Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet at THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
    • 2.10:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3.12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4.13:30 Santouka Ramen, Omotesando
    • 5.14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6.15:45 Shibuya Crossing
    • 7.16:00 Disband at Shibuya

    Title: What Can You See in a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Meiji Shrine Visiting Japan and Tokyo for the first time, the guests explored three of the city's major landmarks — Asakusa, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Meiji Shrine — thoroughly and efficiently. They were amazed by the lively bustle of Asakusa. They seemed to enjoy trying strawberry daifuku, finding it both unusual and delicious. For efficient movement through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, we entered from Takebashi and exited through Otemon. I explained how the feudal domain system and the long era of peace, free from war, allowed Japan's distinctive culture to flourish. As the guests grew hungry near Omotesando, we went to a ramen shop they had been looking forward to, where they had miso, spicy miso, and salt ramen, which they seemed very satisfied with. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we finished by experiencing the Shibuya crossing before parting ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKitasando~Shibuya0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hibiya Subway Line from Ginza to Tsukiji
    • Tsukiji 8.20-9.30
    • Hibiya Subway Line from Tsukiji to Akihabara
    • Akihabara 9.50-1105
    • Ginza Line from Suehirocho to Asakusa
    • Asakusa 1120-1300
    • From Asakusa to Ginza
    • Taxi arrive at hotel 13.20

    What Is a Private Asakusa Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was day 19 of a 20-day trip through Asia that included various destinations before Osaka and Kyoto. One of the guests was resting today. Another member of the group had left medication at the hotel and departed at Azumabashi. As the rest of the group had also grown tired, after visiting Sensoji Temple we all shared a taxi and returned to the hotel at 13:20. Since there had been no time for shopping on the tour so far, one of the guests was very pleased to be able to buy a large amount of Japanese tableware in Tsukiji and send it home by air. Another guest, who is fond of electronics, was satisfied to have time to carefully look for parts sold only in Japan in Akihabara. One of the guests laughed and said, after hearing my explanations about Sensoji Temple, that they wished they had requested a guide on the first day of the tour. One of the guests asked that their photo not be posted.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Station~Tsukiji Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Akihabara178JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho~Asakusa210JPY
    Total566JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo private family tour
    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Tochomae Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Tochomae Station & Shinjuku Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting place: Hotel Premier Grand
    • 11:10 Departure: Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Nishi-Shinjuku Station/Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive at Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • 13:00 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 13:10 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Parco: Pokemon Center, Nintendo Store
    • Lunch: Marugame Seimen
    • 14:45 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive at Shinjuku Station
    • 15:00 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like from Harajuku to Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. It was their first visit to Japan. This morning they arrived at Yokohama Port by cruise ship (departing from Oceania and calling at several ports en route), then took a taxi to their hotel. They would be staying in Tokyo for only a short time before returning home from Narita Airport. Today, one of the guests was unwell, so the tour was carried out with the rest of the group. It did not rain, but the tour took place in slightly chilly weather. First, we headed to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine. We took a commemorative photo in front of the large torii gate. I explained topics such as "what Shinto is," "the differences between Buddhism and Shinto," "the history of Edo and the Meiji Restoration," "about Emperor Meiji," and "about the Japanese Imperial Family." The guests remarked, "It's wonderful that there is such a green park in the middle of the city." We came across a wedding procession and took photos. We then moved to Takeshita Street and Cat Street and strolled at a leisurely pace. The guests eagerly photographed a "dog cafe" and a "pig cafe," saying, "The younger members of our family love animals, so we would love to bring them here next time." On Cat Street, they said, "I'm interested in second-hand clothing, and this was very helpful." After this, we moved to Shibuya, where they experienced the scramble crossing and took photos. We also took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. As one of the guests is a big fan of Japanese anime, we visited Shibuya Parco. Both the Pokemon Center and the Nintendo Store were very crowded. They purchased a large amount of Pokemon goods and other items as souvenirs. After this, we went to Marugame Seimen for lunch (they requested a light menu, saying they were not very hungry). They commented, "Japanese people are all so polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter scattered around," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." They said, "We are worried about the other member of our group, so we would like to return to the hotel early," so I saw them off at Shinjuku Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae Station~Nishi-Shinjuku Station178JPY
    Section 2TrainShinjuku Station~Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya Station~Shinjuku Station167JPY
    Total637JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Fukagawa Fudoson & Higashi-ginza Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Fukagawa Fudoson & Higashi-ginza Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Hotel
    • 12:00-13:45 Fukagawa Fudoson
    • 14:15-14:30 Shibuya
    • 14:40-15:00 Shinjuku
    • 15:30 Higashi-ginza Station

