Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet at Hotel Ginza Kyobashi
    • 10:20　Asakusa
    • 11:20　Lunch (Chicken Paitan Yukikage Asakusa Main Store)
    • 13:00　Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 14:00　Disperse at Hachiko & Shibuya Crossing

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America and Europe who had traveled to Japan after spending ten days in China. Asakusa was already very crowded after 10:00, so instead of walking through the main Nakamise shopping street, we took a side street. Since the guests did not seem to enjoy crowds, I guided them to the Sumida River and to a spot where you can take beautiful photos of the Skytree. The winter cherry blossoms happened to be in bloom, which delighted them. For lunch, we went to a restaurant famous for its chicken paitan ramen. One of the guests had the special chicken paitan ramen and another had the salt ramen, and they were very pleased, saying it was delicious. During the meal, I suggested how to take the bus to Lake Kawaguchi. After that, we visited Meiji Shrine. We were fortunate to see a wedding ceremony taking place, and the guests took many photos. Then we went to Shibuya, where they experienced the Hachiko statue and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. As they were ready to return, I guided them to the Ginza Line and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKyobashi～Shibuya900JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by AYAKA

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

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    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
    Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo (Ikebukuro). 9:32 Ueno Station. Tour Ueno Park. ~10:28 Asakusa. Sumida River ~ Sensoji Temple. 11:55 Lunch at Tsune Sushi in Ueno Station Atre. Ueno Station ~ 13:00 Tokyo Station, Daimaru underground shopping street ~ Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station ~ KITTE Building 6F observation deck ~ 13:50 Imperial Palace ~ Rest at the Imperial Palace Plaza (eating apple pie purchased at Daimaru) ~ Tour inside the Tokyo International Forum. 15:20 Yurakucho ~ via Nagatacho. 15:30 Shibuya Station Hachiko, Shibuya scramble crossing, tour pachinko parlor.
    • 15:58 Shibuya Station ~ Harajuku. 16:00 Tour Meiji Shrine, tour Takeshita Street. 17:50 Harajuku Station ~ Shinjuku Station ~ Tocho-mae, tour the 45th floor observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building ~ 18:48 Tocho-mae ~ 18:50 Shinjuku Station.
    • At 19:00, after purchasing tickets at the JR West Exit of Shinjuku Station, tell them which train to take to Ikebukuro and disband. Total guide time 10 hours. Walking distance 19 km.

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The original contract was for a 6-hour tour, but the guests requested to see as much as possible since they were departing on a cruise from Tokyo Port the following day. We started with a planned 2-hour extension at 7,000 yen for the additional time, but 2 hours proved too short to cover everything, so it ultimately became a 4-hour extension for a total of 10 hours of guiding. Although I should properly have charged for the full 4-hour extension, I offered the service at the original 2-hour extension rate of 7,000 yen. We walked as much as 19 km on foot. Some of the cherry blossoms in Ueno were already in bloom. We took photos of the Asahi Beer building and Tokyo Skytree in the background from the Sumida River. In addition to the classic Senso-ji Temple, we visited the food floor of the Daimaru basement, which foreign tourists rarely visit, the observation terrace on the 6th floor of the KITTE building, the Imperial Palace, and the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, where we took a break and I presented an apple pie I had purchased at the Daimaru basement. I then guided them inside the Tokyo International Forum building, which tourists do not usually visit, followed by the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, the scramble crossing, a visit to a pachinko parlor, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street. We then moved to Shinjuku, where they were deeply moved by the moonlit night view from the 45th-floor observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building. Guiding this much in a single day of sightseeing requires a great deal of stamina and is demanding, but the guests were very pleased. As I have felt before, a 6-hour tour is somewhat incomplete; starting at 9:00 means finishing at 15:00. Since lunchtime is also necessary, this does not allow for sufficient sightseeing, and I believe 8 hours should be the standard for a normal tour. Covering both the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine on the same day extends the walking distance and is quite demanding. For me, 10 hours and 19 km of walking was too much, and my legs cramped while I was sleeping. Indeed, 8 hours seems to be the limit. I received the following thank-you message from the guests. Good morning Many thanks for yesterday. We enjoyed the tour very much, and saw much more than we could have achieved on our own. The lunch was excellent too. Kind regards

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Ikebukuro～JR Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainSubway Ueno Station～Subway Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainSubway Asakusa Station～Subway Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Ueno Station～JR Tokyo Station170JPY
    Section 5TrainSubway Yurakucho Station～Subway Shibuya Station180JPY
    Section 6TrainJR Shibuya Station～JR Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 7TrainJR Harajuku Station～JR Shinjuku Station150JPY
    Section 8TrainToei Subway Shinjuku Station～Tocho-mae Station180JPY
    Section 9TrainToei Subway Tocho-mae～Nishi-Shinjuku Station180JPY
    Total1,550JPY

