Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00　Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo Mejiro
    • 2. 10:30　@ Roppongi Hills ("Maman" statue, stone monument of General Nogi's birthplace)
    • 3. 11:30　@ Aoyama Cemetery
    • 4. 12:45　@ The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 5. 13:20　Lunch @ Tokyo Midtown Roppongi
    • 6. 14:40　@ Nogi Shrine
    • 7. 16:00　Disband @ Hotel Tokyo Mejiro

    Can You Do a Private, Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour of Roppongi and Aoyama in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. The day before the tour, upon arriving in Japan, they had made their way from Narita Airport to their hotel in the Mejiro area using public transportation, transferring from the Keisei Liner to the Yamanote Line. They live near the west coast of North America, and since they normally live surrounded by nature, they expressed how much they looked forward to traveling to big cities with very different environments, such as New York and Tokyo. They planned to spend about four days in Tokyo and also to visit Kyoto and Osaka. Based on their request for a tour of unusual, less crowded places—excluding Yanaka, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya, which they planned to visit on another day—I guided them mainly around Roppongi, including Aoyama Cemetery and Nogi Shrine. Since their hotel was right next to Gakushuin University, I explained that today we would visit the shrine dedicated to Maresuke Nogi, who had once served as its president, and we boarded the Yamanote Line from Mejiro Station. We transferred to the Oedo Line at Yoyogi Station and headed to Roppongi Station. First, while introducing Roppongi Hills, I guided them to the stone monument marking the birthplace of Maresuke Nogi at its foot. Next, we went to Aoyama Cemetery. I had already set a fairly slow walking pace from the start, but because one of the guests was experiencing pain, we frequently looked for benches to sit and rest. Given these walking conditions, I had wanted to show General Nogi's grave but gave up on that idea, and instead we visited the grave of Eizaburo Ueno, associated with the Hachiko monument, before heading to the National Art Center, Tokyo. At the guests' request, one of them waited at the café on the first floor while I guided the other up to the third floor. At Tokyo Midtown Roppongi that followed, they enjoyed lunch at an udon restaurant, having cold udon topped with tempura. We then visited a supermarket, and while enjoying mitarashi dango and a chocolate pie purchased there, we had a pleasant chat at a terrace table. One of the guests began to feel that visiting any further places would be too difficult and was inclined to return to the hotel. Since Nogi Shrine was only about a ten-minute walk away and part of the group wished to visit, they discussed it together, and only part of the group visited Nogi Shrine while the other continued to wait at the outdoor table over tea. Because they wanted to learn the proper way to worship at a shrine before visiting shrines in Kyoto, I was able to explain this at Nogi Shrine. I also shared the life of General Nogi, including his relationship with Emperor Meiji, and at the adjacent Nogi Residence next to the shrine, they were able to see the room where he met his end. They observed everything with great interest and asked questions about the Russo-Japanese War and the background of his suicide by sword. As promised, we returned and reunited within 40 minutes, and from there we all returned to the hotel together. Although we were not able to visit Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Tower as originally planned, the guests seemed very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Mejiro Station～Yoyogi Station170JPY
    Section 2TrainToei Oedo Line Yoyogi Station～Roppongi Station900JPY
    Section 3TrainToei Oedo Line Roppongi Station～Yoyogi Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Yoyogi Station～Mejiro Station170JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky building & Nanba

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky building & Nanba

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9：00 Holiday Inn & Suites Shin Osaka
    • 9:00-11:00 Umeda Sky building
    • 11:00-12:35 Nakanoshima rose garden
    • 12:35-13:15 Nanba
    • Around 13:15 End of the tour

