Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Shorenin Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Shorenin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30   Hotel Kyoto  Meeting point
    • 9:00~9:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:00~10:40 Gion – Pontocho – Takasegawa – Hanamikoji – Shirakawa Path – Gion Festival Gallery
    • 11:00~11:45 Shorenin Temple
    • 12:00~12:30 Chionin Temple Sanmon Gate – Miedo Hall – Bell Tower
    • 12:45 Maruyama Park  Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Higashiyama The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had expressed an interest in Japanese culture, history, and food, and were looking forward to the tour. At Fushimi Inari, they were interested in the history and mythology of Shinto, and we discussed its connection to the imperial family and the religious perspectives of Japanese people. They were also fascinated by the vermilion thousand torii gates and the customs of worship at the main shrine. In Gion, they were moved by the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Takase River and the Shirakawa area, and took many photos. At Shoren-in, a temple with ties to the imperial family, they were impressed by its solemn atmosphere and its garden. At Chion-in, they were amazed by the immense scale of the main gate, the Miedo hall, and the bell tower.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total370JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Hamarikyu

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Market & Hamarikyu

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 9:10 Tsukiji Market
    • 10:20 Hamarikyu
    • 11:40 Lunch in Asakusa
    • 12:20 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 13:15 Viewing the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River
    • 14:00 Nezu Shrine, viewing the Azalea Festival
    • 15:15 Drive to Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, end of guide

    Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Season Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. Since I had been to their home region before, our conversation quickly became lively. At Tsukiji Market, they were curious about everything they saw, and they tried tuna and strawberries. At Hamarikyu Gardens, right upon entering, we were greeted by rapeseed blossoms in their final peak. Although there were few cherry blossoms, they were delighted by the Japanese garden, and they happily enjoyed a casual matcha experience while I taught them the etiquette. In Asakusa, we viewed the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River, and they took many photos of the blossoms with Tokyo Skytree, as well as the Asahi Beer headquarters, which they liked for some reason. At Nezu Shrine, the azalea festival was underway, and they enjoyed passing through the row of torii gates.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Shimbashi170JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi~Tokyo International Cruise Terminal390JPY
    Total780JPY

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1015 Depart Marine Port Kagoshima→While taking photos at the harbor plaza, Sakurajima had a small eruption→1105 Arrive at Sengan-en→Strolling through the garden, touring the residence, Industrial Heritage Visitor Center, Kiriko glass factory (we had planned to have lunch, but since the guests wanted to prioritize sightseeing, we were also able to visit the Kiriko glass factory, which was not originally scheduled)→1240 Depart Sengan-en→1300 Take the ferry to Sakurajima (enjoyed the famous Yabukin udon on board)→1320 Arrive at the Visitor Center (explained the film screening and the exhibits inside)→1405 Depart the Visitor Center→1425 Arrive at Yunohira Observatory (the weather was great, and we could see Mt. Kaimon and Kirishima)→1440 Depart Yunohira→1510 Take the ferry to Kagoshima→1525 Depart Kagoshima Port→Drive along the seaside road with a great view of Sakurajima→1610 Arrive at Marine Port and disband.

    What Is a Private Sakurajima Volcano Tour Like in Kagoshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had traveled all over the world, and they mentioned having seen Hawaii, Yellowstone, and volcanoes and calderas in Iceland. When I explained that differences in lava lead to different eruption shapes, they were convinced. The weather was wonderful, and Sakurajima, as well as Mount Kaimon and Kirishima, were all beautifully visible. While taking photos at Marine Port at the start, Sakurajima had a small eruption, and the guests were very excited. It truly became a lucky tour. Regarding the ferry fare, I was told that the taxi company would bill your company for both the guests' and my portions, so I did not pay on-site.

