Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Hotel-11:45 Meiji Shrine-12:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-13:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-14:30 Imperial Palace Outer Garden-15:15 Tokyo Station-16:00 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple-17:15 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Half-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of them had visited Japan several times before for academic conferences, including around ten trips to Kyoto and a few to Tokyo, while it was the first visit for the other. After a few days in Tokyo, the group planned to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto the following day. Although they were initially not very enthusiastic about visiting Meiji Shrine, they ended up enjoying a walk through the forest that has grown large over more than a century. After Kokyo Gaien (the Imperial Palace Outer Garden), they purchased Green Car tickets for the Shinkansen to Kyoto at Tokyo Station. During a stroll around Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, they stopped at a shop specializing in traditional Japanese tortoiseshell craft and purchased a necklace they liked. The guests enjoyed their half-day in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinjuku Sumitomo Building~Sangubashi Station230JPY
    Section 2BusJingumae 1-chome~Shibuya Station West Exit210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Nijubashimae209JPY
    Section 4SubwaySakuradamon~Yurakucho178JPY
    Section 5TrainYurakucho~Tokyo Station146JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyo~Kanda146JPY
    Section 7SubwayKanda~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 8SubwayAsakusa~Nishi-Shinjuku252JPY
    Total1,549JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet near JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:05 Explanation of the itinerary and a brief overview of Kyoto's history
    • 10:30 Nijo Castle
    • 11:40 Lunch around the Sanjo area
    • 12:30 Pontocho ~ Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi
    • 13:15 Chugen-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Stroll through central Gion (Hanamikoji Street)
    • 14:00 Yasui Konpira Shrine
    • 14:30 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:30 Disband at JR Inari Station

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Japanese Religion and Cuisine The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Japan a long time ago, but for the rest this was their first trip to Japan. I explained many things, but what interested them most was how Japanese people relate to religion. For example, they eagerly asked about what Shinto and Buddhism are as presences in Japan, what the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism means, and how visiting a shrine differs from visiting a temple, showing deep curiosity about the essence of how people engage with these religions. I also explained about Obon and visiting family graves, and they listened very attentively. The younger members of the group were growing up so wonderfully and were truly delightful. Today they tried okonomiyaki and yakisoba for the first time. They also listened intently as I described kaiseki cuisine and the traditional style of one soup and three side dishes.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00-10:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 11:00-12:00 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
    • 12:30-14:00 Meiji Shrine, Lunch
    • 14:30-15:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko

    What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report At Senso-ji Temple, the guests enjoyed the Japanese garden and showed great interest in Japanese religion (Shinto and Buddhism) and culture. It was good that we started the tour at a relatively uncrowded time. From the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the guests were able to take in views to the north, south, east, and west, and enjoyed taking photos. Fortunately, we were able to see Mount Fuji clearly. The guests were surprised to learn that mountains such as Mount Takao are located within Tokyo. Lunch at Meiji Shrine was well received thanks to the lovely scenery. At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the guests first took photos and then enjoyed crossing together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Metro One-Day Pass~Toei Metro One-Day Pass900JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: hypocenter & Nishi-Hiroshima Station / Miyajima

    Hiroshima in One Day: hypocenter & Nishi-Hiroshima Station / Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • (09:30) Meet at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 09:45 Move to the hypocenter
    • 09:55 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 11:40 Move to Nishi-Hiroshima Station / Miyajima
    • 12:25 Miyajima sightseeing
    • 16:10  Move to Hiroshima Station
    • (17:30 )Disband at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Central Exit

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We had planned to meet at the central exit for the Shinkansen, but the guests ended up coming out at the local line exit. Thanks to being able to describe the surroundings over a phone call on a messaging app, we managed to meet without trouble, which was a great relief. This was the guests' first visit to Japan, and they were a group who described travel as their hobby. I was impressed by how actively one of the guests embraced experiencing a different culture — visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum and trying katsudon for the first time. But the happiest smile came when we went to the Miyajima Aquarium and while choosing character goods at a shop along Omotesando. During that time, I felt that the guests, who otherwise seemed to lead busy daily lives, were able to relax and unwind. I was glad we had time to stroll around Omotesando. After making the Shinkansen reservation for their return, we said goodbye with a group hug at the end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~Kamiyacho Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3Free PassMiyajimaguchi Station~Miyajima400JPY
    Section 4FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We…