    A travel agency appeared to be involved, but there was no communication at all, and when an unanswered inquiry was made to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), a reply came via a messaging app belonging to one of the guests. I confirmed the tour plan and the hotel for the pickup, but there was no response whatsoever about these details, so I assumed everything was being left to me. On the night before the tour, when the guests were about roughly checked into their hotel, I sent another confirmation email, and to my surprise, the reply said it was not that hotel. When I asked whether they had purchased an e-ticket for Osaka Castle, the answer was that they did not want to go to Osaka Castle. All the plans I had carefully prepared were of no use, so from late that night I began researching the places the guests wanted to visit. Some were places I had never been to before, so I checked the routes. Wishing they had replied a little sooner so that I could have scouted the locations in advance, I nevertheless incorporated all of their requested places into the route. Only for Namba Parks, the guests kept referring to it as "Namba park" or "Namba lake," which was quite confusing, so I sent an explanation of Namba Parks in English, and on the day itself I went with them all the way to Nankai Namba Station to explain how to get there. There was one more request: they wanted to buy a Rikuro Ojisan cheesecake, so we went there, and while waiting in line to place the order, I also guided them on how to get to Ebisubashi, explained that Shinsaibashi was just beyond it, provided a map of the area and information on the subway for their return, and then we parted ways. Just Dotonbori alone would have been easy, but the places they wanted to visit were scattered all over Namba, and moving smoothly was difficult, so it was quite challenging, but it offered a different kind of stimulation from familiar tourist spots. The guests were delighted with the family photos and the images I turned into Ghibli-style anime using ChatGPT.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka～Umeda240JPY
    Section 2SubwayUmeda～Yodoyabashi190JPY
    Section 3SubwayKitahama～Namba240JPY
    Total670JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
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    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: Hosenin & Nanzenji and Suirokaku

    Kyoto in One Day: Hosenin & Nanzenji and Suirokaku

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
    • 09:40 Hosenin (900) by taxi
    • 10:30 Sanzenin (700) by walking
    • 11:50 Philosopher's Path by taxi
    • Ootoyo jinja by walking
    • 12:20 Nanzenji and Suirokaku by walking
    • Okazaki Park by walking
    • Lunch( yatai no omusoba）
    • 14:00 ZEST OIKE, UNDERGROUND SHOPPING AREA for sake tasting by walking
    • 　　　KYONO SAKEDOKORO 1038　　
    • 14:30 Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo by walking
    • End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Away from the Crowds Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania, where they run a large farm with over 1,000 sheep, cattle, and deer. From the start they said they wanted to avoid crowds, so I had planned an itinerary of Hosen-in and Sanzen-in in Ohara, followed by Ginkaku-ji temple. However, when the guests saw the flow of people heading toward Ginkaku-ji, they gave up on it and said they would rather walk the Philosopher's Path. On the way we stopped at Otoyo Shrine, known for its guardian mice, and continued to Nanzen-ji temple. Rather than climbing the Sanmon gate, we peeked at the dragon on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall, visited the Suirokaku aqueduct, and checked the water flowing toward the Philosopher's Path. After that, we saw the great torii gate of Heian Shrine and thought about having lunch at Rohm Theatre, but it was fully booked with a long wait. We tried a nearby restaurant, but it was CLOSED. So instead we all bought the same omelette-soba from a food stall in Okazaki Park and had lunch on a park bench. In its own way, I think this became quite a nice memory. After lunch, since the guests had contacted me two days before the tour saying they wanted to do a sake tasting, I took them to a standing bar in the Oike underground shopping arcade that I had once visited privately. They had six of the shop's recommended sakes poured into 60ml glasses and enjoyed drinking them happily. This seemed to be the highlight of their day. After that, the guests said they wanted to return to the hotel, so although it was a little early, I saw them off at the Hotel and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashiyama～Kyoto City Hall220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    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!

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    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Viewing the Aoi Festival & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Viewing the Aoi Festival & Sanjusangendo

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Arrive at hotel
    • 11:50 Viewing the Aoi Festival (near Shimogamo Shrine)
    • 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple > Sannenzaka > Koshin-do Temple
    • 14:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:30 Sanjusangendo
    • 15:50 Disperse after viewing

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo Body: Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. After arriving from Hiroshima the previous night, they had already explored the Gion area, so today we skipped Gion and headed to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Afterward, since we still had a little time, we visited Sanjusangendo. One of the guests said this was the most enjoyable part of the tour, so although the tour ran slightly longer than planned, I was glad we went. Because summer hours were in effect, ticket sales ended at 16:30 and the site closed at 17:00, so I was relieved that we made it in time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Kanazawa by Car

    Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Kanazawa by Car

    Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Kanazawa by Car, Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 8:30 Depart from hotel
    • Travel to Shirakawa-go
    • AM 09:45-PM 12:00 Stroll through Ogimachi, Observation Deck, Wada House tour, Myozenji Temple
    • Travel to Gokayama On the way, lunch break PM 12:30-13:20
    • PM 13:30 -14:15 Gokayama, stroll through Ainokura village
    • Travel to Suganuma village
    • PM 14:30 -14:50 Viewing from the parking lot observation deck
    • Travel to Kanazawa On the way, via Johana
    • PM 16:00 Arrive at hotel, tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama from Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors who travel abroad about three times a year. I had heard from the driver about the previous day's city tour in Kanazawa. Since one of the guests needed to sit in the front passenger seat, that seat was used throughout the tour. Because steps were difficult, I tried to avoid stairs as much as possible in each village, but for the highlight of the gassho-style thatched-roof houses, the interior visit was limited to the first floor while the guest waited. For that reason, we saved a considerable amount of time in each village, but the guests enjoyed taking photos of the main spots. As we had a little time to spare, on the way back to Kanazawa we stopped at Zentoku-ji Temple in Johana, Nanto City, before returning to the Hotel. In the end there were no issues, and I believe the guests were pleased.

    Click here for more details: Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Kanazawa by Car, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusOgimachi～Ogimachi Observation Deck300JPY
    Section 2BusOgimachi Observation Deck～Ogimachi300JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Request Booking

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:45 Hotel→13:30 Hamarikyu→15:30 Akihabara→15:45 Ginza→Hotel 16:30

    What Is a Private Half-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Akihabara, and Ginza The guests visited from Oceania and had just arrived that morning, so they were feeling a little tired. Following the itinerary and requests made in advance, we went to Hamarikyu Gardens, but the guests were not very interested, remarking that they had hoped to see cherry blossoms and that there were no flowers. The size of the garden and the heat left them tired, but in front of the 300-year-old pine tree they looked happy and took photos together. A taxi happened to stop nearby, so we got in and headed to Akihabara. They were surprisingly pleased by the energy and novelty of the area. We took a break at a cafe, including a restroom stop, so they could rest (meanwhile the guide researched the surrounding area). Having regained a little energy, we returned to Yurakucho and I guided them around the Ginza area. Since the hotel was nearby, I saw them off there and we parted ways. A half-day tour is also scheduled in May, but the guests said they had not been informed and would contact me the next day. Thank you very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza-itchome～Shiodome290JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara～Yurakucho150JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Silvy

    Hi Sawadeeka. I’m Silvy. I was born in Tokyo and grew up in Yokohama. I went college in Southern CA, master degree in Bangkok Thailand. I myself love to travel not only within Japan but also in the world. Love any kinds of music. Also well knowledge of Bunraku, puppet Kabuki. Bookworm, Minimalist and movie lover.
    I will be more than happy to assist you anytime. Also learning Spanish! สวัสดีคา ดิฉันชื่อซิลวี่ ยินดีที่ได้รู้จักค่ะ ดิฉันพูดภาษาอังกฤษและภาษาไทยได้ เพราะจบปริญญาโทจากเอแบค และเรียนภาษาไทยที่จุฬาฯ แต่ภาษาไทยของดิฉันยังไม่ค่อยดีเท่าไหร่ค่ะ คนไทยช่วยติดต่อฉันด้วยนะคะ!

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    May 25, 2025
    Myra_F
    Read reviews before booking
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good tour
    Make sure you read other reviews…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meeting at their hotel
    • 2. 9:10 Arriving at Hiroshima Station
    • 3. 10:20 Arriving at Miyajima Island
    • 4. 10:40 Visiting Itsukushima Shrine
    • 5. 11:30 Lunch at the KUWARANKA
    • 6. 12:10 Taking Ferry
    • 7. 13:05 Returning to Hiroshima station
    • 8. 13:35 Arriving at Hiroshima Castle Garden
    • 9. 14:10 Visiting the A-bomb Dome, Hiroshima National Prayer Hall, and other monuments 10. 15:30 Visiting the Museum
    • 11. 16:30 Goodbye in front of their hotel

