Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Grand Nikko Odaiba

    Tokyo in One Day: Grand Nikko Odaiba

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Grand Nikko Odaiba → 11:35 Statue of Liberty and Cherry Blossoms → Rinkai Line → 12:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko → 12:40-14:00 Lunch → Shinjuku 14:30-15:15 Metropolitan Government Building Observatory, 15:30 3D Cat, Godzilla, 16:00-16:30 Golden Gai, 16:40-17:10 A drink at Omoide Yokocho → Hotel by taxi 18:00

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Shibuya and Shinjuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The guided tour was a gift from a family member living in Europe. They were scheduled to join a two-week tour starting the next day, and wanted to visit Shibuya and Shinjuku—especially Golden Gai—since those places were not included in that tour. As it was a special commemorative trip, I arranged a message plate at lunch, which they were very happy with. Since Golden Gai was crowded, we had a drink at Omoide Yokocho instead. I had been a little concerned about the amount of walking, but there were no problems and we walked about six miles.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Teleport～Shibuya502JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Shinjuku167JPY
    Total669JPY

    Tour Report by Maki

    Hello!
    I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
    I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
    When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
    I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
    I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
    I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
    I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!

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    Oct 9, 2025
    301catherinep
    Fabulous customised tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Gene L
    Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and…

    Aug 31, 2025
    T
    tmay2921
    Maki is the best!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…

    Jul 12, 2025
    O6400ONsaram
    Maki san kakkoii desu
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…

  • Kumamoto in One Day: Kumamoto Castle & Kumamoto Station

    Kumamoto in One Day: Kumamoto Castle & Kumamoto Station

    Kumamoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30　Meet @ Blossom Kumamoto
    • 10:00　Kumamoto Castle
    • 11:30　Lunch @ Yamami Chaya
    • 12:40　Josaien
    • 13:15　Shimada Museum of Art
    • 14:15　Sakuramachi Bus Terminal
    • 14:45　Suizenji Jojuen Garden
    • 16:30　Kumamoto Station
    • 16:40　Dismissal @ In front of Blossom Kumamoto

    What Can You See on a Private Kumamoto Castle and Miyamoto Musashi Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very fond of samurai culture. At Kumamoto Castle, the conversation turned to Miyamoto Musashi, and they mentioned they would like to visit Reigando Cave and Musashizuka the next day. Since both places have limited access, we went together to the tourist information office and the ticket gate of the bus company, purchased the tickets for the following day, and obtained the timetable. The guests had wished to visit the Hosokawa Gyobutei Residence, but as it remains closed, I guided them to the Shimada Museum of Art instead. Since it houses items related to Miyamoto Musashi, the guests were delighted that they were genuine artifacts. For lunch we had a lava-grilled meal of Akaushi beef and horse meat, which they also enjoyed very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIn front of Kumamoto Station～In front of City Hall800JPY
    Section 2Free PassIn front of Daiichi High School～In front of Jikei Hospital0JPY
    Section 3Free PassIn front of Jikei Hospital～Sakuramachi Bus Terminal0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKarashimacho～In front of Suizenji Park0JPY
    Section 5Free PassIn front of Suizenji Park～In front of Kumamoto Station0JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by Mieko

    In 2016, I obtained the National Guide Certification and have been guiding mainly tours in Kumamoto City, but also in neighboring areas such as Aso, Takachiho, and Unzen. I have learned a lot from guiding and have had the invaluable experience of interacting with guests from many different countries. I love being a guide and also I think guiding job is physically wonderful because it is based on walking. I am interested in history, especially samurai culture. In Kumamoto, you can see the footprints of the castle lords, the Kato and the Hosokawa families. The Kato family is famous as strong warlords, while the Hosokawa family is famous as intellectuals who developed the culture of the samurai. Also, Kumamoto is one of the few cities in the world where all water is supplied by groundwater. Please enjoy Kumamoto’s history, culture, and water.

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    Mar 27, 2025
    AnaBelenGP11
    Wonderful MEIKO!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We have the best time with MIEKO at Kumamoto. She…

    Mar 5, 2025
    lsmilburn2019
    Such a knowledgeable guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mieko was an incredible guide. I feel very…

    Nov 25, 2024
    L
    Lori_T
    Mieko is Ichiban! The best guide for Kumamoto<3<3 Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide Mieko was such a wonderful guide! She took our interests into consideration and showed us a special Shinto temple and let us drink from the "long life" spring. She also explained how to do a Shinto prayer and took us for a walk where the gods lived. We had lunch at the perfect place–we wanted to eat good seafood–the seafood was fresh and the service fast and friendly. The fresh grilled scallops were the best I've tasted. Also, we got to try horse sashimi which is a specialty of Fukuoka I think. It was very good. We also toured Kumamoto Castle and the surrounding areas. We ended the tour at a restaurant that served the Kumamoto Wagyu special beef–from black cows! I'd highly recommend having Mieko guide you!

