Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Chidorigafuchi & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Chidorigafuchi & Ueno Toshogu Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
    • 9:45 Chidorigafuchi
    • 10:50 Asakusa
    • 11:40 Lunch @ Chikuan
    • 13:00 Ueno Kiyomizu Kannon-do
    • 13:30 Tokyo National Museum
    • 14:40 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:20 Disband @ Hotel

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Cherry Blossoms, Asakusa, and the National Museum I guided the guests visiting from Oceania. It rained from the morning and continued all day, making it a very cold day. Since they were staying in Japan for a long period, we first purchased an unregistered PASMO card at the first station. The cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi were in full bloom and the guests were delighted, though personally, perhaps because of the weather, I did not feel they were as striking as usual. Despite the rain, Asakusa was extremely crowded. For lunch, the guests requested Japanese food other than ramen, so we looked at several restaurants and entered a recommended place called Chikuan, where they enjoyed sasami tendon and were satisfied. As the cold rain kept falling, I suggested either going to Rikugien Garden as planned or switching to the Tokyo National Museum, and since they preferred to visit gardens on a fine day, we decided to go to the museum. As they seemed unfamiliar with the trains, I saw them back to their hotel to end the tour. They were kind, and although the weather was not on our side, they told me it had been a good tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayIidabashi~Kudanshita180JPY
    Section 2SubwayKudanshita~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Iidabashi170JPY
    Total740JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Itsukushima Shrine

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Itsukushima Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at the hotel Fav Hiroshima Heiwa Odori
    • 10:00 Gather Wait about 30 minutes until everyone arrives
    • 10:30 Hotel 
    • 11:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 13:00 Lunch (Okonomiyaki)
    • 13:30 Peace Park
    • 14:00 From Peace Park to the Miyajima route
    • 14:45 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 15:00 The children fall for the deer trap
    • 15:30 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 16:00 Daisho-in & Machiya Street
    • 17:00 Board the ferry
    • 18:00 Arrive at Hiroshima Station & disband

    What's a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report A group visiting from the Middle East spent about a week traveling around Japan. The guests were very knowledgeable about history and viewed the Peace Memorial Museum with great seriousness, deepening their understanding of World War II through the exhibits. Although they already had extensive knowledge, they seemed to be reaffirming what they knew by seeing the actual displays in person. Regarding the okonomiyaki they had for lunch, while they showed strong interest in history, the taste did not quite suit their palate. It may have been an unfamiliar flavor for those visiting from the Middle East. Some of the guests were very interested in the deer of Miyajima and appeared to have a great time. As a guide, I was reminded once again of just how powerful the appeal of the deer can be. They also took an interest in the history of Miyajima and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the sightseeing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiratsuka-cho~Shirakami-sha-mae240JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park~Miyajima1,200JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima Pier~Miyajimaguchi250JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total2,110JPY

    Hello! My name is Rena, and I’m excited to be your guide during your visit to Japan.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima, a city rich in history and natural beauty.
    Growing up here has given me a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, from its traditional tea ceremonies and temples to the vibrant festivals that bring communities together.

    I also have a passion for Japanese pop culture, including anime and manga, which I would be happy to share with you.
    Beyond Japan, I enjoy exploring the world through travel.
    Discovering different cultures and meeting new people have been some of the most enriching experiences of my life.

    As your guide, I hope to provide not only insights into Japan’s history and traditions but also a personal connection to its modern culture. Let’s create wonderful memories together during your time here!

    Jul 18, 2026
    Paul_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    outstanding tour
    Thank you Rena for a wonderful day…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Halie_G
    Great trip!
    Viator review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Rena was absolutely lovely! She gave us…

    Jul 4, 2026
    cheryldG9378NX
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Excellent guide for Miyajima and Hirishima
    Rena was very…

    May 7, 2026
    73parash
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Emotional and educational
    The experience was very good and…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Park and Hiroshima Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Park and Hiroshima Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:45 Meet atJR Itsukaichi Station
    • 14:00-14:30 Travel byJR and Astram Line
    • 14:30-15:20 Hiroshima Castle
    • 15:20-15:30 Travel by foot
    • 15:30-17:30 Peace Park and Hiroshima Memorial Museum
    • 17:45 Tour ends @Hiroden Atomic Bomb Dome Station