    **Title:** What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** The guests seemed to greatly enjoy the architectural style of Itsukushima Shrine. They were also interested in the differences in the shape of mountains in Japan compared to those elsewhere, as well as the calmness of the waves in the Seto Inland Sea. In addition, they were very interested in the wars Japan experienced after the Meiji Restoration and the atomic bombing, which I explained in the garden of Hiroshima Castle. In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome, they asked about residual radiation and raised a question about why the area returned to roughly its pre-bombing condition within about a year. They said the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was delicious and that they were glad they had come to Hiroshima.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusChuden-mae～Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station840JPY
    Section 3BusHiroshima Station～Hiroshima Castle240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:50 Visit @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 11:25 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:20 Break @ Doutor Coffee Shop Kaminarimon 2-chome Store
    • 6. 13:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 7. 14:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:40 Visit @ Takeshita Street
    • 9. 15:25 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:30 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11. 16:05 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 16:40 Disband @ Ikebukuro Station West Exit

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Takeshita Street, and Ikebukuro The guests were from North America. In our prior contact through a messaging app, I had understood they were active travelers, but perhaps due to the bad weather in the morning, one of the guests seemed to be in quite poor condition. We first moved by subway, and I considered using a taxi depending on the situation, but in the end we stayed with the subway all the way through. I had thought a 6-hour itinerary would leave some spare time, but because we walked slowly to match the pace of the guests, this course filled the time just right. In Asakusa, we had a coffee break before heading to Senso-ji Temple, and since we did not have lunch, this served as a substitute for a lunch break. One of the guests had difficulty walking through crowded places like Takeshita Street, but did not want to be a bother and told us to go ahead, yet kept walking with us all the way through. After confirming the location of the hotel at Ikebukuro Station, we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIkebukuro Station～Korakuen Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassIidabashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya Station～Ikebukuro Station0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    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.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

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    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
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    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Egret Himeji & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Egret Himeji (Rooftop)
    • 10:45 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 11:30 @ Himeji Castle (including break)
    • 13:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 14:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    What Can You See on a Private Himeji Castle Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and they moved around smoothly throughout the day. The first stop was the rooftop of "Egret Himeji," located on the south side of the castle, which offered a wonderful panoramic view of Himeji Castle that the guests greatly enjoyed. At "Koko-en Garden," the guests seemed very interested in the plants and had a great time there. At "Himeji Castle," everyone listened attentively to the guide's explanations with great interest. At the final stop, "Nadagiku Sake Brewery," the guests enjoyed both the free and paid sake tastings, and purchased sake as well as cosmetics made from sake (soap, perhaps) as souvenirs.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
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    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
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    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
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    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @Four Seasons at Marunouchi
    • 10:35 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @Gonpachi Nori Temaki
    • 13:00 Ura-Harajuku ~ Takeshita Street
    • 13:45 Shibuya (Hachiko ~ Scramble Crossing ~ JR Travel Service Center)
    • 14:30 Nihonbashi Takashimaya Pokemon Center
    • 15:00 Stroll from Nihonbashi to Yaesu
    • 15:20 Disband @Four Seasons at Marunouchi

    Title: What Is a Private Family Roots Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. When I first saw a phone number beginning with a certain country code, I joked that the heat should be no problem for them, only to realize the code indicated they were coming from North America. Part of the group had Japanese heritage, but they did not speak Japanese. This was a trip the group had arranged to trace their family roots — a thoughtful idea that impressed me. Because the sunlight was strong today, some of the guests went back to their room to fetch hats, which delayed our departure slightly. I also decided to skip Yoyogi Park, which would have been demanding, and added the Pokémon Center instead. As before, we saved time by taking a taxi from Shinjuku Gyoen to the Kita-sando entrance of Meiji Jingu, and walking through the forest along the Kita-sando path turned out to be a good choice. Today we were able to get into Gonpachi smoothly, and the guests enjoyed the open sushi so much that they ordered more. I also helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets for the Tokyo–Kyoto–Shinagawa route.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Tokyo～JR Shinjuku208JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Harajuku～JR Shibuya146JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza Line Shibuya～Ginza Line Nihonbashi209JPY
    Total563JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

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

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

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

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

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