Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo in One Day: Sensoji Temple & Yanaka Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hotel Asakusa
    • 11:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:20 Ameyoko
    • 13:00 Ueno Park
    • 14:10 Kaneiji Temple
    • 14:40 Yoshida Liquor Store
    • 15:10 Yanaka Cemetery
    • 15:40 Yanaka Ginza
    • 16:30 End at Sendagi Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Ueno and Yanaka in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They responded quickly and thoughtfully to explanations of history and culture, which I found impressive. The tour was mostly on foot, and they fully enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Ueno Park and Yanaka Cemetery, two famous cherry blossom spots, and were deeply moved by the sight. Kaneiji Temple was quiet with few people around, and they sat inside the Konpon-chudo hall and meditated for a while. They found the atmosphere of Yanaka wonderful and were pleasantly surprised that the Fukumaru manju was both inexpensive and delicious. They thanked me warmly for such a good tour, and we finished at Sendagi Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEX Asakusa~Okachimachi356JPY
    Total356JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:25 Meet @ Himeji Station Shinkansen Transfer Gate
    • 2. 09:30 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:50 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 11:50 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 12:35 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 6. 12:40 Disband @ Egret Himeji Rooftop

    What's a Private Half-Day Tour of Himeji Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After arriving in Tokyo, they enjoyed scuba diving in Okinawa, then flew to Kyoto, and today they came from Kyoto to Himeji by Shinkansen. The tour started ahead of schedule in front of the Shinkansen transfer gate at Himeji Station. First, at the tourist information center, we picked up a map and related materials about Himeji City, and then we visited the Castle View spot, Himeji Castle, and Kokoen Garden, before ending the tour on the rooftop of Egret Himeji. The tour lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes, which was shorter than the scheduled 4 hours, but it concluded at the guests' request. The weather was fine, the cherry blossoms had begun to fall, and there were many tourists, but thanks to the early start time and the fact that the guests were excellent walkers, we were able to enjoy visiting Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden comfortably. The view of Himeji Castle and the rows of cherry trees from the rooftop of Egret Himeji was magnificent, and the guests were very pleased.

    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!

    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…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Himeji Castle Otemon Gate
    • 9:20 Himeji Castle Sightseeing
    • 12:10 Enter Koko-en Garden, Stroll
    • 13:00 Disband at Koko-en Garden Exit

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour in Cherry Blossom Season Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were coming to Japan for the third time; on previous trips they had come for work, but this time they were delighted to be here for a relaxed sightseeing visit. Since everywhere was crowded during this season and they did not want to wait in line, I quickly arranged to buy the castle admission tickets in advance and meet them at the Otemon Gate. As going up and down stairs was difficult for the guests, we took our time and enjoyed taking photos of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Inside the castle keep, some of the guests only toured the basement level, while others went up to the first floor. Both at Himeji Castle and at Kokoen Garden, the flowers were in full bloom, and the guests said "beautiful" many times. Afterward, at the guests' request, we extended the time a little to have lunch, and I took them to a photo spot at the inner moat before we parted ways.

    Hello, I’m your tour guide, Rie Ito. Please call me Rie. I have been living in Himeji for 40 years. I would like to show you around our beautiful city. Himeji is very famous for its several sightseeing places. Especially, as the most recommended place, we boast Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage Site of Japan. When you see this message, please contact me through WhatsApp. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour. I am sure you will enjoy this local city of Japan with me! I’m looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

    Apr 25, 2026
    Alix_M
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Himeji castle
    Fantastic tour of the beautiful Himeji castle!…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    Rie is an excellent guide with a lot of knowledge to share
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

    Aug 6, 2025
    OMAR_A
    Excellente visite avec guide dynamique
    Viator review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour avec une guide compétente et…

    Apr 30, 2025
    JandK14
    A perfect day in Himeji: We saw the cherry blossoms at their peak and had Rie as our guide!
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & JR Hiroshima Station

    Hiroshima in One Day: Atomic Bomb Dome & JR Hiroshima Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15 Meet at JR Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 09:45 Move to Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 09:55 Peace Park & Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:50 Move to Miyajima
    • 12:35 Sightseeing at Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Senjokaku, and Omotesando
    • 16:15 Move to JR Hiroshima Station
    • 17:15 Disband at JR Hiroshima Station