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Cruise-Port Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hiroshima Castle and Peace Park The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Hiroshima Castle, they enjoyed viewing it from the outside and taking photos rather than going inside. During the tour of the memorials in the Peace Memorial Park, they listened attentively and asked questions, and inside the museum some of the guests rented audio guides to explore the exhibits. The museum was extremely crowded, and some of the guests were unable to stay and left soon after entering. One point I would like to raise: when the assignment was requested, the meeting point was listed as Hiroshima Port Ujina Terminal, but in reality the guests were passengers from a cruise ship that docked at Itsukaichi. This has happened several times, so I wonder if some improvement could be made. Guests themselves often do not know that there are two ports or which one their ship will dock at, so it is inherently difficult for them to enter a meeting point. Would it be possible to have guests fill in the name of the ship in the meeting-point field instead? It would also help if there were a note somewhere informing guests that there are two ports — Hiroshima Port Itsukaichi Terminal and Hiroshima Port Ujina Terminal — and that "based on the ship's name, the guide will look up the port and propose a meeting point." I would appreciate your consideration of this.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainItsukaichi Station~Shin-Hakushima240JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Hakushima~Kenchō-mae190JPY
    Total430JPY

    As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.

    Sep 24, 2025
    Paige_M
    Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide for this…

    May 8, 2025
    Smatty68
    Tomoyo was a star guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We really enjoyed our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Josh_H
    Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Chloe_O
    The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tomoyo was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shinsen Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Shinsen Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting point: Hotel Blossom
    • 10:10 Hotel Blossom
    • Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • Shinjuku Golden Gai
    • Omoide Yokocho
    • 11:00 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:10 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Yoyogi Park
    • Meiji Shrine
    • Lunch: Forest Terrace Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 13:30 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:40 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Tokyu Food Show
    • Break: Starbucks
    • 15:30 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Keio Inokashira Line)
    • 15:40 Arrive Shinsen Station
    • Shinsen Go-kart boarding area
    • 16:00 Disband: Go-kart boarding area

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were two families visiting Japan for the first time from North America. This trip to Japan was for ten days. The evening before, they had arrived at Haneda Airport on a direct flight, taken the train to their Hotel, strolled around the neighborhood, and enjoyed dinner at an izakaya. From the day after next, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. Tomorrow they planned to visit Tokyo DisneySea. They also said, "We love all kinds of Japanese food and want to try many different dishes during our stay in Japan." Unfortunately, the tour took place under overcast and chilly weather. First, we explored the east exit of Shinjuku. We walked around "Omoide Yokocho," the "Kabukicho area," and "Golden Gai," taking photos here and there as we strolled. Their impression was, "It's lively. It reminds me of downtown Los Angeles." They also asked, "Is it safe to walk here late at night?" We moved on to Harajuku. First we went to Yoyogi Park and enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom. After that, we went to Meiji Shrine. I explained about "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "torii gates," "Emperor Meiji," and "the Meiji Restoration," among other topics. I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." They asked, "How many Christians are there in Japan?" They commented, "The greenery and the quiet environment are wonderful." We came across a wedding procession and also met children dressed for Shichi-Go-San, and took photos. We had a light lunch at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. After this, we strolled along the very crowded Takeshita Street and Cat Street. Then we moved on to Shibuya. As always, there were huge crowds. I explained about "the history of Shibuya." We walked across "Scramble Square" and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were questions such as "Why are there so many people at the Scramble Crossing?" and "Are they all locals?" After this, the guests said, "We'd like to see a Japanese supermarket," so we went to "Tokyu Food Show." They bought "sushi," "inari sushi," and "kushikatsu," and sampled them in the eat-in space. They commented, "The people passing by are so quiet and polite," "There's no trash on the streets," and "There are no trash cans on the streets, which is inconvenient." They also commented, "The trains and subways are clean and quiet," and "The public restrooms are well-equipped." After this, since they were going to ride go-karts, I saw them off at the meeting point at Shinsen Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station~Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station~Shinsen Station140JPY
    Total432JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:40 Asakusa (Kaminarimon ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ West Approach)
    • 10:45 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 11:45 Chidorigafuchi
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine ~ Takeshita Street
    • 14:45 Shinjuku (Omoide Yokocho, 3D Cat AD)
    • 15:00 Disband @ Kabukicho Godzilla Head

