Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi/Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi/Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 4/3/2025
    • 8:00 Hiroshima Station, breakfast at the station
    • 8:45 Hiroshima Station/Itsukaichi/Miyajimaguchi (420 yen)
    • 9:45/9:55 Miyajimaguchi/Miyajima
    • 10:00 Restroom/Purchase World Heritage Sea Route ticket (paid for by the customer)
    • 10:15-11:55 Miyajima stroll via back route, fortunately shrine, giant rice scoop, oysters, around the shrine, torii gate, fried momiji, Miyajima ferry terminal
    • 12:00/12:45 World Heritage Sea Route
    • 12:55/13:55 Lunch (reserved)
    • Hondori, Shareo, Atomic Bomb Dome, hypocenter, monument tour
    • 16:00 Tour ends in front of the Atomic Bomb Museum

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Hiroshima (a request booking). This time they came to Hiroshima as a group of four. Some members of the group appeared to have specific needs, and the guide made sure to check on their wellbeing throughout the tour, confirming with them directly that everything was fine. As this had not come up during the pre-tour communication, the guide simply adapted on the spot. The next day the group planned to visit Kure on their own, so the guide provided some materials about sightseeing in Kure. During the tour, the group mentioned that one member drinks a lot of water, and there were several occasions when a long restroom break was needed. Each time, the guide, who knew where the restrooms were located, escorted them and waited outside. The guide learned that they liked to wash their hands and face thoroughly, which explained the situation. During conversations, there was also a strong interest in agriculture, with questions such as whether Japanese farmland is likely to increase in the future. In the pre-tour communication, the guests expressed an interest in Hiroshima's history and a wish to avoid crowds. For Miyajima, the guide led them along the back streets, and for the Peace Memorial Museum, the guide recommended a 5:30 p.m. reservation during a quieter time slot after the tour. Since the guests had been to Hiroshima several times before, the guide suggested something different this time. Knowing that the guests loved bread, the guide proposed a "bread tour" visiting a Hiroshima-based bakery, a bakery on Miyajima, and a currently popular bakery, buying at least one item per bakery to compare the tastes. The guests said they had eaten plenty of bread the day before, but once inside the first shop, they were drawn in by the colorful selection and wonderful aroma and thoroughly enjoyed the bread tour. Even after the tour, they sent a message saying how delicious the bread was after eating it. In line with the request to avoid crowds, the guide took them along the back streets of Miyajima, and for the oysters they wanted to try, the guide recommended a shop with fewer crowds (which previously also had lower prices). The price was the same as other shops (600 yen for two), but they were able to buy them with almost no waiting, which worked out well. The guests mentioned they would like to stay overnight on Miyajima someday. There had been news reports of a high-end hotel being built on the mainland side, and they were able to see what appeared to be its construction from the boat. Because the guests wanted to explore Miyajima at a relaxed pace, the guide arranged an 8:00 meeting time and reserved the 12:00 high-speed ferry. However, considering that they had not yet had breakfast and had read online that there was a good bakery inside Hiroshima Station, the guide had them have breakfast at that café. As a result, the time spent on Miyajima was reduced, but the guests understood. At the strong request of the guests, who wanted to return to an okonomiyaki restaurant they had visited previously, the guide made a 1:00 p.m. reservation there. Okonomiyaki can taste different depending on the shop and the person cooking it, but today it was truly delicious, and everyone in the group finished their plates. Everyone ordered the special, and they enjoyed playfully competing over the squid on top. Regarding the museum, by the time the guide met them they had already booked the 5:30 p.m. slot and an audio guide via an online booking service. Later, the guide received a message that they were viewing the museum. During the tour, the guide took them around the monuments inside and outside the park, as well as to a small, uncrowded peace museum. The guests were able to view the exhibits at a relaxed pace, and the guide was able to explain slowly using the panels, so they seemed to feel the tragedy of the atomic bomb. There was also a short video that allowed them to see what it was like at the time. One member of the group was also very interested in history, listening carefully to the guide's explanations and viewing the exhibits closely. As the tour progressed, there were more smiles and many lighthearted, friendly moments, and the guide felt fortunate to have met this group. The weather was fine, and it was reported that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom today. Since the group was staying overnight, the guide told them about the evening cherry blossom light-up at Shukkeien Garden. That night, they sent a message that they were enjoying the cherry blossoms. As mentioned, some of the guests had already visited Hiroshima several times, so the guide was a little worried that the explanations might overlap and be boring. However, after the tour, one of the guests said, "You taught us so much information we didn't know before this time. We were able to experience so many new things." Knowing that they had gained new information, discoveries, and experiences on this trip was a relief. They also brought a souvenir from Oceania. The guide was grateful that they took the time out of their busy schedule to look for a souvenir, and was moved by their kindness in carrying it all the way despite the heavy luggage of international travel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima420JPY
    Total420JPY

