Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Station & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Kyoto Station
    • (JR Line)
    • 10:15-10:45 Fushimi Inari
    • (Taxi)
    • 11:00-11:30 Sanjusangendo
    • (Keihan Railway)
    • 11:45-12:45 Lunch (Kyoto Cuisine Izutsu)
    • (Taxi)
    • 13:15-14:00 Ninenzaka – Sanneizaka – Kiyomizu-dera
    • (Taxi)
    • 14:45-15:15 Ninenzaka
    • (Taxi)
    • 15:45-16:15 Kinkaku-ji
    • (Taxi)
    • 16:30-16:55 Ryoan-ji
    • (Taxi)
    • 17:15-17:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • (JR Line)
    • 18:00 Kyoto Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, staying in Tokyo, with the meeting and drop-off both at Kyoto Station. Since they wished to visit as many sightseeing spots as possible, we extended the time and arranged the following itinerary: Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → lunch (a Kyoto cuisine restaurant) → Ninenzaka–Sannenzaka–Kiyomizu-dera → Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → the Bamboo Grove Path in Arashiyama → Kyoto Station. This weekend in Kyoto the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The guests enjoyed the gorgeous scenery everywhere we went, including the abundant cherry blossoms at Kodai-ji Park, and took many photographs. Among the sights, they were impressed by the solemn scene at Sanjusangendo, and at Nijo Castle they took great interest in samurai culture centered on the shogunate. The guests were very friendly, and starting with talk of family and pets, a wide variety of topics came up along the way. In particular, when I asked how they first met, the answer was such a classic approach that we happily agreed, "That's just how it used to be!" For lunch I guided them to a Kyoto cuisine restaurant, where they enjoyed shabu-shabu and chilled sake, savoring a pleasant spring holiday.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainShichijo~Gion-Shijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto Station (Admission Ticket)~Kyoto Station (Admission Ticket)140JPY
    Total700JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:35 Ask the hotel (Shangri-La) front desk to inform them that the guide has arrived for the guest.
    • 09:11 Made an urgent contact to JGA (Mr./Ms. Kobayashi) and reported that the guest was a no-show.
    • After 09:12, received an email from the guest representative's spouse saying, "We are at the Four Seasons Marunouchi, but the guide has not come." Informed JGA of this and took a taxi from the Shangri-La to the Four Seasons.
    • 09:21, arrived at the Four Seasons and contacted the guest and JGA. Following JGA's instructions, took a taxi as directed and waited for the guest at the 1F front desk.
    • Around 10:20, Jason Hartlove appeared alone. Received a request: "Today I will pick up a client at Narita Airport on the 13:03 NEX. Please guide me within that time and return." Departed.
    • Tokyo station – Asakusa 324 yen
    • Asakusa – Ueno Ameyoko 178 yen
    • Ueno – Tokyo station 167 yen 12:30 Returned to Tokyo Station at the guest's request

    Here is the anonymized English translation. Title: What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. The guest holds a senior leadership position and mentioned overseeing a large organization. 2. The guest visits Japan frequently, having come many times, though not always accompanied by the rest of the group. The guest travels widely for work, including to Japan, other parts of Asia, and various countries around the world. The guest had dinner with a senior executive of a company the day before and asked whether I had ever worked with them. 3. We talked about how a significant portion of Japan's population lives in Tokyo alone, making it very dense. 4. The guest mentioned that some of the group had once been interested in character goods but were no longer. The guest planned to show the group some of the spots seen today on the following day. 5. The guest asked which restaurant I would recommend for dinner. 6. The guest was interested to learn that the Imperial Palace is closed on Mondays, and asked whether Asakusa was too. 7. We discussed how traffic keeps to one side in Tokyo and the opposite side in Kyoto, which the guest found interesting. 8. The guest shared that they handle most of the household chores at home. 9. The guest expressed satisfaction and said they looked forward to showing the sights to the rest of the group the following day. 10. The guest offered to get in touch when some start-ups might need assistance. 11. The guest thanked me and mentioned heading to the airport by train to meet clients. This private guided day tour of Tokyo 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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo-Asakusa-Ueno-Tokyo~Asakusa-Ueno-Tokyo669JPY
    Total669JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

