Tokyo in Half a Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN

Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

10:00 meet at the 18fl lobby of HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU
11:00 1. MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
1:00 2. KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN
2:30 See off at the Senso-ji Temple

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Despite having arrived only the previous evening, they were in good spirits and eager to walk. I kept the walking pace slow, checked regularly to make sure they were not getting tired, and found open seats on the subway so they could sit down. At both Meiji Shrine and Koishikawa Korakuen, they told me their hearts felt clear and calm, and I returned their words of gratitude with my own. Although we ran a little over the scheduled time, I used the area map in the subway station to show them the location of Senso-ji Temple for their visit and the chanko restaurant with a 3:00 PM reservation, then said goodbye at Kaminarimon Gate.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Free Pass	Nishi-Shinjuku～Meiji-jingumae	700JPY
Section 2	Free Pass	Meiji-jingumae～Korakuen／Iidabashi～Asakusa	0JPY
Total			700JPY

Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

How do I spend my spear 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.

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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…

Mar 26, 2026
Chica717
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing private tour with Masa!
We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

August, 2026

Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

1. Departure from the guest hotel (Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay) at 10:00, take the shuttle bus from Shin-Urayasu Station to Tokyo Station (JR)
2. Marunouchi → East Gardens of the Imperial Palace → Chidorigafuchi, strolling while explaining various things
3. Subway Kudanshita → Tsukiji (Subway Hanzomon Line/Hibiya Line), assist with purchasing PASMO along the way
4. Enjoy street food in Tsukiji, then disband at an appropriate time 14:00

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Imperial Palace and Tsukiji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Initially, communication indicated that the guest's hotel was in Shinjuku, but on the night before the tour there was a correction to a hotel in the bay area. Since I thought this was outside the Tokyo area, I contacted the office for instructions. The suggestion was to have the guests come to Tokyo Station, but as I had not been able to communicate directly with the guests (the reason is explained below), I went to the hotel for the time being (9:00). At the hotel, I asked whether the guests were staying there, but the answer was no. While keeping in touch with the office and waiting, they appeared, and we met without trouble (9:30). It seems the person who booked the tour and the person who booked the hotel were different. In any case, since we had not been able to discuss the destinations, I asked them to choose from Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, and in the end we decided on the Imperial Palace (East Gardens plus Chidorigafuchi) followed by Tsukiji. The guests were a group from North America. They were a generation much younger than me. They were very friendly and understood jokes, but I could not figure out why they had declined direct email communication with the guide. One misunderstanding on my part was that I had not assumed they were from North America. The guest's phone number I received began with 77. If they were from North America, I would have expected it as +1 77, so I misunderstood. As a result, both the messaging app and SMS attempts failed. It would be helpful if Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) could let us know the guest's country in advance when it is known. Before leaving the hotel, we stopped at a nearby convenience store to obtain cash. In the end, we departed the hotel at 10:00. After that, since they were energetic, they walked well. They seemed to like the Imperial Palace buildings and the Japanese garden. Cherry blossoms were also one of their goals, so we went to Chidorigafuchi. The peak bloom had passed, but we could see the petals floating on the water, which I think was nice. Since we spent quite a lot of time, we reached Tsukiji after 1:30, but the guests had time to enjoy several kinds of food. By then it was 2:00, so I gave advice for their return trip and ended the tour. In addition, they understood that the destination was outside the area, and I received in cash the JR fare between Tokyo and the bay area, as well as the route bus fare from the station to the hotel. That is all.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Kudanshita～Tsukiji	180JPY
Total			180JPY

Tour Report by tack

I have ten years guiding experience in Tokyo area. Historical spot such as Imperial palace, Japanese gardens, Buddhist temples,Shinto shrines and Fish market are my familiar tourism places.Usually I take my guest to these spot using public transportation and walk around there. Also I manage a hiking tour to Tama erea (west part of Tokyo) such as Mt.Takao, Okutama gorge, you will find that Tokyo has rich nature too. I would like to guide small group of 4 poeple max. because I want to talk to each one sufficiently. Just FYI, I had lived in the US and have engineering background. Let me guide you!

