Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel~10:40 Imperial Palace Outer Garden~11:30 East Gardens~12:20 Asakusa~14:20 Sumida Park~15:00 Meiji Shrine~16:10 Shinjuku

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan the day before and planned to stay in the country for a little over two weeks. Although the tour route had been decided in advance, on the morning of the tour the guests contacted me with a request for additional destinations, so we reviewed and finalized the route together before starting. The guests repeatedly remarked on how clean the streets were and how there was no litter. After visiting the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, they expressed a wish to see the East Gardens, so we visited there on short notice as well. After finishing at Meiji Shrine, they had originally planned to go to Shibuya, but since they said they wanted to see the Godzilla in Shinjuku, I guided them there instead. Outside of Tokyo, I heard that they planned to visit Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Instead of a regular lunch, we enjoyed the melon bread from Kagetsudo in Asakusa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Sakuradamon700JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello, I am Tatsu. I am a Government-Licensed English tour guide-interpreter. I was born and raised in Tokyo and lived in Hiroshima for 5 years and also in New York for 5 years. My wife and I have been married for about 40 years and we have three sons. In 1976, I sailed from Tokyo to New York to participate in the Bicentennial ceremony. When I was in New York with my family, our two sons went to a public school. They were helped by local people very much. And now it’s my turn to help you. I am a certified Buddhist English Guide. So, I can guide you to a temple with some explanation about Buddhism. I have been guiding foreign visitors since 2018, and as of October 2025, I have guided more than 550 guests. Thank you and I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 23, 2025
    marcelinoz306
    Exceptional tour of Tokyo with Tatsu!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the most amazing time…

    Apr 22, 2025
    Travel20321800377
    Great first time in Japan with private tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Tatsu…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Miyajima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel in Hiroshima City
    • 9:10-10:20 Travel to Miyajima
    • 10:20-12:20 Sightseeing in Miyajima
    • 12:20-13:20 Travel to hotel in Hiroshima City
    • 13:20 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour in Cherry Blossom Season Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. The weather at Miyajima was fine and the cherry blossoms were at their best, so they took many photos and appeared to thoroughly enjoy Miyajima, savoring grilled oysters with great delight. The guests had a strong interest in sports, particularly rugby, and also showed keen interest in Hiroshima's machinery industries, including its automobile sector. Since they did not have an IC card, all transportation tickets and other fares were paid in cash, which resulted in some loss of time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakaramachi-kita~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Section 4BusHiroshima Station~Tanakamachi240JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Hi! My name is Kazuhisa To. I was born in Nagasaki Prefecture and spent a total of approximately 17 years there. After graduating from university and completing graduate school, I moved to Hiroshima in 1984. Hiroshima has been my home base for more than 42 years, including approximately five and a half years during which I was posted to Germany and the United States. I worked as an engineer at Mazda Motor Corporation for 40 years. While working at Mazda, I earned a Ph.D. in Engineering through a doctoral program designed for working professionals at a national university. During the final five years of my career at Mazda, I was assigned to Hiroshima University, where I served as a Specially Appointed Professor and Deputy Director of a research center. In this role, I led the development of the center’s organizational and operational framework and advanced more than 20 industry–university collaborative research projects across four major research programs, contributing to regional revitalization. Living in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Germany, and the United States has deepened my appreciation for the distinct histories and cultures of different regions and broadened my international perspective. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to offer tours that allow guests from around the world to feel comfortable and relaxed while enjoying a genuinely engaging experience. After retiring from Mazda at the end of March 2024, I embarked on a new chapter in my life as a licensed local guide in Hiroshima. In addition to renowned destinations such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I am delighted to introduce guests to Hiroshima’s history, culture, natural beauty, local cuisine, and everyday life, tailoring each tour to their individual interests and preferences. It is my sincere hope that every guest will enjoy a truly personal and memorable experience while discovering the authentic spirit of Hiroshima. I very much look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima!

