Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:00 Start from the rental house Tsugumi-an
    • Walk to Kenrokuen Garden, passing through the D.T. Suzuki Museum and Kinjo Reitaku along the way
    • AM 9:40 – 10:30  Tour Kenrokuen Garden
    • AM 10:40 – AM 11:30 Kanazawa Castle Park
    • Walk to the Nagamachi Samurai District area, passing through Gyokusen-in Garden/Oyama Shrine along the way
    • PM 12:00-12:50 TEA BREAK
    • PM 13:00 – 13:40 Tour the Nomura Family Residence
    • Higashi Chaya District, travel by bus 
    • PM 14:10 – PM 15:00 From Kazuemachi to Higashi Chaya District Sakuda, tour the final gold leaf process
    • PM 15:00 Travel by TAXI to Nishi Chaya District (Tour disbands at the Ninja Museum)

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kenrokuen Garden and Samurai Culture The guests were a group whose members came from different places but now live near one another. This year has had many cold days, and the plum blossoms at Kenrokuen Garden were about a month behind schedule, having only just started to bloom, which was a little disappointing, but I believe the guests took quite a liking to Kanazawa. This time, they had included Kanazawa in their plans because a friend who had previously lived in Kanazawa strongly recommended it, and because they wanted to learn about samurai culture. I had heard beforehand that they also wanted to visit a ninja museum, so I took them there and the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKorinbo~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Tokyo in One Day: Kiba & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Kiba & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ Hotel Okura
    • 10:30 Kiba
    • 12:00 Asakusa
    • 14:00 Lunch @ Temaki Sushi Gonpachi
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:15 Disband @ Takeshita Street

    Tour Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Early Cherry Blossoms The guests were visitors from North America. A local agency was involved as an intermediary, and the itinerary was not confirmed until the day before, which was a little nerve-racking, but the guests contacted me directly via a messaging app the day before, which was a relief. The tour started 15 minutes late due to the guests' circumstances. At the guests' request, I guided them through Asakusa and Meiji Shrine. In addition, with the guests' consent, I took them to a place I had wanted to show them: the row of Kawazu cherry trees beside Kiba Park. They were delighted, saying they hadn't expected to see cherry blossoms at this time of year, so I was glad I took them there. In Asakusa they shopped along Nakamise Street, and they enjoyed the tranquility of Meiji Shrine. Since the guests were interested in feng shui and power spots, I told them that Meiji Shrine is considered the number one power spot in Tokyo. The guests loved Meiji Shrine so much that they said they could stay there all day. When I mentioned Takeshita Street, they wanted to visit, so we parted ways at Takeshita Street. The guests had originally not planned to visit Japan, and had stopped by as a transit on the way to a trip to India. They came to love Japan very much and said they would come back for a trip dedicated entirely to Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKamiyacho~Kiba600JPY
    Section 2Free PassKiba~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKiba~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total600JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Premier Asakusa International
    • 09:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Sushisei (Tsukiji)
    • 13:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 16:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 17:05 Dismissal @ Hotel Premier Asakusa International

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe, visiting Japan for the second time after roughly two decades. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was greatly different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Tsukiji Market, they enjoyed a sushi lunch. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they appeared impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 5TrainShiodome~Shimbashi190JPY
    Section 6TrainShimbashi~Ueno170JPY
    Section 7SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet @Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 2. 9:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 12:15 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch @Gontaro
    • 5. 14:45 @Arashiyama
    • 6. 16:00 Disband @Katsura Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Marathon Runner? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Kyoto after completing the Tokyo Marathon and wished to take photos wearing their medal at various places. This came true at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama, and the guests looked very happy. As it happens, I am also a marathon runner, and although I have never run the Tokyo Marathon, I brought along one of my past finisher medals to show them, and they kindly took a photo together with me. We had a lively conversation about marathons, and it reminded me how glad I am to be a runner myself. After the tour, the guests planned to go to Ninenzaka for a kimono experience, so I explained how to get there, and we parted ways at Katsura Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4TrainKitano-Hakubaicho~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama~Katsura200JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 2. 9:30 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 11:15 @Yasaka Pagoda
    • 4. 11:45 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 5. 12:30 Lunch @Katsukura
    • 6. 14:00 @Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 7. 15:30 Disband @Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama and Gion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We walked up Chawanzaka toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple, but the tour began with shopping time at a shop selling Japanese-style accessories. At this point, I sensed that the itinerary might take more time than expected, so I made sure to first cover the things I really wanted the guests to see and experience at Kiyomizu-dera. They wrote wishes on gomagi prayer sticks, struck the large ring, and made wishes at Otowa Waterfall, and were very delighted by these unusual experiences. Since the lunch reservation time was approaching, I wanted to walk briskly after the Yasaka Pagoda, but after saying they would take a quick look inside a coffee shop, the guests took quite a while to come out. They emerged quite pleased, cheerfully holding a cherry-blossom-flavored drink. We finally reached the Gion bus stop and just managed to make it in time for lunch. The guests really ate well and heartily, which was a pleasure to watch. After Ginkaku-ji Temple, since some of the guests wished to visit a museum and others wanted to go shopping, we headed to Sanjo by bus. I guided some of the guests to the ticket gate of the Keihan Railway and explained the route before saying goodbye. After that, I took the rest of the group to Shinkyogoku shopping street, explained how to get back to their accommodation, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama-Shichijo~Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2BusGion~Jodoji230JPY
    Section 3BusGinkakuji-michi~Sanjo Keihan230JPY
    Total690JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Osaka in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion Kagai Art Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet at Osaka Tempozan Cruise Terminal
    • 09:35 Explanation of today's itinerary ~ Move to Kyoto
    • 11:40 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:45 Lunch and shopping at Nishiki Market
    • 16:30 Gion Kagai Art Museum (Kyomai dance viewing)
    • 16;45 Shopping at Teramachi and Shinkyogoku
    • 18:30 Disband at Osaka Dotonbori

