Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:00 Hotel start
    • AM 9:15 Take the hotel shuttle bus to Kanazawa Station
    • Travel by bus to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 9:30-10:30 Stroll through Higashi Chaya District (Utasu Shrine, Gold Leaf Sakuda)
    • Travel by bus to Kenrokuen
    • AM 10:50-11:30 Kenrokuen tour
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:15 Kanazawa Castle Park, Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    • Travel on foot to Nagamachi Samurai District, via Gyokusen-in and Oyama Shrine
    • PM 12:40- PM 13:00 Nagamachi Samurai District
    • Travel by bus to Kanazawa Station, tour dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We started from the Hotel. Using the Hotel's shuttle service departing at 9:15 for Kanazawa Station, we headed to Kanazawa Station. Since there was a request from a travel agency, the itinerary was set to definitely visit the Higashi Chaya District, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and the Nagamachi district. I made sure to guide the guests in a way that would allow them to revisit any spots they found particularly interesting in the afternoon. In the end, there was not much time left at the Nagamachi Samurai District, but since the guests planned to return to the Hotel once to send their suitcases ahead to their next accommodation for the following day's travel, they decided to revisit before heading to the nearby dinner spot I had recommended, and the tour concluded there. The weather was fine, and I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Section 2BusHashiba-cho~Kenrokuen-shita210JPY
    Section 3BusKorinbo~Kanazawa Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:58 Meet at hotel 7:15 Fushimi Inari 9:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 9:45 Short break (bakery shop) 11:00 Kinkaku-ji 12:15 Gion 13:00 Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests came to Japan from North America. Both of them moved promptly according to the guide's instructions and did nothing unnecessary, so everything proceeded very smoothly and on schedule. In particular, one of the guests constantly looked toward me to confirm the instructions. When I arrived at the hotel in the morning, they were already waiting in the lobby, so we were able to catch an earlier JR train. Because we started early in the morning, we were able to avoid the crowds at Fushimi Inari. They took photos in moderation. It was a somewhat hot day that felt like early summer, so we chose to wait in the shade when waiting for buses and trains. The bus to Kinkaku-ji was extremely crowded. There were also many tour groups today, including quite a few elementary and junior high school students on school trips. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 4BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo~Gion230JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 meet in the lobby of Hotel MONday in Asakusa
    • 10:30 1 UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 11:45 2 TSUKIJI, Hongwanji and Outer Market
    • 1:45 3 THE IMPERIAL PALACE & the Tokyo Station
    • 4:00 4 SHINJUKU, the Metropolitan Gov Observation Deck
    • 4:30 See off in the Metropolitan Gov Observation Deck

    Continuing from the previous day, I guided a group of senior guests from North America. As it was the second day, I was able to guide the tour with a relaxed, joking atmosphere. The guests enjoyed the Tsukiji Outer Market far more than expected. Although it was not part of the original plan, we all had donburi (rice bowl) lunch at "Tsukiji Kanno." "Tsukiji Kanno" is helpful because, upon request, guests can sit down to eat. The guests were also delighted to be able to find and purchase, at the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store, the sashimi soy sauce they had liked at "Tsukiji Kanno."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Ueno700JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno~Tsukiji ~ Ginza ~ Hibiya ~ Sakuradamon / Tokyo ~ Nishi-Shinjuku0JPY
    Total700JPY

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

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

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

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

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple & Heijo Palace Site

    Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple & Heijo Palace Site

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel
    • 10:30 to 11:15 Kofukuji Temple
    • 11:15 to 11:45 Nara Park
    • 12:00 to 13:00 Todaiji Temple
    • 13:15 to 13:45 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 14:00 to 14:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 to 16:00 Heijo Palace Site
    • 16:35 Dismissal  Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station

    Title: Can You Do a Private Family Day Trip to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from North America. They mentioned that they live in a very cold region and that Japan's heat was a bit hard on them. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before and had long wanted to bring the group here, saying that Japan is a wonderful country. Although it was a little hot, the guests enjoyed their trip to Nara, visiting shrines and temples and interacting with the deer.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSubway Nijojo-mae Station~Kintetsu Nara Station1,020JPY
    Section 2BusKasuga Taisha Main Shrine~Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Section 3BusKintetsu Nara Station~Suzakumon Plaza250JPY
    Section 4BusSuzakumon Plaza~Kintetsu Saidaiji Station270JPY
    Total1,790JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Central Park Tower La Tour
    • 2. 9:30 Shibuya – Hachiko, Scramble Crossing, Center Gai
    • 3. 9:55 Harajuku – Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 4. 11:50 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
    • 5. 12:15 lunch @ Marunouchi Building, Kuzuryu Soba
    • 6. 13:40 Asakusa – Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 7. 15:00 Shinjuku Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour Covering Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting from Europe and had arrived in Japan for a trip a couple of weeks earlier. Because of a busy schedule, they had not had the chance to visit anywhere beyond the Shinjuku area where they were staying, so they joined this tour. Since it was their first time taking a train, we worked together on how to read the route map and how to purchase tickets. At Meiji Shrine, the guest showed great interest in Japanese history and asked various questions, and also tried drawing an omikuji fortune. At the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and in Asakusa, they continued to ask questions about history and about food. As they felt a little unsure about transferring trains on the way back, I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, where we parted ways. They mentioned they would be staying a while longer, and said that through this tour they had gained ideas about places they would like to visit. I truly hope they will visit many places and enjoy their time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Shinjuku180JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi280JPY
    Section 5TrainOtemachi~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 7TrainUeno~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total1,460JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden & Cafe