    Tour Report by Akey

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

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    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Higashi Chaya District

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00　Meet at SOKI KANAZAWA
    • 09:25　Higashi Chaya District
    • 11:15　Nagamachi Samurai District, Nomura Family Residence
    • 12:10　Lunch
    • 13:00　Disband at Korinbo

    Title: What's a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a lovely group visiting from North America. After viewing the Shima teahouse in the Higashi Chaya District, they enjoyed a sake tasting at Fukumitsuya. At the samurai district, the plum blossoms were blooming beautifully near the Nomura Family Residence. They were delighted by the lovely garden of the Nomura Family Residence as well. One of the guests had studied Japanese in high school and could speak a little Japanese. For lunch at Korinbo, they enjoyed a seafood rice bowl, sushi, and cold soba with tempura. They were very interested in Japanese history, culture, and cuisine, and were eager to learn more. This private walking tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [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.

    Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Sho

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    Request Booking

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:20 Meeting point: Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit McDonald's)
    • 12:40 Sightseeing ①: Nijo Castle
    • 13:40 Sightseeing ②: Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ③: Arashiyama (Bamboo Path ⇒ Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 16:45 Sightseeing ④: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 18:00 Dismissal: Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Tour with a Chartered Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting Japan from North America. Prior communication and itinerary planning were handled between one of the guests and myself. The guests had arrived in Tokyo three days earlier, and on the day of the tour they traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train, meeting me at noon for a planned 6-hour course lasting until 6:00 in the evening. The itinerary included a chartered private car and was: "Kyoto Station ⇒ Nijo Castle ⇒ Kyoto Imperial Palace ⇒ Arashiyama ⇒ Fushimi Inari Taisha ⇒ Kyoto Station." On the day, after consulting with the driver, we were on standby at Kyoto Station 30 minutes early. I waited at the meeting point I had confirmed with the guests (a fast-food restaurant near the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station) while staying in contact with them. During this time, I was told that "the bullet train was significantly delayed," and in the end I was able to meet the guests at around 12:20. We exchanged greetings right away, boarded the chartered private car waiting in the parking area, and set off. In the car, the guests enjoyed their takeout hamburgers while listening to my explanation of the overall itinerary so they could get a clear picture of the day. As the tour progressed, it became clear that the level of interest in each destination varied among the group, and at some places some of the guests engaged in semi-independent activity. Some of the guests were keen on photography and focused more on taking pictures than on listening to explanations, while others prioritized shopping over sightseeing, which made things a little challenging as a guide at times. Even so, one of the guests always followed the guide's lead faithfully and listened carefully to the explanations. Despite these varied interests, the guests seemed genuinely curious and were enjoying themselves wherever we went. Although the plan was originally to end at Kyoto Station, at the guests' request I saw them off at their accommodation, a Hotel in Kyoto, and the tour concluded exactly at 6:00 in the evening as scheduled.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nori

    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.

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    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…

  • Tokyo: Narita Airport Terminal 2/3 & Ueno Station

    Tokyo: Narita Airport Terminal 2/3 & Ueno Station

    Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita, Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meeting point: Narita Airport Terminal 2/3
    • 14:00 Narita Airport Terminal 2/3
    • (Shuttle bus)
    • 14:44 Narita Airport Terminal 1 UA counter
    • (Keisei Narita Sky Access Line)
    • 15:42 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • 17:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:15 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ueno Park
    • Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • Lunch: Ueno Sushiko
    • 18:08 Depart Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Nippori Station
    • (Keisei Skyliner)
    • 19:45 Narita Airport Terminal 1
    • 19:45 Dismissal: Narita Airport Terminal 1