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Oct 9, 2024
lilgoldie
Private Tour With Tack!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tack was an excellent tour guide. He helped…

August, 2026

Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi : sake tasting etc

Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:02 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
　　　Taxi
9:15-45 Ukigumo Enchi Park
　 walk 3 minutes
10:00 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
　 walk 5 minutes
10:10-50 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
walk 5 minutes
11:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower walk 5 minutes (light lunch or snack?)
walk 5 minutes
11:10-40 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall (light lunch or snack? at Emado Chaya)
walk 5 minutes
11:50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
walk 5 minutes
12:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
walk 15 minutes
12:50-13:20 Kofukuji Temple
walk 5 minutes
13:30-50 Lunch Kameya
14:00- Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town): sake tasting etc.
walk 5 minutes
15:20 (End of Tour) back at Kintetsu-Nara

Title: What Is a Private Nara Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. They had described themselves as a good walker, but since they mentioned being tired from walking every day, we changed the plan and took a taxi to Ukigumo Enchi. The guest fully enjoyed the cherry blossoms and the deer. It seems today marks the very end of this year's cherry blossom season. The guest was frustrated and disappointed that Kofuku-ji's five-story pagoda could not be viewed. Kofuku-ji has raised its admission fees. The National Treasure Museum is now 900 yen. This time there was at least a proper explanation that, as of April, guides are also required to purchase admission tickets. Still, unless there is a specific request, I feel somewhat reluctant to bring guests there.

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

Tour Report by Junichi

Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day Unforgettable!
We had the pleasure of touring Nara with Junichi today, and he was simply phenomenal from the very first moment! Warm, welcoming, and a true professional, Junichi made us feel instantly at ease. His genuine enthusiasm and excellent English made every part of the day enjoyable and easy to follow.
Junichi’s knowledge is encyclopedic, yet he explains everything in such a clear, engaging, and understandable way. At Kofuku-ji Temple, he brought the history and significance of the site to life with fascinating details. We then enjoyed a relaxing lunch together before heading to Nara Park, where we had the delightful experience of feeding the famous bowing deer ? such a fun and memorable moment!
What really stood out was how flexible and attentive Junichi was. When we felt a bit pressed for time, he smoothly adjusted the itinerary and took us to a wonderful sake tasting facility instead of the next temple. We sampled several excellent sakes and couldn’t resist taking some home with us! From there, he led us to an incredible traditional kitchen knife shop run by an artisan whose family has been crafting blades for 750 years (originally making samurai swords). The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and we ended up purchasing a beautiful knife.
Later, Junichi took us to see an original Japanese merchant’s house, which was a real eye-opener ? the minimalistic lifestyle and beautiful architecture were fascinating.
The entire day was perfectly paced, insightful, and filled with wonderful surprises. Junichi’s caring attitude, deep knowledge, and ability to adapt made this one of the best private tour experiences we’ve ever had. We are so grateful we got to spend the day with him.
If you’re visiting Nara, do yourself a favor and book with Junichi ? you won’t regret it! He’s an absolute gem.
Highly, highly recommended ? 5 stars without hesitation!

Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

August, 2026

Kyoto in One Day: bamboo grove & Tour Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:30: Meet at the hotel
9:45: Depart from the hotel
10:30: Tour the bamboo grove
12:15: Tour Ryoan-ji Temple
13:30: Lunch @ Gontaro
14:30: Tour Kinkaku-ji Temple
15:45: Disband at Kyoto Station

What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Arashiyama to Fushimi Inari? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests from North America at their hotel on time, explained the day's itinerary, and set off for our first destination, the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. The conversation flowed cheerfully even in the car, and in that pleasant mood I was able to guide them through Nonomiya Shrine, the bamboo grove, and Kameyama Park. Guiding this group — with one always making jokes and another quieter but intellectual — was a delight. One of the guests had gathered knowledge about Japanese culture before coming to Japan, which allowed us to have high-level conversations. In particular, the perspective on life from a Buddhist viewpoint at Ryoanji Temple made for a fascinating discussion. Although the guests had to wait a little for their turn at a soba restaurant, they finished their lunch entirely and cheerfully walked with me to Kinkakuji. I was concerned as one of the guests had trouble with their knee, but by walking slowly they kindly kept to our pace, for which I was grateful. After Kinkakuji, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. We traveled to Kyoto Station by bus and subway, and as the guiding end time had arrived, I explained how to get to Inari Station, and we parted ways at Kyoto Station.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	JR Kyoto Station～JR Saga-Arashiyama Station	240JPY
Section 2	Train	Randen Arashiyama Station～Randen Ryoanji Station	250JPY
Section 3	Bus	Kinkakuji-mae Station～Kitaoji Bus Terminal Station	230JPY
Section 4	Subway	Kitaoji Bus Terminal Station～Kyoto Station	260JPY
Total			980JPY

Tour Report by Toshi

After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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Apr 26, 2026
39ferdinandr
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional and entertaining
Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

Apr 9, 2026
X1429XKclaudiam
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sehr zu empfehlen
Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