    Tokyo in One Day: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden & Cafe

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:20 Take the train
    • 10:30 Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
    • 11:10 Take the train
    • 11:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:40 Lunch
    • 13:50 Take the train
    • 14:20 Nihonbashi Takashimaya
    • 15:10 Cafe
    • 16:00 Take the train
    • 17:00 Arrive at the hotel

    What Is a Private Yokohama-to-Tokyo Tour Like for Senior Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour it was difficult to get in touch, and although I proposed an itinerary, I did not receive a reply, but when I met the guests they were an elderly group. Since the tour ran from Yokohama to Tokyo, I judged that walking a long distance would likely be too much, so I changed the plan to one with less walking and longer rest breaks. Walking around the destinations was not a problem, but the Keikyu train heading from Yokohama to Tokyo happened to be in the middle of the commuter rush, and since the guests could not handle the swaying of the rapid service combined with the crowded train, we switched to a local train, which meant it took more time than expected to reach the destination; however, they were pleased because they were able to stay seated for a long time. They told me they wished I could also be their guide for tomorrow's four-hour Yokohama tour, so I believe they truly enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Daimon525JPY
    Section 2SubwayDaimon~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayTawaramachi~Nihonbashi178JPY
    Section 4TrainNihonbashi~Yokohama567JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Hi, I’m Sam.
    I am happy to welcome you all to Japan.

    Since I was a child, my parents welcomed many international students into our home and I had many opportunities to interact with them. My mother is a translator, and I have always seen her guiding foreigners around Japan, so it was natural for me to start doing the same.

    I am good at guiding people to popular places such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, as well as photogenic spots in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Since I was a child, I’ve watched anime like Pokémon and played Nintendo games, and I still buy around 100 manga comic books a month. I love shopping in Akihabara! I currently live in Urayasu City, Chiba, so close that I can see fireworks from Disneyland from my house every night.

    Please feel free to ask me anything!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Carl_W
    Tokyo city tour custom
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sam was very knowledgeable and…

    Sep 7, 2026
    782alessandrof
    Sam was amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    It was a very rainy day…

    Aug 24, 2026
    596vincentz
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Family-Friendly Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Sam was an star tour guide for us
    our Guide Sam was…

    Aug 10, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Tokyo
    We are so happy that…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • Shinjuku Station Travel Concierge
    • 11:30 Asakusa
    • 12:00 Lunch @Sansada
    • 14:00 Shibuya
    • 14:30 Shimokitazawa, Transparent Toilet
    • 16:15 Disband @Yoyogi-Hachiman Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. They arrived the day before the tour and had joined a Shinjuku night tour that evening. On the day of the tour, I had originally planned to guide them around the Shinjuku area, but since it turned out they had already been there the previous day, we changed the plan. Instead, I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto at Shinjuku Station. The guests had traveled abroad extensively, and although this was their first time in Japan, they had researched thoroughly online in advance. They wanted to be able to use public transportation on their own going forward, so I guided them to various places by train and subway. After visiting Asakusa, we had planned to go to Meiji Shrine, but since they said they wanted to go to Shimokitazawa, I changed the plan on the spot and guided them around Shimokitazawa. Along the way, I also showed them the transparent restroom near Yoyogi Park. It should be noted that the transparent restroom does not become transparent during the winter. We parted ways with the guests at Yoyogi-Hachiman Station, ending the tour. They were a very pleasant and wonderful group to guide.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Kanda180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKanda~Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shimokitazawa140JPY
    Section 5TrainShimokitazawa~Yoyogi-Hachiman140JPY
    Total900JPY

    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.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    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…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Supermarket Lion d'Or

