshima rose garden & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka: Nakanoshima rose garden & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet at IBIS Osaka Umeda
    • 12:00-13:00 Nakanoshima rose garden
    • 13:10-15:25 Kuromon Market/Dotonbori/ Hozenji Alley
    • 15:40-17:45 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 17:45-18:10 Shitennoji Temple
    • 18:10-18:25 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 18:30 End of the tour

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Photography Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests enjoyed photography, so I planned to take them to places in Osaka where they could capture Instagram-worthy photos. It was a bit tight on time, but we stopped by Kitahama and visited the Nakanoshima Rose Garden, a beautiful spot that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. They photographed not only the overall scenery but also each variety of rose they particularly liked, one by one. At Kuromon Market they enjoyed hanami dango and seafood rice bowls, and in Dotonbori they had gyoza and takoyaki. While saying they were not fond of noise, they still eagerly photographed the crowded areas. At Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, they focused mainly on photographing the buildings. I occasionally took photos of the guests as well, though they did not want a photo in front of the Glico sign. As for walking, they said they were fine since they regularly walk a dog, so on the way from Shitennoji we walked to Tsutenkaku while taking photos of the gate of Isshinji Temple along the way. Since they planned to grab something to eat before heading back, I explained the return route and we parted ways near Tsutenkaku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Kitahama190JPY
    Section 2SubwayKitahama~Nippombashi190JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 4SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total810JPY

    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.

    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
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 11:00 Meet at Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • ② 11:05 Itinerary explanation, explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:40 Nijo Castle
    • ④ 13:00 Daisen-in
    • ⑤ 15:00 Stroll along the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑥ 15:20 Honen-in
    • ⑦ 15:50 Return again to the Philosopher's Path
    • ⑧ 16:00 Stroll around the Sanmon Gate of Nanzen-ji. Photography, etc.
    • ⑨ 16:30 Stroll around Gion (from Tatsumi Bridge and Shinbashi-dori through Hanamikoji-dori to Kaburenjo Theater, etc.)
    • ⑩ 17:00 Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
    • ⑪ 17:30 Disband at Yasaka Pagoda

    What's a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had spent a few days in Tokyo before coming to Kyoto, and planned to stroll around Kyoto for one more day before heading to Osaka and Nara. They told me that they did not necessarily want to visit the most popular spots, as long as they could feel that they had truly experienced Kyoto, and asked me to plan the entire tour in that spirit, so I decided on the itinerary myself. Basically, I proposed a route with few crowds, where they could take their time looking around and listen carefully to the stories. Since we started late, the latter half of the day centered on walking and exploring. Today as well, I did my best to share the places I really wanted them to know about. They were very pleased, and in the evening I received a thank-you email from them. I felt glad that I had explained everything wholeheartedly, and I felt that we had truly connected. This is one of the things I love about this job.

    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

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kofuku-ji Temple & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meeting R& Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:30 to 11:15 Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 11;30 to 12:30 Todai-ji Temple
    • 12:45 to 13:15 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 14:30 to 15:00 Lunch at Higashimuki Shopping Street (conveyor belt sushi)
    • 16:15 Dismissal Subway Karasuma Oike Station

    What Is a Private Nara Tour Like for Family Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. That region is also known for its humidity, but they mentioned that Japan's damp climate felt quite different. It was their tenth day in Japan, and since they already knew about Japanese history, shrines, and temples, they were very easy to guide. We had planned to stroll around Yakushiji Temple after lunch, but one of the guests felt a little tired and wanted to return to the hotel early, so we skipped Yakushiji Temple. We parted ways a little earlier than scheduled.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSubway Karasuma Oike Station~Kintetsu Nara Station1,020JPY
    Section 2BusKenchomae~Todai-ji Daibutsuden250JPY
    Section 3BusKasuga Taisha Main Hall~Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Section 4TrainKintetsu Nara Station~Subway Karasuma Oike Station1,020JPY
    Total2,540JPY

    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 !!