    Title: What Can You See in Tokyo During a Layover at Narita Airport? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. The main purpose of their trip was scuba diving in Oceania, and they used their transit time at Narita Airport to enjoy some sightseeing in Tokyo. They mentioned that simply sitting inside the airport was not their style. Their request was to visit as many famous spots as possible within the limited time, and above all, they very much wanted to eat sushi. They arrived carrying a large amount of luggage, including their scuba diving equipment, and I met them at the arrival gate. Carrying their luggage, we took the shuttle bus from Terminals 2 and 3 to Terminal 1. First, we checked their luggage at the check-in counter to travel light. Then we departed from Terminal 1 and headed first to Asakusa. At Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, what Buddhism is, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", "What kind of teachings does Buddhism offer?", "What are the teachings of Shinto?", and "Are there Christians in Japan?" The Nakamise shopping street was crowded as always, and we strolled through it slowly. We then moved on to Ueno and walked through Ueno Park. We were able to see some early-blooming cherry blossoms and took commemorative photos. Afterward, we strolled through the Ameyoko shopping street. We purchased cup sake and canned beer and enjoyed walking while drinking. One of the guests, who enjoys smoking, purchased some cigars. There were comments such as "Japanese shopping streets are fascinating," and questions like "Do ordinary Tokyo residents all come here to shop?" We then went to the sushi restaurant they had been eager to visit. They ordered tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and squid, and commented that "sushi eaten in Japan is fresh and reasonably priced." They also remarked that "Japanese people are all so polite," "the trains are quiet, with no one talking loudly," and "there is no litter on the streets." Since they did not want to be late for their boarding time, we wrapped up a little early and headed to Narita Airport. I saw them off at Terminal 1 of Narita Airport, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNarita Airport Terminal 1 Station～Asakusa Station1,372JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno Station～Nippori Station146JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori Station～Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station2,567JPY
    Total4,263JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 am Hotel meet
    • 10:25 From Higashiyama Station via Shirakawa ~ Furukawa Shopping Street ~ Ippon Bashi ~ Chion-in Temple Gate
    • 11:10 Maruyama Park ~ Gion ~ Hanamikoji ~ Cacao 365
    • 12:40 Jonangu Shrine Shinen Garden ~ Worship
    • 13:57 Kyoto Station Tour ends (Customers head to Nishiki Market)

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion and Jonangu The guests were visitors from Europe. In our conversation beforehand, they said they wanted to walk through hidden places that tourists don't usually visit but locals do, as well as a Geisha town or Gion. Considering the 4-hour timeframe, we made a plan to stroll along the Shirakawa area and the shopping streets, stop by Gion, and finally visit Jonangu Shrine. Along the Shirakawa, the willow trees had not yet come into leaf, which was a bit disappointing as a guide, but the guests still enjoyed spots such as the Ippon-bashi bridge. At Jonangu Shrine, the weeping plum blossoms and camellias were about 80 to 90 percent in bloom, and apart from the crowds it was a dreamlike scene, which they truly appreciated. Since we took a break at a chocolate shop in Gion along the way, they skipped lunch and planned to go to Nishiki Market after the tour. We were lucky to have such fine weather.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Oike Station～Higashiyama Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo～Tanbabashi280JPY
    Section 3TrainTanbabashi Station～Takeda Station180JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Anne

    Hello, I am Atsuko Hori. My nickname is “Anne” because I’m a big fan of ” Anne of Green Gables”. I am cheerful, talkative and punctual. I’ve been doing guiding more than ten years mainly in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I am especially familiar with ” Geisha Districts”, where traditional Japanese dancers live. I graduated from the university of Education in Nara. I love kids. Actually I have three grandchildren. I like history, architecture and local foods. My motto is giving the best hospitality to my guests. I think we will have a good time during the tour. Would you like to join my tour?

    Request Booking

    Sep 13, 2024
    connormA415PD
    Memorable Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very…

    Jul 3, 2024
    Cosmopolitan691874
    Private Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our family had an amazing time with Anne in…

    May 31, 2024
    Clare_A
    Once in a lifetime experience
    Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
    Great tour with Ann who was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 10:30　Nezu Shrine
    • 12:00　Tokyo Skytree
    • 13:15　Lunch in Asakusa
    • 14:20　Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 15:40　Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 16:25　At Shimbashi Station, support with reserving round-trip Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto
    • 16:40　End of guide

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and were big baseball fans planning to attend a season opener at Tokyo Dome. Regarding the delivery of their tickets, I checked in advance with their hotel on their behalf, for which they were very grateful. At Nezu Shrine, I explained Shinto beliefs and the imperial family, and they enjoyed walking through the rows of torii gates. At Tokyo Skytree, although Mount Fuji was not visible, they enjoyed the panoramic views, and by chance an MLB exhibition was being held there, so they were thrilled to see the championship trophy and other items. Since dinner was to be a full-course menu, we chose a casual everyday Japanese meal for lunch, and they praised the ramen, nigiri sushi, teriyaki chicken, and fried shrimp as delicious. At Sensoji Temple, I provided a guide on Buddhism. At Hamarikyu Gardens, in addition to the gardens themselves, I introduced falconry, duck hunting, and the site of the villa connected to General Grant. We had planned to visit Meiji Shrine, but as one of the guests was tired, I assisted with arranging the bullet train for their trip to Kyoto the following day, and concluded the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Nezu180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu～Oshiage260JPY
    Section 3SubwayOshiage～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Shiodome220JPY
    Total840JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00　Meet up @ Hotel SHINJUKU-GYOEMMAE
    • 2. 8:30　@ Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 9:30　@ Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 4. 10:30　@ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 11:30　@ Tokyo Station (Station Square, Station Building, Midori no Madoguchi)
    • 6. 12:00　@ Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Food Floor)
    • 7. 12:30　@ Asakusa Food Walk (Nakamise Street, Asakusa Okuyama Omairimachi)
    • 8. 13:00　@ Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 10.14:00　@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS, Shibuya 109)
    • 11. 15:00　Dismissal @ Hotel SHINJUKU-GYOEMMAE