    Aug 15, 2024
    Kris_F
    Kumamoto with guide Mieko is a must!
    Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My family had the most…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:30 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 08:30 @Miyajima Daishoin Temple
    • 3. 11:50 Lunch @Hassho
    • 4. 12:50 @Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 5. 14:40 @Shukkeien Garden
    • 6. 15:30 Disband @Hotel

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the tour started early at 7:30, Miyajima was quiet when we first arrived, and the deer were behaving unusually — hopping and running about rather than their usual calm selves — which the guests enjoyed very much. One of the guests, who mentioned photography as a hobby, brought two DSLR cameras with telephoto lenses and took a wide variety of photos. We spent plenty of time on photography, keeping the approach street and my explanations brief, and I guided a route well suited for taking pictures. Today we were even able to see a pod of dolphins from the ferry, making the guests quite lucky in many ways. In the city they made use of taxis, going to Shukkeien Garden via Hiroshima Castle, where they also took many photos.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajimaguchi～Miyajima200JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima～Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Kahori

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sannenzaka slope

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sannenzaka slope

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Today the tour time has changed.
    • 9:00　Hotel Chapter Kyoto
    • 9:30 Sannenzaka slope>Ninenzaka slope
    • >Yasui kompira gu>Gion> Tatsumibashi
    • >Shijo Kawaramachi
    • 10:50 Arashiyama Togetsukyo
    • 11:00 Bread and Espresso , we ate bread there
    • 11:20 Tenryuji temple garden
    • 11:30 Bamboo forest
    • 11:40 Okouchi villa
    • 12:20 JR Sagaarashiyama to see locomotion
    • 13:00 end our tour at JR Kyoto station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion and Arashiyama There were several schedule changes, so I was a little unsure how today's tour would go, but in the end the guests enjoyed it very much. I had told them the destinations before we met, but when we took a taxi up to the top of Kiyomiz-zaka, they said they had come here yesterday without realizing it. When I asked which places they had not yet visited, they mentioned that they had not been to Arashiyama, so after first visiting Gion, we decided to take the Hankyu train to Arashiyama. The weather was not very good, but it held up, and they enjoyed the bamboo grove and Okochi Sanso Villa. Along the way, we ran into some local acquaintances, and the guests enjoyed the surprise. At a bakery, they even treated me as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo Kawaramachi～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Saga-Arashiyama～JR Kyoto240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Mimmy

    Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
    I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
    I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
    I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
    I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
    I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
    I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
    In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
    I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
    This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
    In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
    It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
    The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
    should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
    In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
    In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

    Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
    Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
    I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
    I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

    Request Booking

    Mar 24, 2025
    Jennie_N
    Ask for Mimmy
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

    Mar 15, 2025
    Eric B
    Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was a wonderful…

    Mar 12, 2025
    williampP2709MA
    Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Niaz_M
    Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Costco

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Memorial Museum & Costco

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Ticket Gate
    • 9:20 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:45 Peace Memorial Park, the Hypocenter
    • 11:45 Lunch @ Wakataka
    • 13:15 Hiroshima Castle & Park
    • 14:45 Shukkei-en Garden
    • 16:10 Costco
    • 16:30 End the tour at Costco

    Title: What's a Private Hiroshima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of them had a background connected to Japan. On this day, some members of the group spent the day separately and went to Nara. After the museum and the Peace Park, we had a slightly early okonomiyaki lunch. They enjoyed it very much, and when I introduced a shop in Little Tokyo, they mentioned that they had been to the restaurant next door. Some of the guests observed how it was made right up until the moment we left the shop. Originally the plan was to visit Miyajima, but since the trip would take more than an hour each way, they decided to skip it this time. However, I strongly recommended that they stay overnight in Miyajima on their next visit. During some casual conversation, I mentioned that in Japan you can order Costco products through Uber, and they said they really wanted to go, so after Shukkeien Garden we went to Costco. After the guests chose some cosmetics, we ended the tour there. Incidentally, some of the guests apparently own more than 70 Costco bags.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit～Peace Park Front240JPY
    Section 2BusHatchobori～Mazda Stadium Front240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

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    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market ⇒ Pontocho

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market ⇒ Pontocho

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting: Kyoto Station (Shinkansen Central Gate)
    • 11:20 Sightseeing ①: Nijo Castle
    • 12:40 Sightseeing ②: Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 13:20 Break
    • 14:25 Sightseeing ③: Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove Path ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 15:45 Sightseeing ④: Nishiki Market ⇒ Pontocho
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Pontocho

