Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel East 21 Tokyo
    • 9:10-9:35 Purchase Subway tickets at Metro Toyocho Station
    • 9:50-10:40 Visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:10-12:30 Asakusa sightseeing: Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch at Gonpachi Azumabashi
    • 14:00-14:45 Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit Information Center
    • 15:10-16:00 Visit Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 16:20 Tour ends at Tozai Line Iidabashi Station

    **Title:** What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Koishikawa Korakuen **Body:** The guests were a group of three visiting Japan. They came to Japan because a member of their family was holding a wedding ceremony here. When we met at the hotel, the guests wished to withdraw Japanese yen in cash, so we went to the nearest convenience store. However, the PIN for the credit card had not been registered, and since there was no Wi-Fi available, we had to give up on that. Next, we tried to purchase subway tickets at Toyocho Station, but there was no Wi-Fi there either, so I accessed the site on my own smartphone and had the guests enter their information, and we were finally able to buy the tickets. In Tsukiji, the guests showed interest in Honganji Temple, but the Outer Market was crowded, so we wrapped things up in a short time and moved on to Asakusa. In Asakusa, we enjoyed the view from the 8th floor of the tourist information center, and visited Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, and Asakusa Shrine. The guests listened attentively to the historical explanations with great interest. The Shiranami Gonin Otoko figures on Denboin-dori Street were more popular than I had expected. Since I had made a reservation at the Gonpachi Azumabashi branch, we were able to enter without waiting, and the guests were satisfied with both the atmosphere and the food. One of the guests, though moving slowly, walked well throughout. On the way from Asakusa to Koishikawa Korakuen, we stopped by the Information center at Tokyo Station. This was because one of the guests wished to use Wi-Fi to register the PIN for the credit card, and another wanted to handle JR ticket procedures. After seeing the dome of the Marunouchi station building, we took the Marunouchi Line to Korakuen. The cherry blossoms in Asakusa had not yet bloomed, which was a shame for viewing them, but the weeping cherry tree at Koishikawa Korakuen was in bloom, which delighted the guests. As they enjoy gardening themselves, they looked at the plants in the garden with great interest. Since the guests were tired and wished to return to Toyocho, I guided them to the Tozai Line at Iidabashi Station, and the tour ended. The finishing time became rather late, but I told them that it was no problem for me.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToyocho~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi290JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo~Korakuen180JPY
    Total940JPY

    My name is Midori Katayama. I have been working as a national licensed English-speaking tour guide since 2024. I have guided group bus tours as well as FIT guests. I truly enjoy showing visitors from overseas the wonderful places in Japan and sharing our culture with them.

    I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is located just south of Tokyo and offers great sightseeing destinations such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Hakone. There are four people in my family—my husband, my son, and my mother. My son has already moved out and lives on his own, so now the three of us live together.

    I also study tea ceremony, and I look forward to sharing Japanese culture with all of you.
    Thank you very much, and I hope to see you soon.

    Apr 27, 2025
    202travelor
    Magical birthday!
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Middy arranged a bespoke day in Yokohama for my husband’s…

    Sep 22, 2024
    M-N-M-FAB4
    Perfect Day And we saw Mt Fuji
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a pleasant…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:30 Hotel Meeting Explanation about the history of Kyoto and confirmation of today's itinerary
    • AM 09:45 Tour start Move to Kinkaku-ji Subway and bus
    • AM 10:30-11:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • Move to Nijo Castle Bus and subway
    • PM 12:30-13:45 Visit Nijo Castle
    • Tour ends at Karasuma Oike Station

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle At the meeting, the guests requested a brief explanation of Kyoto's history, so I explained it in the hotel lobby while we decided on the itinerary. In the end, we confirmed that we would visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, as originally requested, and, if time allowed, also head to the location of the Imperial Palace, and then we started the tour. During the tour, the guests asked about how to get to Nara and Osaka as well as other sightseeing information about Kyoto, and I answered all of their questions. Since I had also lived in Europe, I was familiar with the guests' hometown, so we had a lively conversation about that as well. Unfortunately, there was not enough time to visit the Imperial Palace, but the guests enjoyed the tour. I explained how to get to the Imperial Palace, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKitaoji~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage220JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