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

    Osaka in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka Meeting
    • 9:00~11:40 Travel from JR Namba to Shin-Imamiya to Koyasan
    • 11:40~12:05 Travel to Miyama by Koyasan area bus
    • 12:05~13:00 Lunch (Miyama)
    • 13:00~13:30 After watching the Goma fire ritual at Shojoshin-in, travel to the front of Okunoin by Koyasan area bus
    • 13:30~14:40 Stay at Okunoin
    • 14:40~15:00 Travel to Kongobuji by Koyasan area bus
    • 15:00~15:35 Stay at Kongobuji
    • 15:35~16:00 Stay at Garan
    • 16:04~16:20 Travel to Koyasan Station by Koyasan area bus
    • 16:24~18:30 Travel from Koyasan to Shin-Imamiya to JR Namba
    • 18:30 See off to the hotel entrance and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had previously traveled mainly to Japan's major cities, so they seemed to truly enjoy the nature at Koyasan. Although the family name is Japanese in origin, the guest was a third-generation descendant and understood only English. As Osaka had become hot and humid, the guests were pleased with the cooler climate of Koyasan, which resembled the climate of their home region in North America. On the way to Koyasan, around 8:30, we received information that a train was delayed due to a fallen tree, but when we checked at the station, service had resumed, and although we arrived more than 20 minutes later than planned, we made it safely. While using the restroom at Gokurakubashi Station, the earlier cable car departed and we had to take the next one, but it was only a few minutes later and we were fortunate that the cable car and the following bus were almost empty, nearly reserved for us. Since the guests seemed to need restrooms frequently, I pointed out every location where there was a toilet, saying "there is a restroom here." They especially loved Okunoin, taking many photographs and repeatedly expressing how moved they were by its beauty. At Kongobuji, they were particularly fond of the rock garden. By the time we toured the Garan, the guests appeared tired, so I gave a brief explanation as we walked and made sure to catch the bus after 16:00.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Namba~Shin-Imamiya150JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Imamiya~Koyasan3,540JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya~JR Namba150JPY
    Total3,840JPY

    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.

    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
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
    • 09:30 Otagi Nenbutsuji (500) by taxi
    • 11:20 Bamboo forest by walking
    • 11:30 Tenryuji garden by walking
    • 12:20 Arashiyama Monkey Park (800) by walking
    • 13:40 Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch)
    • 14:50 Ryoanji (600) by walking Rock Garden
    • 16:00 Gion
    •   End of the tour

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Arashiyama and Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Initially they had many places they wanted to see, so I proposed three plans, and this itinerary was decided upon. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple was crowded with many international visitors. We viewed the traditional townscape of Toriimoto on our way to the bamboo grove. After that, we passed through the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and went to the Monkey Park. One of the guests mentioned having seen the Togetsukyo Bridge on social media. The Monkey Park was very popular with international visitors, and we saw few Japanese tourists there. After lunch, we walked to Ryoan-ji Temple. Japanese irises, sweet flags, and water lilies were in beautiful bloom. Forest green tree frogs were calling in the pond in the back garden of Ryoan-ji Temple. There were three egg masses of forest green tree frogs attached to the branches of a maple tree. After the tour, the guests said they wanted to go to Gion, so I took them to Gion and we parted ways there. They were delighted to have seen so many things.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Sep 25, 2026
    Marvin_F
    Kazz is an outstanding…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Laura_K
    Day in Kyoto with Kazz
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazz was an amazing…

    Aug 27, 2026
    M6034YWthomasm
    Worth it
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The day went by so quickly, a…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome experience
    Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @Peninsula
    • 10:50 Tsukiji (fish market, outer market)
    • 11:30 Lunch @Tsukiji Uogashi Odawarabashi Building Food Court
    • 12:15 Hamarikyu, matcha break at Nakajima Teahouse
    • 14:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:45 Imperial Palace Outer Garden – Nijubashi Bridge – Sakuradamon Gate – GHQ Site
    • 16:30 Dismiss @Peninsula

    What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, on their third trip to Japan, arriving in Tokyo from Osaka on the morning of the tour. Before their arrival, the itinerary had been arranged and agreed upon through a contact provided, but to be safe I confirmed the guests' own wishes before setting off. It turned out they had not eaten anything since morning, so we made an unplanned early lunch at a food court at the fish market. They must have been very hungry, as they ordered an impressive amount of food (photo). At the teahouse in Hamarikyu Gardens, I carefully explained Japanese history. Although the guests had been told beforehand not to expect much from Meiji Jingu Shrine, they were, contrary to expectations, deeply moved by its beauty, including the approach path. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed that day, I guided them to Nijubashi Bridge instead. On the 22nd, we plan to visit Shibamata and the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, and then take them to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Despite arriving in Tokyo only that morning, they walked a great deal. I had previously avoided the food court at Tsukiji fish market, but discovering that it can be surprisingly well received even by affluent guests was a valuable takeaway.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Line Shimbashi~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Section 2SubwayChiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae~Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae209JPY
    Total387JPY

    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

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji & Kinkakuji

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji & Kinkakuji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select)
    • 9:00-9:40 Travel (Hankyu Line; Kawaramachi → Arashiyama)
    • 9:40-11:00 Arashiyama walk & visit (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Hatto, gardens [Sogenchi Garden, Hyakkaen], bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest)
    • 11:00-11:40 Travel (Keifuku Line; Arashiyama → Ryoanji)
    • 11:40-12:40 Ryoanji visit
    • 12:40-13:00 Travel (City Bus; Ryoanji-mae → Waratenjin-mae)
    • 13:10-14:00 Lunch (Japanese cuisine Joy)
    • 14:10-15:00 Kinkakuji visit
    • 15:00 Tour ended after visiting Kinkakuji. After that, we escorted the guests back to the hotel and said goodbye.