    Sep 28, 2026
    anita2336
    The best time in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    This was one of…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Mostew
    Private tour with To – Hiroshima / Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We…

    Aug 30, 2026
    644lucys
    Fantastic guide, full and wonderful day.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Today we had…

    Jul 21, 2026
    anza
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent Walking Tour with Kazuhisa To
    We had a…

  • Tokyo: Toro Station & Fuyou-en

    Tokyo: Toro Station & Fuyou-en

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet guests at hotel
    • 12:50 Arrive at Toro Station
    • 13:05 Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
    • 14:20 Mansei-en
    • 14:45 Seikou-en
    • 15:15 Fuyou-en
    • 15:30 Depart Toro Station
    • 16:15 Say goodbye at Shinjuku

    What Is a Private Bonsai Tour in Omiya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They mentioned that they had wanted to come to Japan for a trip a few years ago, but were unable to due to COVID, so they made the trip this time. As some of the guests owned a couple of bonsai and were interested in them, they had signed up for the bonsai tour. At the Bonsai Art Museum, they took photos in front of the largest bonsai and remarked how wonderful the stone-attached bonsai were. At Seikoen there were many bonsai pots, and they mentioned they would like to purchase one, but the only pot shaped like Mount Fuji that they had taken a liking to did not have a hole in the back and could only be used as a vase, so they had to give up on buying it and seemed disappointed.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Toro590JPY
    Section 2TrainToro~Shinjuku590JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Aug 5, 2026
    Voyage03860342449
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Great experience!
    We just had our private 6 hour walking tour with Kahori in Tokyo and…

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:45 Meet up @ Hotel 〈Asakusa-Ekimae〉
    • 2. 08:50 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:30 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 4. 11:20 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:40 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 12:00 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:30 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 8. 12:45 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo
    • 9. 13:40 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 14:00 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11. 15:15 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station

    What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Tsukiji, and the East Gardens The guests were visitors from North America. They came down to the lobby quite early, so we were able to start the tour smoothly. Since we arrived at Shinjuku Gyoen about 30 minutes ahead of schedule, we spent a fairly long time there. When deciding where to have lunch, I learned that the guests enjoyed Japanese omurice, which made the food court at Tsukiji Uogashi an ideal choice. The guests kindly purchased Hidaka kombu at a kelp shop I regularly rely on, which I greatly appreciated. Although we stayed a little longer at Tsukiji than planned, I was still able to guide them through the East Gardens more or less as usual. At the end, I explained how to get back to Asakusa Station from Otemachi Station, and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAsakusa Station~Shinjuku-sanchome Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & ASAKUSA

    Tokyo in One Day: TSUKIJI Outer Market & ASAKUSA

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet in the lobby of the B Ginza
    • 9:30 1. TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 10:30 2. HAMA-RIKYU GARDEN
    • 11:45 3. Tokyo Water Bus
    • 1:00 4. ASAKUSA
    • 2:00 5. UENO PARK & TOSHOGU SHRINE
    • 3:00 See off in the Ueno Park

    What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hama-rikyu, and Asakusa This was a booking arranged through a travel agency. The guests came from Oceania. We were able to break the ice by talking about rugby and Les Mills fitness programs. At the first stop, Tsukiji, I mentioned at the start that many shops are closed on Wednesdays, but in fact many were open, and the guests enjoyed snacking on tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet). At Hama-rikyu Gardens, the rape blossoms and cherry blossoms were still very much in season and the guests enjoyed them. They tried matcha at the Nakajima teahouse, though their impression was that it was too bitter and not to their taste. Since it was warm and the weather was lovely from the morning, the guests were delighted with the ride along the Sumida River on the water bus. We continued together to stops in Asakusa and Ueno, and I took my leave within Ueno Park.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Tsukiji700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Total700JPY