    May 20, 2026
    olgalA154QQ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with an excellent guide
    Great experience! Our guide WADA Hideaki…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sightseer57474900023
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hideaki’s perfect first day in Tokyo!
    Hideaki was an incredible guide and…

  • Kumamoto in One Day: Suizenji Jojuen Garden & Kumamoto Castle

    Kumamoto in One Day: Suizenji Jojuen Garden & Kumamoto Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at hotel, travel by taxi
    • 10:15-11:30 Suizenji Jojuen Garden tour
    • Travel by streetcar
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch
    • Travel on foot
    • 13:00-13:15 View Kumamoto Castle from the top floor of City Hall
    • Travel on foot
    • 13:30-13-45 Visit Wakuwakuza
    • 13:50-14:50 Kumamoto Castle tour
    • Travel on foot
    • 15:00 Arrive at hotel, tour ends

    What Is a Private Kumamoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Suizenji Garden and Kumamoto Castle The guests had once lived near Suizenji Park in Kumamoto and decided to revisit the area after many years. At Suizenji Park, the guests took a break with tea and sweets in the Kokindenju-no-Ma and thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful garden. At Kumamoto Castle, the plan was to go up to the top floor of the castle tower, but as one of the guests had sore feet, they came down partway and rested on a bench below. That day it felt chilly in the morning, but from around noon the temperature rose sharply, and fatigue set in all at once. The plan afterward was to visit Kato Shrine, but since walking had become difficult, the guests asked to end the tour early and rest at the Hotel, so we skipped Kato Shrine and I escorted them back to the Hotel. It was unexpected that it would become so hot, but the guests were satisfied to have seen the beautiful garden, the magnificent castle, and the cherry blossoms.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuizenji Park~Torichosuji180JPY
    Total180JPY

    I worked for KUMAMOTO Prefecture as a local government officer. Most of my work was tourism promotion in Kumamoto. Now I retired, I love Kumamoto and I wish you also love Kumamoto after the tour.
    I like sports activities, running, trekking, cycling and hiking. If you are interested in such activities, you’ll know another face of Japan.
    Of course, I am good at history and geography in Japan. I can explain why the events were occurred as an interesting story.
    I traveled not only Japan, but many oversea countries. I know what international visitors want and worry. I guarantee your happy trip in Japan. And I hope you’ll like Japan more and more.

    Oct 15, 2024
    betsy_b
    Great guide
    Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Jun was an excellent guide. Very well prepared. Showed us…

    Aug 25, 2024
    Maxine_B
    Phenomenal Tour Guide
    Viator review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Jun was very informative. He had…

    Jun 14, 2024
    GylM
    Jun-san was very accommodating and super helpful. Best way to see as much of Kumamoto city as possible in a day.…

  • Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Marine Port (Departure at 9:50) Sengan-en (10:10-12:10) Terukuni Shrine・Tenmonkan (12:30-13:30) Sakurajima Ferry (13:50) Sakurajima Yunohira Observatory・Lava Park (14:20-15:20) Sakurajima Ferry (15:20) Marine Port (16:10)

    Title: What Is a Private Kagoshima Cultural and History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very interested in the culture and history of Kagoshima, and one question after another kept coming up in response to each explanation, which made for a lively conversation. They found Sakurajima especially novel and were very pleased with it, and they were also delighted to have a foot bath included in the sightseeing. As they walked at a fairly slow pace, there were some places where the schedule had to be significantly condensed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIjuin~Kagoshima-Chuo900JPY
    Section 2TrainKagoshima-Chuo~Uzuki480JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    Hi, I’m Yoshimura Chie, please call me Jiejie, I’ve been living in Kagoshima for 30years.
    I studied Japanese literature and history at grad school of Kagoshima University.
    I have been a tour guide and a translator for more than 25 years. I used to work for Japan Travel Company.
    Now, I’d like to get more communication and interaction with tourists, and show around more deep Kagoshima, so I decided to be a private tour guide. I’m familiar with not only Kagoshima’s history, culture and customs, some of which are not on the books (kind of legends, fairytales and so on), but also local delicious food and good restaurants, because I’m a foodie and gourmet. Are you interested in Japan’s history? Kagoshima is the birthplace of Japan’s Industrial Revolution, (which was then spread throughout Asia) .
    Do you know Samurai? It’s said there used be the most number of samurais living in Kagoshima. I assure that you will have a wonderful tour together with me.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you here in Kagoshima .