    I worked as a producer at a TV company for over 40 years and moved from Tokyo to Kagoshima in the spring of 2024. I lived in Kagoshima in my 20s and married a Kagoshima woman, so Kagoshima is my second home. My strength is my familiarity with Tokyo and Kagoshima. If you are interested in Japanese people, especially our culture, traditions, history and food, why not contact me? Kagoshima has a unique charm that Tokyo does not have. You will be fascinated not only by the famous tourist spots, but also by walking through the downtown area and back streets. Let’s explore!

    Jul 15, 2026
    diane_w
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day…
    We had a wonderful day with…

    May 26, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Kagoshima was a highlight of our Japan trip
    Kagoshima was…

    May 4, 2026
    Jackim2009
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Our Day in Kagoshima
    We had a wonderful time in…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Wolfgang_B
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Our host and tour guide…
    Our host and tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Kayabacho Hatchobori Ekimae
    • 2. 10:30 @Tsukiji
    • 3. 11:00 @Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Whisky Museum, Kyukyodo)
    • 4. 11:40 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate, Inui Street)
    • 5. 12:00 @Kitanomaru Park (Tayasumon Gate, Chidorigafuchi)
    • 6. 13:00 Lunch @Washoku En (inside Marunouchi Oazo)
    • 7. 14:00 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi Side Station Building)
    • 8. 14:45 @Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 9. 16:00 @Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 10. 17:30 Disband @Hiroo (on the Hibiya Line)

    What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, near the German border. During lunch, one of the guests shared a story about how difficult the pandemic period had been, as at the time they were still a student commuting across the border to attend school. It was everyone's first visit to Japan, and they left the itinerary to me as the guide, asking me to introduce my favorite spots. Since the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, I decided to guide them to a place where they could enjoy spectacular cherry blossom views instead of Asakusa, starting the tour with Chidorigafuchi in mind. The weather had turned from the previous day's rain to a refreshing clear sky with blue skies. On the way to the Imperial Palace, we walked from Tsukiji to Ginza, and since walking posed no problems, after viewing the Nijubashi Bridge and the Main Gate of the Imperial Palace, I asked the group, and they eagerly wished to experience walking through the Inui-dori passage of the Imperial Palace. Many different varieties of cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and we thoroughly enjoyed the stroll. They took many photos. After finishing the passage and exiting through the Inui Gate, we headed to Kitanomaru Park, passing beside the Nippon Budokan, which was crowded with university entrance ceremonies. Coming out of the park through the Tayasumon Gate, the cherry trees with branches extending over the water were in full bloom, and everyone was greatly moved and took many photos. At the lunch spot, the seating was a horigotatsu-style table where you take off your shoes, place them in a shoe box, lock it, and then walk across tatami mats to access the seats, and they greatly enjoyed these experiences. After the meal, they ordered desserts such as matcha and warabimochi, and they had a lively time exchanging and tasting each other's dishes. For the end of the tour, we decided to visit places such as the Shibuya Scramble Crossing before returning to the Hotel. Although the tour time had passed, since I as the guide was also heading home in the same direction using the Hibiya Line, we boarded the Hibiya Line together. I got off at Hiroo Station and saw off the guests as they headed toward Hatchobori Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kayabacho Station~Tsukiji Station700JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Kudanshita Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Tokyo Station~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~Shibuya Station150JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hiroo Station0JPY
    Total850JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 9:00 @ Lobby of Hotel Sky Tower
    • 2. Move to Nagoya Castle and tour the Honmaru Palace and around the castle keep
    • 3. Lunch @ Horaitei (inside the Nagoya Noh Theater building)
    • 4. Move to Tokugawaen and tour Tokugawaen (Japanese garden)
    • 5. Move to Oasis 21 and tour the rooftop "Spaceship Aqua" and the underground shopping area
    • 6. Move to Osu Shopping Street and tour the shopping street and Osu Kannon
    • 7. Return to Hotel and disband at 15:00

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Nagoya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and I arranged a full-day tour that incorporated additional sites matching the preferences they had shared through a messaging app beforehand. For lunch, since they had requested fish and vegetable-focused dishes, I reserved a kaiseki lunch at Housatei inside the Nagoya Noh Theater, and they were delighted with the course menu. Because the guests were also interested in more unusual spots, we visited Osu Shopping District as our final stop, where they enjoyed the atmosphere of Osu, which can be described as a melting pot of culture blending traditional culture, pop culture, and subculture. The cherry blossoms at each site, including Nagoya Castle, were in full bloom under clear skies, so I believe they were very satisfied.