    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 spare 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.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 9:10 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 10:55 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Inataya Palace Building Branch
    • 13:10 Purchase Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo Station
    • 14:05 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 15:25 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa The weather was fairly good, and we were able to enjoy the tour. One member of the group grew tired around Takebashi, left early, and returned by taxi. After helping them into the taxi and confirming the destination, we said goodbye there. The rest of the guests continued throughout, though one member wished to sit down at Asakusa, so I guided them to a bench, where they settled in and said they would wait there. At Shinjuku Gyoen the guests enjoyed the cherry blossoms in full bloom and took many photos. After seeing the cherry blossoms at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided them to a soba restaurant, where they found the food delicious and finished the whole meal. Since they needed Shinkansen tickets for the next day, I guided them from the Palace Hotel to Tokyo Station, where they purchased the tickets. After guiding them to Asakusa, I saw them back to their hotel and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Shinjuku Gyoen900JPY
    Section 2TrainSendagaya~Iidabashi167JPY
    Section 3TrainIidabashi~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 4TrainNihonbashi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Higashi-Ginza0JPY
    Total1,067JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 9:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Center Gai, Hachiko Statue
    • 3. 10:15 Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Yoyogi Park
    • 5. 12:40 Takeshita Street
    • 6. 14:00 Omotesando
    • 7. 15:00 Disband near Omotesando Hills

    What's a Private Day Tour of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando Like in Tokyo? A Guide's Report The guests visiting from North America arrived with prior communication in which they had already shared the places they had previously visited, so before departure we confirmed the planned destinations for the day: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando. Regarding Nezu Shrine, which was another place they had requested, I explained that it was located somewhat far away and that we might not be able to visit it depending on how the itinerary went, and then we began the tour. After visiting Shibuya, we moved to the Harajuku area. At Meiji Shrine, after paying their respects, they also tried writing ema votive plaques and drawing omikuji fortunes. After enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Yoyogi Park and shopping and street food along Takeshita Street, they enjoyed shopping for shoes and accessories in Omotesando. Since they had a lot of shopping bags, we ended the tour in Omotesando, and they appeared to be very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTochomae~Shibuya330JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Total480JPY

    Hello, I’m Miho Ozawa, and I’ve been working as a government licenced guide interpreter for six years in Tokyo. I live in east Tokyo with my family, including my three children, and I love art, gardens, photography and traveling.
    It’s such a pleasure to explore this fascinating city Tokyo with you. There are so many things you can do, although sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do within a limited time. I would really appreciate if you could let me know what you would like to do or where you would like to visit in Tokyo. I would be happy to help you plan to make your trip a memorable one. I’m forward to hearing from you and meeting you soon!

    Apr 18, 2026
    CRM
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Day 1 Japan Meiji Shrine, Shibuya
    Miho was an amazing tour guide.…

    Mar 31, 2026
    M
    maaz06
    Private Half Day tour with Government Licenced Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our half day…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Maria_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant half Day Private tour customized to see the beautiful Cherry Blossoms…

    Mar 31, 2026
    Rick_G
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun day out with Miho
    We had a great time exploring the…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Rinnoji Temple
    • 8:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 9:10 Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden
    • 9:40 Rinnoji Sanbutsudo Hall
    • 10:30 Coffee break @ Ueshima Coffee Shop
    • 11:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:20 Futarasan Shrine
    • 12:40 Coffee break @ Saryo
    • 13:10 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 14:40 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 15:20 Tour ends @ Nikko Municipal Parking Lot

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They had been staying near Lake Chuzenji for the previous couple of days and were traveling by rental car on their own, so the meeting point was originally the large parking lot at Toshogu Shrine. However, since it is difficult to find each other in such a wide parking lot, we decided to meet at the ticket counter of Rinnoji Temple instead. They mentioned that they usually do not eat much for lunch and would be fine with just a coffee for a break, so we took coffee breaks frequently. (Personally, going without lunch was quite hard for me.) The guests said they are used to walking a lot, and going up and down stairs took some time. Photography and plants were among their interests, and they seemed to really enjoy the Shoyoen Garden at Rinnoji Temple. They were a wonderful group with very warm personalities, and we chatted a great deal throughout the day, making it a very enjoyable time.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Aug 24, 2026
    arzed
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A perfect day!
    My family and I had an…