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Fukagawa The guests had traveled around Japan several years ago, and based on our correspondence beforehand, we had planned to visit Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku, which they had not seen on their previous trip. On the day of the tour it was cold, with rain forecast throughout the day. We talked again at the hotel, and I recommended Fukagawa Fudoson, since it can be enjoyed calmly indoors. I believe the viewing of the goma fire ritual was quite impressive. In Shibuya we went to see the Scramble Crossing, but as the guests keep a dog at home, they seemed even more delighted by the Hachiko statue. In Shinjuku we walked through Omoide Yokocho. Although we did not go into any of the shops, the guests enjoyed the atmosphere.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigashi-ginza~Monzen-nakacho180JPY
    Section 2TrainMonzen-nakacho~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku~Higashi-ginza210JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
    Total770JPY

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

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:15 Meet @ 7-Eleven in front of Kyoto Station
    • 13:30-13:40 Kyoto→Marutamachi Subway 260 yen
    • 14:00-15:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace sightseeing
    • 15:04-15:25 Karasuma Imadegawa→Kinkakuji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 15:30-16:00 Kinkakuji sightseeing
    • 16:10 16:55 Kinkakuji-michi→Shijo Takakura Bus 230 yen
    • 17:00〜17:20 Nishiki Market stroll
    • 17:30 Disband @ Samurai Ninja Experience Museum

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kinkaku-ji [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a group visiting from North America on a private tour of Kyoto. Since the guests were staying in the Akashi area, we met at JR Kyoto Station. Our first stop was the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where we strolled through the grounds while I explained the history of Japan's imperial system. The guests were especially interested in the beauty of the gardens and the plum trees, and they were impressed by the delicate landscape design. Next, we visited Kinkaku-ji, where I introduced the culture of the Muromachi period and the influence of Buddhism. I also talked about how kanji and Buddhism, which came from China, influenced Japanese culture, and the guests showed strong interest in the history of cultural exchange. They seemed particularly moved by the shimmering gold leaf of Kinkaku-ji and its beautiful garden. Finally, since we had a little time to spare, we strolled through Nishiki Market before heading to the Samurai Ninja Experience Museum, which the guests had booked. I saw them through the check-in and then said goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Marutamachi260JPY
    Section 2BusKarasuma Imadegawa~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi~Shijo Kawaramachi230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel – Shibuya st – Oshiage 9:40
    • Tokyo Skytree Foot Town – Tokyo Skytree Station 10:40 – Asakusa 11:00
    • Sensoji Temple – Lunch @Azuma – Asakusa st – Ginza 12:40 – Disband at 4-chome Intersection 13:00

    What Can You Do on a Rainy Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, and it seemed their main purpose in Japan was to attend a major professional baseball series. Since a cold rain had been falling from the morning, we changed the plan to focus on places with roofs as much as possible, considering Tokyo Skytree Town, Asakusa, and Toyosu Market. Toyosu ended up being last because the guests were going to TeamLab Planets at 3:00, so we quickly rearranged the order. However, since one of the guests was hungry, we took a lunch break and parted ways in Ginza. One of the guests enjoyed collecting things as a hobby and had a great time buying various souvenirs. I believe the guests enjoyed their first visit to Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibuya~Oshiage252JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Skytree Station~Asakusa157JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ginza209JPY
    Total618JPY

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at Nijo Castle. Guided to the Ninomaru Palace, then to the Imperial Palace. After that, guided around Gion. To save time, they kindly used a taxi.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report It was raining, but when I mentioned at the start that the gardens are even more beautiful in the rain, the guests already seemed to understand this, so we got off to a good start. I had heard that the guests were interested in history, so I began with an overview of Japanese history centered on Nijo Castle, which seemed to deepen their understanding. They asked many good questions, and even when my explanations fell short, they kindly followed up and helped me out. They were very friendly and kind, and I feel we spent the entire time in a relaxed atmosphere. Since we were able to use a taxi, we could get around efficiently. 14:00 Meet at Nijo Castle 15:30 Arrive at the Imperial Palace 16:30 Depart from the Imperial Palace 16:45-18:00 Stroll around Gion

    Hello, my name is Junko (call me JUN for your convenience). I have been living in Kyoto Prefecture for about 20 years! I am a true Kansai (western Japan) person, born in Hyogo, lived in Osaka, and now live in Kyoto.

    When I was single, I had the good fortune to work in Kyoto City, and I have been in Kyoto Prefecture ever since my marriage. I’ve gotten familiar with this place and still discover something new every time I walk around. Kyoto is an ancient city with 1,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, but it is also a modern city that is evolving day by day. I am recently fascinated by the charm of Nara as well. It is an even older capital than Kyoto, full of history and strong influences from continental culture. There are many great places to see.