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

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet @ Nagoya Station Shinkansen ticket gate
    • 2. Lunch @ Ekikama Kishimen Taiko-dori
    • 3. Move to Nagoya Castle and view the Honmaru Palace and the area around Nagoya Castle
    • 4. Move to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and view inside the museum
    • 5. Move to Tokugawaen and view Tokugawaen (Japanese garden)
    • 6. Pass through Oasis 21, move to the front of the ramen shop (Ichiran Nagoya Sakae branch), and disband 17:45

    タイトル What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Nagoya by Bullet Train Like? A Licensed Guide's Report 本文 The guests were visiting Japan and staying in Tokyo for sightseeing, and on this day they took the bullet train for a day trip to Nagoya. The guests had a strong interest in the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology and requested that this site be the centerpiece of the tour, so we spent plenty of time viewing both the Textile Machinery Pavilion and the Automobile Pavilion. The guests also greatly enjoyed the atmosphere of the Japanese garden at Tokugawaen and had a delightful visit. As for the cherry blossoms, which were one of the highlights the guests were looking forward to, the Somei-Yoshino trees at Nagoya Castle were only about half in bloom, but the Kawazu cherry blossoms within Tokugawaen and along the route from Tokugawaen toward the Sakae area were in full bloom, which delighted the guests very much. The guests enjoyed kishimen, a Nagoya specialty, for lunch, and the tour concluded with a visit to a popular ramen shop.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Akihabara Station - End

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Akihabara Station – End

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome Meeting
    • 10:00 Hamarikyu
    • 11:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:30 Yushima Tenmangu Shrine
    • 14:00 Asakusa – Taito City Tourist Center, Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 15:30 Akihabara Station – End

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group visiting from North America. They were stopping in Tokyo for a few days as part of a cruise, and planned to board a ship afterward to enjoy a cruise around Japan. They were very pleased with the delicious sandwiches from a café in Tsukiji. At Yushima Tenmangu Shrine, they listened with great interest to the story of Sugawara no Michizane and the plum blossoms. At Nakamise Street, they bought a folding fan as a souvenir. It was rainy in the morning, but the weather cleared up in the afternoon and the temperature rose to early-summer levels. The guests seemed a little tired, but said it had been a wonderful day and kindly thanked me. I saw them off in a taxi at Akihabara, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji~Yushima180JPY
    Section 2TrainTEX Asakusa~Akihabara210JPY
    Total390JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Akasaka-mitsuke Station & Ginza Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Akasaka-mitsuke Station & Ginza Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo
    • 10:25 Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • 10:50 Asakusa Station
    • Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple,
    • 12:00 Asakusa Station
    • 12:15 Nippori Station
    • Yanaka Ginza
    • 13:00 Sendagi Station
    • 13:15 Hibiya Station
    • 13:20 Ginza Station
    • 14:00 Disband @ Ginza Station

