Category: Uncategorized

  • Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & JR Shin-Osaka Sta

    Kagawa in One Day: Takamatsu Port & JR Shin-Osaka Sta

    Tour Itinerary

    • (Kaji)
    • 08:12 Takamatsu Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:02 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult)
    • 07:11 JR Osaka
    • by Shinkansen
    • 07:55 JR Okayama
    • 08:05 JR Okayama
    • by taxi
    • 09:00 Uno Port
    • 09:22 Uno Port
    • by ferry
    • 09:42 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • 09:44 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop [Meet]
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult and Kaji)
    • 10:00 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • by town bus
    • 10:14 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • 10:30 Tsutsujiso Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 10:35 Lee Ufan Museum Bus Stop
    • 10:40~11:45 Lee Ufan Museum & Valley Gallery
    • on foot
    • 12:00 ~14:00 Chichu Art Museum (including lunch at the café in the museum)
    • 14:10 Chichu Art Museum Bus Stop
    • by Benesse bus
    • 14:14 Benesse House Museum Bus Stop
    • 14:20~15:45 Benesse House Museum and Outdoor Art Works (including “Yellow Pumpkin”)
    • 15:50 Tustsujiso Bus Stop
    • 16:03 Miyanoura Port Bus Stop
    • Outdoor Art Works (including “Red Pumpkin”)
    • 16:20[Say goodbye]
    • (Catherine De Jonghe & 1 Adult)
    • 16:35 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • by ferry
    • 16:55 Uno Port
    • 17:00 Uno Port
    • by taxi
    • 18:00 JR Okayama Sta.
    • 18:58 JR Okayama Sta.
    • by Shinkansen Nozomi 54
    • 19:43 JR Shin-Osaka Sta.
    • (Kaji)
    • 17:00 Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)
    • by ferry
    • 18:00 Takamatsu Port

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Naoshima Art Island Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Europe on Naoshima Art Island. One of the guests was very kind, cheerful, and fun to be around. I had reserved a taxi at JR Okayama Station and even showed the pickup location on a map, but they ended up taking a different taxi to Uno Port. Fortunately, no cancellation issue arose. When I asked why they hadn't taken the reserved taxi, they said their mind went blank upon arriving at Okayama Station and they simply forgot. I found their easygoing and lighthearted nature quite charming. Another of the guests loved art very much and knew almost all of the artists on Naoshima, which surprised me. They toured the works with great enthusiasm. They described Lee Ufan, whom many guests generally show little interest in, as a minimalist, and were very moved. The two got along wonderfully. From May, they planned to travel to Naoshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, and I felt honored that they chose to include Naoshima. On the way back, they contacted me via a messaging app to let me know that boarding the reserved taxi from Uno Port to JR Okayama Station went smoothly. It was a truly enjoyable day of guiding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMiyanoura Port~Tsutsujiso100JPY
    Section 2BusTsutsujiso~Miyanoura Port100JPY
    Total200JPY

    Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.

    Apr 19, 2026
    2Pippin2
    Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A day to remember
    Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
    added so…

    Oct 23, 2025
    C
    Calli_C
    This was a great day tour…
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a great day…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Vanessa_A
    Lovely day on Naoshima Island
    Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    It was great to relax and leave…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Pamela_F
    Highly recommend the half…
    Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend the half day tour and our…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Kenrokuen Garden & Higashi Chaya District

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:45 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:05 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 10:45 Kanazawa Castle
    • 12:00 Kazuemachi Chaya District
    • 12:20 Higashi Chaya District
    • 12:55 Disband at Higashi Chaya District

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen and the Higashi Chaya District The guests were a group visiting from Europe. At Kenrokuen Garden, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the fresh green foliage and the carefully maintained Japanese garden. At Kanazawa Castle, they showed interest in the construction methods of the traditional buildings. They enjoyed the old townscapes of the Kazuemachi Chaya District and the Higashi Chaya District. They were also interested in the gold leaf making process at a gold leaf shop's main store. For shopping, in the Higashi Chaya District they bought small and light souvenirs such as tenugui hand towels and incense sticks. The guests said that Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District were their favorites.

