Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet at Celestine Gion
    • 1000 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 1030 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 1130 Kodai-ji Temple, Maruyama Park
    • 1230 Yasaka Shrine
    • 1300 Gion
    • 1330 Disband at Ramen Kamukura

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for a group visiting from North America. The pace was fairly relaxed, but we managed to see many places without taking too many breaks. Along the way, one of the guests wanted a kokeshi doll, so we stopped at a shop. Some of the guests did not seem particularly interested in temples, shrines, or various topics and did not join in the conversation much, but at a character goods store on Ninenzaka their eyes really lit up. At the end, the guests wanted to eat ramen, so I guided them to a ramen restaurant, where we parted ways.

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    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel~10:40 Imperial Palace Outer Garden~11:30 East Gardens~12:20 Asakusa~14:20 Sumida Park~15:00 Meiji Shrine~16:10 Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan the day before and planned to stay in the country for a little over two weeks. Although the tour route had been decided in advance, on the morning of the tour the guests contacted me with a request for additional destinations, so we reviewed and finalized the route together before starting. The guests repeatedly remarked on how clean the streets were and how there was no litter. After visiting the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, they expressed a wish to see the East Gardens, so we visited there on short notice as well. After finishing at Meiji Shrine, they had originally planned to go to Shibuya, but since they said they wanted to see the Godzilla in Shinjuku, I guided them there instead. Outside of Tokyo, I heard that they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Instead of a regular lunch, we enjoyed the melon bread from Kagetsudo in Asakusa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Sakuradamon700JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I am Tatsu. I am a Government-Licensed English tour guide-interpreter. I was born and raised in Tokyo and lived in Hiroshima for 5 years and also in New York for 5 years. My wife and I have been married for about 40 years and we have three sons. In 1976, I sailed from Tokyo to New York to participate in the Bicentennial ceremony. When I was in New York with my family, our two sons went to a public school. They were helped by local people very much. And now it’s my turn to help you. I am a certified Buddhist English Guide. So, I can guide you to a temple with some explanation about Buddhism. I have been guiding foreign visitors since 2018, and as of October 2025, I have guided more than 550 guests. Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 23, 2025
    marcelinoz306
    Exceptional tour of Tokyo with Tatsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the most amazing time…

    Apr 22, 2025
    Travel20321800377
    Great first time in Japan with private tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Tatsu…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel in Hiroshima City
    • 9:10-10:20 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:20-12:20 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 12:20-13:20 Travel to hotel in Hiroshima City
    • 13:20 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour in Cherry Blossom Season Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. The weather at Miyajima was fine and the cherry blossoms were at their best, so they took many photos and appeared to thoroughly enjoy Miyajima, savoring grilled oysters with great delight. The guests had a strong interest in sports, particularly rugby, and also showed keen interest in Hiroshima's machinery industries, including its automobile sector. Since they did not have an IC card, all transportation tickets and other fares were paid in cash, which resulted in some loss of time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakaramachi-kita~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 4BusHiroshima Station~Tanakamachi240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. After completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima—and have now lived here for over 42 years. I earned a Ph.D. through a national university’s professional program while working at Mazda Motor Corporation. Five years before retiring from the company, I was seconded to Hiroshima University, a national university, where I served as a specially appointed professor. In addition to my domestic career, I spent a total of about five and a half years living and working abroad. These international experiences have given me valuable cross-cultural understanding and the ability to connect comfortably with guests from around the world. Currently, as a Hiroshima Prefectural Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, I introduce visitors not only to famous attractions such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, but also to the local lifestyle, culture, and culinary delights, tailored to your interests. I hope to provide each guest with a memorable experience that stays in your heart.
    I look forward to meeting you here in Hiroshima!

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

    Jun 25, 2026
    52leannei
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing day trip and tour to Hiroshima
    My family…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Shannon_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide was amazing. He…
    Our guide was amazing. He…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Thomas L
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with a Great Guide
    Our guide Kazuhisa…

  • Tokyo: Toro Station & Fuyou-en

    Tokyo: Toro Station & Fuyou-en

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet guests at hotel
    • 12:50 Arrive at Toro Station
    • 13:05 Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
    • 14:20 Mansei-en
    • 14:45 Seikou-en
    • 15:15 Fuyou-en
    • 15:30 Depart Toro Station
    • 16:15 Say goodbye at Shinjuku

