Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Fukagawa Fudo & Omotesando

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Fukagawa Fudo & Omotesando

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting @ the lobby of Janu
    • 10:30-11:45 Fukagawa Fudo
    • Tomigaoka Hachimangu
    • 12:00-12:30. Sakurada Mon
    • Nijubashimae
    • 12:50-14:00. Omotesando
    • Takeshita Street
    • Meiji Jingu

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Due to unfortunate weather, we changed the plan from Shinjuku Gyoen and headed to Monzen-Nakacho instead. The guests were very interested in history and listened attentively to the guiding. At Monzen-Nakacho, they experienced a goma fire ritual and asked many lively questions about religion, and they also enjoyed the topic of sumo. At Sakuradamon, they became very engaged in discussions about Japanese politics and the shoguns, and at Omotesando they were delighted to find a shop they had been looking for along a back street. On Takeshita Street they were surprised and enjoyed themselves, and they were very fond of the forest at Meiji Shrine.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamiyacho～Monzen-nakacho180JPY
    Section 2TrainMonzen-nakacho～Sakuradamon290JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae～Omotesando180JPY
    Total650JPY

    Tour Report by Motoko

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Request Booking

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Dennis_M
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Very nice and very…
    Very nice and very…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Grand Nikko Tokyo　9:30 Hamarikyu　10:30 See off 2 people at Shiodome Station　Rest at a cafe with the remaining 2 people　12:00 Ginza (Uniqlo) 13:00 Sensoji Temple　14:30 Hotel

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Ginza, and Senso-ji The day was extremely cold due to a cold wave, and unfortunately it rained. We walked through Hamarikyu Gardens, but only one of the guests had an umbrella. Part of the group got soaked through their clothes in the rain and felt too cold, so they decided to return to the hotel; since others were also quite wet, I saw them off to the station. The remaining guests wanted to dry off and warm up, so we took a break at a café. I made significant changes to the plan and we headed to Ginza. They tried to buy warm hats and gloves at Uniqlo, but the winter items were already sold out, and none were available at the department store either. We moved on to Senso-ji Temple. On Nakamise-dori Street they were finally able to purchase a hat and gloves and settled down. They were deeply impressed by Senso-ji Temple. The rain did not let up, so we ended the tour and I saw the guests off to their hotel. I had informed the guests in advance that the day would be cold, but as they were on a cruise trip through Southeast Asia, they were not adequately prepared for winter weather. It was a miscalculation that they had not borrowed umbrellas at the hotel. Since all the destinations were outdoors, it was difficult to respond to the rain. That said, the guests who stayed were not only impressed by Senso-ji Temple but also engaged enthusiastically in conversation with me, and they seemed very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdaiba～Shiodome325JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi～Ginza178JPY
    Section 3TrainGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 4TrainAsakusa～Odaiba534JPY
    Total1,246JPY

    Tour Report by Shinji

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Request Booking

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 09:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 12:45 @ Egret Himeji
    • 13:15 Disband @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. Although it was unfortunately rainy and cold, the tour proceeded smoothly. The guests were very knowledgeable about Japan and showed a strong level of interest. They toured everything attentively and asked many questions. On the way back, we stopped at the rooftop of "Egret Himeji," and they seemed deeply impressed by the full panoramic view of Himeji Castle. As they were a little hungry and wished to try some local food, I introduced and helped them order "Ekisoba" (a popular dish combining Chinese-style noodles with Japanese broth) and "Akashiyaki" (takoyaki eaten with Japanese broth), after which we parted ways. They also expressed a wish to revisit a "maneki-neko" shop (a rare and popular handmade specialty store) that we had stopped by on the way back from Himeji Castle, planning to return there in the evening, so I introduced them to the owner. They also expressed a strong desire to revisit "Mount Shosha" and "Engyoji Temple," which were difficult to visit this time due to ropeway maintenance.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple & Higashiyama Area

    Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple & Higashiyama Area

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 9:20-10:20 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 10:20-10:40 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 11:00-12:00 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:35-13:15 @ Nijo Castle
    • 13:40-14:10 @ Gion
    • 14:15-14:25 @ Higashiyama Area
    • 14:35 Dismissal @ Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It rained from the morning and basically continued all day. At Tenryu-ji Temple, we mainly walked through the interior of the buildings, and only passed by the Sogenchi Garden. After exploring Kinkaku-ji Temple, the guests purchased peanut sweets and matcha within the temple grounds. Because of the rain, at Nijo Castle we visited only the Ninomaru Palace and skipped the gardens. By the time we reached Gion the rain had eased, but since it was cold with low temperatures, I gave most of my explanation of the geisha district from inside the hired taxi. As there was very little time left, we finished the Gion walk early and limited the Higashiyama area to a stroll around Yasaka Pagoda. During the walk in Higashiyama, the guests purchased candied strawberry skewers and enjoyed them while walking. I saw the guests off at their Hotel in Kyoto, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kaz

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:25 Meet at the Hotel ~ 9:00 Take the hotel shuttle bus to Gora Station ~ 9:45 Take the POLA Museum shuttle bus ~ 10:00 Art appreciation at the POLA Museum ~ 11:00 Take the POLA shuttle bus, arriving at Gora Station at 11:15. 11:25 Take a TAXI to Yunessun. 13:00 From Yunessun to Gora Tamura Gin Katsu-tei. Due to the crowds, the wait time for lunch was long.
    • After lunch, departed Gora at 15:30, viewed Owakudani via the Hakone Tozan Railway and Hakone Ropeway, then returned to Gora along the same route. On the way, contacted the hotel to have the shuttle bus come to Gora at 17:00, and parted at Gora at 17:00. Guiding actually lasted 7 hours 30 minutes (6-hour contract)

    Private Hakone Tour on a Rainy Day: A Licensed Guide's Report The weather in Hakone that day was poor with rain in the forecast, so, thinking that umbrellas would be unusable in Hakone due to strong winds, I purchased 300-yen and 100-yen rain ponchos in advance at a discount store and presented them as a gift. The temperature was also low, and since the guests mentioned during our discussion that they wanted to enjoy indoor activities, we talked about visiting various art museums, but since the locations were scattered, we decided to go to the POLA Museum of Art, which has a shuttle bus. At the same time, since there is a place where you can enjoy interesting hot springs while wearing a swimsuit, we decided to go to Yunessun, where the guests rented swimsuits and enjoyed themselves. During that time, I waited inside the Kowakien facility. We went to Tamura Ginkatsutei, a popular tonkatsu restaurant in Gora, and although we had to wait quite a while in line, since the guests liked tonkatsu, we had a late lunch there, then took the Hakone Cable Car and Ropeway to Owakudani for sightseeing, where I bought and presented black eggs as a gift. The POLA Museum of Art had many Impressionist works, and the guests also had an interesting experience in the special Yayoi Kusama room. At Yunessun, there were Japanese families with children enjoying themselves and other foreign tourists as well, so the guests enjoyed an experience at a popular spot that they could not have had under ordinary circumstances. The guests also seemed to quite enjoy the mountain railway and ropeway, even though visibility was poor due to clouds and rain. Since the Hotel was located inconveniently in the mountains and could not be reached by public transportation, we had to take a taxi at our own expense from Gora Station. At the same time, it is difficult to cover the entire standard route for Hakone sightseeing in 6 hours. In particular, on a clear day the waiting time for the ropeway is a long 40 to 50 minutes, which takes even more time. On that day, due to the rain and cold, there were fewer tourists and we were able to board smoothly, but especially on crowded weekends during the peak season, 6 hours is not enough.