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Café near Hotel Hibiya Station
    • 10:25-11:45 Imperial Palace, Otemon Gate to Hirakawamon Gate
    • 12:15-13:40 Asakusa, Asakusa
    • 14:15 Disperse at Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from Oceania and Europe. While we were exchanging messages, they had mentioned "the boys," so I had thought it might be a family with children, but that turned out not to be the case, which gave us a laugh. I guided the group around the Imperial Palace and Asakusa, and it seemed to serve as a preview for their upcoming free time. They said they would come back to Asakusa again. They planned to enjoy Mario Kart from 16:00 and to see sumo the next day, so they were staying very active during their trip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassUchisaiwaicho~Otemachi700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTakebashi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Kyoto: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Dusit Thani Kyoto

    Kyoto: Sagano Bamboo Forest & Dusit Thani Kyoto

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Depart The Dusit Thani Kyoto
    • 9:40 Arrive at Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 10:10 Depart Sagano Bamboo Forest
    • 10:30 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Depart Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:30 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20 Depart Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20~13:20 Lunch
    • 13;20 Depart lunch location
    • 14:00 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:40 Depart Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:00 Arrive at The Dusit Thani Kyoto

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report The first stop on the itinerary was Tenryuji Temple and the Sagano Bamboo Grove. The guests seemed moved by the beautiful view created by the roughly 400-meter stretch of bamboo. Next, we visited Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. Although it is not very well known among Japanese people, it attracts many visitors from overseas. It is said to be "Japan's most famous hidden temple," located in a quiet mountain area near Mount Atago. The guests were interested in the explanation that the "A" and "O" at the beginning of the name mean "to meet," and that "tago" and "tagi" describe "a mountain path that is narrow, winding, and uneven." They looked intently at the 1,200 stone rakan statues carved by past visitors, fascinated that each one was different. Next, we went to Kinkakuji Temple. They were moved by the beauty of the golden pavilion seen across the pond. The whole group drew English-version omikuji fortunes and laughed loudly and cheerfully. After lunch, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I explained how to purify the hands and mouth at the water basin before worshipping. Then I guided them to the front of the main hall and showed them the customs of two bows, two claps, making a wish, and a final bow. After that, we went to the Okuno-in. There was a long line of school trip students at the "Omokaru Ishi" stone, so we were unable to try it, but since I had explained about school trips, the guests seemed to understand. As this was a tour by car, thanks to the driver's thoughtful care, the guests were able to fully enjoy a pleasant trip.

    I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
    Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
    My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
    I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
    I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
    Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
    It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
    I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
    I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
    but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
    Thank you for your consideration.

    Mar 30, 2026
    MrJames_L
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour with Kaji
    We had an excellent…

    Jul 3, 2025
    Radit T
    Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…

    Jun 7, 2025
    Lisa_H
    Great tour guide and driver
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Overall a great…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:10 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:40 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:00 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 12:50 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 6. 13:00 Disband @ Egret Himeji Rooftop

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We met in front of the central ticket gate at Himeji Station and toured Castle View, Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and the rooftop of Egret Himeji, where we finished the tour on the Egret Himeji rooftop. Because the tour started early at 9:00 a.m. and it was a weekday before the Himeji Castle Festival, there were few tourists (although the number of visitors was steadily increasing by the time we left the main keep). In addition, since the guests seemed to be strong walkers, today we also visited the West Bailey and the Hyakken Corridor, which are not usually included. Touring everything, including the Hyakken Corridor and the main keep, can be a little tiring, but the guests remained energetic. Although the guests gave a relatively quiet impression, they clearly enjoyed the tour, taking many photos at every stop.

