Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 09:20 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:30 Imperial Palace / Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40 Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Shibuya
    • 14:10 Asakusa / Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Tour ends at Ueno Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had been planning their trip to Japan for some time and came after doing a great deal of research. One of the guests had visited Japan about twenty years ago and was curious to see how things had changed since then. I guided the guests on foot from their hotel to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where they enjoyed its unique atmosphere. Since they both love seafood, they mentioned they would return here the next morning to have breakfast. I took them to the nearby Namiyoke Shrine and explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and how to worship. They were delighted, saying they could finally understand things they had long wondered about. Next, I guided them to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, where I explained the difference in the roles of the Emperor and the Shogun, which they seemed to appreciate. After that, I took them to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and thanks to the earlier explanation of Shinto, they said they could really understand the significance of the shrine. We passed through Takeshita Street and the Shibuya Crossing on our way to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where I explained the atmosphere characteristic of tourist areas and the culture of the Edo period. Finally, since they wanted to do some shopping and visit a museum in Ueno, I took them to the front of Ueno Station and ended the tour.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station Ichibangai & Tokyo Tower

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Station Ichibangai & Tokyo Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:50 Meet up @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit
    • 12:10 Tokyo Station Ichibangai (Tokyo Banana Shop)
    • 12:40 Imperial Palace
    • 13:50 Ueno Park
    • 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 16:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 17:50 Dinner @ Tenkaichi Kamiyacho Branch
    • 20:05 Disband @ Hotel New Grand

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Ueno, Shibuya, and Tokyo Tower The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to depart on a cruise tour from Yokohama. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Ueno Park, they seemed deeply impressed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. In Shibuya, they showed interest in the lively atmosphere of the scramble crossing. At Tokyo Tower, they appeared moved by the magnificent views of Tokyo. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho~Ueno170JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Ebisu150JPY
    Section 4SubwayEbisu~Kamiyacho180JPY
    Section 5SubwayKamiyacho~Nakameguro180JPY
    Section 6TrainNakameguro~Yokohama310JPY
    Section 7TrainYokohama~Motomachi-Chukagai230JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Nara in One Day: ONYADO NONO NARA & Todaiji's Nandaimon

    Nara in One Day: ONYADO NONO NARA & Todaiji’s Nandaimon

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 ONYADO NONO NARA (Start of Tour)
    • (taxi)
    • 11:20-40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 13:10-20 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 13:30-40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 14:00-30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 14:40-50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • (walk 5 minutes & taxi)
    • 15:00-17:00 Nara Kitamachi ~ Naramachi
    • (walk 15 minutes)
    • 17:20 (End of Tour) ONYADO NONO NARA

    # What's a Private Nara Park Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had just retired. A few challenges came up during the day. First, there were almost no designated smoking areas in Nara Park or the Naramachi area, so we managed with just two smoking breaks throughout the tour. Second, the guests had hoped for teppanyaki or charcoal-grilled dishes for lunch, but there were no such options in the park area; we ended up at a Chinese restaurant on Konishi-dori, where the gyoza, spring rolls, and shrimp tempura were very satisfying. Third, while touring the park area, the guests suddenly expressed a wish to shop for a manga book of "Kingdom," a haori coat, and a pair of tabi-style split-toe footwear, so we wrapped up the temples and shrines a little early and managed to purchase everything in the broader Naramachi area. What I found interesting was that as I explained topics such as Shinto, Buddhism, and history, one of the guests translated each point into French for the other, and I could understand almost all of that French myself. It was a lovely day with cherry blossoms in fine weather, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Tsukiji Hongwanji→8:00~8:30 Move to Asakusa Sensoji Temple→8:30~9:30 Explore Sensoji Temple→9:30~10:00 Move to Akihabara→10:00~ 11:00 Explore the Radio Kaikan in Akihabara→11:00~11:30 Move to Shibuya→11:30~12:00 Experience Shibuya Crossing→12:00~12:10 Move to Harajuku→12:10~13:30 Explore Takeshita Street→13:30~14:00 Lunch at Harakado→Dismiss

    Can You Do a Private Tokyo Group Tour for a Large Party? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group from North America, ten people in total. They had a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, which made them easy to guide, but because it was a large group, my role felt less like a guide and more like a tour conductor, and I was fully occupied with making sure everyone moved around safely. It was also challenging to bring everyone's preferences together, as it took some effort to reach a consensus among the group. When we took the subway, I explained that people in Japan tend to be very quiet inside the trains, but the group inevitably became lively, and the volume of conversation rose along with it. Fortunately, there were hardly any other passengers on board, which was a relief. In the end, the guests thoroughly enjoyed each of the places we visited.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Akihabara178JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Shibuya345JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Total669JPY