    很高兴在这里能够认识您。热烈欢迎光临日本,首先让我做个简单的自我介绍,我的名字叫吉村洁在中国的国立大学的观光学部毕业以后就到日本鹿儿岛大学大学院专攻了两年日本文学。毕业后我就在做翻译和导游的工作已经有20多年了,我对日本的历史文化还有习俗都非常的熟悉精通。我保证通过这次旅游您会对日本的历史、文化,还有美食等々都会有更深入的认识、更丰富的了解和更惊喜的体验。我会在风光明媚鸟语花香历史悠久的鹿児島为贵宾们做最好的导游服务。

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Ghost Stairs & Ginza pedestrian paradise

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Ghost Stairs & Ginza pedestrian paradise

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 10:50 Head to Nezu Shrine via Yanaka Ginza, Yomise Street, and Hebi-michi. Coffee break at YANAKA COFFEE along the way.
    • 12:50 "Nezu Ghost Stairs"
    • 13:40 Akihabara
    • 14:30 Lunch at "Sudacho Shokudo Akihabara UDX Branch"
    • 15:30 Stroll along Ginza pedestrian paradise
    • 16:00 Disband in front of "Ginza Itoya"

    Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They had arrived in Tokyo and planned to stay in the city before moving on to Hakone, then visiting Osaka, and finally trying a pottery-making experience in Kyoto before returning home. During our prior communication, there had been a request to visit a restaurant serving delicious omurice, which I had assumed came from the younger members of the group, but it turned out to be another member's wish. That person savored the fluffy omurice with a beaming smile. Another member of the group was interested in Japanese ceramics, and we had a lively conversation about "kintsugi." Since they had arrived at the Hotel late the previous night and were still affected by jet lag, some of the younger guests seemed a little tired toward the latter half of the tour. However, as they were fond of stationery, their energy returned all at once when I told them that our next destination was the famous stationery store "Ginza Itoya."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Hamamatsucho Station~JR Yamanote Line Nippori Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Shin-Ochanomizu Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Sobu Line Ochanomizu Station~JR Sobu Line Akihabara Station150JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ginza Station180JPY
    Total690JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Marine Port (departure 10:20) Sengan-en (10:40-12:40) Terukuni Shrine・Tenmonkan (13:00-14:00) Sakurajima Ferry (14:20) Sakurajima Yunohira Observatory・Lava Park (14:40-15:50) Sakurajima Ferry (15:50) Marine Port (16:40)

    What Is a Private Kagoshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sengan-en and Sakurajima The guests were very interested in the history and culture of Kagoshima, and their reactions were excellent throughout the tour. In particular, at Sengan-en the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and looked beautiful, so the guests felt lucky and took plenty of photos. Furthermore, while sightseeing at Sakurajima, an eruption happened right in front of us at just the right moment, sending up billowing clouds of ash and creating a spectacular scene, which delighted the guests greatly. Since public transportation in Kagoshima is not very convenient, tours that do not include a vehicle require separate vehicle arrangements, so I would appreciate it if [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could announce this in advance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIjuin~Kagoshima-Chuo900JPY
    Section 2TrainKagoshima-Chuo~Uzuki480JPY
    Total1,380JPY

    Hi, I’m Yoshimura Chie, please call me Jiejie, I’ve been living in Kagoshima for 30years.
    I studied Japanese literature and history at grad school of Kagoshima University.
    I have been a tour guide and a translator for more than 25 years. I used to work for Japan Travel Company.
    Now, I’d like to get more communication and interaction with tourists, and show around more deep Kagoshima, so I decided to be a private tour guide. I’m familiar with not only Kagoshima’s history, culture and customs, some of which are not on the books (kind of legends, fairytales and so on), but also local delicious food and good restaurants, because I’m a foodie and gourmet. Are you interested in Japan’s history? Kagoshima is the birthplace of Japan’s Industrial Revolution, (which was then spread throughout Asia) .
    Do you know Samurai? It’s said there used be the most number of samurais living in Kagoshima. I assure that you will have a wonderful tour together with me.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you here in Kagoshima .