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 The Thousand Kyoto Meet
    • 10:10 Nijo Castle
    • 12:00 Kimono Forest
    • 12:15 Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:25 Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 13:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • 13:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Entrance Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Today I guided a group visiting Japan from North America. They had already traveled around Tokyo and the Mount Fuji area before coming to Kyoto. They had done thorough research and had purchased tickets for Nijo Castle online in advance. There were many school trip students, so it was quite crowded. Afterwards we moved to Arashiyama, and perhaps because it was around lunchtime, the bamboo grove was not too crowded, which was wonderful. The guests had decided to come to Japan out of a strong interest in the country. They were very fond of Japanese cuisine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Total770JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Waiting at Nankai Cable Koyasan Station

    Wakayama in One Day: Waiting at Nankai Cable Koyasan Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00~ Waiting at Nankai Cable "Koyasan Station"
    • 10:25 Meet up: "Koyasan Station" (First, stop by the accommodation, Ekoin Temple Lodging)
    • 11:00 Walking Tour (1) Okunoin⇒Gobyo Mausoleum
    • 12:45 Lunch/Break: "Rest Area" in front of Okunoin
    • 13:40 Walking Tour (2) Kongobuji Temple⇒Danjo Garan⇒Daimon Gate
    • 15:40 Return to the temple lodging
    • 16:00 Dismissal: Ekoin Temple Lodging

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Mount Koya (Koyasan) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors traveling in Japan from Europe. All prior communication and itinerary coordination were handled not with the guests directly but through a local travel agency in their home region. Since direct contact had not been possible, there was some concern beforehand, but a staff member at the agency had visited Mount Koya many times, so everything appeared to have been conveyed accurately to the guests, and I was able to provide reliable service from start to finish. The itinerary was finalized as proposed by the guests and the agency: Okunoin, the Mausoleum, lunch, Kongobuji Temple, the Danjo Garan complex, and the Daimon Gate. On the day of the tour, the lowlands apparently reached a "summer day" of over 25 degrees, but at Mount Koya's elevation of 800 meters, even under clear skies the heat did not feel too strong, making for ideal touring weather. Both guests were strong walkers, so we were able to proceed smoothly through the sightseeing as planned. They had studied Japanese culture and religion in advance, so my explanations were easily understood. Especially at Kongobuji Temple, the priest on duty kindly gave a gentle explanation of Kukai's worldview, including the "mandala," which I was able to translate and convey to the guests. The weather was fine, the schedule progressed smoothly, and the guests were satisfied, making for a fulfilling day of guiding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassWithin Koyasan area~Within Koyasan area1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Aug 10, 2026
    Paul_H
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kind and knowledgeable guide – highly recommended
    Nori communicated…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. ​9:30 Meet @ Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:00 @ Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 4. 12:30 @ Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 5. 13:30 Disperse @ Asakusa Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa At the first stop, Meiji Shrine, the guests listened with great interest to explanations about the imperial family and the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. On Takeshita Street, since they had never been to a 100-yen shop, I took them to DAISO. On Omotesando, I introduced several distinctive buildings and explained their architectural concepts. We then moved to Asakusa, where the guests enjoyed eating ningyo-yaki and kibi-dango along Nakamise Street. As planned, we finished the tour with a farewell at Asakusa Station. After the tour, the guests wanted to have lunch, so I handed them a map of restaurants in Asakusa, and since they wanted to eat tempura, I recommended a tempura restaurant.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNishi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 2TrainOmotesando~Asakusa260JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hello! My name is Tak. I am a government licensed guide interpreter since March 2017. I specialize mainly in Tokyo and Kawagoe/Saitama area. I have an extensive overseas experience, starting with my study abroad in the U.S. and continuing with expatriate experiences in both U.S. and Asia. I enjoy interacting and communicating with people from overseas, so I would be happy to use my knowledge and experience to help foreign guests enjoy Japanese culture, history, rich nature, and delicious food. I look forward to guiding you in creating wonderful memories of your time in Japan.

    Sep 30, 2026
    ChelseaEE
    Highly recommend Tak with Japan Guide Agency in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Sep 7, 2026
    Discover11698023496
    Tak was an excellent guide for our our first trip to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    May 30, 2026
    JamesL_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tak was great.
    Tak our guide was wonderful. If you could get…

    May 24, 2026
    scottdY5844QU
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Guided Tour
    Tak was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable on all…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:35 Meet @all day place shibuya
    • 2. 10:40 Move∶Train
    • 3. 10:50 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:40 Move∶Subway
    • 5. 12:05 Stay @Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 13:20 Move∶Subway
    • 7. 13:35 Stay @Nezu Shrine
    • 8. 14:15 Move∶Subway
    • 9. 14:45 Disband @Senso-ji Kaminarimon