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

    Tour Report by Akey

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

    Request Booking

    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel – 10:00 Tsukiji Outer Market – 10:50 Fukagawa Fudodo – 11:40 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 12:30 Lunch – 13:30 Meiji Shrine – 14:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 14:45 Omotesando – 15:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, dismissal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Meiji Shrine The guests were visiting Japan for the first time on a trip of about two weeks. Some of the guests would continue to another destination in Asia after a week in Japan, while others had plans related to work meetings. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private tour in Tokyo. The guests showed interest in a wide range of things, and when I suggested visiting Tsukiji Market, they agreed immediately. We started by purchasing PASMO cards at a subway station. Because of light rain and a cold wind, the area was not as crowded as usual, but there were still many visitors from around the world, which surprised the guests. On the way to Meiji Shrine, we enjoyed delicious "tsukemen" ramen and beer, and then I guided them through Meiji Shrine. Despite the cold, the guests enjoyed their first day in Japan.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShirokane-Takanawa～Tsukiji328JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Market～Monzen-Nakacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMonzen-Nakacho～Jimbocho178JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi～Yoyogi178JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya178JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
    • 2. 8:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 10:00 Tokyo Tower
    • 4. 11:45 Lunch (Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi)
    • 5. 12:30 Asakusa
    • 6. 14:00 Disband at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Asakusa The guests were visiting Japan from North America. They had arrived about five days earlier, and after visiting Nagano, they had taken part in an event in Tokyo the previous day. After today's tour, they planned to head to Kyoto and stay there for a few days before returning home. Today the weather was unfortunately poor, with rain mixed with sleet, but I guided them to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Asakusa. We visited Meiji Shrine early in the morning when there were few tourists, and despite the rain, it had a wonderful atmosphere that the guests really enjoyed. At Tokyo Tower, the view did not extend very far due to the weather. For lunch we went to Gonpachi in Asakusa, which the guests also found very delicious and enjoyable. At Senso-ji Temple the rain grew stronger, so I gave my explanations under sheltered areas as much as possible. Finally, we returned to the hotel and parted ways. The guests told me that, aside from the poor weather, it had been a very good tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae～Yoyogi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Akabanebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAkabanebashi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa～Shinjuku0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangen-do & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangen-do & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Wanosato Kyoto Musee Meet up
    • 9:00 ~9:40 Sanjusangen-do
    • 10:10~11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30~12:20 Nijo Castle
    • 13:00~13:50 Gion Stroll & Lunch Break
    • 14:00~14:50 Yasaka Shrine, Chion-in, Maruyama Park　　Dismissal

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto History and Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture. At Sanjusangendo, they were overwhelmed by the group of Buddhist statues dating back 800 years and observed them with great interest. At Fushimi Inari, we talked about the relationship between Shinto and Buddhism, the feelings Japanese people have toward religion, and festivals. At Nijo Castle, they were deeply captivated by the Karamon Gate, the painted sliding doors, and the carvings. We also discussed Japanese history, including the relationship between the Emperor and the feudal lords and the historical transitions over time. One of the guests had some knowledge about Japanese religion, including Zen sects such as Rinzai and Soto, as well as the Jodo sect and Jizo Bodhisattva, and we discussed the evolution of Japanese Buddhist sects together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Gojo～Keihan Shichijo170JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Shichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 4TrainKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 5TrainNijojo-mae～Sanjo220JPY
    Total970JPY

    Tour Report by shige

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:00-10:30 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 10:45-11:20 Imperial Palace
    • 11:40-13:30 Lunch, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 14:00-14:30 Shibuya

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Despite the cold weather with rain, wind, and sleet, I was able to enjoy a pleasant tour with cheerful guests. They were impressed by the beauty of the altar at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and enjoyed the atmosphere of the outer market area. At the Imperial Palace, they enjoyed taking photos around Nijubashi Bridge and Otemachi. In Asakusa, they showed interest in the rickshaws and people dressed in kimono, and took photos of the temples and shrines. In Shibuya, after taking photos of the Scramble Crossing, we crossed it together twice, which delighted them greatly. They also enjoyed the view from the 12th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square building.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMetro 1-Day Pass～Metro 1-Day Pass600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Yumiko