    很高兴在这里能够认识您。热烈欢迎光临日本,首先让我做个简单的自我介绍,我的名字叫吉村洁在中国的国立大学的观光学部毕业以后就到日本鹿儿岛大学大学院专攻了两年日本文学。毕业后我就在做翻译和导游的工作已经有20多年了,我对日本的历史文化还有习俗都非常的熟悉精通。我保证通过这次旅游您会对日本的历史、文化,还有美食等々都会有更深入的认识、更丰富的了解和更惊喜的体验。我会在风光明媚鸟语花香历史悠久的鹿児島为贵宾们做最好的导游服务。

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima Station & Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Meet up at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:10 Hiroshima Station → Hiroshima Castle (Kamiyacho-higashi)
    • 11:40 Hiroshima Castle → Peace Park (on foot)
    • 12:50 Cat Cafe
    • 14:00 Peace Park → Miyajima
    • 16:10 Miyajima → Miyajimaguchi
    • 16:44 JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Hiroshima Station
    • 17:30 Disband (to Kyoto by Shinkansen)

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began with a meetup at Hiroshima Station, guiding a group visiting Japan. We traveled by streetcar, and at Hiroshima Castle the weather was beautiful, with carp in the pond that sparked lively conversation. At Gokoku Shrine, a spring memorial ceremony was being held with participants in traditional attire, and the guests took many photos. In the plaza in front, a school kendo tournament was taking place, which they watched with great enjoyment. We then moved to the Peace Memorial Park, where one of the guests had a deep interest in peace and listened carefully to the explanations. At the museum, they took their time reading the explanations, taking photos, and mentioned they wanted to share what they had learned. Before heading to Miyajima, the guests expressed a wish to visit a cat cafe, so we stopped at a nearby one. We then traveled to Miyajima and saw Itsukushima Shrine, before hurrying back to Hiroshima Station due to time constraints, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainHiroshima Station~Hatchobori-higashi Station240JPY
    Total1,760JPY

    In December 2024, I obtained the Hiroshima Prefecture Regional Guide-Interpreter in Hiroshima City, where I currently live. I am a Korean national and came to Japan after getting married and have been living in Japan for the longest time of my life. 27 years in Japan, 26 years in Korea, and 1 year in New Zealand. I would like to convey the wonderful history and culture of Japan that I have felt during my life in Japan, as well as the refined manufacturing and delicious Japanese food that have been born from it, in a more understandable way, sometimes from a foreigner’s perspective. I will guide you through the World Heritage Sites of Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park, as well as Hiroshima’s representative local foods, okonomiyaki and oysters. I will introduce you to the charming towns of nearby Onomichi, including the temples and Saijo’s traditional sake brewing, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    Jul 13, 2025
    J
    Julie T
    Great Day Hiroshima!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful…

    Jul 6, 2025
    Chris_P
    Great tour!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Son did a great job! We saw…

    Jun 1, 2025
    Catherine_G
    Son was an excellent…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Son was an excellent guide…

    May 11, 2025
    Ken S
    Wonderful visit to Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①11:30 Meet at the hotel, go to Asakusa by subway
    • ②12:10-13:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
    • ③13:15-13:55 Sumida River Cruise
    • ④14:00-14:30 Lunch at Waters Takeshiba, travel by taxi
    • ⑤15:00-15:30 Chidorigafuchi, travel by taxi
    • ⑥15:45-15:15 Omotesando
    • ⑦15:30-16:40 Meiji Shrine, travel by subway
    • ⑧17:10 Disband at the hotel
    • 〜Originally we had planned to also stop by Shibuya, but since they had already visited yesterday, all three agreed and we disbanded a little earlier.

    Title: What's a Private Cherry Blossom Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan to attend a meeting in Tokyo, and they spent this day off sightseeing in the city. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) arranged this private one-day tour centered on Asakusa and Meiji Shrine, with the addition of some famous cherry blossom spots. From Asakusa, the group enjoyed a river cruise for cherry blossom viewing along the Sumida River aboard a water bus. At Chidorigafuchi, they strolled along the green promenade. They were delighted by the falling cherry blossoms, which were just past full bloom. As some of the guests wished to explore a sophisticated shopping area, we stopped by Omotesando before visiting Meiji Shrine, which they greatly enjoyed. The rain fell mainly during the water bus ride and during the meal, and it had cleared up during the walks, so the guests were able to enjoy comfortable sightseeing in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon Hills~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Toranomon Hills180JPY
    Total470JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
    svendulrikr
    Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
    Best of Nara
    Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