    What Is a Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Tokyo. Their arrival at the lobby was slightly delayed, but since I had received a message through a messaging app, we were able to start the tour without any trouble. The requested spots were three places: Meiji Shrine, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Nezu Shrine. It is usually difficult to visit all of them within four hours, but the group walked at a fast pace and did not spend time shopping along the way, so everything proceeded smoothly to the end. After the tour, the group wished to enjoy street food in Asakusa, so it was very helpful that we did not need to take a meal break during the four hours. At the end, I briefly explained the history of Senso-ji Temple in front of Kaminarimon Gate before we parted ways. To save time, we took the JR line for the section from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station at the beginning.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Otemachi Station700JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station~Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassNezu Station~Yushima Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassUeno-hirokoji Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total850JPY

    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.

    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 👍
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  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection (Waters Takeshiba, 1-10-30 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:00 Asakusa <Nakamise-dori・Senso-ji Temple>
    • 3) 11:00 Akihabara
    • 4) 12:00 Harajuku <Takeshita-dori・Ura-Harajuku・Cat Street>
    • 5) 13:00 Lunch @ Ippudo Harajuku Harakado (5F Tokyu Plaza Harajuku "Harakado", 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 6) 14:00 Shibuya <Scramble Crossing・Mega Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store>
    • 7) 15:00 Disband @ Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F (2F 6QFRONT, 5-1-21 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private Tour of Tokyo Like from Asakusa to Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from North America. Before the tour, they had requested places where they could "feel Tokyo," specifically mentioning Harajuku and Akihabara. At the start of the tour, I reconfirmed the itinerary. Some of the guests had already downloaded the Suica app. One of the guests is a big fan of the anime "Sailor Moon" and had spent two months learning Japanese through a social media app! For those who could not complete the download, I suggested purchasing the "Tokyo Free Ticket" (1,600 yen for adults) for convenience, which they agreed to (after I also explained that it cannot be used on the Yurikamome Line). From the pre-tour communication, I got the impression that the guests were not particularly interested in the history of Tokyo. However, since we were visiting Asakusa, I gave a brief explanation of the origins of Senso-ji Temple and Buddhism, as well as the many lanterns displayed in preparation for the Sanja Matsuri festival being held this weekend. When they showed interest in Asakusa Shrine as well, I guided them to the torii gate. They were pleased to be guided from Nitenmon Gate to Umamichi-dori, then Denbo-in-dori, Kannon-dori, and on to Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line. In Akihabara, I guided them from Chuo-dori to the Radio Kaikan building. In Harajuku, one of the guests wanted to buy shoes at a shoe store on Takeshita Street, but unfortunately the desired size was sold out. Throughout the tour, one of the guests quietly and warmly watched over the others, letting their preferences take priority. After a light meal at a crepe shop, I guided the group through Ura-Harajuku and Cat Street. However, there was a line at THE MATCHA TOKYO even on a weekday, so we gave up and I guided them to Harakado instead. After a tour of the fifth and sixth floors, they decided on a ramen shop on the fifth floor and took a lunch break. When I mentioned Washington Heights (now Yoyogi Park), one of the guests said, "My grandfather was formerly in the U.S. military. I've heard that he was assigned to Japan right after the end of the war and lived there with his family." It was the first time I had met someone with a family connection to Washington Heights, and I found it quite moving. Our final stop was Shibuya. After guiding them to the famous crossing, I suggested a walk to the Don Quijote Shibuya store, and at the request of one of the guests who wanted to look at T-shirts and other items, we went inside. Along the way, I accompanied another guest who wanted to look at FINO hair care products, and after they finished their shopping and we regrouped, the rest of the group completed their shopping as well. They said they wanted to stop by a Starbucks before heading back to the hotel, so I guided them there, confirmed the route back to the hotel, and we parted ways with smiles.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurikamome Line Takeshiba Station~Yurikamome Line Shimbashi Station190JPY
    Section 2TrainToei Subway Asakusa Line Shimbashi Station~Toei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Chuo Line Local Akihabara Station~JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station180JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station150JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
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    10/10 would do again!
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    I would definitely…
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