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

    May 20, 2026
    Barbgal
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Hiroshima – 4 hours
    It was a…

    May 16, 2026
    E8055FUjamesg
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great day in sunny Hiroshima
    We were with Miki Nakashima,…

    Apr 5, 2026
    jacquid804
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miki was amazing
    Miki was fabulous very informative and knowledgeable…

    Aug 19, 2025
    J
    Jemma H
    Excellent tour of Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Miyuki was a very…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at 11 AM in the lobby of Hotel Granvia Hiroshima → Walk to Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, Konko Inari Shrine, and Okumiya → At 12 PM, buy souvenirs at minamoa (new Hiroshima Station building) and ekie → At 1 PM, Oko-sta → At 3 PM, take the streetcar to Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Memorial Tower for Mobilized Students, Children's Peace Monument, Flame of Peace, Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims, Museum, Rest House) → At 5 PM, stroll along Hondori Street + Disband at 6 PM

    What's a Private Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Okonomiyaki, Peace Memorial Park, and Cherry Blossoms The guests were visiting from North America. In a message before the tour, they mentioned that they would love to try okonomiyaki, so I made a reservation the day before for an okonomiyaki-making experience at OKOSTA. Since OKOSTA is within walking distance of the Hotel, I decided to offer sightseeing around Hiroshima Station until the reservation time of 13:00. At Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, I focused my explanation on the history from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, including the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu. When I mentioned, "You need to climb 433 steps to reach the inner shrine, but the view from the top is exceptional," the guests immediately expressed their wish to make the climb. At ekie, I introduced some recommended sake and gin. When I suggested oyster preserved in oil as a snack, they purchased some for their friends. At OKOSTA, the guests took photos of each other throughout and seemed thoroughly delighted with making okonomiyaki for the first time. At the Peace Memorial Park, they appeared overwhelmed by the sheer tragedy of it all, so we took a coffee break at the piano cafe inside the rest house. The cherry blossoms in full bloom were also very well received. As the guests were very fond of Japanese games, manga, and anime, I introduced several card shops and figure stores along Hondori shopping street before we parted ways. They gave very high praise, saying, "This was our first experience of anything like this," and I too felt a sense of relief.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~In front of Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Hi there! Let’s Discover True Hiroshima Together!

    Hey! I’m HAYATO, and I’m super excited to be your guide in Hiroshima! With about 20 years of living in this amazing place, I can’t wait to share all its hidden treasures, fun stories, and unique culture with you.

    Whether you’re into beautiful sights, tasty local food, or fascinating history, I’m here to make sure you have a great time. Together, we’ll uncover both the well-known spots and the little secrets that make Hiroshima truly special.

    Let’s make some unforgettable memories while having lots of fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat about what we can do together.

    Can’t wait to meet you!

    Apr 13, 2026
    Robin_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great educational tour!
    Hayato to was a terrific guide.…

    Apr 9, 2026
    bonoc2026
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you Hayato!
    The tour was amazing, or tour…

    Mar 9, 2026
    stuartgiese_g
    Great tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day with Hayato his knowledge…

    Oct 7, 2025
    april_m
    Hiroshima with Hayato!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hayato was a great tour guide.…

