Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Zuisenji Temple & Kotokuin Temple

    Kanagawa in One Day: Zuisenji Temple & Kotokuin Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel & Towers
    • 10:20 Zuisenji Temple
    • 11:10 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 11:40 Kenchoji Temple
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Kamakura Gozan Bekkan
    • 14:20 Kotokuin Temple
    • 15:30 Disband at Kamakura Station

    What Is a Private Kamakura Cherry Blossom Tour Like in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was wonderful, the cherry blossoms were in bloom, and the guests were able to fully enjoy spring in Kamakura. The walk from the bus stop to Zuisenji Temple was quite long, but the guests showed little sign of fatigue and walked the whole way. The return walk was similarly quite long. At Zuisenji Temple, the guests enjoyed the cherry blossoms and other flowers as well as the fresh greenery. They also took many photographs. At Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, there were many visitors enjoying the cherry blossoms, and I provided historical explanations. At Kenchoji Temple, the guests also admired the cherry blossoms. We went all the way to the observation point at the far end, but it was a hazy day, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. After having a meal in front of the gate of Kenchoji Temple, we boarded a bus from Kamakura Station, but it was extremely crowded, and during that time my wallet was pickpocketed. I noticed this at Kotokuin and contacted my home and others, so I kept the guests waiting for a short while. They waited without becoming displeased in any way. At the Great Buddha, the weather was fine, and the guests were delighted to be able to go inside. As I needed to report the incident to the police, I excused myself, guided the guests to the platform for the train they would take at Kamakura Station, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama~Kamakura356JPY
    Section 2BusKamakura Station~Daitonomiya220JPY
    Section 3BusDaitonomiya~Daigakumae220JPY
    Section 4BusKenchoji Temple~Kamakura Station210JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura Station~Daibutsumae210JPY
    Section 6TrainHase~Kamakura200JPY
    Total1,416JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:20 Meet up @MONday Apart Nihonbashi Ningyocho
    • 2. 08:25 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 08:45 Stay @Wadakura Fountain Park, Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 10:15 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:50 Stay @Tokyo Tower
    • 6. 12:40 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 7. 13:00 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 8. 13:25 Travel: Train
    • 9. 14:00 Stay @Akihabara
    • 10. 14:25 Lunch @Ramen Sakaba Akihabara Ramen Gekijo
    • 11. 15:05 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 15:40 Disband @Ueno Park

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a case where it was difficult to get in touch in advance, but meeting up on the day of the tour went smoothly. Incidentally, the hotel where the guests were staying had changed its area name accordingly. I found out on the day that the guests were interested in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, so I decided to guide them there first. Since we arrived before 9:00, we took a short stroll around Wadakura Fountain Park and the Tatsumi Yagura watchtower before entering the gardens. At Tokyo Tower, the guests wished to take the Top Deck tour, so I waited on the Main Deck during that time. We also had a light meal, so we spent a fairly long time here. By the time we finished lunch in Akihabara, it was almost the end of the scheduled time, but since the guests wished to stroll through Ueno Park afterward, I took them to Ueno, explained how to get back to the hotel, and then we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassSuitengumae Station~Otemachi Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKamiyacho Station~Ebisu Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainEbisu Station~Shibuya Station150JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya Station~Akihabara Station210JPY
    Section 6Free PassAkihabara Station~Ueno Station0JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kobe Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • Synagogue
    • Chinatown
    • Motomachi

    Title: How Does a Private Guide Handle a Vehicle Change Request During a Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report At the meeting point, when I explained the tour plan based on travel by microbus, some of the guests requested a change to a private chauffeured car, since a microbus cannot offer the same flexibility. They also mentioned that if flexible arrangements were not possible, they would not have booked the microbus in the first place. Several of the guests found walking difficult, with some using canes, and they said the tour should be planned with an understanding that walking long distances would be hard for them. Since they said they would either travel by taxi or cancel the tour, I asked for some time and consulted with the microbus driver. The guests kindly understood the situation and cooperated with a change to the tour itinerary. As the guests found it difficult to walk, I arranged, on short notice, to guide them to a place of worship that could be reached without much walking. A religious leader happened to be present, and the guests were able to hear him speak, which they greatly enjoyed.