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group who had planned a family trip to Japan, gathering from various parts of North America. One of the guests had been looking forward to guiding the group around Hiroshima and Miyajima, having visited these places before, and was eager to share the delicious food remembered from that earlier trip. When I received a request to eat okonomiyaki in Miyajima, reservations on the island were already unavailable and I thought the only option would be to wait in line. However, during our conversation along the way, I learned that the guests liked fish, so I introduced them to Miyajima's famous anago-meshi (conger eel rice bowl), which they were very pleased with. These were the first guests I had who tried anago-meshi. It reminded me of the depth involved in communicating well about lunch choices.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~Kamiyacho Station240JPY
    Section 2FerryMotoyasu Bridge Pier~Miyajima Pier1,100JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,760JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel ー9:12 Kami-Gora Station ー 9:42 Sounzan Station ー10:15 Owakudani ー11:15 Togendai ー
    • 12:30 Hakonemachi Port ー12:40 Hakone Checkpoint ー 13:30 Hakone Shrine ー
    • 14:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum ー14:30 Chokoku-no-Mori Station ー15:00 Gora Station ー15:20 Kami-Gora Station ー15:30 Hotel

    What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine Despite light rain from the morning, the guests from North America thoroughly enjoyed their first sightseeing tour of Hakone. Although heavy crowds had been expected as it was the last Sunday of the spring holidays, the crowds were limited, likely due to an early departure and the rainy forecast. The guests were delighted by the natural scenery of Owakudani, the views from the sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi, the walk from the Hakone Checkpoint to Hakone Shrine (about 50 minutes), and the natural setting of the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The guests, who take care of their health by walking about four miles every day back home, enjoyed the stroll through the deep forest leading to the shrine even in the rain. Our conversations during the tour about Japanese society and religion were lively, and I believe the guests were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKami-Gora Station~Sounzan Station90JPY
    Section 2TrainChokoku-no-Mori Station~Kami-Gora Station540JPY
    Section 3OtherSounzan~Togendai1,500JPY
    Section 4FerryTogendai Port~Hakonemachi Port2,000JPY
    Total4,130JPY

    I am Mr. Hotta Kenji from Yokohama. I am pleased to introduce myself as a Government Licensed Guide registered in Kanagawa Prefecture, having an ample exeperience as a English speaking guide in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone areas for last 4 years. I would be happy to introduce Japanese culture, social activities and history, etc. I have had a rich business experience for over 40 years visiting more than 40 countries in Asia, Middle East, USA, Europe and others in the field of business development, international taxation, invester relations, corporate management, etc. I enjoy playing Japanese classical musical instrument (Shakuhachi or bamboo flute) and performing martial art (Aikido) .
    I will be happy to share happy moments with our important guests in Japan.

    Mar 27, 2026
    TinaS196
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best way to see Tokyo- Kenji
    Our tour with Kenji exceeded our…

  • Tokyo: Sakuradamon Station & Akihabara Station

    Tokyo: Sakuradamon Station & Akihabara Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro
    • 9:30 Sakuradamon Station
    • Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Sakashitamon Gate, Inui-dori Avenue, Inuimon Gate
    • 10:30 Takebashi Station
    • 10:50 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Hozomon Gate, Main Hall, Nitenmon Gate, Asakusa Shrine
    • 11:45 Tokyo Chicken Paitan Ramen
    • 12:35 Asakusa Station
    • 12:40 Ueno Station
    • 12:50 Tokyo National Museum Garden, Main Building
    • 15:30 Ueno Park, Ameyoko, 2K540 AKI-OKA
    • 16:40 Akihabara Station
    • 17:10 Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ueno I was a little anxious because I could not reach the guests until just before the tour, but my worries turned out to be unfounded and I was relieved. When I greeted the guests in the hotel lobby and talked with them, I learned that among the four spots the travel agency had mentioned (Tsukiji Outer Market, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing), they said they did not particularly need to go to Shibuya. Their areas of interest were history, culture, samurai, and gardens, and since I had included "Beer Navigator" and "NIHONSHU Navigator" on my business card, that became a topic of conversation, and I learned that they liked beer as well. I explained that, as it was Sunday, many shops at Tsukiji Outer Market would be closed, that today was the last day of the Imperial Palace Inui Street public opening, and that the weather was forecast to worsen around noon. So we decided to first visit the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji while the weather was still good, and then, watching the weather, go to Toyosu or the Tokyo National Museum, deciding the rest of the itinerary as we went. From Sakuradamon to Nijubashi and Inui Street, the cherry blossoms remained beautifully, and the guests were very pleased. Around Nakamise and Senso-ji, I began to feel raindrops, so we had lunch at a ramen restaurant while watching the situation. As it looked like it would rain, we headed to the Tokyo National Museum, walked through the garden behind the main building before the rain started, and went into the main building when it began to fall. After thoroughly touring the second floor, the rain let up, so we went to Ueno Park, where the cherry blossom viewing was in full swing and the guests could see a Japanese custom. We found a Hitachi craft beer tent and took a break there. Hearing that the cherry blossoms further ahead were beautiful, we continued walking through the park, went to Ameyoko, and since there was a Tohoku sake tasting event in front of Okachimachi Station, we stopped there too, got matcha at 2K540, and returned to Ikebukuro from Akihabara Station. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIkebukuro~Sakuradamon210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Ikebukuro210JPY
    Total890JPY

    I am Tatsuki Endo, English speaking guide, as well as Kikisake-shi (Sommelier of Sake) and Beer navigator.
    My usual activity is walking tours around Tokyo area, including Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. There are a lot to see, just let me know what your interests are and I can suggest where to visit.