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:27 Meet up Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 12:50 Travel Hiroshima Station→Shukkeien Garden
    • 3. 13:15 Stay Shukkeien Garden
    • 4. 14:10 Travel Shukkeien Garden→Hiroshima Castle
    • 5. 14:25 Stay Hiroshima Castle
    • 6. 15:00 Travel Hiroshima Castle→Peace Park
    • 7. 15:20 Stay Peace Park
    • 8. 16:35 Travel Peace Park→Hiroshima Station
    • 9. 17:00 Disband Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Afternoon Tour of Hiroshima Like as a Day Trip from Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Asia. This was an afternoon tour as a day trip from Osaka. Late the night before the tour, the group asked me to recommend some vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and I shared a few options, but just before the tour they asked instead for something quick and easy to eat. So after they arrived, I showed them some options they could eat and they made their purchases. They were able to eat slowly while enjoying the view of a garden, and they seemed satisfied. Since one of the guests needed to take things gently, I stayed mindful of our walking pace throughout, taking breaks and walking slowly. While arranging the tour, I discussed transportation with the group, who were considerate of one another, but public transportation was difficult to use, and with a taxi we would have had to walk quite a bit just to catch one, and since it was a group of several people, I was quite unsure of what to do along the way. I had originally planned to take a bus to Shukkeien Garden, but since we ended up going to buy lunch, the route changed on short notice. Chartering a large taxi might have been an option, but some in the group did not mind walking at all, so I really felt this was a difficult decision. I was glad that at the end the guests told me they had a wonderful time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform150JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Park Front~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello, my name is Namitsu Katayama. I’m from Hiroshima. It would be my pleasure to show you around Hiroshima, the place which I love so much.
    Hiroshima is beautiful, interesting and fun! I would be happy if you could enjoy our tour, and I hope that it will make you want to visit Hiroshima again in the future. I hope you will like our local food and Hiroshima specialties, too.
    I look forward to talking with you. I would be delighted if I could help you deepen your understanding of Japan and come to love it even more.
    I love travelling and enjoy both domestic and international travel. I would like to make use of my experience to be able to respond flexibly to your requests. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to contact me.

    May 30, 2026
    wheatbreadmartin
    Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the beaten path with a great guide!
    Our guide, Namitsu, was…

    Apr 10, 2026
    165bozenam
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A fascinating and highly recommended tour.
    We had a…

    Jul 28, 2025
    Reggie_R
    This tour was a great way…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was…

    Apr 1, 2025
    ruthl654
    Great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Namitsu was a wonderful guide. She was…

  • Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel meet 9:40 Shinjuku 3-chome Take the Fukutoshin Line 10:45 Arrive at Kawagoe By bus Gesenkoemachi On foot Naritasan Betsuin Kitain Temple 12:30 By bus to Otemachi
    • Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) Kawagoe Festival Museum Return to Kawagoe Station by bus 14:00 depart By train arrive at Shinjuku 3-chome 14:55 15:05 Disband in front of hotel

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kawagoe (Little Edo) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest researched online and came because the name matched Kitain Temple in Kawagoe, so I had anticipated this and prepared a board reading "Kitain / Kitain Temple." It worked perfectly, and we spent an enjoyable day together. Although the guest had some difficulty walking, they chatted with a fellow passenger during the ride, received a heat pack from a woman at the Kitain Temple shop, and enjoyed interacting with local people, which left them thoroughly energized. The Festival Hall was filled with a historical sense of Japanese culture, and the guest experienced a completely unexpected sense of fun there. The next day, they will return home from Haneda.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku 3-chome~Kawagoe576JPY
    Section 2TrainKawagoe~Shinjuku 3-chome576JPY
    Section 3Free PassKawagoe Station~Kawagoe Station400JPY
    Total1,552JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 11:00 Meet in front of the Avanti Building at JR Kyoto Station
    • ② 11:05 Itinerary explanation & a brief explanation about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 11:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • ④ 13:00 Quick lunch break at a nearby convenience store
    • ⑤ 13:10 Cherry blossom viewing at Hirano Shrine
    • ⑥ 13:30 Kinkaku-ji
    • ⑦ 15:00 Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • ⑧ 16:30 Disband at JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Kyoto Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Kyoto. They were based at a hotel in Tokyo and were taking day trips to places such as Hakone and Kyoto. At first the guests were surprisingly quiet, and I wondered how the day would go, but at some point something clicked and from there the conversation really came alive. There is a moment when you can almost hear that silent switch flip on, and hearing that is one of the rewarding parts of this work. They returned to Tokyo on the 6 p.m. bullet train. Since they said they would come again in five years, I made sure to promote various spots around Kyoto (laughs). Even though Tokyo was the main focus of their trip, I was glad they set aside a full day just for Kyoto.