    What Is a Private Asakusa and Shibuya Food and Shopping Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although they had arrived in Japan only the day before, they began the tour in high spirits, saying they were used to working night shifts and had no problem with jet lag. They wanted to try a variety of things in small tasting portions, so we decided to enjoy some street food in Asakusa. Skipping the items they had already tried on a food tour the previous evening, they kindly offered me the same treats — mitarashi dango, takoyaki, and cheese-filled curry bread — and we enjoyed them together. They especially loved the mitarashi dango and takoyaki, exclaiming how delicious they were. They showed me photos on their smartphone to introduce their family, and were so eager to buy plenty of souvenirs that they said they would need to buy an extra suitcase. At Meiji Shrine, they purchased a good-health charm for a family member who is ill, a good-fortune charm for a younger family member, and a charm for good relationships for themselves. For another family member, we visited a Hello Kitty specialty shop at Shibuya 109, our final stop, where they bought enough to fill a large bag. They also mentioned wanting to buy some small accessories for another family member. While walking in Sumida Park in Asakusa, they connected with a family member over a video call and turned the screen toward me, asking me to say hello, so I greeted them as well. They took many photos with the early-blooming cherry blossoms, which were in full bloom. When it was time to part, they wanted to take a photo together, so we took a commemorative two-shot in front of the Hotel. The following day they planned to visit DisneySea, and from the day after that they would travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station～Meiji-jingumae Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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  • Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & IMPERIAL PALACE

    Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & IMPERIAL PALACE

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 meet at the Hotel Iconic Tokyo
    • 12:15 1. TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 13:15 2. GINZA
    • 14:30 3. TOKYO STATION
    • 15:15 4. THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 16:30 5. SHINBASHI ex. Takumi
    • 17:00　back to the Hotel Iconic Tokyo
    • （Due to a reservation for watching a rugby match, guest wishes to return to the hotel earlier than scheduled）

    **Title:** What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ginza, and Railway Sights **Body:** The guest visited Japan and requested a private tour of central Tokyo to enjoy sightseeing during their free time. At Tsukiji Outer Market and the food floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store, they enthusiastically explored the shops, sampled snacks, and picked up gifts to bring home. At Tsukiji Masamoto, they purchased a fine, high-quality knife. Having heard that the guest was also interested in railways, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led them to the garden on the 6th floor of KITTE. The guest was delighted with the Shinkansen museum. The guest was also very interested in Japanese crafts as souvenirs, so we stopped by a specialty store in Ginza. Wishing to browse at a more leisurely pace, the guest mentioned they would return to the store from the hotel the following day as well. Since the guest had a ticket reserved for a rugby match, they requested an early finish, and we parted ways at the hotel shortly after 17:00.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinbashi～Tsukiji600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji～Ginza0JPY
    Section 3Free PassHibiya～Ginza0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

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    Jul 21, 2026
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  • Tokyo in One Day: 10 @Kappabashi Kitchen Town

    Tokyo in One Day: 10 @Kappabashi Kitchen Town

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:00 Meet @Hotel
    • 2.8:20 @Meiji Shrine
    • 3.9:20 @Hachiko, Shibuya crossing
    • 4.11:20 @Asakusa, Sumida Park
    • 5.12:10 Lunch @Nishi-Asakusa Monja Shichigosan
    • 6:13:10 @Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 7.14:00 Disband @Hotel

    What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had already been staying in Tokyo for a few days, and today was their last day in Tokyo. They were surprised at how clean the streets and trains were everywhere in Japan. They also said that Meiji Shrine was very beautiful and truly wonderful. As they keep a husky dog, they were very keen to take a photo of the Hachiko statue in Shibuya. In Asakusa as well, whenever they saw someone with a Shiba dog, they took photos together. They had apparently visited Senso-ji Temple the day before as well, so we walked along streets other than Nakamise-dori and saw early-blooming cherry blossoms at Sumida Park. Since one of the guests seemed to have a knee issue, we walked slowly. They appeared to really like the atmosphere of a restaurant in Asakusa. At Kappabashi, too, they were amazed that so many shops were gathered in one place. The weather was nice, and I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya～Asakusa252JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa～Kanda178JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda～Shinjuku178JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

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    Jul 27, 2026
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