    If you are interested in hidden gem, here are some examples;

    Kawasaki, located between Tokyo and Yokohama near Haneda Airport, is the second station of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido, the 400 years old highway towards Kyoto from Edo (old name of Tokyo). You can do Hand-cut glass experiment, stopping at a bar for sake tasting, visiting Kawasaki-Daishi temple that receives 3 million worshippers in the new year period.

    Another spot is Echigo-Yuzawa in Niigata prefecture, 75 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen train. Echigo-Yuzawa is “Onsen” (hot springs) town. You can enjoy visiting Sake brewery, skiing in winter, veiwing Sakura (cherry blossom) in spring. Appreciation of contemporary art displays in open air and old carvings at temples, in neighboring towns will be also memorable experience.

    I am so excited to show you around !

    Tatsuki
    Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
    Kikisake-shi (Sommelier of Sake)
    Beer Navigator

    Jul 22, 2026
    melanierK3084ZH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Memorable!
    Our private tour with Tatsuki was fabulous! He was friendly,…

    Jun 28, 2026
    Narzahni_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent Tour Guide
    I had a wonderful experience with Tatsuki. He was…

    May 27, 2026
    nomadicmongrel
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great introduction to the city
    Tatsuki Endo showed us around some Tokyo…

    Apr 20, 2026
    B8510VNrichardf
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    The Perfect Shore Excursion to Explore Tokyo
    Four of us…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Shukkeien Garden

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Shukkeien Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @Hiroshima Station
    • 11:15 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch @Kurawanka
    • 14:30 Peace Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, Memorial Monument for Mobilized Students, Rest House ruins, Children's Peace Monument, Peace Bell, Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, G7 Summit Memorial Hall, etc.)
    • 15:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 17:00 Shukkeien Garden
    • 18:00 Dismissal @Hiroshima Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, on a private day tour of Hiroshima after traveling through Tokyo and Kyoto. Even though it was a weekend, we were fortunate to have no delays in transport connections and no waiting time at restaurants, and the guests walked at a good pace, so the itinerary progressed ahead of schedule. This allowed us to visit Shukkeien Garden at the end, which had not originally been part of the plan. The guests explored everything with great enthusiasm, took many photos, and asked a variety of questions. They were bright and friendly throughout, and our conversation touched on many different topics during the tour. At Shukkeien Garden, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and combined with the already beautiful scenery, the guests were deeply moved and thanked me for bringing them there. From Shukkeien Garden we walked to Hiroshima Station, and the tour concluded there at exactly 6:00 p.m.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Hiroshima Station~JR Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Miyajimaguchi~JR Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 3OtherYokogawa Station~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Total990JPY

    Welcome to Hiroshima! I have been guiding mainly Hiroshima City and Miyajima Island. As for Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome and other memorial monuments in the Memorial Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en garden and so on. As to Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji, Daishoin Temple, Five-storied Pagoda, Senjyo-kaku, and some other places on the Island. It is my great pleasure to guide you who have come to Hiroshima all the way from overseas. I will try to accommodate the guest’s needs. Thank you for visiting Hiroshima.

    Jun 25, 2026
    Camper00811140773
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima was so impactful
    Had a wonderful tour despite rainy…

    Oct 25, 2025
    G557HMsues
    Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We went…

    Jul 6, 2025
    4
    421louisev
    Wonderful experience with Sachi in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Sachi was such…

    Apr 9, 2025
    Tommie_T
    Great tour of Hiroshima with Sachi
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Sachi, a lifelong Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Mesm Tokyo Autograph Collection
    • 2. 9:45 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 3. 11:10 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Takeshita Street
    • 5. 13:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Statue of Hachiko
    • 6. 14:30 Kappabashi Dogugai Street
    • 15:00 end of tour