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 13, 2026
    946jakobr
    Mizu, as your guide in Koyoto, is the perfect guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed…

    Sep 5, 2026
    Sightsee18435593786
    De moeite waard👍
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Mizu heeft een mooie rondleiding geheven er werd…

    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

  • Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet up @ Kobe Port Terminal
    • 2. 10:10 @ Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 3. 12:10 @ Sorakuen Garden
    • 4. 13:10 @ Motomachi Shopping Street
    • 5. 13:30 Disband @ Nankinmachi

    Private Kobe Day Tour Report: Herb Garden, Sorakuen, and Nankinmachi with a Licensed Guide Today's guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. After meeting at the Kobe Port Terminal, we traveled by train and ropeway to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, then visited Sorakuen Garden, and finally walked through the Motomachi shopping arcade to Nankinmachi (Chinatown), where the tour concluded. The rain that had fallen from the previous night into the early morning had stopped, but due to heavy fog, the view from the Herb Garden was not very good. Even so, the guests enjoyed themselves, taking many photos of the flowers, soaking their feet in the herb footbath, and ringing the bell of vows. Sorakuen Garden, which we visited afterward, had beautiful azaleas and other flowers in full bloom, and the guests took their time enjoying photography. Indeed, Sorakuen was lovely today. We then walked to the Motomachi shopping arcade and Nankinmachi, and the tour concluded near the shuttle bus stop bound for the Port Terminal. The guests kindly thanked me.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line, Port Terminal] Station~[Kobe New Transit Port Island Line, Sannomiya] Station100JPY
    Section 2Train[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line, Sannomiya] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line, Shin-Kobe] Station110JPY
    Section 3Train[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line, Shin-Kobe] Station~[Kobe Municipal Subway Seishin-Yamate Line, Kenchomae] Station110JPY
    Total320JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

  • Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Tawaramachi Station

    Tokyo: Shinjuku Station & Tawaramachi Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:20 Shinjuku Station
    • 9:45 Tsukiji Shijo Station
    • Fish market, food tasting on the 3rd floor, Higashi Street (Maruyama Nori Store, Higashi Genmasakyu)
    • 12:05 Tsukiji Station
    • 12:40 Tawaramachi Station
    • Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 13:00 Dismiss @ Kamata Hakensha

    What's a Private Tsukiji and Kappabashi Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. From the outset, they wanted to buy kitchen knives, so we focused on Tsukiji and Kappabashi. At Tsukiji, they were of course very interested in the fresh ingredients, and we purchased and sampled oysters, sea urchin, and tuna at the fish market. Since I also enjoy cooking, we had a lively conversation about preparation methods, which made the day very enjoyable. When I introduced them to Higashi Genmasahisa for knives, they liked them very much and purchased four in total. They told me they would treasure and use the knives for a long time and that it had become a wonderful memory, which made me happy. At Kappabashi as well, they watched attentively as a specialist sharpened the knives.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku Station~Tsukiji Shijo Station280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station~Tawaramachi Station210JPY
    Total490JPY

    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…

  • Mie in Half a Day: JR Ise Station

    Mie in Half a Day: JR Ise Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 JR Ise Station → 12:10 Geku Approach → 12:15 Geku (3 Auxiliary Shrines, 2 Affiliated Shrines, Kiyomori Camphor Tree, Saikan, Sengukan) → 13:50 Naiku → 15:00 Oharaimachi・Okage Yokocho→ 16:00 JR Ise Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour from Ise-shi Station Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a lively group visiting from Europe. The place where they were staying, a Japanese inn, is reasonably well known among international travelers. Since they had slept until nearly noon, we departed from JR Ise-shi Station as scheduled. It was a very enjoyable tour, as they mixed in bits of broken Japanese, occasionally asked unexpected questions, and responded to my questions with jokes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGeku~Naiku520JPY
    Section 2BusNaiku~JR Ise Station520JPY
    Total1,040JPY

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

    Jun 5, 2025
    _Q1601JV
    An Amazing Guided Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thanks to a very professional…

    May 20, 2025
    Z8872DHpatriciaf
    Last minute trip , woul not have gone well had we not found Mr Nishio
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine)…

    Apr 26, 2025
    _B3371UM
    Yoshi was our wonderdul. Indispensable co-pilot at Izu Shrine
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide…

    Apr 15, 2025
    Panos_T
    Een leuke leerzame ervaring.
    Viator review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We hebben een geweldige tijd…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Fukagawa Edo Museum