    What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided guests visiting from North America. They had a packed two-week itinerary covering Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Miyajima, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and back to Tokyo. Today was effectively their first day. The weather was even worse than yesterday, with cold rain and strong gusts of wind. In addition to the itinerary agreed upon before their arrival, the guests requested to add Kappabashi, so it became a demanding schedule with no breaks, and I was quite tired. At Kappabashi, we looked around at kitchen knives (no purchase since it was the first day), food samples (purchased as Christmas tree ornaments — I see, so that's one way to use them), and chopsticks. At Chidorigafuchi, the cherry blossoms were nearly in full bloom, and although the weather kept the crowds thin, which made it easy to walk around, it also felt a bit lonely. At the pair of camphor trees at Meiji Shrine, the guests pledged their eternal love. They were critical of the animal-themed cafes in Harajuku (going forward, some people may require care in how such places are presented). It was heartwarming to see the guests taking photos and posing cheerfully throughout the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMita Line Shirokane-takanawa~Asakusa Line Asakusa272JPY
    Section 2SubwayGinza Line Tawaramachi~Tozai Line Kudanshita209JPY
    Section 3SubwayHanzomon Line Kudanshita~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Harajuku~JR Shinjuku146JPY
    Total836JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Inui-dori Public Opening

    Tokyo in One Day: Ueno Park & Inui-dori Public Opening

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hotel New Otani Garden Court
    • 10:00 Ueno Park
    • 12:00 Yanaka
    • 13:00 Lunch @ KITTE Basement (Ramen Battle Zone)
    • 14:00 Inui-dori Public Opening
    • 15:15 Disband @ In front of Mainichi Shimbun

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Ueno, Yanaka, and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America. Before the tour, there had been some concern following an inquiry, but when I actually met them, they turned out to be perfectly pleasant guests. At the guests' request, we visited Ueno Park, Yanaka, and the Imperial Palace. Even though it was cold and rainy and we got thoroughly soaked, the guests remained in good spirits throughout without any complaints. Since the guests did not have IC transit cards, I considered purchasing them along the way, but after discussing it with them, we decided to buy individual tickets each time. The thing that puzzled me most was lunch. The guests said they wanted to do a lot of sightseeing and did not want to spend much time at a restaurant, preferring to grab something quickly from a place like a department store food hall and eat it somewhere. So I was thinking of the shops inside Tokyo Station. However, once we arrived at Tokyo Station, the guests said they wanted to eat at a restaurant after all, so I checked several times to make sure I had not misheard. I suggested ramen as something quick to eat, and we had it near Tokyo Station. Since it was cold, the guests were happy to warm up, and they even wrote a review for the restaurant. (I would love for them to write a review for me as well.) The guests had requested the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but they mentioned they wanted to visit the special public opening of the Inui Street, so I guided them there. After the Inui Street, I took them to the East Gardens, and the plan was for them to take a taxi back on their own from there. However, one of the guests developed leg pain and wanted to return to the Hotel, so I hailed a taxi, told the driver the destination, and said goodbye in front of the Mainichi Newspaper building. There had been various issues before the tour, so I was relieved that it ended without a hitch. With some guests, the itinerary is not finalized until the day before, and I realized that the sense of what counts as a fast or slow response varies from person to person, which makes it difficult. At the same time, I reflected that, being in a busy period myself, my explanations to the guests may have been insufficient. To [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Thank you for your support from the stage when the initial concern arose. Guiding can be a lonely job, so it was very reassuring to have someone I could consult with.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Ueno210JPY
    Section 2SubwayYushima~Sendagi180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Tokyo180JPY
    Total570JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Imperial Palace Outer & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Kanagawa in One Day: Imperial Palace Outer & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting Yokohama Shinko meeting place
    • 10:10 Imperial Palace Outer Garden (in vehicle)
    • 10:20 Hotel basement restroom break
    • 10:50 Chidorigafuchi Park (walking)
    • 11:55 Shibuya Scramble Crossing (in vehicle)
    • 12:25 Tokyo Tower restroom break
    • 13:05 Dismissal Haneda Airport Terminal 3

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because it was very cold and raining heavily, the guests preferred not to walk outside, so the planned visits to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Senso-ji Temple were canceled. The itinerary was changed to a drive around the Imperial Palace, a short walk in Chidorigafuchi Park, and a drive past the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the area near Tokyo Tower. Except for the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi Park and Tokyo Tower, the guests took photos casually from inside the car. There was a lot of explanation given in the car, and we did a fair amount of Q&A, but at times it seemed they were not enjoying it very much. As feedback, they kindly said the tour was "very flexible and knowledgeable." At the end of the tour, they also gave a rather generous tip.

