Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Kinkakuji & Fushimiinari

    Kyoto: Kinkakuji & Fushimiinari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel pick up
    • 9:05-9:20 Go to Kinkakuji
    • 9:25-10:20 At Kinkakuj
    • 10:20-10:40 To Arashiyama
    • 10:40-10:45 Togetsukyou picturetime
    • 10:55-12:35 Oukouchisansou,Bamboo forest,Nonomiya shrine
    • 12:35-13:10 To Gion hanamikouji
    • 13:10-13:20 Hanamikouji street by car window
    • 13:25-14:30 At Restaurant Tenpura Endou
    • 14:30-14:50 To Fushimiinari
    • 14:50-15:30 At Fushimiinari and finish the tour

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had made a reservation in advance at a tempura restaurant (starting at 13:30), so I arranged the rest of the itinerary around that fixed time. (I called the restaurant to confirm, but was told the time could not be changed and the reservation could not be cancelled.) We visited Kinkaku-ji early to avoid the crowds, then enjoyed Arashiyama, focusing on the Okochi Sanso villa. Before lunch, I showed them Gion from the car and explained the geiko and maiko culture. The restaurant said the meal would take about an hour and a half, but since the guests said, "We have other places we want to visit, so please bring the dishes quickly," we were able to finish in one hour. After that we drove to Fushimi Inari, where the car service ended, and I personally guided them around Fushimi Inari for about 30 minutes over the scheduled time. The weather was wonderful, and I was very happy that the guests were able to enjoy the tour.

    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…

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30   Hotel Meet (@ Kyomachi Ryokan Sakura Urushitei)
    • 8:30-9:00 Transfer (contracted car; Hotel → Gojozaka)
    • 9:00-10:00 Kiyomizu-dera visit (including Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo)
    • 10:00-10:30 Transfer (contracted car; Yasaka Pagoda → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 10:30-11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha visit
    • 11:10-12:10 Transfer (contracted car; Fushimi Inari → Arashiyama Shakado/Restaurant Cafe Dining Sera)
    • 12:10-13:10 Lunch
    • 13:10-13:20 Transfer (contracted car; Restaurant → Torokko Arashiyama Station)
    • 13:20-13:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove visit
    • 13:50-14:30 Transfer (contracted car; Torokko Arashiyama Station → Hotel)
    • 14:30 Farewell at the Hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama The guests were a group visiting from North America. Today I took them to Kiyomizu-dera (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, and Koshin-do), Fushimi Inari, and the bamboo grove in Arashiyama. Since one of the guests could only walk short distances and had difficulty with stairs and long walking, after discussing it with the group, that person waited in the car during the Kiyomizu-dera visit. At Fushimi Inari, we used the wheelchair-accessible route and the elevator, so this person was also able to join us all the way to the Senbon Torii. At the bamboo grove, we went partway together and then that person waited while the rest continued. It became a tour with long travel times, and during those stretches I talked with the guests about Kyoto and Japan in the car. Everyone said they especially enjoyed Kiyomizu-dera and the bamboo grove.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel~Gojozaka0JPY
    Section 2OtherYasaka Pagoda~Fushimi Inari Taisha0JPY
    Section 3OtherFushimi Inari Taisha~Restaurant Cafe Dining Sera in front of Arashiyama Shakado0JPY
    Section 4OtherRestaurant~Torokko Arashiyama Station0JPY
    Section 5OtherTorokko Arashiyama Station~Hotel0JPY
    Total0JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Shijo Kawaramachi

    Kyoto: Sanjusangendo & Shijo Kawaramachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • 11:15 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:00 Nijo Castle
    • 13:40 Lunch @ Shijo Karasuma
    • 15:20 Jonangu Shrine
    • 16:15 Shijo Kawaramachi
    • 17:20 Disband @ Hotel Granvia Kyoto

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. We visited Sanjusangendo, where one of the guests worshipped and made a donation very devotedly. At Nijo Castle, the guests seemed deeply impressed by its rich historical significance. Originally, we had planned to visit Nishiki Market after lunch, but one of the guests said they wanted to see cherry blossoms. As it was still a little early in the season, I took them instead to see the plum blossoms at Jonangu Shrine, which the guests enjoyed very much.

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:40 Tsukiji
    • 11:00 Asakusa Lunch
    • 13:20 Disband @ Ueno

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Tsukiji and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They mentioned that the small time difference would not be an issue, but getting on and off the subway seemed tiring for them. I tried to use escalators and elevators as much as possible, but there were still many stairs. At Tsukiji, the guests purchased dashi packs and wasabi sesame as souvenirs. Because it was a public holiday, many shops were closed, but we enjoyed sampling strawberries and tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) as we walked. The guests were surprised, saying it was their first time seeing white strawberries. Since it was a public holiday, Asakusa was very crowded, but the guests enjoyed the lively atmosphere of Nakamise, the garden of Sensoji Temple, and the scenery of the Sumida River.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Tsukiji209JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
    Total596JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Jun 29, 2026
    898clausw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really helpfull guide
    Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…