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen and Takeshita Street Since the guests had not seen the email beforehand, I was unable to ask about their tour preferences in advance, but we were able to stay in contact regarding the meeting on the day through a messaging app. On the day, I asked about their wishes and, on the way to the first destination, Shinjuku Gyoen, we decided on the remaining destinations and I guided them accordingly. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests were deeply moved by the falling cherry blossom petals as the sakura was beginning to scatter. As it was a birthday trip, they enjoyed shopping for shoes and small items along Takeshita Street. Since they had street food for lunch, we did not stop at any particular restaurant. The itinerary was very full, and because it was a Sunday and each location was crowded, there were moments when it was difficult to take their time, but they seemed satisfied that they were able to do everything they had wanted to do on their final day in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Shinjuku208JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya246JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Tawaramachi252JPY
    Total856JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Tour ended at wine bar Vivi

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Tour ended at wine bar Vivi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    •  Tour started 15 minutes late due to a 5-minute Shinkansen delay and a missed connection
    •   Moved to Peace Park by streetcar
    • 10:40-11:25 Peace Park
    • 11:25-12:10 Peace Memorial Museum
    •   Walked to Okonomimura
    • 12:30-13:15 Okonomiyaki lunch
    •   Moved to Hiroshima Station by bus
    • Depart Hiroshima Station 13:45 → Arrive Miyajimaguchi 14:12
    •  Long restroom break at Miyajimaguchi
    •   Ferry ride
    • 14:50〜16:30 Miyajima
    •   Ferry ride
    • Depart Miyajimaguchi 17:01 → Arrive Hiroshima Station 17:37
    •  Arrived 6 minutes late due to an emergency train stop
    •   Moved to restaurant by streetcar
    • 17:55 Tour ended at wine bar Vivi

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was joined by a group of four guests visiting from North America. I sent several emails in advance to plan the itinerary, but received no replies at all, which made me anxious. Without knowing the guests' preferences, I went ahead and made a restaurant reservation and a web reservation for a museum (though I never got a reply about which tickets were needed), and kept waiting for a response. It was only two days before the tour that I finally received a reply about the itinerary, meeting time, and place, which was a relief, but on the day itself the guests did not appear at the meeting point, which was nerve-wracking. Fortunately, I was able to reach them via a messaging app and managed to meet up, starting the tour 15 minutes late. When I actually met them, they turned out to be very friendly. At the Peace Memorial Park, they listened attentively and asked many questions. At the guests' request, we suddenly decided to end the tour at a wine bar in the city at 18:00, so we only had one hour and 40 minutes on Miyajima. This time I focused the guiding on the Great Torii Gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and the cherry blossoms, and since I took them to a cherry blossom spot not well known to tourists, they were very pleased and grateful. As it was low tide, they also enjoyed the experience of walking out to the Great Torii Gate. We were able to arrive at the wine bar in the city that the guests had reserved five minutes before the reservation time, and they were delighted, saying it was perfect and expressing their thanks, appearing very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station~Genbaku Dome-mae Station240JPY
    Section 2BusHatchobori~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 5OtherHiroshima Station~Kanayamacho240JPY
    Total1,560JPY

    Hi, I’m Nao. It’s very nice to meet you. I will be your guide in Hiroshima.
    I love travelling abroad and meeting new people, learning about new cultures and eating local food.
    Hiroshima has a lot of places to see and delicious local foods to try such as oysters, conger eel rice and I highly recommend Okonomiyaki.
    Okonomiyaki is the soul food of Hiroshima. I’d love to tell you more about its history when I finally get to meet you.
    Since I was born and raised in Hiroshima, I know all kinds of great spots to visit.
    Please feel free to tell me about any concerns or requests you may have before the tour starts.
    I look forward to seeing you in my lovely hometown Hiroshima.
    kind Regards,
    Nao

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Sakashita Gate & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace Sakashita Gate & Yanaka Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ aman Tokyo
    • 9:25 Imperial Palace Sakashita Gate
    • 9:50 Imperial Palace Inui Gate
    • 10:00 Takebashi Station
    • 10:20 Nezu Station
    • 10:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:40 Yanaka Ginza
    • Yanaka Cemetery, Ueno Park
    • 13:00 Disband @ Ueno Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like in Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. Keeping in mind that they were very much looking forward to history, culture, gardens, and food, I proposed a tour tailored to those interests. Since the hotel was near the Imperial Palace, we made sure not to miss the special seasonal opening of Inui Street (we entered smoothly just 20 minutes after opening, a great start!), and at Nezu Shrine we happened upon a local festival with a children's procession, so the good fortune continued. During the tour I learned that they were fond of ceramics, so we stopped by a recommended shop in Yanaka, which delighted them greatly. We strolled toward Ueno Park while admiring the cherry blossoms in full bloom at Yanaka Cemetery. Along the way we also visited long-established shops selling rice crackers and Japanese sweets, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi Station~Nezu Station180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…