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Kyoto Station? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting Japan from North America. Prior contact with me was handled by one of the guests. It was everyone's first visit to Japan, on a ten-day itinerary; for the first half they were based at a hotel in Osaka to sightsee in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, and for the second half they planned to move to Tokyo and explore the metropolitan area. All of the guests were interested in modern Japanese culture, but they also seemed to have a deep interest in history. From that perspective, the itinerary became: Nijo Castle ⇒ Kyoto Imperial Palace ⇒ Arashiyama ⇒ Nishiki Market and Pontocho. During the planning stage beforehand, I considered whether the hotel in Osaka might work as a meeting point, but the guests wanted to travel from Osaka to Kyoto by shinkansen, so the meeting point became the "Shinkansen Central Gate" at Kyoto Station. Since all transportation used public transit (subway, JR, and private railways), everything proceeded very smoothly, and we were able to sightsee almost exactly according to the itinerary. The guests were delighted, telling me they had "a great time."

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Imadegawa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayImadegawa～Nijo260JPY
    Section 4TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Karasuma240JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Gather at Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:40 Lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
    • 13:50 Nijo Castle
    • 15:10 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Yasaka Koshindo ~ Sannenzaka
    • 15:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 16:45 Disperse in front of Gojozaka Bus Stop

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America. They had traveled from Asia, using a cruise ship as well, touring various parts of Japan including Kyoto, and were heading on to another destination in Asia. It was their first time in Japan. Since they had come from a warm climate, today's Kyoto weather, cold enough for sleet to fall, must have been quite challenging for them. Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nijo Castle were relatively uncrowded, so we were able to take our time and see them at a leisurely pace. They were very pleased with the lunch at the restaurant I had chosen. Kiyomizu-dera was as crowded as ever and involved a lot of walking, so they may have gotten tired.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijo Castle～Higashiyama220JPY
    Section 5BusHigashiyama Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:36 Meet up Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 9:05 Travel Hiroshima Station→Miyajimaguchi→Miyajima
    • 3. 9:55 Stay Miyajima　Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, Daishoin Temple, Five-storied Pagoda, Toyokuni Shrine
    • 4. 13:10 Stay Lunch Kurawanka
    • 5. 14:20 Travel Miyajima→Miyajimaguchi→Peace Park
    • 7. 15:30 Stay Peace Park　Peace Memorial Museum
    • 8. 17:15 Travel　Peace Park→Hiroshima Station
    • 9. 18:18 Disband　Hiroshima Station

    What's a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine from Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, some from Europe and some from North America. A main purpose of their visit was to take part in the Tokyo Marathon together with friends from their university days. The day after arriving they sightseeing in Nara, and the following day they moved from Kyoto to Hiroshima early in the morning for a full day of sightseeing in Hiroshima, so they seemed to be enjoying their trip very energetically. They now live apart in different regions, but they share common hobbies and had been classmates, and I could sense how much they were enjoying their reunion after a long time, so it became an enjoyable tour from the very start. Since they said they wanted to see the Great Torii Gate at high tide, we moved the meeting time one hour earlier and started the tour. As it was the middle day of a three-day weekend, there were many Japanese tourists as well, and although I had thought that going earlier would mean less crowding, it took more than 30 minutes just to enter Itsukushima Shrine. While we waited, I had them go take some photos along the way, and I felt relieved when we were finally able to enter the shrine. At Itsukushima Shrine a ceremony was being held, so it was wonderful that they were able to see the bugaku dance. I was also glad they enjoyed the okonomiyaki they had wanted to eat, as well as the freshly baked momiji manju. Since I had been consulted in advance about the bullet train, I gave my answer and asked them to let me know the result. Because I had been able to confirm the departure time of the return bullet train from Hiroshima by email beforehand, I did not check it again on the morning of the tour, but in fact I realized on the bus heading to Hiroshima Station on the return that the departure time in the email had been incorrect. Since I had planned our travel time around the bullet train I had been told about, I thought we had plenty of time to spare, but on the day the road conditions were poor and it took a little longer, so the bullet train we had reserved departed just as we arrived at Hiroshima Station. Inwardly I was truly flustered, but fortunately they were able to travel back on the next bullet train seated side by side, so I was genuinely relieved. I do not think the times would differ greatly, but I resolved that, even when I have a photo of the ticket or have received the time by email, I should confirm the return bullet train time once again.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform～Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform150JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome270JPY
    Section 4BusIn front of Peace Park～In front of Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 5TrainHiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform～Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Platform150JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    Tour Report by Namitsu

    Hello, my name is Namitsu Katayama. I’m from Hiroshima. It would be my pleasure to show you around Hiroshima, the place which I love so much.
    Hiroshima is beautiful, interesting and fun! I would be happy if you could enjoy our tour, and I hope that it will make you want to visit Hiroshima again in the future. I hope you will like our local food and Hiroshima specialties, too.
    I look forward to talking with you. I would be delighted if I could help you deepen your understanding of Japan and come to love it even more.
    I love travelling and enjoy both domestic and international travel. I would like to make use of my experience to be able to respond flexibly to your requests. If you have any questions or requests, please feel free to contact me.