    I am friendly and patient. Always with a smile, I will introduce you to the charms of Kyoto and Nara! I am also active as a yoga instructor, flexible in body and mind, so likewise, I will flexibly customize your trip according to your needs, so please feel free to contact me for more information.

    Oct 18, 2025
    T2788VXalejandror
    Excellent!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Junko was very efficient, we had a great time the trip…

    Jul 14, 2025
    leoniesJ1228RW
    Magical day in Kyoto with Junko
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yesterday, we enjoyed a fantastic 4-hour…

    Jul 9, 2025
    AIMEE_C
    Kyoto Tour
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Junko was very knowledgeable with all the sights. She was…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Cyess
    Great Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fabulous walking tour of Kyoto…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 10:00 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 3. 11:15 Lunch (Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya)
    • 4. 12:00 Asakusa
    • 5. 13:15 Yanaka
    • 6. 13:45 Nezu Shrine
    • 7. 14:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 15:30 Dismissal at JR Harajuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After today's tour, they planned to head to Kyoto to spend about three more days before returning home, with a total stay in Japan of about one week. I guided them through Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Asakusa, Yanaka, Nezu Shrine, and Meiji Jingu. Beyond the destinations themselves, the guests had a strong interest in traditional Japanese culture, and they listened attentively to my explanations, especially the parts about traditional culture. Although it was unfortunately a rainy day, they enjoyed each spot while taking photographs. For lunch, since I had heard in advance that some of the guests preferred ramen and required a menu that would suit them, we went to Yoroiya in Asakusa, which offers a suitable menu. As it is a popular place, we went early so as to avoid a long wait. We finished at JR Harajuku Station. Originally the guests had intended to explore Harajuku on their own after the tour, but because of the poor weather they changed their plans and decided to return to their hotel. I explained how to get back to the hotel, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae~Iidabashi220JPY
    Section 2SubwayIidabashi~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Nippori146JPY
    Section 5SubwayNezu~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total1,039JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…

  • Tokyo: the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo: the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet
    • 9:40-10:00 Around the Imperial Palace
    • 10:15-11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 11:30-13:00 Harajuku, Lunch, Takeshita Street
    • 13:00-14:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Gaien, etc.
    • 14:00 Arrive at Hotel

    Tour title: What Can You See on a Private Half-Day Car Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report Due to poor weather and because the guests needed to return to their Hotel by 2:00, the guests arranged a car for the tour. First, we toured the area around the Imperial Palace, where the guests showed great interest in the history of the Tokugawa shoguns and the Emperor, as well as in the surrounding buildings. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, they strolled around, enjoying the old shops and the atmosphere. At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, a Buddhist service was being held, so after offering incense, they watched part of the service for a while. The guests enjoyed the pancakes they had wished to try in Harajuku, taking photos before savoring them. After that, they enjoyed exploring Takeshita Street. On the way back to the Hotel, they enjoyed the scenery from the car, passing by the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Gaien area. This private half-day car tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

    Hello, I am Yumiko Hoshida. I was born in Osaka and live in Tokyo now. I have been to UK (ESL) and The USA (Executive Secretary course) as a student.
    After I came back to Japan, I worked at Osaka EXPO as an interpreter. And then I worked at foreign companies at Osaka and Tokyo. After resignation, I have got the national guiding license. I have been enjoying guiding sightseeing spots and showing Japanese history & culture etc. to the guests from overseas. It is really wonderful for me to spend time with foreign guests in Japan.
    I am very looking forward to welcoming foreign guests.
    I do hope to see YOU soon!

    May 13, 2025
    Glenda_P
    4 Hour Walking Tour Tokyo
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yumiko was an excellent guide. Yumiko met…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:20 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:40 Imperial Palace
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 12:30 Akihabara
    • 13:40 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:40 Disband @ Hotel

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their second time in Japan. Since they had visited Kyoto on their previous trip, this time they planned to explore Tokyo before heading to Hakone and Disneyland. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples, and they seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they were fascinated by the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. In Akihabara, some of the guests showed interest in the anime and game shops. At Tsukiji, they were intrigued by the lively scene of the many shops selling sushi, rolled omelets, and more, and they enjoyed sampling sweets as they strolled around. Although the weather was unfortunately rainy today, I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDaiba~Shimbashi330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae700JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Akihabara150JPY
    Section 5SubwayAkihabara~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 6SubwayTsukiji~Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 7TrainShimbashi~Daiba330JPY
    Total1,510JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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