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Fukagawa Edo Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at COGO Ryogoku
    • 10:00 Asakusa
    • 11:10 Akihabara
    • 12:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:10 Kiyosumi-Shirakawa
    •   Lunch at Shirakawa Sushi
    • 13:50 Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Garden
    • 14:50 Fukagawa Edo Museum
    • 15:30 Disband at Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station

    What's a Private Cultural and History Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyosumi Garden and Fukagawa The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them was very intellectual and had studied Japanese before coming to Japan, so they already knew quite a few words. Everyone in the group was interested in Japanese culture and history, and some of the guests were baseball fans who planned to attend a night game at the dome the next day. They fully enjoyed sushi, and at Kiyosumi Garden, the weather was wonderful and they were delighted that everything they saw was beautiful. At the Fukagawa Edo Museum, they were grateful to have been taken to such a great place where they could really get a feel for the daily life of ordinary people during the Edo period. At the end of the tour, I handed them a history timeline that I had compiled and used during the tour, and they told me they would read through it again to study it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRyogoku~Asakusa324JPY
    Section 2TrainTEX Asakusa~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Otemachi324JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Kiyosumi-Shirakawa178JPY
    Total1,036JPY

    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.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Mastay Jingumichi Meeting
    • 9:50 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannenzaka
    • 10:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:40 Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
    • 12:20 Gion District
    • 13:10 Nishiki Market
    • 13:30 Disband near Nishiki Market

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Nishiki Market The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Perhaps because we started early and it was drizzling, the area around Kiyomizu-dera, which is usually so crowded that it is difficult to move around, was relatively quiet, and it was nice to be able to explore at a leisurely pace. The guests had already visited Tokyo and Hakone, and in Tokyo they had gone to a capybara cafe, showing me a video of it. The Gion district was also not very crowded, which was pleasant, but Nishiki Market happened to coincide with lunchtime and was extremely crowded, which greatly surprised them. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Sanjo~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 2BusShijo Keihan-mae~Shijo Takakura230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Sanjusangen-do Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Platform
    • 09:00~ Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:15~ Visit Shimogamo Shrine
    • 11:15~ Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:15~ Visit Nijo Castle
    • 13:00~ Drive around Gion area
    • 13:15~ Visit Sanjusangen-do Temple
    • 14:00 Disband @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit

    What's a Private Day Trip from Kobe to Kyoto Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, in Japan for the first time. This was a one-day Kyoto tour from a cruise ship in port at Kobe. Originally the tour did not include a chartered car, but the guests agreed to my suggestion and we arranged the tour with a chartered vehicle. Because part of the group had difficulty with slopes and stairs, the itinerary was planned to minimize places with many hills and steps. At the first stop, Ginkaku-ji, some of the guests turned back at the uphill path, while the remaining spots were visited without any problems. Suggesting the chartered car turned out to be the right choice, and even after adding Nijo Castle to the original plan, we were able to return to Kyoto Station with plenty of time to spare. The guests greatly appreciated this, and they were also very satisfied with the sites we chose.

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Rinn Gion Shirakawa Meet up
    • 10:40~11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:50~12:35 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:10~14:00 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 14:30~15:15 Nijo Castle
    • 15:35~16:00 Nishiki Market

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America and were on their first trip to Japan, arriving in Kyoto yesterday after spending a few days in Tokyo. At Fushimi Inari, they wrote wishes on prayer sticks at the main hall and offered prayers. They were deeply moved by the vermilion main hall and the thousand torii gates, and we discussed the differences between Shinto and Buddhism as well as the religious perspectives of Japanese people. At Sanjusangendo, they were overwhelmed by the building that has stood for about 800 years, along with the 1,001 Buddhist statues and the striking presence of the 28 guardian deities. At Nanzenji, they were enveloped in fresh greenery and tranquility, and became absorbed in meditation in the Hojo garden. At Nijo Castle, they were amazed by the large groups of school excursion students and the number of visitors, and we discussed the circumstances that led the Tokugawa shogun to return power to the emperor and the influence of Western pressure. Throughout the tour, the guests took many photographs.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo~Keage220JPY
    Section 5SubwayKeage~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 6TrainNijojo-mae~Shijo220JPY
    Total1,260JPY

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

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

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

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

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