    Request Booking

    May 30, 2026
    wheatbreadmartin
    Tripadvisor review: Onomichi Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the beaten path with a great guide!
    Our guide, Namitsu, was…

    Apr 10, 2026
    165bozenam
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A fascinating and highly recommended tour.
    We had a…

    Jul 28, 2025
    Reggie_R
    This tour was a great way…
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was…

    Apr 1, 2025
    ruthl654
    Great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Namitsu was a wonderful guide. She was…

  • Kyoto: Todai-ji Temple Approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Todai-ji Temple Approach & Kasuga Taisha Shrine

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:50 Meet up @ MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 9:21 Todai-ji Temple Approach
    • 9:41 Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
    • 10:41 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 11:36 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 12:31 Lunch
    • 13:31 Naramachi Stroll ~ Kofuku-ji Temple National Treasure Museum
    • 15:58 Disband @ MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo

    What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. In Nara, the walking distances tend to be quite long, but everyone did their best to walk throughout the day. Unfortunately, on this day a cold snap returned and it was occasionally mixed with snow, making for less than ideal weather. One of the guests felt the cold very strongly, so I offered a disposable hand warmer I had with me, which was greatly appreciated. Since some of the group had come from South America, the family conversed in their own language, and it was especially memorable to see them chatting happily together as they walked.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Oike～Takeda520JPY
    Section 2TrainTakeda～Kintetsu Nara1,520JPY
    Section 3BusKintetsu Nara Station～Todai-ji Kasuga Taisha250JPY
    Section 4BusKenchomae～Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Section 5TrainKintetsu Nara～Tambabashi520JPY
    Total3,060JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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  • 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. 9:30　Meet up @Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Midtown
    • 2. 10:00　@Ginza
    • 3. 10:40　@Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 11:20　@Tokyo Station
    • 5. 11:40　@Nihonbashi (Takashimaya)
    • 6. 12:30　Lunch @Aoi-Marushin (Asakusa)
    • 7. 13:30　@Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 8. 15:00　@Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS, Hikarie)
    • 9. 16:30　@Roppongi (Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 10. 17:00　Disband @Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Midtown

    What's a 2-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They stopped in Japan after an 8-day cruise around Cambodia and Vietnam, before their return flight home. They wanted to see the main sights of Tokyo over two days, so they requested the major tourist spots. On the way from their hotel in Roppongi toward the Imperial Palace, while guiding them along Ginza's main avenue and chatting, a request came up for various souvenirs for the family, so we decided to include time for shopping. At Asakusa's Nakamise shopping street, they bought a happi coat set as a gift, a T-shirt, and duty-free akoya pearl earrings at Shibuya Hikarie. In addition, at Starbucks they purchased an original mug sold only in Japan, and they were reassured and satisfied with the souvenirs. Because the place they had visited just before coming to Japan was extremely hot and humid, they were delighted with Tokyo's winter temperatures as a relief from the heat. At the same time, they were surprised at how greatly the culture and social conditions of Japan differed from those of Vietnam and Cambodia, even though all are in Asia, and they enjoyed sightseeing while comparing various points with Tokyo. Since it is difficult to cover the vast expanse of Tokyo, with its many tourist spots, in one or two days, they remarked that they would love to come back to Japan someday for another sightseeing trip. For lunch, based on their request for something Japanese that local people often eat, I guided them to a tempura restaurant in Asakusa, and they were delighted that it was very delicious. One of the guests strongly praised the Japanese pickles served at the table, especially the takuan, saying, "I love this! It's delicious and I really like it." For dinner they had made a reservation, which I confirmed online to be a Japanese restaurant inside a hotel. Because the hotel where they were staying is located within Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, just before we said goodbye at the hotel entrance, I guided them through a shop in the same complex where you can sample Japanese dashi, as well as the supermarket inside the facility, which delighted them greatly, and they said they would definitely buy dashi to take home as a souvenir.

    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 Hibiya Line Roppongi Station～Ginza Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～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 Ginza Line Shibuya Station～Chiyoda Line Nogizaka 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!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
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    Jun 16, 2026
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    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

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    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…