Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Oike
    • 10:30-11:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 12:00-13:00 Nijo Castle
    • 14:00 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour of the Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It seemed they had come to Japan for a leisure trip. Since they had requested to learn about Kyoto's history and to enjoy delicious food, I proposed the course described above. This was my first time guiding guests from this region, but recalling that this area also has a royal history, I brought up that topic. They told me that castles in their home region tend to be built on hills with fortifications to prevent enemy attacks, which is completely different from the Kyoto Imperial Palace that spreads out across flat ground. They also taught me about a historical queen who was the first to send children to school. One of the guests mentioned that a relative had once managed a castle, and that they had been given a tour of it as a child. In particular, some of the guests seemed very interested in the buildings, and before I knew it they had stopped to take photos, so the pace was slower than usual. Perhaps the Kyoto Imperial Palace has become popular recently, as I was surprised to see a line at the baggage inspection at the entrance. The guests listened carefully to all of my explanations. I feel I was able to fully introduce the charms of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The guests were especially moved by the beauty of the Oike Garden. Just then, there were three herons on the small island in the Oike Garden, and I mentioned that this too was a rather rare sight. We then left the Kyoto Imperial Palace and headed to Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle is very large, but since we needed to move on to Nishiki Market next, I had told them in advance that we would only visit the Ninomaru Palace and the Ninomaru Garden. As I had asked them to purchase tickets in advance, we were able to enter smoothly. Some of the guests seemed to have a strong interest in the gates and doors, and looked at them very closely. I had never had guests do this before, so I was quite surprised. Here too they listened carefully to my explanations, and I feel I was able to fully convey the charms of Nijo Castle. The magnificence of the ranma carvings in the great hall is famous, but the guests also pointed out the carvings on the ranma in the corridor. We then admired the Ninomaru Garden. The Ninomaru Garden is of course splendid, but I felt it seemed somewhat less impressive after having seen the garden at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, so I asked the guests which garden they preferred, and they had the same impression as I did. Next, we moved by subway toward Nishiki Market, guiding them through Teramachi along the way. On the way, the guests showed me photos from a wedding. Seeing a person in a relative's photo wearing short trousers, I wondered about it, and they explained that this was their traditional folk costume. They also told me that the traditional women's costume is a dress with a bib front, and showed me a photo of a relative. I had known nothing about this, but recalling that a character in "The Sound of Music" wore such clothing, I mentioned it, and they told me that people in the southern part of that region wear such clothes. Finally, I guided them to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and saw them off as they headed into Nishiki Market, where we parted ways. The photo was taken in front of the Oike Garden at the Imperial Palace, which everyone loved.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Shiyakusho-mae～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainImadegawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3TrainNijojo-mae～Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae220JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…

  • Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour

    Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Uno Port. 10:05 View the installations around Uno Port. 11:00 Depart from Uno Port. 11:35 View the "Art House Project" in the Honmura district of Naoshima. 13:50 Arrive at Tsutsujiso. View about 18 installations including Yellow Pumpkin. 14:50 Benesse House Museum. 16:10 Valley Gallery. 17:21 Arrive at Miyanoura Port. 17:35 Depart from Miyanoura Port. 17:55 Arrive at Uno Port

    What's a Private Naoshima and Uno Art Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Oceania. As we talked, they shared that they had roots in Oceania and later relocated within the region, and they kindly taught me various things about their cultural background. When I mentioned that both Uno and Naoshima are small places, they responded that their hometown has a modest population and feels cozy, giving them the same calm, intimate atmosphere they sense in Japan's local areas. With this group, communication had been difficult until the last minute, which was challenging, but by coordinating on-site we managed to carry out a tour they were satisfied with. The actual time on-site was a short five hours. When I checked, as expected, they had not made a reservation for the Chichu Art Museum, and I tried to book online on the spot, but it was already fully booked. Instead, we went around the Art House Project in the Honmura district. The sunlight was strong today, and while they were mindful of getting sunburned, they thoroughly enjoyed the natural beauty of the clear-skied Setouchi area and the artworks.

