Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel New Otani
    • 9:30 Tsukiji
    • 11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:00 Lunch @ KITTE Underground Ramen Battlefield
    • 14:00 Asakusa
    • 15:30 Disband @ Don Quijote Asakusa Store

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The guests came from North America. They were enjoying a trip while their children stayed with family back home. They love food and had reserved a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji, but on the night before the tour they contacted me to say they had already eaten plenty of sushi in Osaka and wanted ramen instead. The restaurant had already closed, so I ended up having to call to cancel during the tour. Because sudden cancellations like this can happen, when I book a restaurant I only reserve places that do not charge a cancellation fee. I was a little worried that the guests might be quite free-spirited, but when I actually met them they were warm, friendly, and very kind. At the guests' request, the tour covered Tsukiji, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa. At the Imperial Palace, they seemed to expect to see the palace building, so I explained that this was the site where Edo Castle once stood. While resting on a bench and eating white strawberries we had bought in Tsukiji, we talked about Japanese history. They listened very attentively. For lunch, I had them choose from the ramen shops in the famous ramen area in the basement of KITTE. Because it was such a sudden change of plan, I was not able to scout the place in advance, but the guests were more impressed than I expected, which made me happy. In Asakusa, we happened to encounter the Golden Dragon Dance, which delighted them greatly. I had not studied enough and did not know that the event was held that day, so I was unable to explain it well at the time. After returning home, I researched it and explained it to the guests by email. At the end, I guided them to a discount store before we said goodbye. The next day I received an email saying that they had bought too much at the store the previous day. I am glad they seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Otemachi180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Kanda150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKanda~Asakusa180JPY
    Total690JPY

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

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

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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

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

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

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

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Pirate Ship

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Open-Air Museum & Hakone Pirate Ship

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hakone Nanase Lobby
    • 9:50 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 11:15 Gora Park
    • 12:30 Yamayaku (lunch)
    • 13:30 Choanji Temple
    • 15:05 Hakone Pirate Ship
    • 16:30 Disband at Hakonemachi Port

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed a pleasant walk around Hakone. The guests were a group who had retired and were now enjoying traveling around the world. It was their second visit to Japan, their first in fifteen years. I had been told in advance that one of the guests had a fear of heights (and therefore could not ride the ropeway) and had difficulty walking, so I was a little concerned, but there were no problems with walking, and we completed nearly the entire itinerary as planned. Since the request was for a lunch featuring something that could only be eaten in Japan, I took them to a restaurant serving jinenjo (wild yam), and they seemed to enjoy it very much. In a previous guide training session held by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I had learned some useful tips, such as (1) that buses should be the basis for using public transportation in Hakone, and (2) that a guide can board the special cabin of the Hakone pirate ship for free by showing a tour conductor's certificate. I made full use of these this time. Thank you very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJakotsuno~Ninotaira Entrance230JPY
    Section 2BusGora~Myojindaira250JPY
    Section 3BusMyojindaira~Sengoku370JPY
    Section 4BusSengoku~Togendai490JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Having taught at a national university with many international students, I have experience in intercultural communications. I hope you can enjoy my talk on Japanese culture and history. I am a novice as a guide, but having traveled around the world, I think I know what foreign travelers expect of a tour guide. One of the most impressive tour guides I have met is a lady in Chennai who told me everything about the Indian culture and history – from Hindu gods to how the British brought ice from North America to Madras and kept it all through the summer for their cold drinks. I hope to become an impressive guide like her.

    Oct 20, 2025
    GlobeTrotting155867
    Hakone tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible…

    Mar 19, 2025
    Kpldcols
    Time well spent in Hakone
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable,…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1120 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 1145 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 1300 Pontocho
    • 1330 Lunch at Minmin
    • 1430 Nanzenji Temple
    • 1600 Tenryuji Temple ~ Bamboo Grove
    • 1740 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a joint group visiting from North America. They arrived by cruise ship at Osaka Port, and although I had explained how to reach Kyoto, they made their way to Kyoto Station on their own. The weather was fine and quite warm, and we had an enjoyable tour. Along the way, we made an unplanned visit to Pontocho around Sanjo and had lunch there, which the guests said was a wonderful addition. From the second floor of the restaurant, we could see a view of the Kamogawa River. We walked quite a lot, so the guests were a little tired by the end, but they told me they thoroughly enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan~Keage220JPY
    Section 4SubwayKeage~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 5TrainRanden Uzumasa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 6TrainSaganoarashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Total1,340JPY