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at hotel (Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan) → 13:10-14:00 Takayama Jinya – on foot → 14:10-15:00 Sanmachi Suji – taxi → 15:10-16:30 Hida no Sato – taxi → 16:50 Arrive at hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Takayama Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report Before the tour, the plan had been to visit only Takayama Jinya and the Sanmachi Suji old town, but when I met the guests on the day, they expressed a wish to see gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. For this reason, I added Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village) to the itinerary. As it was a weekday and still a little early for cherry blossom season, all of the sightseeing spots were relatively uncrowded. Since taking a bus to Hida no Sato would have required going all the way to Takayama Station, I obtained the guests' consent and we used a taxi instead. On the way there, we waited about 15 minutes for the taxi to arrive. On the way back, a taxi happened to be nearby, so the wait was only about 5 minutes. At Sanmachi Suji, the guests loved the atmosphere of the town and purchased items such as chopsticks, Hida beef sushi, and Hida beef croquettes. At Hida no Sato, they enjoyed the gassho-zukuri houses, the quiet mood, and the views of the Hida Mountains.

    I am good at factory tours (sake, food, etc.), restaurants and entertainments for adult (pub, karaoke, snack bar, etc.).
    I have been to 91 countrires. And I traveled around the world (14 countrires) for three month in 2023.
    I like travel and I prefer vist islands in Japan. I have been to 232 islands in Japan.
    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I am also Certified General Travel Services Manager, and Certified Domestic Tour Conductor.
    I had worked 35 years at Japanese beer company until last year. So, I like drinking very much.

    Welcome to Elvis’s guided tours! With a passion for Japan, I offer you an unforgettable experience exploring Japan. As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I ensure you not only see the sights but also understand the stories behind them.

    My guided tours are tailored to suit your interests, whether you’re intrigued by the ancient history of Japan, captivated by its vibrant culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. With me, you’ll delve deep into the heart of [location], discovering hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists never experience.

    I bring to life the rich history of [location], narrating its tales of triumphs and tribulations with passion and flair. From the ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to the modern marvels that define its skyline, each tour is a journey through time, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

    Beyond history, I also showcase the vibrant culture of Japan, introducing you to its arts, cuisine, and traditions. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of local cuisine, exploring traditional crafts, or immersing yourself in festive celebrations, I ensure you experience the true essence of Japan.

    As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring smooth communication and enriching interactions with locals. Whether you’re bargaining at a bustling market or conversing with a local artisan, I’m there to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

    My guided tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about creating lasting memories. I strive to make each tour informative, engaging, and, above all, fun! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, I tailor the experience to suit your preferences, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for Japan.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery, join me on a guided tour that goes beyond the ordinary. Let me show you the wonders of Japan through the eyes of a passionate guide interpreter. Your adventure awaits!

    Sep 15, 2026
    Jardon_B
    Walking tour of Takayama
    Viator review: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great walking tour of Takayama! Miyagawa Morning…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Paul_M
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
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  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:17 Meet at Andersen (On the day, at the customer's request, the 13:00 start was changed to an 11:30 start. Also, the meeting place was changed from the hotel to Andersen Cafe.) In the cafe, listened to and explained the customer's wishes for today's tour. Since the customer planned to visit Miyajima tomorrow, received and answered questions about access and other matters. Charged PASUMO and MANAKA (IC card purchased 7 years ago). The customer was pleased that they could charge and use the card bought 7 years ago.
    • 12:00 Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit / In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome (Meiplelooop 240 yen)
    •     Guided them to the Atomic Bomb Dome, the hypocenter, SOGO (introduced Baumkuchen), the location of the human shadow etched in stone, Andersen, the Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum, Hondori (Uniqlo), the Rest House, and the monuments in the park.
    • 14:50 In front of Peace Park / Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit (Meiplelooop 240 yen)
    •     After arrival, accompanied them to the hotel according to their wishes
    • 15:20 Tour ended at the hotel