    Jul 2, 2026
    Janine_P
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

    May 7, 2026
    Diane_F
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Curious613511
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We did a 4 hour walking tour through Hiroshima where…

  • Tokyo in One Day: UENO PARK & TOKYO TOWER

    Tokyo in One Day: UENO PARK & TOKYO TOWER

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 meet at the Shangri-La Tokyo
    • 10:45 1. THE IMPERIAL PALACE & the Tokyo Station
    • 12:00 2.UENO PARK
    • 2:30 3. SENSO-JI TEMPLE
    • 4:00 4. TOKYO TOWER
    • 5:00 back to the Shangri-La Tokyo

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Central Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: I had contacted the guests through the agency platform both when the tour was accepted and one week before the tour date, but there was no response at all, which left me somewhat concerned. When we were unable to meet at the agreed place and time, I sent a message through a messaging app, and the guests replied right away that they would come down from their room, so we were able to meet without any trouble. Among the many hotels where I have picked up guests, this Hotel is truly top class. Since the group included young children, I flexibly added destinations that the children would enjoy. They were especially delighted by KITTE Garden and Hibiya Midtown. The guests had also been studying about Japan and had a strong interest in cherry blossoms, so they were very happy to see the winter cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, which was a joy for me as a guide as well. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the guests said they wished to dedicate an ema votive plaque, and they were moved to be able to take a photo together holding the ema on which they had written their wishes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHibiya~Ueno600JPY
    Section 2Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Kamiyacho0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKamiyacho~Otemachi0JPY
    Total600JPY

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at The Strings by InterContinental
    • 9:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20 Stroll along Takeshita Street
    • 10:50 Commemorative photo in front of the Tokyu Plaza Building "Harakado"
    • 11:40 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple
    • 12:30 Purchase a haori at "Tansuya Asakusa Store"
    • 13:15 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 14:00 Disband in front of "Tsukiji Gindaco"

    What's a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Japan Guide Agency Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They were staying in Tokyo before heading to Kaga Onsen and then returning home. The guests both love sushi, and the day before they had visited a sushi restaurant near Meguro Station. For lunch today they enjoyed an "omakase" course at a sushi restaurant near Tsukiji and were very satisfied, telling the sushi chef that they would visit again during their stay. Since there was an interest in kimono, I introduced a kimono shop in Asakusa, where a haori jacket was purchased, and I received a smile and words of thanks. Seeing that smile brought a big smile to the other guest as well. The attached photo was taken in front of the familiar omikuji fortune drawers in front of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. While I was explaining how to draw an omikuji, I drew "kyo" (bad fortune), and the guests drew "kyo" as well. An amazing three "kyo" in a row. After a comment that "since the first person drew 'kyo,' we ended up drawing 'kyo' too," the "kyo" (bad fortune) omikuji slips were tied to the rack, and a photo was taken with big smiles, which I have attached below.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinagawa Station~JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~JR Chuo Line Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station210JPY
    Total750JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

    Jun 12, 2026
    716suzannab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience
    Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential…

    May 27, 2026
    beaufordtjustice
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
    My son and I had a…

    May 24, 2026
    A2151KImelissab
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day out in Tokyo
    I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo…

  • Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Station Travel Center

    Tokyo: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Station Travel Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:25 Hamarikyu
    • 11:45 Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Kaminari Issa, Hoppy Street)
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:15 Lunch @ Kyushu Jangara Ramen
    • 14:45 Takeshita Street
    • 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:45 Shibuya Station Travel Center
    • 16:25 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour in Early Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan, with plans to continue to Hakone and Kyoto after Tokyo. During our advance communication, the guests expressed a wish to visit a famous cherry blossom spot, but since it was still too early for the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, we instead included Hamarikyu Gardens, where plum blossoms could be seen, resulting in the itinerary described above. At Hamarikyu Gardens, in addition to the plum blossoms, the rapeseed flowers were still nearly in full bloom, and one of the guests took many photographs. Hamarikyu turned out to be the right choice and gave us a promising start. In Asakusa, the guests purchased chopsticks as a souvenir and enjoyed matcha at a tea house. In Harajuku, they were surprised at the difference in atmosphere between Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street, which are only separated by a station. At Shibuya Station, I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets for the Tokyo–Odawara–Hakone route, then saw them to their hotel and we parted ways. One of the guests had a deep knowledge of culture and religion and was interested in the Japanese national character behind them, asking many questions along the way, which made guiding truly rewarding.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Line Asakusa~Ginza Line Kanda178JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Kanda~JR Harajuku178JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Harajuku~JR Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza Line Shibuya~Ginza Line Shimbashi178JPY
    Total680JPY