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

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:50 Hotel
    • 2. 9:00 Transfer Hiroshima Station→Miyajimaguchi→Miyajima
    • 3. 9:50 Visit Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Daishoin Temple
    • 4. 12:10 Visit Lunch Soba Restaurant Tonbo
    • 5. 12:45 Visit Miyajima Five-Story Pagoda, Toyokuni Shrine
    • 6. 13:40 Transfer Miyajima→Peace Park→Hiroshima Castle
    • 7. 14:40 Visit Hiroshima Castle
    • 8. 15:15 Transfer Hiroshima Castle→Peace Park 
    • 9. 15:30 Visit Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10.17:15 Dismissal Peace Park

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had been a little worried because we could not get in touch until the day of the tour, but since we arranged to meet at the hotel, I was relieved that we were able to meet without any trouble. The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and they had joined up with a member of their group who had been living in the region, enjoying traveling together for the first time in a while. The day before, they had visited Shukkeien Garden, and we had a lively conversation about the cherry blossoms. Since they had not been to Hiroshima Castle, I decided to add it to the tour on the spot and guided them there. Some of the guests had gone to watch a baseball game, so we were able to talk about all kinds of sports, including baseball and soccer. As animal lovers, the guests kept dogs and cats at home and even showed me some photos. They also mentioned they wanted to try the okonomiyaki I had recommended, so I made a reservation, guided them to the restaurant, and ended the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    Hello, my name is Namitsu Katayama. I’m from Hiroshima. It would be my pleasure to show you around Hiroshima, the place which I love so much.
    Hiroshima is beautiful, interesting and fun! I would be happy if you could enjoy our tour, and I hope that it will make you want to visit Hiroshima again in the future. I hope you will like our local food and Hiroshima specialties, too.
    I look forward to talking with you. I would be delighted if I could help you deepen your understanding of Japan and come to love it even more.
    I love travelling and enjoy both domestic and international travel. I would like to make use of my experience to be able to respond flexibly to your requests. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to contact me.

    May 30, 2026
    wheatbreadmartin
    Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the beaten path with a great guide!
    Our guide, Namitsu, was…

    Apr 10, 2026
    165bozenam
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A fascinating and highly recommended tour.
    We had a…

    Jul 28, 2025
    Reggie_R
    This tour was a great way…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was…

    Apr 1, 2025
    ruthl654
    Great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Namitsu was a wonderful guide. She was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Chidorigafuchi

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market & Chidorigafuchi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:15 Namiyoke Shrine
    • 10:40 Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace・Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40 Shibuya Crossing
    • 13:10 Chidorigafuchi
    • 14:00 Asakusa・Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Tour ends at the hotel

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were visiting from Europe. They had only arrived late the previous night and were still dealing with jet lag, but they explored the sights very actively throughout the tour. We first walked around the Tsukiji Outer Market, then visited Namiyoke Shrine and Higashi Honganji Temple, where I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto and they were able to see the distinctions with their own eyes. At the Imperial Palace, I first took them to the front of Nijubashi Bridge. Since it was a great opportunity, they wanted to see the rows of cherry blossom trees, so we returned there again after finishing at Meiji Shrine. They also seemed to really enjoy the Shibuya Crossing, taking many photos and videos from the second floor of a coffee shop and having a wonderful time. Both of them enjoyed photography as a hobby, so there was no shortage of subjects to capture. Finally, we headed to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where they again took many photos and appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kochi: Kochi Castle & Chikurin-ji Temple

    Kochi: Kochi Castle & Chikurin-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Harimayabashi Bus Terminal
    • 10:20 Guest arrives, take the streetcar to Kochi Castle
    • 10:40 Kochi Castle
    • 11:40 Kochi Castle Museum of History
    • 12:20 Lunch
    • 13:00 Take a taxi to Makino Botanical Garden
    • 13:20~14:30 Makino Botanical Garden
    • 14:40~15:30 Chikurin-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Disband at Chikurin-ji Temple (Guests take a taxi to Shinko, guide takes the bus to Harimayabashi Bus Terminal)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kochi City Like, Including Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurin-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Oceania. The first shuttle bus was full, so they were unable to board it and arrived at the bus terminal by taxi. Although I had informed the guests of the itinerary in advance, the MY-YU sightseeing bus only runs once every one to two hours, so we ended up taking a taxi to visit the Makino Botanical Garden around midday. Since we were no longer bound by the bus schedule, we were able to take our time at the history museum and then have lunch at the shopping arcade. On the English menu, the guests noticed deep-fried whale meat (tatsuta-age) and clearly showed distaste for it, so I thought it might be worth suggesting to the restaurant that they adjust the menu if it risks making some guests uncomfortable. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom throughout the city center, the castle, and the botanical garden, and the guests were delighted. At the end, I called a taxi for the guests in front of Chikurin-ji Temple, and I returned to the city center on the MY-YU sightseeing bus an hour later. The Makino Botanical Garden and Chikurin-ji Temple are located right next to each other, which is convenient for sightseeing, but they are on top of a mountain with infrequent bus service, and there is only one restaurant within the botanical garden, where lunch can involve a wait of up to an hour, so I found the itinerary management to be challenging.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHarimayabashi~Kochi Castle-mae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMakino Botanical Garden~Harimayabashi Bus Terminal0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi! I’m Kay.
    It’s my pleasure to be your guide.
    I was born and raised in Kochi city, and I worked for Kochi City Hall for nearly 30 years, so I think I know a lot about Kochi.