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoanji, and Kinkakuji The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, coming from Oceania. Before arriving in Kyoto, they had spent about a week in Tokyo and Takayama. I took them to Arashiyama, Ryoanji Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple. At Ryoanji Temple, I explained quite a bit about Japanese Zen culture (wabi-sabi). One of the guests listened very attentively and said they really enjoyed the explanation at Ryoanji. Another guest preferred the magnificent Kinkakuji, but seemed disappointed because it was extremely crowded. During the tour, there were questions about overtourism, and I recommended visiting especially famous sightseeing spots early in the morning. I was also asked about Japanese people's awareness of environmental protection. I responded that Japan should ideally demonstrate more leadership in this area.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoanji-mae~Waratenjin-mae230JPY
    Total720JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Prince Park Tower Tokyo

    Tokyo in One Day: Prince Park Tower Tokyo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 12:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Hyugamaru
    • 14:00 Yanaka Cemetery, Yanaka Ginza
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine, Omotesando
    • 16:20 Dismissal @ Omotesando Station

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Yanaka I guided very pleasant guests visiting from North America. At Tsukiji, we visited Kunitora, a place I always recommend, where they enjoyed medium-fatty tuna. Since one of the guests could not eat pork, beef, or gluten and wanted sushi for lunch, we went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Asakusa, and they were very satisfied. One of the guests drew a "bad luck" omikuji fortune and was quite concerned about it, asking whether it would be alright to draw again. I read the advice and explained that living humbly is important, and that doing so would gradually bring better fortune, so it was not a bad thing at all, which put them at ease. I explained that the omikuji at Meiji Shrine feature waka poems by the Emperor and Empress, and they tried those as well and were delighted. They bought as many as three good-luck charms for themselves. One of the guests had a strong interest in Japanese history, and upon learning that the graves of the Tokugawa shoguns are located at Yanaka Cemetery, became very excited, so I guided them there. We got a little lost in the cemetery, and when I joked that it was turning into a "grave tour," they found it amusing. They were also moved by Kannon-ji Temple, associated with the Ako loyal retainers. As I grow a little more accustomed to guiding, I feel happy when I can occasionally get a laugh.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
    Section 5SubwaySendagi~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
    Total1,060JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel & Resort Midosuji Hommachi Eki Tower ➡ By subway to Osaka Castle ➡ By JR to Umeda Sky Building ➡ By subway to an okonomiyaki restaurant at Namba Station (lunch) ➡ By subway to Shitennoji Temple ➡ Disband at Tennoji Station (16:30)

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for International Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from various regions, giving the group an international character. One of the guests had previously stayed in Japan for a homestay and had visited Osaka several times, and this time came to Japan to see the EXPO and to show Japan to the group. Since they requested "okonomiyaki" for lunch, I took them to a restaurant that could seat the whole group even on a Sunday, and they were very satisfied. Some of the guests were interested in Japanese Buddhist temples, so I took them to Shitennoji Temple. Some of the guests preferred not to be photographed, so the photo ended up including only part of the group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHommachi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2TrainOsakajokoen~Osaka180JPY
    Section 3SubwayUmeda~Namba240JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hilton Canopy Umeda ➡ By JR, Osaka Castle ➡ By taxi, Shitennoji Temple ➡ By taxi, Namba Yasaka Shrine ➡ On foot, Nipponbashi Doguyasuji ~ Lunch of takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, udon, and beer ~ Dotonbori ~  Midosuji ~ Shinsaibashi Daimaru Department Store ➡ By subway to Umeda ➡ Disband near the hotel (15:00)

    What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour by Taxi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America and had arrived in Japan only the day before. Since they wanted to sightsee efficiently, we used a taxi to visit a castle, temples, and a shrine. As the guests were interested in kitchen knives, we then went to Doguyasuji, the kitchenware street. After that, at a single restaurant, they enjoyed takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, udon, and beer. After seeing the Glico sign in Dotonbori, we headed north along the high-brand shop side of Midosuji toward the Daimaru department store. The guests were very interested in the Daimaru department store building (a 1933 Vories-designed structure) and took many photos, because the entrance ceiling and other features closely resemble a synagogue. Looking again, the neo-Gothic Midosuji side is very beautiful, and it is easy to understand why it draws such attention.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Osaka Castle Park180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda240JPY
    Total420JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…