    What Is a Private Bonsai Tour in Omiya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had wanted to come to Japan for a trip a few years ago, but were unable to due to COVID, so they made the trip this time. As some of the guests owned a couple of bonsai and were interested in them, they had signed up for the bonsai tour. At the Bonsai Art Museum, they took photos in front of the largest bonsai and remarked how wonderful the stone-attached bonsai were. At Seikoen there were many bonsai pots, and they mentioned they would like to purchase one, but the only pot shaped like Mount Fuji that they had taken a liking to did not have a hole in the back and could only be used as a vase, so they had to give up on buying it and seemed disappointed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Toro590JPY
    Section 2TrainToro~Shinjuku590JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

    Jun 17, 2026
    Shoney M
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kahori Tour
    Kahori was an excellent tour guide. We also worked…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:45 Meet up @ Hotel 〈Asakusa-Ekimae〉
    • 2. 08:50 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:30 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 4. 11:20 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:40 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 12:00 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:30 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8. 12:45 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo
    • 9. 13:40 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 14:00 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11. 15:15 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Tsukiji, and the East Gardens The guests were visitors from North America. They came down to the lobby quite early, so we were able to start the tour smoothly. Since we arrived at Shinjuku Gyoen about 30 minutes ahead of schedule, we spent a fairly long time there. When deciding where to have lunch, I learned that the guests enjoyed Japanese omurice, which made the food court at Tsukiji Uogashi an ideal choice. The guests kindly purchased Hidaka kombu at a kelp shop I regularly rely on, which I greatly appreciated. Although we stayed a little longer at Tsukiji than planned, I was still able to guide them through the East Gardens more or less as usual. At the end, I explained how to get back to Asakusa Station from Otemachi Station, and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa Station~Shinjuku-sanchome Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & ASAKUSA

    Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & ASAKUSA

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet in the lobby of the B Ginza
    • 9:30 1. TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 10:30 2. HAMA-RIKYU GARDEN
    • 11:45 3. Tokyo Water Bus
    • 1:00 4. ASAKUSA
    • 2:00 5. UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 3:00 See off in the Ueno Park

    What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hama-rikyu, and Asakusa This was a booking arranged through a travel agency. The guests came from Oceania. We were able to break the ice by talking about rugby and Les Mills fitness programs. At the first stop, Tsukiji, I mentioned at the start that many shops are closed on Wednesdays, but in fact many were open, and the guests enjoyed snacking on tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet). At Hama-rikyu Gardens, the rape blossoms and cherry blossoms were still very much in season and the guests enjoyed them. They tried matcha at the Nakajima teahouse, though their impression was that it was too bitter and not to their taste. Since it was warm and the weather was lovely from the morning, the guests were delighted with the ride along the Sumida River on the water bus. We continued together to stops in Asakusa and Ueno, and I took my leave within Ueno Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    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 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.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:10 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 10:55 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Inataya Palace Building Branch
    • 13:10 Purchase Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo Station
    • 14:05 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 15:25 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The weather was fairly good, and we were able to enjoy the tour. One member of the group grew tired around Takebashi, left early, and returned by taxi. After helping them into the taxi and confirming the destination, we said goodbye there. The rest of the guests continued throughout, though one member wished to sit down at Asakusa, so I guided them to a bench, where they settled in and said they would wait there. At Shinjuku Gyoen the guests enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom and took many photos. After seeing the cherry blossoms at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided them to a soba restaurant, where they found the food delicious and finished the whole meal. Since they needed Shinkansen tickets for the next day, I guided them from the Palace Hotel to Tokyo Station, where they purchased the tickets. After guiding them to Asakusa, I saw them back to their hotel and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Shinjuku Gyoen900JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagaya~Iidabashi167JPY
    Section 3TrainIidabashi~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 4TrainNihonbashi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza0JPY
    Total1,067JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 9:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Center Gai, Hachiko Statue
    • 3. 10:15 Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Yoyogi Park
    • 5. 12:40 Takeshita Street
    • 6. 14:00 Omotesando
    • 7. 15:00 Disband near Omotesando Hills

    What's a Private Day Tour of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando Like in Tokyo? A Guide's Report The guests visiting from North America arrived with prior communication in which they had already shared the places they had previously visited, so before departure we confirmed the planned destinations for the day: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando. Regarding Nezu Shrine, which was another place they had requested, I explained that it was located somewhat far away and that we might not be able to visit it depending on how the itinerary went, and then we began the tour. After visiting Shibuya, we moved to the Harajuku area. At Meiji Shrine, after paying their respects, they also tried writing ema votive plaques and drawing omikuji fortunes. After enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Yoyogi Park and shopping and street food along Takeshita Street, they enjoyed shopping for shoes and accessories in Omotesando. Since they had a lot of shopping bags, we ended the tour in Omotesando, and they appeared to be very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Shibuya330JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hello, I’m Miho Ozawa, and I’ve been working as a government licenced guide interpreter for six years in Tokyo. I live in east Tokyo with my family, including my three children, and I love art, gardens, photography and traveling.
    It’s such a pleasure to explore this fascinating city Tokyo with you. There are so many things you can do, although sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do within a limited time. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what you would like to do or where you would like to visit in Tokyo. I would be happy to help you plan to make your trip a memorable one. I’m forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Apr 18, 2026
    CRM
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day 1 Japan Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
    Miho was an amazing tour guide.…