    Jul 10, 2026
    valerianos862
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Private tour of Tokyo.
    Our guide Sam is very…

    Jun 20, 2026
    Sarah B
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

    Apr 14, 2026
    MDMallory
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
    The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
    Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…

  • Mie in Half a Day: Worship at Naiku

    Mie in Half a Day: Worship at Naiku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Ise-shi Station, travel by taxi
    • 10:20 View Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) at Futamiura, travel by taxi
    • 11:00 Worship at Geku (Outer Shrine), travel by bus
    • 11:50 Worship at Naiku (Inner Shrine)
    • 12:40 Lunch at Isshobin, travel by bus
    • 14:10 Disband at Ise-shi Station

    What Is a Private Tour of Ise and Futamigaura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was a pleasant, harmonious group to accompany. They had visited Japan several times before and had traveled to many parts of the country, so they were quite knowledgeable and asked interesting questions with genuine curiosity. They wished to see the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) at Futamigaura, so I confirmed whether they would be comfortable with the considerable walking required when using public transportation from either the station or the bus stop. As it turned out, walking was difficult for the group, so we decided to use a taxi instead. They had planned to visit Toba before the pandemic and had wanted to come ever since, so they were delighted to finally make it. The photo was taken at a cafe in front of Ise-shi Station at the end of the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIse-shi~Naiku-mae520JPY
    Section 2BusNaiku-mae~Ise-shi520JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Hi! Thank you for choosing us. I am very glad to be assigned as your guide, and to help you have a good time in Japan. While you are in Japan, I would like you to try some sweets (if you are allowed by the doctor, of course). There are so many kinds, but among them, I would like to recommend Ice cream, even in autumn or winter (enjoyable in a warm room). Have you ever tried a kind of ice cream, which is called Soft Cream in Japan? It’s much softer and creamier than usual ice cream, and sold in many varieties of flavor. Matcha flavour ones are easily found, or chocolate ones, but also they sell local flavors to boost the sales of their local products. To name some, delicious fruit flavours such as yuzu (citrus) or grapes, or strange ones with wasabi (a bit spicy and fragrant) or miso (usually used for salty soups, but tastes like caramel when it is sweetened). Shaved ice is good, too. I have an ice shaving machine in my house, but I wouldn’t bring it to a tour. I look forward to seeing you and helping you enjoy your day in Japan!

    Oct 17, 2025
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  • Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. ​13:00 Meet up @ Kawagoe Station
    • 2. 13:30 @ Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Benten Yokocho
    • 3. 14:15 @ Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley), Ichibangai (Warehouse District), Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), Taisho Roman Street
    • 4. 15:20 @ Kitain Temple
    • 5. 16:20 @ Koedo Kurari
    • 6. 17:00 Dismissal @ Kawagoe Station

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kawagoe (Little Edo) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at Kawagoe Station and we took a bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The guests were interested in explanations about Shinto and the etiquette for praying at a shrine. After that, we walked to Ichibangai Street via Benten Yokocho and Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley). While strolling through the townscape of traditional kurazukuri warehouse-style buildings, we made our way to Kitain Temple via Taisho Roman Street. At Kitain Temple, the cherry blossoms were still in full bloom, and the guests were delighted to be able to take photos of the temple buildings together with the cherry blossoms. We then toured the guest hall, the study hall, and the priests' quarters. The guests were deeply moved by the view of the karesansui dry landscape garden located behind the study hall. From Kitain Temple, we walked to the final destination, Koedo Kurari. At Koedo Kurari, the guests enjoyed a sake tasting comparison and bought Kawagoe souvenirs. On the way to Kawagoe Station afterward, I helped the guests with shopping for items such as video game software, for which they were very grateful.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawagoe Station East Exit~Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine210JPY
    Total210JPY

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

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

    May 24, 2026
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    Tokyo Guided Tour
    Tak was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable on all…

    May 14, 2026
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    Great tours of Tokyo with Tak!
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    We booked 2 tours with our…

    Apr 11, 2026
    M8348RDalexw
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    Memorable day with Takashi
    Tak was fantastic to spend the day with…