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle Outer Moat

    Osaka in Half a Day: Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle Outer Moat

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet in the Hotel lobby
    • 9:40 Umeda Sky Building
    • 11:00 Osaka Castle Outer Moat
    • 12:00-1300 Osaka Castle Inner Moat~Main Tower
    • Around 13:40 Disband at Subway Hommachi Station (Guidance on the way to Dotonbori)

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle Body: The guests listened attentively throughout the tour to my explanations about daily life in Japan, the transportation system including the subway, and local history, which I truly appreciated. At the Umeda Sky Building, one of the guests seemed frightened by the see-through escalator and elevator and held my hand the entire time, but after safely descending, they felt a great sense of accomplishment and were delighted. The cherry blossoms along the outer moat were beautiful, so we made a short detour. Since we had already used up our time inside the castle keep, we had to hurry on the way back, which made me appreciate the importance of time management. Overall, I believe the guests enjoyed visiting the two locations.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka Station~Tanimachi 4-chome Station240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome Station~Hommachi Station190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Hi, everyone! Nice meeting you! I’m Yoshimi, Japan National Licenced Tour Guide.
    I live in Osaka city with my family, working for overseas trade.
    I love traveling abroad as well as in Japan regardless urban area or countryside.
    So interested in interacting with you through attractive sightseeing spots around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
    Osaka is famous as exciting big city and delicious food, Kyoto and Nara boast more than 1000years history with lots of UNESCO world heritage site.
    I also would like to introduce Japanese culture such as Sa-do or tea ceremony, Ka-do, or flower arrangement, Kimono wearing.
    What intrigue you in Japan? Depending on your interest, I’m able to recommend anything, anywhere.
    Please let me know what kind of thing you’d like to see or experience.
    Really looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Jun 5, 2025
    annandjamesa2025
    Great Half Day tour in Osaka with Kelly
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kelly was a great…

    May 25, 2025
    vibhutit2025
    Enjoyed
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The guide was super friendly and loving. I enjoyed my time…

    Apr 1, 2025
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    Guided tour Osaka
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  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 11:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 12:15 @ Egret Himeji
    • 12:45 Dismiss @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    Title: What's a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and the tour proceeded very smoothly. The cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle were only about 30% in bloom, but the guests were very pleased. One of the guests appeared to have considerable knowledge of Japanese castles and asked many detailed questions. Since we entered right after the castle opened, it was not very crowded, and we were able to move through the castle grounds smoothly. On the way back to the station, we stopped by Egret Himeji (which reportedly used to be lively with many tenant shops, but after the pandemic many closed and it is now rather quiet; however, the panoramic view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop is truly magnificent and may be a hidden spot). The guests were greatly impressed by the full view of the castle from the rooftop. Before returning to Kyoto, the guests requested a light meal, so I guided them to the food court inside JR Himeji Station and helped them place their orders before we parted ways. Incidentally, the guests enjoyed the "eki soba" and "Akashi-style takoyaki" that I recommended. We had a lively conversation about aspects of the guests' home region that I rarely get to hear about, as well as about the anime "Heidi," making it a very enjoyable tour for me as a guide.

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
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    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
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    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

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    Our tour guide…

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    Navigator661725
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  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Engakuji Temple & Hasedera Temple

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Engakuji Temple & Hasedera Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at Kita-Kamakura Station
    • 13:00-14:00 Engakuji Temple
    • 14:15-14:45 Kenchoji Temple
    • 15:00-15:30 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 16:00-16:45 Hasedera Temple
    • 17:00 Yokosuka Line, disband at Ofuna

    What's a Private Day Trip to Kamakura Like from Kita-Kamakura Station? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I thought the cherry blossoms would be beautiful in Kamakura, I recommended the Kamakura area for this private tour. We met at Kita-Kamakura Station so that we could have plenty of time for the tour. We started at Engaku-ji Temple, and since it was a Monday, it was very quiet and had a wonderful atmosphere. I had not originally planned to visit Kencho-ji Temple, but we stopped by at the guests' request. In the end they were very pleased, so I was glad we did. At the entrance to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the guests kindly accepted an interview from an elementary school student attending an English conversation school. I believe it became a very nice memory for them. At Hase-dera Temple, many kinds of flowers were in bloom, and the guests took a lot of photos. In the end we had to say goodbye on the train, but they told me it was a memorable and wonderful tour and that I had done a great job. This will encourage me going forward. It was also a tour in which I felt there are still various things I need to study.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura Station~Hase200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura~Ofuna170JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
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    Iseo…

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    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
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