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:30 Gathering @VIAINN
    • 2. 07:45 @Peace Park Museum
    • 3. 10:55 @Miyajima
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch@Kuwaranka
    • 5. 13:45 @Daishoin 
    • 6. 15:00 Dismissal@VIAINN

    Thanks to the early morning meeting time, the guests were able to view the Peace Memorial Museum without any stress. The guests took particular care in viewing the Peace Park and the museum. Because of this, they changed the reservation for the World Heritage sea route partway through, and their arrival at Miyajima was later than originally planned. By the time they reached Miyajima, a bit of a line had formed at Itsukushima Shrine, so we visited other spots first, and in the end, following the wishes of the guests, they did not enter the shrine and instead leisurely enjoyed places such as Tahoin with its cherry blossoms. Each time there was word that one of their grandchildren was in the hospital, they were concerned, and it was a close-knit group who deeply valued their family.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,720JPY

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1330 Meet at Onyado Nono
    • 1415 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 1630 Shinsekai
    • 1730 Kuromon Market
    • 1745 Hozenji Yokocho
    • 1815 Dotonbori
    • 1945 Disband at Onyado Nono

    What Is a Private Osaka Food and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. The weather was fine, warm enough to feel hot during the day, though it cooled down considerably in the evening. Some of the guests were curious about a variety of places, while others were less interested in history and more drawn to food, ordering many different dishes. Although it was not part of the original plan, one of the guests wished to see Japanese kitchen knives, and after promptly making a purchase, they were quite delighted. For dinner, we went to a teppanyaki restaurant in Dotonbori and enjoyed dishes such as teppanyaki and okonomiyaki together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKitahama~Tengachaya240JPY
    Section 2TrainTengachaya~Sumiyoshi Taisha180JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Tengachaya180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTengachaya~Dobutsuen-mae180JPY
    Section 5SubwayEbisu~Nipponbashi180JPY
    Section 6SubwayNipponbashi~Kitahama240JPY
    Total1,200JPY

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Marine Port Kagoshima→Sakurajima→Lunch at Ichi-Ni-San Tenmonkan Branch→Sengan-en→Shiroyama Park→Marine Port Kagoshima

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kagoshima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sakurajima and Sengan-en I met the guests at 10:00, and although they arrived a little late, we began the day together. First, I took them to Sakurajima. We took a group photo at the observation deck of Sakurajima. After that, we went for lunch at a kurobuta pork shabu-shabu restaurant in Tenmonkan. They told me it was the most delicious meal they had ever had, so it seemed they really enjoyed it. Next, we went to Sengan-en, where I explained its history and its status as a World Heritage site. At Sengan-en, I took them to the residence, which they also seemed to enjoy. I also showed them Satsuma Kiriko cut glass, but since it was quite expensive, they did not go so far as to buy it as a souvenir. Finally, I took them to Shiroyama Park, and then ended the day at Marine Port.