    What Is a 2-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, and Ginza This was the second day with a group from Europe, following the previous day's tour. When we met in the morning, they mentioned they had not been able to sleep well the night before. When I asked what had happened, they explained that after returning to their hotel the previous day, they had realized that a pocket Wi-Fi device and a jacket kept in a backpack had apparently been stolen at Tsukiji. The zipper had reportedly been closed, so I suspect it was taken through a skillful method. The loss was truly unfortunate, and we managed to regroup and set off. Asakusa was quite crowded, so I chose back streets as much as possible to ease the burden. Yanaka was relatively easy to walk through, and the guests looked more relaxed. In Ginza, I introduced the streetscape and the food floor of a department store. Over the two days, our conversations even extended to more personal topics, and we parted ways while regretting the end of our time together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke Station~Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno Station~Nippori Station150JPY
    Section 4SubwaySendagi Station~Ginza Station180JPY
    Total720JPY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Granvia Kyoto ➡ Check sightseeing route at cafe ➡ Fushimi Inari Taisha by JR ➡ Kawazu cherry blossoms at Yodo Waterway by Keihan Railway ➡ Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove~Kameyama Park) by Keihan Railway + JR ➡ Nishiki Market by Randen + Hankyu Railway ➡ Knife shop (Teramachi Street) ➡ Gion ➡ Kyoto Station (17:30)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour in Early Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report At the guests' request that morning, the tour started at 9:30. The guests were visitors from a cruise ship docked in Kobe. We enjoyed a lively conversation about their family roots and background. Since they had been looking forward to seeing cherry blossoms, I took them to the Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Yodo Waterway, which bloom earliest in Kyoto, and they were delighted to find them in full bloom. After that, I guided them to the places they wished to visit, including the bamboo grove, Nishiki Market, a knife shop, and Gion. At Arashiyama and Nishiki Market, they enjoyed a variety of food such as tempura, skewered beef, yakitori, and sake. They were very energetic and full of vitality throughout the day. Their step counter showed 16 km (22,000 steps). They said they had a wonderful time and headed back to their ship in Kobe by local train rather than the bullet train.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari Station~Yodo Station280JPY
    Section 3TrainYodo Station~Tofukuji Station280JPY
    Section 4TrainTofukuji Station~Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 5TrainRanden Arashiyama Station~Shijo-Omiya Station250JPY
    Section 6TrainOmiya Station~Karasuma Station170JPY
    Section 7TrainGion-Shijo Station~Shichijo Station170JPY
    Total1,540JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Hiroshima: Ujina Port & Hondori

    Hiroshima: Ujina Port & Hondori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at the cruise terminal
    • 10:30 Ujina Port → Fukuromachi, shuttle bus + Hiroshima Electric Railway
    • 11:50 Arrive at Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum,
    • 12:40 Atomic Bomb Memorial Cenotaph, Flame of Peace,
    • 13:00 Rest House, Children's Peace Monument, Peace Bell, Peace Clock Tower, Aioi Bridge,
    • 13:40 Pride of Hiroshima, Atomic Bomb Dome, Memorial for Mobilized Students, Hypocenter
    • 14:50 Hondori → Ujina Port, Hiroshima Electric Railway
    • 15:30 Ujina Port → Cruise Terminal, Hiroshima Electric Railway + shuttle bus

    What Is a Private Hiroshima City Tour From the Cruise Terminal Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally planned as a 4-hour tour of central Hiroshima, but the guests also wanted to visit Miyajima, so it was extended by 3 hours to a 7-hour tour, and I planned the schedule while consulting the guests' wishes. However, it turned out that immigration procedures would be required. Following advice from the port agent, I proposed returning to the 4-hour plan, and the guests agreed. Despite several changes back and forth, we were able to complete the tour without asking the guests for any additional payment (there have apparently been cases where the meeting time was delayed by nearly 2 hours due to immigration, resulting in extension fees). Although I was unable to guide them to Miyajima, we met at 10:30 and finished at the cruise terminal a little after 16:00, spending a slightly longer time together, and they thoroughly enjoyed okonomiyaki. It was impressive to see how attentively they viewed the exhibits at the memorial museum.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUjina Port~Fukuromachi240JPY
    Section 2TrainHondori~Ujina Port240JPY
    Total480JPY

    I was born in Fukuyama and have lived in Hiroshima most of my life. After graduating from university, I worked for a company for three years before I got married. Since 1991 I have been an instructor of a tutorial school. I also have been studying English and Chinese as a credited auditor at university. I love traveling abroad and have visited more than 20 countries. And I learned that it is an encounter with people while traveling that made my visit unforgettable. So through my own experience, I want to be a supporter for tourists to Hiroshima and help them make their travel special. My favorite places are Peace Park, Miyajima, Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden. I also recommend green tea from Sera. Actually I know a tea master who grows tea plants without agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. You will find wonders of green tea and learn how to make delicious tea.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Patricia_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazuko was amazing!
    Great tour and amazing tour guide. Can’t…