    Jun 27, 2026
    sallypO7128PM
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
    My family had an excellent…

    Jun 15, 2026
    Scott P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Terrific Tour and Guide
    We had an incredible day! Rumi was…

    Jun 12, 2026
    Tonya O
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Rumi is a great guide!
    Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Daisho-in Temple

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima & Daisho-in Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:46 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 13:30 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 14:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 15:00 Daisho-in Temple
    • 16:50 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour Report Date: March 2025 Places visited: Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple Guests: the group Weather: Cloudy, then sunny Experiences: Itsukushima Shrine, worship etiquette : Daisho-in Temple, the Kaidan-meguri (dark passage walk) : Maple Road, strolling Details: The group of guests visited from Europe. I had received information in advance from a guide in Kyoto, so I sent a message of thanks beforehand. Today was the Vernal Equinox holiday, so many spots throughout Miyajima were quite crowded. We navigated through back streets, narrow lanes, and hidden paths like Super Mario to get through it all. A cruise ship had come into port, so it was helpful that we traveled by train this time. The parking lot at Miyajimaguchi was packed with tour buses jostling for space.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total840JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo in One Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & TOKYO STATION

    Tokyo in One Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & TOKYO STATION

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 meet at Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 12:20 1. SHINJUKU, the Metropolitan Gov Observation Deck
    • 1:30 2. MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 2:15 3. TAKESHITA STREET
    • 3:00 4. THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 4:00 5. TOKYO STATION
    • 4:45 See off at the Tokyo station
    • (This was an itinerary plan to guide them to Odaiba afterwards, but they wished to see Tokyo Station on their own and return to their hotel in Shinjuku early, so we parted at Tokyo Station)

    Title: What Is a Private Winter Family Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America. Because of unseasonable snowfall and the fact that the group included children, they were concerned, and just before the tour they requested a change to the start time, so we began at 12:00. The guests asked a rapid series of questions related to healthcare, including Japan's medical system, social security, and safety nets. Having worked at a financial institution before retiring, I was just barely able to respond to their questions. At the guests' request the start time was moved later, and the finish was also moved earlier at their convenience. The last-minute and on-the-spot changes left me a little unsure at times.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNishi-Shinjuku~Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Hibiya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @the Knot Hiroshima
    • 2. 10:15 @Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine Daishoin
    • 3. 13:30 Lunch @Micchan
    • 4. 14:30 @Peace Park
    • 5: 16:20 @Hiroshima Castle
    • 6: 17:00 Disband @The Knot Hiroshima

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private tour for a group visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima. They did not have much prior knowledge of Hiroshima or Miyajima and listened attentively to my explanations. Some of the guests took a strong interest in everything and took many photographs. They also viewed the Peace Memorial Museum carefully, but as time was running short, I let them know that we needed to enter Hiroshima Castle by 4:30, so for the final newly added exhibit they took home the materials only, and by using a taxi we made it in time to enter the main keep of Hiroshima Castle. For lunch, they were fascinated by sitting at the counter of an okonomiyaki restaurant and took videos, and some of the guests ate it without sauce, sprinkling chili pepper on it instead. They said they liked spicy food. They asked for a ramen recommendation for their dinner plans, so I introduced several options: I explained that Hiroshima-style ramen has a well-known origin but draws on Hakata ramen, that if they had not tried it there was a famous Hakata ramen restaurant they could try, and that there was also a spicy Hiroshima specialty tantanmen near the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Broadcasting Hall~Koi240JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima200JPY
    Section 4OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,960JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting point: Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower
    • 11:40 Sightseeing ①: Osaka Castle
    • 13:40 Sightseeing ②: Dotonbori
    • 14:50 Sightseeing ③: Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 15:20 Dismissal: Nankai Line, Namba Station

    What's a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Sumiyoshi Taisha The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Communication and itinerary planning beforehand were arranged in advance. The itinerary was clear from the start, and they quickly decided on "Osaka Castle → Dotonbori → Sumiyoshi Taisha." However, since it was a 4-hour course starting at 11:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m., I had some concern about whether it would be feasible to visit three locations while also fitting in lunch. Still, I felt it would be fine if we kept the movement smooth, so we confirmed the planned course. On the day, as with the previous tour, the temperature was low and the sky was cloudy, making for weather conditions comparable to midwinter. What was even more challenging was the heavy crowds at the destinations such as Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. At Osaka Castle, we first went up to the observation floor on the 8th floor and then viewed the exhibits on each floor as we descended, but the crowds made it difficult to move forward. After consulting with the guests, we decided to skip the 4th and 3rd floors and end the visit there to secure time. Even more crowded than that was Dotonbori, so we gave up on the planned okonomiyaki lunch and instead bought some sweets at a shop in the terminal, having them on a bench at Namba Station in place of lunch. We arrived a little late at our final stop, Sumiyoshi Taisha, but here there were no crowds and we were able to sightsee at a relaxed pace. By this time, the sun had begun to shine and the weather returned to a mild state, allowing us to take a breather. Along the way, some of the guests got a little too excited, fell, and started crying, but there were no serious injuries and their spirits quickly recovered. In the end, I was able to enjoy a pleasant tour with the group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Section 3TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Namba240JPY
    Total910JPY

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Tobu Nikko Station (9:39) ➡ Yasukawacho (10:35) ➡ Nikko Tamozawa Memorial Park (11:05) ➡ Nikko Coffee Goyotei-dori (12:15); Lunch ➡ Toshogu Shrine (13:40) ➡ Rinnoji Temple Sanbutsudo (15:30) ➡ Shinkyo Bridge (16:00) ➡ Tobu Nikko Station (16:50)
    • Return to Tokyo on the Limited Express Kegon departing at 17:24.