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

    Oct 14, 2025
    Randi R
    Amazing tour of Tokyo with Yuji
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuji was an amazing guide.…

    Sep 30, 2025
    K6530TRangelor
    Great tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuji was excellent. He was very punctual and…

    Sep 19, 2025
    belindaf2022
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day with being shown the key…

    Sep 8, 2025
    S8908ADcarolinab
    Family friendly guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with our 6 hour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 9:20 Meiji Shrine 
    • 3. 10:20 Takeshita Street (entrance only)
    • 4. 11:10 Tsukiji
    • 5. 12:45 Lunch @ Asakusa
    • 6. 13:30 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, etc.)
    • 7. 15:00 Disband @ Asakusa

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour of Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report At Meiji Shrine, we unfortunately could not see a wedding ceremony, but the guests loved the solemn atmosphere of the forest and listened very attentively as I explained about the Imperial family, shrines, and the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. At Tsukiji they experienced a completely different atmosphere, tried white strawberries they had never seen before, ate a large senbei cracker with a flattened crab on it, and enjoyed rice balls with salmon and salmon roe, appearing thoroughly satisfied. In Asakusa, we first took in the view of the Sumida River from Azuma Bridge, admired the cherry blossoms in the distance, and the guests were surprised and delighted to see how the headquarters of Asahi Beer, a brand they also drink back home, is shaped like a "beer mug." They planned to travel to the Kansai region and then return to Tokyo, staying in Asakusa on that occasion, so they were pleased to get a feel for Asakusa and found it convenient for their upcoming stay. They also seemed to really enjoy the sushi lunch. From the expressions on their faces as we said goodbye, it was clear that they had a wonderful and satisfying time overall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa286JPY
    Total641JPY

    Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.

    Jun 5, 2026
    Flyer544764
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
    What an extraordinary 6 hr…

    Apr 27, 2026
    Eric_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mac was a very good tour…
    Mac was a very good tour…

    Apr 23, 2026
    O4598GUpatriciat
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
    We had…

    Apr 2, 2026
    V742WEsusans
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tour
    Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Kimpton
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Yoyogi Park
    • 12:30 Shibuya
    • 13:30 Lunch @Oreryu Shio Ramen
    • 14:00 Disband @Omotesando

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Harajuku in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since I had received the request through a local agency and had never been in direct contact with the guests beforehand, I confirmed the details in the hotel lobby before starting the tour. I guided them around Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Harajuku. We walked from Meiji Shrine through Yoyogi Park to Shibuya. At Shibuya Station, I helped them purchase a Welcome Suica card. The guests had researched Japan very well, and reminded one another not to talk on the train. They said they did not want to do anything that would be considered bad manners, so they asked many questions and wanted to learn various things. Some of the guests wanted to know more about history, and everyone in the group was very kind, which made guiding a real pleasure. While walking around Shibuya, some of the guests did a lot of shopping here and there, and said they would like to come back after the tour. From Shibuya, we took the train again using Suica back to Harajuku, where we had ramen and I introduced several shopping spots before parting ways. The guests said they would be fine finding places on their own using Google Maps from there. The trip was said to be a birthday celebration. I hope they have a wonderful journey.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Yoyogi180JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total330JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ in fron of Samurai Ninja Museum
    • 13:00-14:30 Exploring Nishiki Market & Lunch at Nishiki Market
    • 14:30-15:00 Transfer (City Bus: Shijo Kawaramachi → Gojozaka)
    • 15:00-16:10 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:10-16:40 Exploring Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo
    • 16:40 Farewell after visiting Koshindo (Originally, we planned to take you to Gion afterwards, but one of the guests
    •   became unwell (back pain) and wished to end the tour early.