    Jun 11, 2025
    Edward_T
    Hiroshima more than the A Bomb
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima is a good…

    Jun 8, 2025
    E
    eggtan
    Best short tour of Hiroshima Peace Park
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Booked Private 4…

    May 18, 2025
    B
    Brian_S
    Don’t miss Miyajima!
    Viator review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kazuko Kuwata, is a delightful…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at the Kyoto station 10:50
    • To Sagaarashiyama by JR 11:09-11:20
    • At Arashiyama( bamboo forest,Nonomiya,Togetsukyou,Kimono forest)
    • To Kinkakuji by Taxi 12:30-12:50
    • At Kinkakuji 12:55-13:35
    • To Chionin by bus and subway 13:40-14:20
    • Chionin,Maruyama park,Yasakashrine,Gion 14:25-15:15 Tor finish

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion The guests were visitors from Europe. We had exchanged emails in advance, and they mentioned that they wanted to visit the bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji, and finally the Gion area. They were staying at a hotel in Kobe and planned to return there in the evening. Although the tour was short, they were able to walk quite quickly, so we could see many places. I gave a brief explanation and guided them a little around Gion, and since they wanted to have lunch on their own and then continue enjoying the area on foot, we concluded the tour near Hanamikoji Street in Gion. The weather was neither too hot nor uncomfortable, and I believe we had a very pleasant tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Sagaarashiyama240JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakujimichi~Kitaoji230JPY
    Section 3TrainKitaoji~Higashiyama260JPY
    Total730JPY

    Hi, every one. How have you been? I am JGA tour guide Kazu. It is my great pleasure that I can introduce myself here. I am already more than 70 years old, but I believe I am still young both mentally and physically. I like walking with my customers very much. I am from Tokyo, but now

    I live in Kyoto traditional city and an old capital of Japan. I had worked at electric manufacturing company for more than 40 years. While I was working at that company, fortunately I had a lot of chances to visit many foreign countries.

    I lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Poland and Mexico. Also I visited America, Britain, and other countries. Basically I used English to proceed my job there, however I always tried to speak local languages as much as possible. Through staying other countries, I found that there were great differences of the culture or the way of thinking between those countries and Japan. I though I had a valuable experience. After I retired from the company 5 years ago, I began to work as a tour guide although I got the National English tour guide license 7 years ago. Besides English I speak Spanish but I don’t have Spanish tour guide license yet. I belong to the comany JGA and worked around 10 days a month. So far I accompanied with mu customers more than 100 groups. All of my tour was good and lucky as I was always favored with gentle and kind customers.

    My hobby is playing the guitar, dancing and learning foreign languages. I sometimes join the concert by playing the guitar, and it is fun for me. Though I like dancing, I can not dance well. I only enjoy dancing here in Japan.

    About the tour in Japan, I usually take my tourists to the famous spots in Kyoto like Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu dera, Fushimi inari, Gion area,Nishiki market and Arashiyama area. In Arashiyama area we often visit Bamboo forest,Nonomiya shrine,Togetsukyou bridge and Kimono forest. I will cope with my customers demands as much as possible so that I try to visit any places up to your requests.

    I welcome a lot for your coming to Japan. and if possible I would like to help you to visit various kind of spots in Japan especially in Kyoto. JGA is very flexible company so that I have a confidence that you will be satisfied with our attitude and hospitality. I am glad that many of my customers told that it was so nice to travel around Japan. We will and I will expect you come down to Japan any time and we are ready to help your memorable trip in Japan. I can not wait!