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Tour Like on a Snowy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report On the day of the tour, there was unseasonal heavy snow (20 to 30 centimeters of accumulation), and the bus to Chuzenji Onsen was suspended (an accident or broken-down vehicle had stopped partway up the Irohazaka slope, closing the road). The World Heritage loop bus was also running on a limited schedule, so we had no choice but to give up the visits to Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji that the guests had been looking forward to. The guests kindly understood, and I guided them with a focus on the World Heritage sites. When they stepped off the train, I was surprised to see them arrive with walking aids. I had received advance notice that they wanted to rest while walking longer distances, but I had not expected them to need such support. After meeting at the station, I explained that transportation options were limited due to the weather, and with the guests' understanding, I significantly changed the itinerary I had planned in advance and carried out the tour. Unfortunately, many sidewalks were unwalkable due to the snow, and at times we had to walk along the road while being careful of cars. The guests were very patient and managed to accompany me. The weather improved in the afternoon, making things more enjoyable, but given their condition, we gave up on the inner shrine at Toshogu. To make up for it, I gave more in-depth explanations and added various anecdotes to enrich the talk, and the guests seemed to enjoy the conversations that grew from there. It was a shame that the hand-made soba they had been looking forward to could not be eaten, as the shop was temporarily closed due to the snow. I explained the situation and took them to Nikko Coffee instead. They seemed satisfied with the meal. Various unexpected constraints kept arising one after another, but as we were all dog lovers, we were able to chat happily about that at a cafe next to the station at the end, which was a relief for me as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station~Yasukawacho350JPY
    Total350JPY

    I am more than happy to take you to attractive tourism resources scattered in Nikko. I will prepare for your trip enough to satisfy your requests and provide you with the memorable tour. When I was a company employee, I lived abroad for 5 years in Los Angeles, 11 and a half years in Washington D.C. and 2 and half years in Brussels. Despite 19 year long stay abroad, I remain charmed by Japanese things, such as culture, custom, spirit, martial art etc. I am glad if I can be of help you understand Japan as well as Nikko through my guide. I am interested in Japanese martial arts: I own the third grade in Japanese archery, known as Kyudo and I have passed a certification examination (1st grade) for Sumo wrestling conducted by the Japanese Sumo Promoting Association.

    May 22, 2026
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  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①11:30 At the guest's request, pick up at the hotel at 11:30, travel to Kyoto Station by taxi
    • ②11:56 Board the Kintetsu Nara Line express
    • ③12:45 Arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station, walk via Nara Park to Todaiji Temple → Great Buddha Hall → Nigatsudo → Wakakusa Hill → on the way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the guest requested, 'It's too cold, so I'd like to wrap up early and return to Kyoto now.' Travel to Kintetsu Nara Station by taxi.
    • ④14:44 Board the express bound for Kyoto from Kintetsu Nara Station
    • ⑤15:40 Disband at Kyoto Station

    Title: What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like on a Cold Winter Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who were visiting Japan for the first time. After spending one night in Osaka the previous day, they arrived in Kyoto, and today's tour focused on Nara, with Kyoto sightseeing planned for the following day. They also planned to sightsee in Tokyo afterward before returning home. At the guests' request, we started a bit later, at 11:30 from the Hotel. Since we planned to visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofuku-ji, and then move to the Nishinokyo area to see Yakushi-ji and Toshodai-ji, we purchased the value-priced World Heritage passport at Kintetsu Kyoto Station. As noted in the tour route above, snow was fluttering from the morning and it remained cold throughout the afternoon, so we ended up returning to Kyoto partway through. After arriving at Kyoto Station, I asked, "Would you like me to show you around somewhere in Kyoto?" but the guests replied, "Kyoto is cold too, so we'll do some shopping at the station and then take a taxi back to the Hotel ourselves," and we parted ways early. Although the Nara sightseeing was shorter than planned, the guests seemed to enjoy themselves, feeding crackers to the deer and having a good time. In addition, regarding tomorrow's Kyoto sightseeing, I handed over various maps and materials I had prepared in advance, and provided information about the places they wished to visit as well as other recommended spots.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKintetsu Kyoto~Kintetsu Nara1,800JPY
    Section 2Free PassKintetsu Nara~Kintetsu Kyoto0JPY
    Total1,800JPY

    Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
    I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

    Certification
    Certified Travel Services Manager
    Authorized Tour Conductor
    Kyoto Expert Certification

    Jul 23, 2026
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