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel, depart by private car ➡ Kinkaku-ji Temple ➡ Kitano Tenmangu Shrine ➡ Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden ➡ Only the shop at To-ji Temple (to buy the desired item)➡ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine ➡ Ramen restaurant ➡ Gion, disband at Gion (15:10)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kitano Tenmangu, Toji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the plum blossoms were at their peak, and they took many photos. The guests are fond of elephants and reportedly buy an elephant-themed item in every country they visit while traveling. They mentioned that they were still looking for one in Japan and asked where they might buy small elephant items such as magnets or keychains. I recalled the national treasure at Toji Temple, the statue of Taishakuten riding an elephant, and took them to the Toji Temple shop, where they purchased a magnet. I was glad they were able to find one. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we climbed up to Mitsutsuji, and at a ramen restaurant they enjoyed their meal down to the very last drop, saying it was delicious.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel Cabin Shinjuku
    • 8:40 Imperial Palace Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Statue of Kusunoki Masashige
    • 9:20 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Wagyu Yakiniku Jiryu
    • 14:00 Yanaka Cemetery, Tennoji Temple, Tsukiji-bei Wall
    • 14:30 Dismissal @ Yanaka Ginza

    Title: What's a Private Tsukiji and Asakusa Food and Sightseeing Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a lovely group visiting from Europe. They had hearty appetites and enjoyed tuna at Tsukiji, along with shumai, strawberries, grilled kamaboko, Kobe beef, and eel. They also purchased many souvenirs, including chopsticks, chopstick rests, coin purses, and magnets. They had brought their own handmade goshuin book and received goshuin stamps. At Namiyoke Shrine, they saw a guide step in front of visitors who were praying in order to take photos, and they asked whether that was acceptable. I told them it was very disrespectful and likely not the conduct of a Japanese guide. At Senso-ji Temple, we were fortunate to be able to see the Golden Dragon Dance, which was very lucky. Since they also wished to have lunch, I took them to a yakiniku restaurant, and they were very satisfied. To travel from Asakusa to Nippori, we used the bus, which made the trip easy. The buses seemed to run frequently. They liked the quiet atmosphere of Yanaka. As originally planned, we parted ways in Yanaka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Kasumigaseki180JPY
    Section 2SubwayHibiya~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4BusIn front of Tobu Asakusa Station~In front of Nippori Station210JPY
    Total860JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up@MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Asakusa
    • 2. 09:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:55 Stay@East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 11:40 Stay@Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 6. 12:00 Lunch@Sushizanmai Annex
    • 7. 12:50 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8. 13:30 Travel∶Subway
    • 9. 14:00 Stay@Sensoji Temple
    • 10. 15:10 Disband@Sensoji Temple West Approach Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Family Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Communication was mainly handled through a travel agency with few direct replies from the guests, but we managed to meet on time as planned, which was a relief. The guests were a group from North America. We decided to save Asakusa, where they were staying, for the end, and started by guiding them through the East Gardens. Since some of the guests seemed to have particular food preferences, choosing a place for lunch was a challenge. Even at a sushi restaurant with an extensive menu, there were not many options they could eat, so after leaving the sushi restaurant we had street food at another spot. Because we spent a lot of time on the meal, our stay in Tsukiji ended up being quite long. After guiding them through Sensoji Temple, the guests said they could find their own way back, so we parted ways near the Nishi-Sando shopping street.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa Station~Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station~Tsukiji Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station290JPY
    Total650JPY

    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.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 11:00 Start at the hotel
    • Move to Kenrokuen by bus
    • AM11:30-PM12:15 Tour Kenrokuen
    • PM 12:15-PM 13:15 Kanazawa Castle Park (Tour of Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura)
    • Move on foot to the Nagamachi Samurai District, via Gyokusen'in and Oyama Shrine
    • PM 13:45-PM14:50 Nagamachi Samurai District (Visit the Nomura Family Residence)
    • Move to Omicho Market by bus Tour ends PM 15:20

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had traveled from Tokyo early in the morning, but they started the tour full of energy. I guided them hoping the day would become a wonderful memory. Having studied by watching a Hollywood film about a shogun, they showed great interest as we visited Kanazawa Castle and the former samurai district. They said they found it hard to believe how orderly everything in Japan is, and that this was actually what they liked most about the country. Although it was a short 4-hour tour, I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKanazawa Station~Hirosaka 21st Century Museum210JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo~Omicho Market210JPY
    Section 3BusMusashigatsuji Omicho Market~Kanazawa Station210JPY
    Total630JPY