    Sep 26, 2025
    kaylah199
    Amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was extraordinary! He planned a wonderful day for…

    Jul 30, 2024
    Venture826497
    Great time in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My daughter and I had an amazing time…

    Jul 8, 2024
    233vickies
    6 hour Kyoto tour with Kazu
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

    Jun 21, 2024
    Hoc_N
    A fascinating experience in Kyoto we won’t forget
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The most memorable parts…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Ueno Station
    • 9:30~11:00 Tokyo National Museum
    • 11:30 ~ 12:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:40 ~ 13:10 Asakusa Tokyo Cruise Asakusa Skytree Tour
    • 13:20 ~ 14:10 Lunch Sushi Edomaru Asakusa Main Store
    • 14:40 ~ 15:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 16:00 Disband at Shinjuku

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Asakusa, and a Sumida River Cruise The guests were a group visiting Japan with an interest in Japanese art, history, and culture, and they wished to visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno and a Japanese garden. At Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the guests listened attentively to my explanations of the history. As it was cherry blossom season, they also strongly wished to take a Sumida River cruise, so I made a reservation and we boarded the boat. For lunch, we enjoyed sushi in Asakusa. The guests thoroughly enjoyed every location. Since they had another appointment in Shinjuku, I saw them there and we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shiodome220JPY
    Section 3TrainShiodome~Shinjuku220JPY
    Total618JPY

    My name is Mari Ise. I started this job as a guide Interpreter in 2020. I don’t have much experience, but I have been enjoying traveling with visitors from abroad very much since then. Besides this job, I am working as a teacher of English at high schools and am teaching Japanese language to people from foreign countries. I am very interested in traditional cultures, history, nature, art and music of both Japan and foreign countries. So, I would like to introduce and share much information with guests who will visit Japan. It would be my great pleasure if you visitors could enjoy and love travel in Japan.

  • Tokyo: Keio Plaza Shinjuku

    Tokyo: Keio Plaza Shinjuku

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Keio Plaza Shinjuku →<Toei Shinjuku Line Shinjuku Station→Asakusa Station>→13:50 Asakusa Sensoji Temple→Sumida Park→<Ginza Line Asakusa Station→Ueno Station>→15:00 Ueno Park→<Taxi>→16:15 Nezu Shrine→SCAI The Bathhouse→17:15 Yanaka Cemetery→18:00 Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street→<Yamanote Line Nippori Station→Shinjuku Station>→19:00 Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Ueno and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began right after the guests arrived at their hotel in Shinjuku, having traveled from Kyoto to Tokyo. Since they were staying at the hotel, we had arranged to meet at the guest lounge on the 45th floor where check-in takes place, but even with a reservation, guests were not permitted to use it before three o'clock at check-in, so we suddenly ended up meeting on the first floor. The guests were in good health, but at the stations I made a point of using escalators and elevators as much as possible, reduced the number of spots slightly, and we walked at a relaxed pace. At Ueno Park and Yanaka, we were blessed with good weather and enjoyed the rows of cherry blossoms that had reached about 70% bloom. The sunset at Yuyake Dandan was under a cloudy sky, but there were few tourists, so we could stroll quietly. The Yamanote Line inner loop was not crowded even in the evening, and I saw the guests off from Shinjuku to their hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Shinjuku Station~Toei Asakusa Station280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 3OtherShinobazu Pond~Nezu Shrine0JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total670JPY

    Thank you for requesting a tour guide during your upcoming visit to Japan. I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
    I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
    I am a long-time resident of Tokyo and I started tour guide in 2017. I have a family of four and I like growing vegetables. In our walking tour, we visit historic sites such as temples and beautiful Japanese gardens as well as popular shopping streets and food markets. We also explore the narrow backstreets to find little galleries, quiet cafes and cozy food stands.
    I look forward to traveling around Tokyo with you soon.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Teresa_M
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    Great day checking out some of the most beautiful, peaceful parts of Tokyo
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    Great Way to See Real Tokyo
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    Great tour throughout Tokyo with Teizo
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