    Firstly, I can guide you to the Kochi castle. Most castles you can find in Japan have been rebuilt after fires, wars, or natural disasters. However, Kochi Castle is one of the very few castles that still have the whole structure of its original tower and the mail palace from the Edo period (1603–1868). This makes it especially valuable for understanding Japan’s history and traditional architecture. You’ll like it!

    Other major tourist sites are adventurous Ryugado limestone cave, Makino botanical garden, Chikurinji temple with historical stonesteps, Zenjibuji temple with the spectacular panoramic view, paper-making activity, Oboke gorge, Nakatsu gorge, Niyodo river with a historical bridge and so on.
    If you like sake, you can visit sake brewery, and if you are interested in walking local streets, you can stroll my neighborhood.

    Kochi is a small city, but it’s very popular among tourists for its beautiful nature and good food. I took my kids to rivers and mountains when they were little. If you are interested in those places, please ask me. And I know many good restaurants, too.
    I’m looking forward to enjoying them together with you!

    Jul 7, 2026
    A_J
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent tour with Kay
    Had an amazing time with our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    romankU9693SM
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Our trip to Kochi
    Kay was a wonderful guide, very…

    May 28, 2026
    nancykotr
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Kay was a wonderful…
    Kay was a wonderful guide. We…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Jörg R
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kochi Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Ein toller Ausflug in Kochi
    Pünktliche Abholung, kurze Transferzeiten…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Premier Asakusa International
    • 10:20 Shinjuku Station South Exit Assistance with purchasing Welcome Suica at Ekitabi Concierge
    • 10:45 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 12:40 Commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Nintendo Official Store, Pokemon Center
    • 15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:50 Dismissal "Hotel Premier Asakusa International"

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, arriving in Japan for the first time. They were spending time in Tokyo before moving on to Hakone, and then planned to visit Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima before returning home. Having arrived at the hotel late the previous night and not getting enough sleep, one of the guests looked sleepy at the start of the tour, but perked up after a station attendant stamped a used paper ticket with a Shinkansen-shaped ticket punch. Later, while strolling through Meiji Shrine, a combination of tiredness and lack of sleep left them a little out of sorts. Their mood recovered after obtaining a goshuin stamp and a goshuin book at Meiji Shrine, and when we parted ways near the hotel where they were staying, they thanked me in Japanese they said they had learned through a language-learning app, saying "Thank you. See you again."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Ueno Station~JR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinjuku Station~JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station170JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station~JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~JR Chuo Line Kanda Station180JPY
    Total890JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00: Hotel
    • 10:00: Guided tour of Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 12:30: Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00: Stroll around the Gion area
    • 15:00: Guided tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:30: Disband @ Kyoto Station

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Higashiyama The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. After introducing myself at the hotel, we headed to Arashiyama at their request, where they enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom, centered around the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple. From Tenryu-ji we moved to the bamboo grove, then descended toward the Hozu River, and headed to Randen Arashiyama Station while taking in the view of the Togetsukyo Bridge. We took the Randen tram and a bus to Kinkaku-ji, where I guided them around the temple. Although Kinkaku-ji was packed with many travelers from overseas, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery while listening to explanations of its historical background. The guests were very interested in Japanese culture and asked many questions, listening carefully and taking in each explanation as they worked to understand. Because we traveled by public transportation, getting around Kyoto during this season was difficult and took more time than expected. In Gion, we passed through Hanamikoji and Kennin-ji Temple, took photos at the Yasaka Pagoda, and then moved toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, the approach was crowded and took time, so there was not enough time to enter the grounds, and they photographed the scenery from outside before we returned to Kyoto Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto Station~JR Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama Station~Randen Kitano-Hakubaicho Station250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho Station~Sakuragicho Station230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi Station~Shijo-Keihan Station230JPY
    Section 5BusKiyomizu-zaka Station~Tofukuji Station230JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Tofukuji Station~JR Kyoto Station150JPY
    Total1,330JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…