    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。

  • Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Marine Port Kagoshima (departure at 8:22) → Shiroyama Observatory (9:00-9:25) → Io World Kagoshima Aquarium (9:45-10:55) → Sengan-en (11:05-14:10 garden stroll, palace, armor and kosode dressing experience, lunch) → Marine Port Kagoshima (14:45)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kagoshima Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. At Shiroyama they showed great interest in the story of Saigo Takamori, so I also took them to the Saigo Cave, which had not been part of the original plan. I suggested the aquarium thinking the guests would enjoy it, and as expected they were amazed by the whale shark and also became interested in the smaller fish. The highlight of the day was the experience of wearing samurai armor and kosode at Sengan-en, and the moment they put them on, all of the guests broke into big smiles. Unfortunately, it was raining outside so we could not take photos in the garden, but they had a photographer take pictures of them in various poses in the studio. They also said the shabu-shabu we had for lunch was delicious, and I believe they were very pleased with the day.

    I worked as a producer at a TV company for over 40 years and moved from Tokyo to Kagoshima in the spring of 2024. I lived in Kagoshima in my 20s and married a Kagoshima woman, so Kagoshima is my second home. My strength is my familiarity with Tokyo and Kagoshima. If you are interested in Japanese people, especially our culture, traditions, history and food, why not contact me? Kagoshima has a unique charm that Tokyo does not have. You will be fascinated not only by the famous tourist spots, but also by walking through the downtown area and back streets. Let’s explore!

    Jul 15, 2026
    diane_w
    Viator review: Kagoshima Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful day…
    We had a wonderful day with…

    May 26, 2026
    Companion12422328239
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Kagoshima was a highlight of our Japan trip
    Kagoshima was…

    May 4, 2026
    Jackim2009
    Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Our Day in Kagoshima
    We had a wonderful time in…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Wolfgang_B
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Kagoshima Private Tour Licensed Guide & Vehicle
    Our host and tour guide…
    Our host and tour guide…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet 9:41 Bus Ryuguden, get off at Kojiri From Togendai take the ropeway to Owakudani Via Sounzan Gora Mountain train 12:00 The Hakone Open-Air Museum 12:45 By taxi to Hakone Shrine Arrive 13:05 By the same taxi to Hakone-machi Lunch at Hotoriya 13:15-14:00 On foot to Maruyama Bussan 14:45 By taxi to Hotel Arrive 14:55 15:10 By shuttle bus to Odawara Station Arrive 15:57 16:07 Assist boarding onto the Hikari bound for Kyoto and disperse at the ticket gate 16:02

    What Is a Full-Day Private Hakone Tour Like Using Taxis? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested to see as many sights as possible, even if it meant making full use of taxis. In the end, after visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum and taking photos at the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, we continued by taxi to a lakeside shop at Hakonemachi Port, and then took another taxi from a local products company to the Hotel. Ultimately, the guests used a shuttle bus arranged in advance by the Hotel to travel to Odawara, but since the timing felt tight, I rode along with them. As expected, we arrived at the station's large bus parking area only eight minutes before the Hikari departure. Since there was no staff to guide them on their own, I believe they probably missed the train. Nevertheless, they enjoyed the entire itinerary, and they were especially impressed by the presentation at the local products company, where they purchased souvenirs. The taxi from the local products company was kindly arranged with the help of the company's president, which was a great assistance.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Marunouchi South Exit Bus & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Marunouchi South Exit Bus & Asakusa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 8:20 Marunouchi South Exit Bus Stop
    • 8:30 Tsukiji 3-chome
    • Fish Market, Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:30 Tsukiji Station
    • 10:45 Ueno Station
    • Ueno Onshi Park
    • 11:10 Ueno Park Bus Stop
    • 11:20 Dangozaka Bus Stop
    • Yanaka Ginza
    • 12:05 Nippori
    • 12:40 Asakusa Station
    • Sumida Park, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
    • 14:00 Dismiss @Shin-Nakamise Street

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ueno, Yanaka, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan from North America. They had a strong interest in cooking and food, so we spent about two hours at Tsukiji. When I asked whether they would like to see the early-blooming cherry blossoms, they said they wanted to, so instead of visiting the shrine we stopped by Ueno Park, where they were delighted by the magnificent Oh-kanzakura cherry trees. The good fortune continued: in Asakusa after Yanaka, it happened to be the day of the Golden Dragon Dance at Sensoji Temple. I gave them directions so they could visit Kappabashi on their own after the tour, and instead they were able to watch the performance up close, which delighted them as well.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusMarunouchi South Exit Bus Stop~Tsukiji 3-chome Bus Stop210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station~Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori Station~Ueno Station150JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno Station~Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 5BusUeno Park Bus Stop~Dangozakashita Bus Stop210JPY
    Total930JPY

    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…