Jun 28, 2025
WilliamAlfonso_R
Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi was…

May 30, 2025
Z
ZevP5
Best Tour Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

August, 2026

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

1.Hotel Sequence Miyashita Park (changed to 9:00 start)
2.Meiji Shrine 9:10-10:10
3.East Gardens 10:30-11:30
4.Fukagawa Edo Museum 11:45-12:15
5.Kiyosumi Garden 12:20-13:20 (lunch in the garden)
6.Asakusa 13:40-14:40
7.See off at Ueno Park, end 15:10

Title: What's a Private Cherry Blossom Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they mentioned an interest in history, I included the Fukagawa Edo Museum in the tour course. This year the cherry blossoms stayed in full bloom for a long period, so we made it in time before they fell, and we were blessed with good weather as well. For lunch, I recommended buying onigiri rice balls at a convenience store, and we ate them inside Kiyosumi Garden. At the end, I took the guests to Ueno Park, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, where we parted ways. We had a very enjoyable time, and the guests said they wished I could join them for Kyoto and Osaka on the following days as well.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Shibuya～Harajuku	146JPY
Section 2	Subway	Meiji-jingumae Station～Otemachi	209JPY
Section 3	Subway	Takebashi～Kiyosumi-shirakawa	178JPY
Section 4	Subway	Kiyosumi-shirakawa～Asakusa	178JPY
Section 5	Subway	Asakusa～Ueno	178JPY
Total			889JPY

Tour Report by Lance

I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

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Jul 4, 2026
317roxaneh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great time in Tokyo!
We had a great day with Lance! He…

Jul 1, 2026
Voyager795644
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo private family tour
Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

Jun 26, 2026
Leslie_B
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
This tour is amazing and…

Jun 17, 2026
JKing275
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo
Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

August, 2026

Gifu in One Day: Tsumago-juku

Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

08:30 Meet up @ Nakatsugawa Station
09:10 Board bus (Nakatsugawa Station → Magome)
09:40 Arrive at Magome & start trekking
10:40 Lunch takeout @ juri
12:00 Lunch @ Ichikokutochi Tateba Chaya
13:30 Arrive at Tsumago-juku
15:30 Board bus (Tsumago-juku → Nagiso Station)
16:00 Disband @ Nagiso Station

Title: What Is a Private Magome to Tsumago Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were interested in Japanese food and culture, and since they had experienced a samurai activity in Matsumoto the previous day, I focused our conversations along the way on samurai stories and Japan's history and culture. They enjoyed the atmosphere of Magome and Tsumago-juku while trekking, and were deeply moved by how peaceful and wonderful it was. We picked up lunch as takeout, and the group was very satisfied with the flavors. They seemed to have plans to visit Japan again, and said they would return when they do. The tour ended in a very warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Click here for more details: Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Bus	Nakatsugawa～Magome	800JPY
Section 2	Bus	Tsumago-juku～Nagiso	300JPY
Section 3	Train	Nagiso～Nakatsugawa	660JPY
Total			1,760JPY

Tour Report by Yoshi

Welcome to Japan! My name is Ryota Tsuchiya, and I am honored to be your guide during your journey in Japan.

With a deep passion for Japanese culture, history, and craftsmanship, I specialize in creating immersive travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing. My tours are designed to introduce you to the true essence of Japan—through hands-on experiences, engaging storytelling, and personal connections with local artisans and experts.

I have lived and studied abroad, gaining a deep appreciation for cross-cultural exchange. This background allows me to bridge the gap between Japan and international visitors, making history and traditions more accessible and enjoyable for you.

Based in Nagoya, I offer exclusive tours across central Japan, including Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shiga. Whether you are interested in exploring historic castles, learning traditional calligraphy, visiting artisan workshops, or experiencing local festivals, I guide each tour to match your interests and curiosity.

My goal is to ensure that your journey is not only memorable but also meaningful. I want you to leave Japan with a deeper understanding of its culture and a collection of unforgettable experiences.

Let’s embark on an extraordinary journey together. I look forward to sharing the wonders of Japan with you!