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, some of whom had previously made a day trip to Hiroshima seven years earlier. On the day of the tour, the guests contacted me requesting changes to the meeting point (from the Hotel to a café) and the start time (from 13:00 to 11:30), so I contacted [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and had the tour details updated accordingly. The guests had woken up at 4:00 that morning to travel to Hiroshima, and one member of the group appeared tired throughout the tour. Their wish was to explore freely, avoiding crowded places and keeping costs low. Since they were staying in Hiroshima for three days, I recommended visiting the Peace Memorial Museum after 5:30 p.m. if they really wanted to go inside, as several tour buses were parked in front of the museum again today. Because they preferred to avoid crowded places, I guided them to the Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum, where they attentively watched the videos and viewed the exhibits. At the Andersen main store, they simply looked around and sampled some items. At Juchheim, the group bought a single individually wrapped Baumkuchen to share, and remarked how delicious it was eaten on the spot. One person kept tearing off pieces of Baumkuchen and offering them to the others who had initially said they didn't want any, saying "Try it, try it." One of the guests had found a favorite piece of clothing at a UNIQLO in Tokyo, but the preferred colors had all been sold out. When we passed through Sun Mall and I heard about this, I guided them to the UNIQLO inside Sun Mall. Since the guest had a photo of the item, they were able to ask the staff right away. The staff said they had it in stock, but the guest worried the desired color might not be available, as it had apparently been sold out at many stores they had checked in Tokyo. The Hiroshima store had the color they wanted, and all of the guests looked delighted, which was a relief to me as well. Just after entering the Peace Memorial Park, at Motoyasu Bridge, as I began explaining the Rest House, one of the guests kept searching through their bag. When I asked what was wrong, there was a commotion as they exclaimed, "My phone is gone! The phone with everything on it is gone!" Because the guest had emailed me several times from the café that morning, I thought it might be there and was searching for the contact information when they suddenly said, "Found it!" with a beaming smile and a look of relief. I had been checking for forgotten belongings each time we got on and off the bus and at every stop, and had worried the phone might have slipped into a gap in the bus seat, so I was glad it turned up safely. Having lived overseas in an English-speaking region for about three years, I thought I was used to certain accents, but today I encountered something that genuinely puzzled me. While talking about vehicle taxes, one of the guests said that in their home region, cars are taxed heavily based on "WHITE." Confused about what this meant, another guest who had traveled internationally kindly explained that they meant "WEIGHT." No matter how I listened, it sounded like "white" rather than "weight," but I was relieved once I understood. One member of the group appeared tired from back pain and lack of sleep, and since the others had also woken up at 4:00 and wished to return to the Hotel after the tour, we finished touring the memorials in the Peace Park, took the bus back to the station, and I accompanied them to the Hotel, where the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit~In front of the Atomic Bomb Dome240JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Peace Park~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Dear guests,
    Hello! My name is Miki. I was born and brought up in Hiroshima. I enjoy traveling around Inland Sea areas and I enjoy chatting with guests from overseas!

    In Hiroshima, you can see many beautiful rivers and old bridges. Lately, I often take photos of Hiroshima city including bridges and rivers. There are not many tall buildings here, but I know some places you can visit and see the view for free. By the atomic bomb dome, there is a building called Orizuru(paper crane) Tower. You need to pay to go up to the top floor but you can see the view of Hiroshima city and the Miyajima Island(Itsukushima).

    Many tourists from overseas as well as Japan want to visit Miyajima Island. You can see a beautiful shrine from Heian Period which is around 12th century and a huge Torii gate in front of the shrine and it is in the water. There are several ways to visit the island from Hiroshima city. If you are going to stay near JR Hiroshima Station, we will visit the island by JR train and JR ferry. If you are staying in the city area, we can go there by streetcar and ferry, or there is a high-speed boat from Peace Memorial Park pier directly to the island and vise versa.

    Hoping to see you in the near future!

    Miki
    Your tour guide in Hiroshima

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