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Supermarket Lion d’Or

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station Discuss changes to today's itinerary
    • 9:00 Board bus
    • 9:07 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 9:20 Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden
    • 9:40 Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo
    • 11:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:20 Futarasan Shrine
    • 11:40 Taiyuin
    • 12:20 Lunch at Yuba Yuzen
    • 13:30 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 13:55 Board taxi
    • 14:05 Supermarket "Lion d'Or"
    • 14:20 Tour ends, disband at Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour to a UNESCO World Heritage Site Near Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Today's tour was scheduled as a 6-hour tour, but the guests said they thought they had paid for 8 hours, so I showed them the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) site and they were satisfied that it was a 6-hour tour. During our email exchanges beforehand, we discussed the day's itinerary many times, and shortly before the tour the guests casually mentioned a change of train. I suspected they might not be aware that the Tobu Line requires fully reserved seating and a limited express ticket, so I mentioned this, and it turned out they had not known. When they tried to buy the limited express ticket the day before, it was sold out, so in the end they came on a very early train departing in the 6 o'clock hour and arriving at 8:25. For the latter half of today's itinerary they had reserved a 3-hour private chartered taxi, but because they arrived so early, there were now more places we could reach in the UNESCO World Heritage area before lunch. So after the guests arrived, we discussed it and changed the order of the itinerary and canceled the taxi tour (for various detailed reasons). From the initial planning stage, the guests had made many suggestions, and I addressed each one, explaining the options and resolving them as we went. Even during today's tour, new requests kept coming and the guests' preferences shifted, so I resolved each one as it arose, but the guests themselves seemed confused and tired. In the end the order was no different from the usual, so it would have been quicker if they had simply left it to me, but they seemed to be someone who required careful handling, so I proceeded cautiously. On the bus on the way, the guests said they were interested in history and culture, so I tried to speak as I usually do, but I sensed that they did not actually want to hear a great deal, so I checked how much their guide in Tokyo had told them and was careful not to repeat it. As a result, I found it difficult to convey what I really wanted to share. However, since they said they had heard a lot in Tokyo as well, I decided to explain only in response to the guests' questions, so as not to overwhelm them. Being mindful not to tire them out led to a different way of explaining than usual, and my own English became halting at times, which may have tired them out even more. One of the guests seemed to enjoy photography. They proudly explained the features of the latest iPhone, and I took some photos of the guests with that camera. From various points in the conversation, I sensed that the guests were very particular about not being mistaken for a certain nationality, and they mentioned that they attach their national flag to their belongings here and there. Having traveled to many countries around the world and experienced so many impressive things, their reactions were somewhat muted, and out of a desire for them to enjoy the day I tended to explain more, but I spent the day reminding myself that holding back was actually the better approach for today's guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Total220JPY

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

    Aug 24, 2026
    arzed
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A perfect day!
    My family and I had an…

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • ② 10:05 Explanation of the itinerary and the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:45 Nijo Castle
    • ④ 12:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • ⑤ 13:20 Sanjusangendo
    • ⑥ 14:15 Disband in front of Nishiki Market

    What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. This was their first time in Japan, and they had already visited Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, and mentioned they also wanted to visit Osaka and Nara starting the next day. Since the tour was a relatively short four hours, we had to move quickly, but I explained Japanese history at Nijo Castle, Shinto at Fushimi Inari Taisha, and unique religious culture such as zazen meditation, the Kannon Bodhisattva, Buddhism itself, and the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism at Sanjusangendo. Although it was only a broad overview, I believe the guests were able to grasp the general picture. What I found interesting was that the guests said their home region also has an indigenous animistic folk religion similar to Shinto, which people believe in alongside Christianity, and that it seems to be related to the Sagas — though it was complex and I could not learn the details. We parted in front of Nishiki Market at the end. They planned to have a meal and then walk around Gion. I wish them a wonderful trip.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
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    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
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    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
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  • Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple Garden & Rest at Wakenosuke Chaya

    Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple Garden & Rest at Wakenosuke Chaya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at RIHGA GRAN KYOTO
    • 9:45 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 10:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:40 Nijo Castle
    • 13:05 Lunch at Honke Tagoto
    • 14:00 Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 15:05 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:15 Rest at Wakenosuke Chaya
    • 15:45 Yasaka Koshin-do ~ Sannenzaka ~ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 17:00 Disband at Kiyomizu-michi

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera Body: Today I guided a group visiting from Europe on a private one-day tour of Kyoto. Perhaps because we started early, the Arashiyama district was not very crowded, and we were able to enjoy the Tenryu-ji garden at a relaxed pace. The guests had watched the television series Shogun and were very interested in Nijo Castle, which was not too crowded, so they were delighted. Since they wanted udon and soba for lunch, I took them to a long-established restaurant, and they were very satisfied. They also seemed deeply impressed by the 1,001 Buddhist statues at Sanjusangen-do, and Kiyomizu-dera was not too crowded either, so they had a wonderful time. The tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures and winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Randen-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 3SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae220JPY
    Section 5TrainSanjo~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 6BusHakubutsukan-Sanjusangendo-mae~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    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
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    Jul 24, 2026
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    Jul 13, 2026
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    Jul 12, 2026
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