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Stay at Okunoin & Stay at Garan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:50 Meeting point    Kaseda Station
    • 10:50~11:50 Travel to Koyasan by customer's rental car
    • 11:50~12:30 Lunch (Miyama)
    • 12:30~13:50 Stay at Okunoin
    • 14:00~14:40 Stay at Kongobuji Temple
    • 14:50~15:20 Stay at Garan 
    • 15:30 Disband at the parking lot

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came by rental car, so we met at Kaseda Station. (This was quite a bit earlier than the original schedule.) We checked the route to Koyasan on the station map and drove up the mountain. Passing by the Daimon Gate, we entered the town of Koyasan and first headed to a restaurant. At Okunoin, we parked at the Nakanohashi parking area and walked the short course. The guests seemed to enjoy photography and were frequently taking shots with a single-lens reflex camera. They found the graves of modern companies interesting, but the moss-covered old graves and the path lined with Koya cedar were especially beautiful, so they took many photographs. There was no more snow on Koyasan, and today it was 9 to 10 degrees, warm and with fine weather, making it a very pleasant day. After seeing the sliding-door paintings and the old kitchen at Kongobuji, we visited the Garan complex last. On the way back, since the guests were staying at a mountain lodge at the foot of Koyasan and wanted to descend before it got dark, I saw them off at the parking area and we parted ways.

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoan-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
    • 09:10 Nijo Castle
    • 11:30 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • 12:40 7-Eleven Kinkaku-ji (ATM)
    • 12:50 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:50 Ryoan-ji
    • 15:40 Disband at Daishodo Antique Books & Prints Shop (near the east entrance of Nishiki Market)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Gardens and World Heritage Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Africa, all longtime fans of Japan, Japanese culture, and Japanese cuisine. Since the members of the group each live in different, far-apart locations, they gathered in Japan for their first-ever visit. During the initial planning at the start of the tour, they expressed particular interest in Japanese gardens, so we visited three World Heritage sites known for their representative Japanese gardens: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji. At the same time, they were very pleased with the guidance I provided on efficient travel via Kyoto Station for the next day's sightseeing at Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji. As one of the guests had a strong interest in printmaking, I introduced them to a small gallery-style shop specializing in ukiyo-e and other woodblock prints, conveniently located near Nishiki Market. We exchanged smiles and handshakes inside the shop before parting ways. Please note that I did not keep the receipt for the transportation pass, and as the original has been discarded, I will not be claiming it this time.

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

    Apr 23, 2025
    Simon S
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  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:15 Meet 8:50 Cable car to Sounzan Station Ropeway Owakudani, Mt. Fuji view sightseeing After shopping, take the ropeway to Togendai 10:45 Pirate ship 11:25 Motohakone Port After sightseeing at Hakone Shrine Get off at Hakone Checkpoint Ruins by bus Maruyama Bussan Tour After a light lunch at Hakonemachi Port 13:35 Depart by bus to Hakone Open-Air Museum 14:05~15:05 After the tour Request the hotel's pick-up service 15:20 Board in front of the museum and disband.

    What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like for Guests Interested in Japanese Culture? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting places such as Nikko, Hakone, and Kyoto, and showed great interest in Japanese culture and history. One of the guests loved photography and took a variety of photos, such as the hellebore flowers blooming at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Mount Fuji was especially beautiful with fresh snow, and the guests were very pleased. They listened with great interest as I explained the differences between shrines and temples, how Shinto and Buddhism relate to the daily life of Japanese people, and the difference between the emperor and the shogun. At a local shop, they were captivated by a presentation on yosegi marquetry woodwork, made a rather expensive purchase, and took a commemorative photo with the shop staff. Coming from a warmer region of North America, they seemed to find the cold quite challenging.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKami-Gora Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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!!
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