    I am a World Cultural Heritage Regional Interpreter Guide in Kagoshima Prefecture and live in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, so I can accommodate travel plans that include combinations of people visiting sightseeing spots in Tokyo and Kanagawa, and World Cultural Heritage Sites in Kyushu and Kagoshima.
    ***Strengths***
    -I’m still nervous, but I will be certified as a Kagoshima Prefecture World Cultural Heritage Interpreter Guide in 2024!
    -I love fishing and trekking in Amami and Yakushima. Amami had been staying in Setouchi Town for a long time due to my father’s work.
    -Fukuoka is my hometown where I grew up until high school! I’ll even explain it in Fukuoka dialect!
    -Since I worked at the Nagasaki Shipyard for nearly 20 years, I can also guide you on trips to visit Kagoshima and other sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
    -I have spent long periods of time working overseas in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Kuwait, Iceland, Pakistan, the United States, Chile, Kenya, and other countries, so I can work with people from any country.
    -I have spent long periods of time in Kagoshima (Kirishima), Saga, Oita, Sendai, and Fukushima for domestic work, so I can also provide guidance.

  • Osaka in One Day: Tour Danjo Garan & Osaka Station

    Osaka in One Day: Tour Danjo Garan & Osaka Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:40 Meet at Hotel Granvia
    • 6:40 Move from Osaka Station to Shin-Imamiya Station
    • 7:17-9:12 Move from Shin-Imamiya to Koyasan
    • 9:17-10:20 Move to Daishi Kyokai by bus, receive the precepts
    • 10:00-11:35 Tour Danjo Garan
    • 11:35-12:15 Move to restaurant (lunch)
    • 12:15-12:30 Stroll around Okunoin while waiting for the bus
    • 12:35-13:40 Stroll around Nakanohashi at Okunoin
    • 13:45-14:00 Buy souvenirs
    • 14:00-15:10 Tour Kongobuji
    • 15:15-15:40 Move to Koyasan Station, enjoy the scenery from the 2nd floor and look at the treasure magazine of the Reihokan
    • 15:46-17:58 Move to Osaka Station by train
    • 18:00 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was scheduled to depart at 7:00, but since we met in the hotel lobby at 6:40, we headed to the station early. Through our email exchanges, I learned that the guests wanted to experience the Jukai precept ceremony and sutra copying at the Daishi Kyokai. However, since sutra copying takes at least an hour, they decided to do only the Jukai ceremony. While waiting at the reception, I explained the method of sutra copying and gave them the sutra copying paper and pens. They were very keen on learning about Koyasan and esoteric Buddhism, and it seemed they had been studying Japanese culture through books. Especially at Okunoin, they took many photos with both their smartphones and a single-lens reflex camera. They also collected goshuin stamps at various spots, and at the souvenir shop they bought prayer beads, joking that they would become Buddhists. The schedule was a little tight, but since they had come all this way, we also visited Kongobuji Temple and delayed the return train later than planned. As they did not want to buy reserved seats, we spent some time on the second floor of Koyasan Station looking at magazines about the Reihokan museum, and returned on the Limited Express Tenku, which has non-reserved seating.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Shin-Imamiya200JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Imamiya~Koyasan3,540JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya~Osaka200JPY
    Total3,940JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Ginza (hotel subject to change)
    • 8:25 Tsukiji
    • 9:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:15 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 12:50 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 13:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:20 Dismissal at Meiji-jingumae Station

    # What's a Full-Day Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was clear and sunny throughout, with little wind, and the guests were in a great mood for the entire tour. We bought a 24-hour metro pass in Ginza and headed to Tsukiji. At a fruit shop in the outer market building, the guests bought strawberries priced at 700 yen each and enjoyed them on the rooftop, saying they were delicious. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests saw many varieties of cherry blossoms and took many photos. In Asakusa, perhaps not liking the crowds, they turned back before reaching Hozomon Gate, saying "this is far enough." They bought some rice crackers and said "these are my favorite," but without listening to much of the explanation, we headed to Shinjuku Gyoen. Shinjuku Gyoen was very crowded, but many varieties of cherry blossoms were in full bloom and it was warm, so the guests took a lot of video. I gave an explanation at Meiji Shrine, and as we ran out of time, they said they would return to their hotel from there, so we parted at the station platform. I received a tip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa~Kanda0JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda~Sendagaya178JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total878JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

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    Jul 8, 2026
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    A beautiful tour
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    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
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    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…