    Click here for more details: Naoshima Art Island in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherUno Port～Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)740JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyanoura Port (Naoshima)～Nokyo-mae100JPY
    Section 3OtherNokyo-mae (Naoshima)～Tsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture100JPY
    Section 4OtherTsutsujiso / Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture～Miyanoura Port (Naoshima)100JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    My name is Susumu Hiramatsu. I am a national government licensed guide interpreter. I became a guide interpreter in 1992. My educational background started with a BA in law, then an MA in English language education, and completed a doctoral course without a degree in English language teaching. My occupational career began with a bank officer, then shifted to a translation and interpretation company, finally became a freelance translator, interpreter, and college teacher. I handle conference interpretation, namely simultaneous interpretation. As for the guide interpreter, my interest covers wide areas including politics and business, but I deem cultural aspects to be fundamental. I am always encouraging myself to be filled with Japanese hospitality.

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    Jun 20, 2025
    NinjaTwins2013
    Kurashiki walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kurashiki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed our walking tour of Kurashiki. Our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up at Hyatt Regency Tokyo
    • 2. 11:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 3. 13:40 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 14:30 Lunch at Ramen Watanabe
    • 5. 15:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 16:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 16:45 Disband at Takeshita Street

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo City Highlights Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America, with Japan being a first visit for one and a second visit for another of the group. Since they had expressed a preference for city highlights in advance, I guided them along the classic and popular course. One of the group had injured a leg on the flight over, which slowed our movement and caused us to finish a little later than planned, but we were blessed with good weather and I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed the tour. For lunch, they had requested either ramen or tempura, but since we were running behind schedule, we chose ramen, which could be finished more quickly. I took them to a classic ramen restaurant in Asakusa, and they praised it highly as very delicious.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Otemachi (Tokyo)210JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya260JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
    Total810JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa (Skytree photos)

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa (Skytree photos)

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Mercure Tokyo Hibiya. Tried to buy a 72-hour ticket online but couldn't
    • 11:15 Tried to buy a 72-hour pass at Ginza Station, but was refused for not having a passport, so bought a 24-hour ticket
    • 11:45 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 13:00 Mercure Tokyo Hibiya (went back to get passport)
    • 13:40 Meiji Shrine, there were two wedding processions, so it took time
    • 14:25 Harajuku, Takeshita Street and Ura-Harajuku
    • 15:00 Shibuya, after buying a Welcome Suica at the station, the Scramble Crossing and more
    • 15:40 Shinjuku, 3D Cat and Godzilla Building
    • 16:00 Disband at Godzilla Building

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The weather was fairly good, with a little sunshine and no rain, making it a fine day for a tour. Right after meeting, the guests wanted a 72-hour subway pass. We tried to buy it online but could not, and then tried to purchase it with cash at Ginza Station, but were refused because they did not have their passports on hand, so we started with a 24-hour Tokyo Metro pass instead. The tour of Asakusa went smoothly, but the effects of jet lag gradually began to show, and some of the guests grew tired and became irritable. We managed to keep going with drinks and snacks. We also learned that a child's Welcome Suica requires a passport, so we returned to the Hotel once partway through to have them bring it. At Meiji Shrine, there were many wedding ceremonies, perhaps because it was an auspicious day. We then continued on to Takeshita Street, Ura-Harajuku, and Shibuya, and parted ways at the Godzilla building. There was no tip, but I received an email shortly afterward saying that due to jet lag they had forgotten to hand over a tip.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGinza～Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShimbashi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya～Shinjuku200JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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 in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Namiyoke Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Nezu Shrine & Namiyoke Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Roppongi Ekimae
    • 9:00 Stroll through Yanaka Ginza → Yomise Street → Hebi Michi (Snake Path)
    • 10:50 Nezu Shrine
    • 12:30 Take commemorative photos with hedgehogs at Harajuku Takeshita Street Hedgehog Cafe
    • 13:00 Assistance with purchasing Tokyo-Kanazawa Shinkansen tickets at Ekitabi Concierge Shinjuku (Shin-Minami)
    • 13:30 Loyal Dog Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 14:15 Lunch at "Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan"
    • 15:00 Namiyoke Shrine
    • 16:00 Dismiss at "Hotel Roppongi Ekimae Foyer"

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Yanaka and Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest arrived in Japan for the first time and was visiting Tokyo for a trip. Today was a free day, so we decided on the day's itinerary while discussing preferences at the dining hall attached to the Hotel. During a stroll from Yanaka Ginza to Nezu Shrine, we chatted along Yomise Street with some passersby walking a miniature Shiba Inu named "Mame," and were kindly allowed to take a commemorative photo. The guest had a deep appreciation for Japanese art and showed strong interest in the Taro Okamoto mural displayed in the connecting passage inside Mark City, which links JR Shibuya Station and the Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station. The guest listened intently to my explanation of the mural's remarkable history and of what is depicted in the work.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRoppongi～Ueno210JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Nippori160JPY
    Section 3TrainNezu～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku160JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku～Shibuya200JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 7TrainTsukiji Shijo～Roppongi220JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by Bruce

    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).