    Hello, I am Yumiko Hoshida. I was born in Osaka and live in Tokyo now. I have been to UK (ESL) and The USA (Executive Secretary course) as a student.
    After I came back to Japan, I worked at Osaka EXPO as an interpreter. And then I worked at foreign companies at Osaka and Tokyo. After resignation, I have got the national guiding license. I have been enjoying guiding sightseeing spots and showing Japanese history & culture etc. to the guests from overseas. It is really wonderful for me to spend time with foreign guests in Japan.
    I am very looking forward to welcoming foreign guests.
    I do hope to see YOU soon!

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    May 13, 2025
    Glenda_P
    4 Hour Walking Tour Tokyo
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yumiko was an excellent guide. Yumiko met…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kennin-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kennin-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel meetup, itinerary confirmation
    • 10:30　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:20 Gion stroll
    • 12:45 Kennin-ji Temple
    • 13:50 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Koshin-do ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
    • 14:30 Ichinen-zaka ~ Ninen-zaka ~ Sannen-zaka
    • 15:30 Kiyomizu-dera Nio-mon Gate ~ Three-storied Pagoda ~ West Gate
    • 16:10 Chawan-zaka ~
    • 16:50 Arrive at hotel, end

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Before the tour, I checked their requests through a messaging app and finalized the itinerary. Since it rained in the morning, I changed the order and started the tour at Fushimi Inari Shrine. (Originally we had planned to begin at Kiyomizu-dera to avoid the crowds.) Perhaps because of the rain, Fushimi Inari was relatively empty, and we were able to take good photos at the Senbon Torii. After trying the "Omokaru-ishi" stone at the inner shrine, we turned back and the guests enjoyed grilled dango from a food stall. On the way to the station, they also bought matcha and ice cream. In Gion, we took a small side street off Hanamikoji and managed to catch just the back view of a maiko. After visiting Kennin-ji Temple, one of the guests said, "That's enough temples," so after discussing it, we decided to skip Kodai-ji. The guests browsed various shops around the Yasaka Pagoda, visited Koshin-do, then walked back through Ishibei-koji and up to Ichinen-zaka. One of the guests really liked a tea strainer at a wire-craft shop on Ichinen-zaka and purchased it. They took photos at the Starbucks on Ninen-zaka and bought some potato snacks. As requested before the tour, they did not have a set lunch. At Kiyomizu-dera, they took many photos at the west gate but said they would not go inside for the main visit. Since they had not had lunch, one of the guests said they wanted to eat wagyu beef for dinner. They also said they were tired and wanted to return to the hotel. Although it was quite early, I walked them down Chawan-zaka and saw them off at their hotel on Gojo-zaka. (When we visited Kennin-ji, while I was taking off my shoes, the guests kindly purchased the admission ticket for me as well. I wondered what to do, but I thanked them for their kindness.)

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Gojo Station～Keihan Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Fushimi Inari Station～Keihan Gion-Shijo Station220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Tour Report by Anne

    Hello, I am Atsuko Hori. My nickname is “Anne” because I’m a big fan of ” Anne of Green Gables”. I am cheerful, talkative and punctual. I’ve been doing guiding more than ten years mainly in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I am especially familiar with ” Geisha Districts”, where traditional Japanese dancers live. I graduated from the university of Education in Nara. I love kids. Actually I have three grandchildren. I like history, architecture and local foods. My motto is giving the best hospitality to my guests. I think we will have a good time during the tour. Would you like to join my tour?

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    Sep 13, 2024
    connormA415PD
    Memorable Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very…

    Jul 3, 2024
    Cosmopolitan691874
    Private Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our family had an amazing time with Anne in…

    May 31, 2024
    Clare_A
    Once in a lifetime experience
    Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
    Great tour with Ann who was…