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu-dera Body: The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. Before the tour, the guests enjoyed a ninja experience at a samurai and ninja museum until 13:00, after which we met. Since the guests wanted to have lunch at Nishiki Market, I allocated plenty of time there during the tour. I selected a place where they could sit down and eat, and they enjoyed okonomiyaki, karaage (fried chicken), and grilled shrimp skewers. Afterward, I also took them to an ice cream shop. After the meal and stroll through Nishiki Market, I guided them to Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Koshin-do. After visiting Koshin-do, one of the guests requested to end the tour a little early due to back pain, so we finished slightly earlier than planned, before the visit to Gion that had been scheduled, and said our goodbyes. Because the tour ended suddenly, I was not able to take time to hear detailed comments about the tour. The photo shows the restaurant at Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaramachi Shijo~Gojozaka230JPY
    Total230JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Higashi Chaya District & Kenrokuen Garden

    Ishikawa in One Day: Higashi Chaya District & Kenrokuen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:05 Meet at Kanazawa Station
    • 11:45 Higashi Chaya District (Shima)
    • 13:40 Kanazawa Castle
    • 14:45 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 15:45 Disband at Kanazawa Station

    What Can You See on a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group from North America around Kanazawa. They saw the traditional buildings of the Higashi Chaya district, enjoyed matcha at a teahouse, and took in the cherry blossoms along the Asano River. At Kanazawa Castle, they enjoyed the combination of the cherry blossoms and the castle. There was not enough time for a leisurely lunch, but we had onigiri simply beside the cherry trees in Kanazawa Castle Park, much like a hanami picnic. Kenrokuen was crowded as it was a free admission day, but they enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The guests arrived from Toyama Prefecture by cruise ship, so their stay was short, but the weather was fine and they thoroughly enjoyed the highlights of Kanazawa along with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. (Regarding the schedule change: the start and end times were originally set from 10:30 to 16:30, but at the guests' request they were changed to 11:15 to 15:45.)

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Castle View & Koko-en Garden

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Castle View & Koko-en Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:55 Meet in front of the central ticket gate at JR Himeji Station
    • 12:00 Castle View
    • 12:05 Travel by taxi to the front of Himeji Castle's Otemon Gate
    • 12:10-14:30 Himeji Castle
    • 14:30-14:40 Himeji Shrine
    • 14:40-15:30 Koko-en Garden
    • 15:30-15:40 Travel by taxi to Himeji Station
    • 15:55 Disperse at the Shinkansen ticket gate of JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Initially the tour was planned for two people, but the day before I was told the number might increase, and later it was confirmed, so on the day I guided the group. They were very warm and friendly from the start and greatly enjoyed Himeji Castle with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. After visiting Himeji Shrine, they took a leisurely stroll around the moat while watching the carp, savoring the quiet scenery. I had originally been told the Shinkansen would be at 17:00, but while we were walking through Kokoen Garden, one of the guests said they wanted to catch the 16:00 Shinkansen, so we hurried back to Himeji Station and made it in time without any trouble.

    Welcome to Japan! I’m Yumiko. I’ll be your guide.
    I’m from Kakogawa, a small city located in Hyogo Prefecture. Since it’s located near Himeji and my grandparents used to live in Himeji, I like showing my guests around places in Himeji, especially Himeji Castle and Mt. Shosha – Engyoji Temple. I’ve also lived in Osaka for about 10 years, so Osaka is also my favorite place. I’m familiar with Kobe as well, so it’s also a great pleasure to show you around these areas. I like traveling, reading, and of course, tour guiding. It’s great to see people from all over the place while living in Japan. I’d love to share Japanese history, culture, and food with you. I’m also looking forward to learning about your country – about your culture, history, and food. I’m looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

    Apr 7, 2025
    VHerzberg
    A wonderful Himeji castle tour with Yumiko
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Himeji castle tour was…

    Apr 1, 2025
    Sightseer39112583641
    Yumiko is the best
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yumiko was such an amazing and sweet guide!!…

    Jul 12, 2024
    jennarD7008EA
    A MUST DO in Kobe!!! Amazing Sake Tour and Kobe Beef Lunch with Yumiko
    Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryuji Temple Garden & Kinkakuji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryuji Temple Garden & Kinkakuji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Ryokan Ginkaku Kyoto meeting
    • 8:55 Tenryuji Temple Garden
    • 9:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove walk
    • 9:40 Kameyama Park walk
    • 11:00 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 12:20 Lunch at Hanamakiya near Kinkakuji Temple
    • 13:30 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had come to Japan after a trip to China. Since Kyoto was expected to be quite crowded, we started early and headed to Arashiyama. As anticipated, there were fewer people than during midday, and we were able to stroll around at a relaxed pace. The guests were delighted by the beauty of the Tenryu-ji temple garden. The cherry blossoms at Kameyama Park were also very beautiful, and with few people around, it was wonderful. After that, we moved to Kinkaku-ji, but the city bus was so crowded that the guests were quite surprised. Kinkaku-ji was, as expected, quite crowded. The guests very much enjoyed the soba at a nearby restaurant. They then planned to head to an onsen area, so we parted ways at Kyoto Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Total980JPY

    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.

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