    Mar 31, 2026
    M
    maaz06
    Private Half Day tour with Government Licenced Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our half day…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Maria_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant half Day Private tour customized to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Rick_G
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun day out with Miho
    We had a great time exploring the…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Rinnoji Temple
    • 8:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 9:10 Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden
    • 9:40 Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 10:30 Coffee break @ Ueshima Coffee Shop
    • 11:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:20 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:40 Coffee break @ Saryo
    • 13:10 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 14:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 15:20 Tour ends @ Nikko Municipal Parking Lot

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had been staying near Lake Chuzenji for the previous couple of days and were traveling by rental car on their own, so the meeting point was originally the large parking lot at Toshogu Shrine. However, since it is difficult to find each other in such a wide parking lot, we decided to meet at the ticket counter of Rinnoji Temple instead. They mentioned that they usually do not eat much for lunch and would be fine with just a coffee for a break, so we took coffee breaks frequently. (Personally, going without lunch was quite hard for me.) The guests said they are used to walking a lot, and going up and down stairs took some time. Photography and plants were among their interests, and they seemed to really enjoy the Shoyoen Garden at Rinnoji Temple. They were a wonderful group with very warm personalities, and we chatted a great deal throughout the day, making it a very enjoyable time.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

    Nov 10, 2025
    Salutory
    A fascinating tour with a friendly and knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Yumi…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at hotel (Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan) → 13:10-14:00 Takayama Jinya – on foot → 14:10-15:00 Sanmachi Suji – taxi → 15:10-16:30 Hida no Sato – taxi → 16:50 Arrive at hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Takayama Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, the plan had been to visit only Takayama Jinya and the Sanmachi Suji old town, but when I met the guests on the day, they expressed a wish to see gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. For this reason, I added Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village) to the itinerary. As it was a weekday and still a little early for cherry blossom season, all of the sightseeing spots were relatively uncrowded. Since taking a bus to Hida no Sato would have required going all the way to Takayama Station, I obtained the guests' consent and we used a taxi instead. On the way there, we waited about 15 minutes for the taxi to arrive. On the way back, a taxi happened to be nearby, so the wait was only about 5 minutes. At Sanmachi Suji, the guests loved the atmosphere of the town and purchased items such as chopsticks, Hida beef sushi, and Hida beef croquettes. At Hida no Sato, they enjoyed the gassho-zukuri houses, the quiet mood, and the views of the Hida Mountains.

    I am good at factory tours (sake, food, etc.), restaurants and entertainments for adult (pub, karaoke, snack bar, etc.).
    I have been to 91 countrires. And I traveled around the world (14 countrires) for three month in 2023.
    I like travel and I prefer vist islands in Japan. I have been to 232 islands in Japan.
    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I am also Certified General Travel Services Manager, and Certified Domestic Tour Conductor.
    I had worked 35 years at Japanese beer company until last year. So, I like drinking very much.

    Welcome to Elvis’s guided tours! With a passion for Japan, I offer you an unforgettable experience exploring Japan. As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I ensure you not only see the sights but also understand the stories behind them.

    My guided tours are tailored to suit your interests, whether you’re intrigued by the ancient history of Japan, captivated by its vibrant culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. With me, you’ll delve deep into the heart of [location], discovering hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists never experience.

    I bring to life the rich history of [location], narrating its tales of triumphs and tribulations with passion and flair. From the ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to the modern marvels that define its skyline, each tour is a journey through time, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

    Beyond history, I also showcase the vibrant culture of Japan, introducing you to its arts, cuisine, and traditions. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of local cuisine, exploring traditional crafts, or immersing yourself in festive celebrations, I ensure you experience the true essence of Japan.

    As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring smooth communication and enriching interactions with locals. Whether you’re bargaining at a bustling market or conversing with a local artisan, I’m there to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

    My guided tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about creating lasting memories. I strive to make each tour informative, engaging, and, above all, fun! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, I tailor the experience to suit your preferences, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for Japan.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery, join me on a guided tour that goes beyond the ordinary. Let me show you the wonders of Japan through the eyes of a passionate guide interpreter. Your adventure awaits!

    Apr 2, 2026
    Paul_M
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    Totally worth the cost! Thanks Elvis!
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