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:00 Meet at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 2. 13:00 Asakusa
    • 3. 14:45 Yanaka (Tennoji Temple, Yanaka Cemetery, around Uenosakuragi, former Yoshidaya Liquor Store, Yanaka Ginza, etc.)
    • 4. 16:00 Nezu Shrine
    • 5. 17:00 Disband at JR Akihabara Station Electric Town South Exit

    What's a Private Day Tour of Asakusa, Yanaka, and Nezu Shrine Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan two days earlier and, after Tokyo, planned to visit Kyoto, Osaka, and other destinations, staying in Japan for around ten days in total. It was the first visit to Japan for the entire group. Since I heard they planned to visit teamLab in the morning, I set the meeting point at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, the first destination. Although it was a meeting point other than a hotel, they arrived on time without any trouble. I guided them around Asakusa, Yanaka, and Nezu Shrine. It was a Sunday and every place was crowded, but they enjoyed each spot while listening to my explanations and taking photos. They asked a wide range of questions not only about the places we visited but also about Japanese culture in general. After the tour, they planned to explore Akihabara on their own, so we finished at JR Akihabara Station. At the Electric Town South Exit, I handed them a map of Akihabara and explained the main highlights, as well as how to get back to Shinjuku, where their hotel was located, and then the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Nippori340JPY
    Section 2SubwayNezu～Akihabara340JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by Haru

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Ishikawa: the Nomura Family House

    Ishikawa: the Nomura Family House

    Kanazawa Customized Tour & Kimono with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the lobby of Tokyu Stay Kanazawa. The shop where you'll change into kimono for the kimono experience opens at 10:00, so first stroll around the Nagamachi Samurai District near the hotel.
    • Visit the Ashigaru Museum and the Takada Family House.
    • 9:40 Visit the Nomura Family House
    • 10:10 Stroll through the streets of the Nagamachi Samurai District, then walk to Wargo on Seseragi Street.
    • 10:30 Choose a kimono at Wargo and have it fitted. Your mother will also have her hairstyle arranged.
    • 11:10 Take a taxi to the Nishi Chaya District.
    • 11:20 Visit "Hana no Yado" in the Nishi Chaya District, talk with the owner, enjoy matcha and sweets, tour the first and second floors of the geisha house, and enjoy taking photos.
    • 12:10 Take a taxi to Kenrokuen Garden.
    • 12:20 Enter a cafe on the teahouse street of Kenrokuen Garden and have lunch.
    • 12;50.Begin strolling around Kenrokuen Garden.
    • 14:00 Visit Ishikawa Gate, enter Kanazawa Castle Park and stroll around. Along the way, visit and tour the Hishi Yagura (Diamond Turret).
    • 14:50 Enter Oyama Shrine from Nezumita Gate Bridge and stroll around
    • 15: 10 From the back gate of Oyama Shrine, take a taxi to Omicho Market
    • 15:20 Stroll around Omicho Market and sample some food.
    • At 16:30, show the way to Wargo.
    • 16:00 Tour ends

    Can You Do a Private Kimono Photo Tour in Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. One of the guests had studied abroad in Fukuoka City and could speak a little Japanese. Some of the guests were very interested in Japan and mentioned that it had long been a dream to walk through the streets in kimono and take many photos like a model. The weather looked like it might rain but stayed dry, and it was not too hot, so the guests took many photos at each place we visited, and I became their photographer for the day. Since the kimono shop opened at 10:00, we first visited the Nagamachi Samurai District, which was on the way from the Hotel to the shop. After changing into kimono, the guests requested a taxi to save time. Once in kimono, we visited a geisha house in the Nishi Chaya District, where kimono photos matched the setting beautifully. Only local guides known to the owner can enter this place, so the guests were delighted. We also took many photos at Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and Omicho Market. The guests listened attentively to my guiding and requested a one-hour extension, and the tour ended at Omicho Market at 16:00.

    Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Tour & Kimono with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Masayo

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Request Booking

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meeting at Hiroshima Station
    • 2. 9:35 Arrive in Miyajima Island
    • 3. 11:00 Visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and the Diganji temple
    • 4. 11:20 Having lunch at the KUWARAMKA okonomiyaki restaurant
    • 5. 13:20 Arriving at the Peace Memorial Park, including the A-bomb dome and other monuments
    • 6. 15:00 Visiting the Museum
    • 7. 15:30 leaving the Museum
    • 8. 15:40 Visiting the Hiroshima National Prayer Hall
    • 9. 16:05 Walking along the shopping mall
    • 7. 16:30 Goodbye

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from various places across Europe and North America. All of them were very fond of Miyajima, especially delighted by the sea, the pine trees, and the red torii gate, though they were not the type to take many photos. For lunch we had Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and I confirmed the request in advance so that one portion would be prepared without cheese and cooked separately. It was helpful that this was a familiar restaurant that could accommodate the request flexibly. At Peace Park, since some of the guests said they were interested in world history, I focused my explanation on the connection between the Pacific War and the atomic bombing. All of them said they understood it well. At the end we visited the museum, but one of the guests, being very sensitive, felt unwell in the crowd and came out after about 20 minutes. After some cold water and a chocolate momiji manju, they recovered. We then went to the Memorial Hall. Since the guests wanted to walk through the shopping arcade, I guided them to a Kumano brush shop where they experienced trying out the brushes. We said goodbye at the entrance of the main street.

    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 2OtherMiyajimaguchi～Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Total660JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara station & Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall

    Kyoto: Kintetsu-Nara station & Todaiji’s Great Buddha Hall

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30　Hotel ：Start of the tour → 16:30 End of guided tour
    • 08:39 Express train leaves Karasuma-Oike
    • 09:36 Kintetsu-Nara station
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:50-10:20 Kofukuji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • Museum 900 yen
    • walk 15 minutes while playing with deer
    • 11:30-12:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • entrance: 700 yen
    • walk 10 minutes (Lunch at Mizuya Chaya)
    • 12:20-30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's etc.
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:40- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage):
    • 12:40-13:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:20-30 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 13:40-14:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • entrance: 800 yen
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:20-30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 15:00- Nara-machi (Old Merchants' Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, traditional merchant house.
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 16:30 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Nara Deer Park Private Walking Tour Report: What Should Guests Bring on a Hot Day? The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a clear day and looked set to get hot, so I recommended hats, but they said they were used to strong, hot sunshine, and most of the group went without hats. As expected, from early afternoon one of the guests began to look worn out. When I mentioned it seemed to be heat fatigue, the response was that they had suspected as much. I should have been more insistent about the hats. Many visitors from North America tend to assume that sunscreen also helps prevent heat exhaustion, so caution is needed. Even so, the guests enjoyed the whole day, walking around and spending time with the deer.

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

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    Request Booking

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoanji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Ryoanji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    May, 2026

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (@Hilton Kyoto)
    • 8:30-9:00 Move (Subway; Kyoto City Hall → Nijojo-mae)
    • 9:00-10:10 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 10:10-11:10 Move (Subway; Nijojo-mae → Kitaoji, City Bus; Kitaoji Bus Terminal → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 11:10-12:00 Visit Kinkakuji Temple
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch (@CoCo Hana / near Kinkakuji Temple)
    • 12:50-13:00 Move (City Bus; Waratenjin-mae → Ryoanji-mae)
    • 13:00-13:50 Visit Ryoanji Temple
    • 13:50-14:30 Move (City Bus; Ryoanji-mae → Kyoto City Hall)
    • 14:30 The tour ended in front of the hotel and we said goodbye to the guests

    What's a Private Kyoto Tour of Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who were friends traveling together. The group was on a long trip through various parts of Asia and had arrived in Kyoto the previous evening. Everyone had visited Kyoto once before, quite some time ago. I took them to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, and then saw them back to their hotel. For the trip from Nijo Castle to Kinkaku-ji, we avoided the crowded direct route 12 bus and instead went via Kitaoji to reach Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji was incredibly crowded after that — so packed that it was hard to move at all. The final stop, Ryoan-ji, had far fewer people and beautiful green maple leaves, and everyone said that Ryoan-ji was their favorite.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 3BusKitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusWaratenjin-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusRyoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto City Hall230JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…