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Jul 14, 2025
wuschaefer
A wonderful hike with stunning views
Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a…

Jul 11, 2025
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Amazing
Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
Yoshi was very knowledgeable, gracious and friendly. My day…

Jul 8, 2025
Amanda_P
Nagoya
Viator review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
The tour was amazing!!! Yoshi contacted us right away…

Jul 4, 2025
844roryb
Nakasendo day hike
Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing walk along an ancient route…

August, 2026

Wakayama in One Day: Rengejo-in Temple Gathering & Okunoin

Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

9:00 Rengejo-in Temple Gathering　
9:00-10:00 Grand Mandala Offering viewing, Kondo Hall viewing　
10:00-11:10 Garan (Temple Complex) viewing
11:10-12:20 Kongobuji Temple viewing　
12:20-13:00 Lunch at Miyama
13:00-14:50 Okunoin stroll　
14:50-15:30 Shopping in town, Hoeimai Dance viewing
15:30 Dismissal

What Is a Private Koyasan Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were returning to Koyasan for the second time, having visited two years earlier, and were the type not easily satisfied by ordinary sightseeing spots. On the bus heading there, we happened to meet someone connected to a media crew and learned that a special ritual, the Dai-Mandala offering ceremony, would be held at the Garan complex, so I immediately guided the guests to the Garan. There was a procession of monks in dazzling robes and a chorus of sutra chanting. The guests were absorbed in taking photographs. Meanwhile, I checked with a monk at the reception about the flow and timing of the ceremony and whether we could enter the Kondo hall, and we followed the monks into the Kondo, where we saw a rarely displayed mandala, and we also entered the Konpon Daito pagoda. I feel this kind of luck is something the guests carry with them. The weather held throughout the day, and on the way back we also watched a performance of ritual chanting and dance. It was their first time on the short course at Okunoin and inside Kongobuji temple, and they enjoyed it. For me as well, it was a day of discovering a new side of Koyasan. Since the guests had come from Osaka in a rental car, we traveled by that car. For now, parking at Koyasan is free, but depending on the time of day, the lots can be full of cars and tour buses.

Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Yuki

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

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

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

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

May 23, 2026
189mirjamf
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
Sehr nette und…

August, 2026

Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Peace Memorial Museum

Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

11:30　Meet @ Hotel
12:00　Shukkeien Garden
13:00　Hiroshima Castle
14:30　Peace Park
15:30　Peace Memorial Museum
15:45　Dismissal @ Hotel

A Private Hiroshima Tour Report from a Licensed Guide: Shukkeien, Hiroshima Castle, and the Peace Park Today I made a serious mistake and I am truly reflecting on it. I mistakenly approached the wrong guests at a hotel. Someone came toward me with a smile, and when I said the name, they seemed to indicate that it was correct, so I completely got it wrong. (From next time, I will always bring a name board.) My actual guests were supposed to be from Oceania, but when this person mentioned Europe, I thought it was odd, yet we boarded the bus anyway. After a while, I received a phone call from my actual guests and realized the mistake. I quickly got off partway, and we took a taxi back to the hotel together. We ended up departing 30 minutes later than scheduled, and I apologized deeply. The guests were very kind and told me not to worry about it, and after that everything proceeded as planned (Shukkeien Garden → Hiroshima Castle → Peace Memorial Park) and we finished safely. At Shukkeien Garden many cherry blossoms were still in bloom, and combined with the original scenery it was so beautiful that they said it looked like a painting, and they took many, many photos. At Hiroshima Castle they entered the main keep and viewed the exhibits with great interest. After that, we went to the Peace Memorial Park and toured the Atomic Bomb Dome, the hypocenter, and other monuments. The guests asked many questions and were very enthusiastic.

Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Bus	Hiroshima Station～Shukkeien-mae	240JPY
Total			240JPY

Tour Report by Sachi

Welcome to Hiroshima! I have been guiding mainly Hiroshima City and Miyajima Island. As for Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome and other memorial monuments in the Memorial Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en garden and so on. As to Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji, Daishoin Temple, Five-storied Pagoda, Senjyo-kaku, and some other places on the Island. It is my great pleasure to guide you who have come to Hiroshima all the way from overseas. I will try to accommodate the guest’s needs. Thank you for visiting Hiroshima.

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Jun 25, 2026
Camper00811140773
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Hiroshima was so impactful
Had a wonderful tour despite rainy…

Oct 25, 2025
G557HMsues
Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
We went…

Jul 6, 2025
4
421louisev
Wonderful experience with Sachi in Hiroshima
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Sachi was such…

Apr 9, 2025
Tommie_T
Great tour of Hiroshima with Sachi
Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
Sachi, a lifelong Hiroshima…

August, 2026

Kanagawa in One Day: azake Chaya & Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

8:00 Hotel
8:20 Amazake Chaya
10:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
11:20 Hakone Shrine
12:00 Lunch (Fukao Soba)
13:00 Narukawa Art Museum
13:30 Hakone Checkpoint
14:00 Hotel

Private Hakone Tour Report from a Government-Licensed Japan Guide Agency Guide The guests were newlyweds visiting from North America. They were a pleasant group, and one of them was involved in a coffee-related business that also exports to Japan. Since I was not very familiar with the geography of their home region, they kindly explained various things about it. The weather was fair, and although we were not able to see Mount Fuji, the guests were satisfied because on the previous day's tour toward Lake Kawaguchi they had seen Mount Fuji under clear skies. We had some difficulty choosing a dining location and menu due to dietary considerations. There had also been a request in advance to ride a scenic train, so after confirming with the guests on the day, we took the mountain railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Chokoku-no-Mori Station.