    Can You Do a Private Tour in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, staying in Tokyo for several days before continuing on to Osaka and Kyoto. Since the guests preferred different styles — one enjoyed taking many photos and moving quickly from place to place, while the other liked to listen carefully — I set aside the history and culture talks for the day and focused on giving them a full shopping experience that everyone could enjoy. At the guests' request, we used the Shinkansen for the outbound journey. The receipt is attached. Afterward, the guests continued on to another destination in Asia.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka Port~Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Osaka~Kyoto1,450JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Umeda410JPY
    Section 4TrainUmeda~Namba240JPY
    Total2,390JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit 9:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple 10:25 Nijo Castle  11:35 Lunch (Ramen) 12:45 Yasaka Pagoda 13:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple 14:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka (short break) 15:00 Drop off at Samurai & Ninja Museum, tour ends

    Title: Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan for the first time from North America. Today they woke up at 5:00 in the morning and came to Kyoto by bullet train departing shortly after 6:00. Their stay in Japan was about one week. Since they did not have a transportation IC pass, I contacted them beforehand and purchased a Kyoto City Bus and Subway one-day pass in advance. Thanks to that, getting around was very smooth. As on the previous days, the weather was changeable, and it kept drizzling at Kinkaku-ji Temple, but afterward it became fairly sunny at times. There was little wind, so it did not feel very cold. After Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the guests said they wanted to have coffee, so I took them to the Starbucks on Ninen-zaka. It was extremely crowded, almost entirely with international tourists. We managed to split up and secure seats, which was fortunate. After the tour ended, I took them to the Samurai Ninja Museum on Teramachi Street that they had reserved, and the tour concluded there. The photo was taken at Nijo Castle.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Enmachi190JPY
    Section 2Free PassEnmachi~Shijo Kawaramachi1,100JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Hakuhinkan

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi Station & Hakuhinkan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Conrad Tokyo
    • 10:15 Shimbashi Station
    • 10:35 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, etc.
    • 12:20 Asakusa Station
    • 12:30 Ueno Station
    • Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Park
    • 13:30 Ueno Station
    • 13:45 Shimbashi Station
    • 13:50 Hakuhinkan
    • 14:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family visiting from North America, including one younger member. They wanted to visit Asakusa and Ueno Park. In addition, having heard beforehand that one of the guests enjoyed Beyblade, I decided to take them to one of the oldest toy shops in Japan. Since one of the guests was young, I kept the history and religion talk short in Asakusa and Ueno, focusing instead on perspectives that would interest a child. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, when I talked about how many kanji characters are learned in elementary school, the guests became interested in the characters on the signs, and for a while it turned into a fun guessing quiz. After the guests were delighted at the final toy shop, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi Station~Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno Station~Shimbashi Station170JPY
    Total560JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet @ Osaka Castle, Sakuramon Gate
    • 11:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:15 @ Shinsaibashi (including Daimaru Department Store)
    • 13:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 13:45 @ Kuromon Market
    • 14:15 Disband @ Kuromon Market

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Food-Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Dotonbori and Kuromon Market The guests were visitors from Europe. The meeting point was requested by the guests, but as they were not familiar with the area, they let me know they would be slightly delayed, and we started a bit later than planned. The weather was quite unstable, but we were able to move around smoothly. At each spot, the guests observed with great interest and enthusiasm, and I received many questions. After the tour, the guests expressed a wish to enjoy some food-walking, so I introduced 4-5 shops in Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, including places serving takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, seafood, and soft-serve ice cream. Since they planned to return to their hotel in Kyoto afterward, I also explained the route. As the guests intended to visit the restaurants I had recommended on their own, we parted ways a little earlier than expected.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMorinomiya~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & port of Osaka

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & port of Osaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 pick you up at the Tenpozan Terminal of Osaka
    • 10:40Osaka Castle
    • 12:40 (leave)
    • 13:10 Dotonbori
    • 13:50 (leave)
    • 14:10 the port of Osaka

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting from North America, some of whom had Asian roots. Several members of the group preferred to use elevators whenever possible, and while we used them as much as we could, some areas only had stairs, which made parts of the tour a little challenging. After sightseeing at Osaka Castle, the group looked a little tired, so we took a break of about 15 minutes at the "Mirai-za" facility, where some of the guests had a light snack. It rained during the tour that day, so unfortunately we were unable to take a group photo. At Dotonbori, the guests mentioned that they would like to return to Dotonbori again for dinner, and were especially interested in trying Kobe beef, so I recommended a restaurant. I let them know that they could reserve a table by calling in advance, and gave them the restaurant's business card. Back at Osaka Port Station, I handed them a map of Osaka, explained the subway transfer procedure, and the tour came to an end.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba240JPY
    Section 3SubwayNamba~Osaka Port290JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…