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Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Hakone-Yumoto～Chokoku-no-Mori	460JPY
Total			460JPY

Tour Report by SHO

In February 2017, I registered with Kanagawa prefecture as a National Interpreter Guide in English. Since then, I have guided mainly in Tokyo and Kamakura and Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, except during the corona virus epidemic. In addition, in February 2022, I became a Hakone Adventure Travel Guide certified by the Hakone DMO. I am especially good at walking and hiking tours. Here are my recommendations for Tokyo and Hakone.

Tokyo – Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is formally known as the Edo castle, the stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This place has been the residence of emperor of Japan since after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The palace with a compound of 1.15 million square metere consists of the main palace where ceremonies and functions are held, the resindence of the Emperor and Empress, and the East Garden containing the ruins of Tensyukaku Donjon. The Chowadn Hall, located in the main Imperial Palace, is noted for the New Year’s visit by the general public to the Imperial Palace.

Tokyo – Asakusa
Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo, which is reminiscent of the Edo period. This district has been flourishing as a temple town of Senso-ji, the oldest and the largest temple in Tokyo, Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” the outer gate of the temple is very famous as a landmark of Asakusa for its huge red lantern. Both domestinc and foreign tourists flock to thie venerable temple and the shopping arcade called “Nakamise” in the compound, the best place to buy traditional Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo.

Hakone – Owakudani Valley
One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hakone. There are exploded craters, which were formed by the last phreatic eruption of Hakone Volcano about 3,000 years ago, and activer sulfur and hot stream vents. White smoke envelops the desolate ground to this day, and you can feel the intensity of a active volcano. This place is also a popular viewing spot for Mt. Fuji.

Hakone – Jinja Shrine
Hakone Jinja Shrine is famous for its Shinto shrine archway of Peace, which was founded in its current location in 757 based on a revelation of the priest Mangan. Manga was famous priest who trained in strict ascetic practices and pacified the nen-headed dragon that lived at the bootm of Lake Ashi, and history is still handed down to people today.

Hakone – Check Point
Tokugawa shogun placed 53 sekisy (facility of inspection) on major roads across the nation to defend Edo (current Tokyo). Hakone Sekisho was one of the largest and was thought to be important among them. Hakone Sekisyo was placed on the current location in 1619, during an early period of Edo Era. One of the main roles of sekisho was to control “incoming guns and outgoing women”, which means to prevent wapons from being brought into Edo and wives and children of feudal lords from fleeing from Edo. However, Hakone Sekisho did not inspect “incoming guns” andseverely inspected “outgoing women”. Sekisho which operatef for about 260 years furing Edo Era, was dissoloved in the next years of 1868, when government changed.

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May 21, 2025
aileenhs1739
Great day!
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great way to see Mt Fuji with low stress!…

Apr 5, 2025
aradhnaa
Perfect day
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sho was absolutely wonderful. He arrived early at our…

Nov 9, 2024
jennifergW1707MI
Great way to see all the beauty Hakone had to offer
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide…

August, 2026

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hirano Shrine

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

April, 2025

Tour Itinerary

10:30 Meet @ Kyoto Station
10:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha
12:30 Nishiki Market + Lunch
14:15 Kinkaku-ji
15:10 Hirano Shrine
16:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station

Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour from a Cruise Ship at Kobe Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were traveling by cruise ship, arriving at Kobe Port and taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto, so we met a little earlier than planned. One of the guests had difficulty going up and down stairs, so they waited in the vehicle for all locations except Nishiki Market. Since the return Shinkansen was moved a little earlier, we advanced the schedule slightly. After leaving Kinkaku-ji, one of the guests realized they had left their smartphone at a shop and went back to retrieve it, so instead of the originally planned Sanjusangendo Hall, we visited Hirano Shrine to see the cherry blossoms. The guests purchased a Shichi-Go-San kimono set and Kyoto folding fans as souvenirs, and they were very pleased.

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Tour Report by Hiro

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!

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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…

August, 2026

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