Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Olympic Inn Shibuya & Pokemon Nintendo

    Tokyo in One Day: Olympic Inn Shibuya & Pokemon Nintendo

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Olympic Inn Shibuya
    • 10:00 Asakusa
    • 11:13 Ueno
    • 12:00 Tokyo Station Taruzen
    • 13:10 Imperial Palace
    • 13:40 Otemachi
    • 14:10 Shibuya
    • 14:30 Pokemon Nintendo

    What Do Overseas Guests Notice on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. Subways in the U.S. are noisy, but very quiet in here. 2. Everywhere is so clean. 3. You have no waste baskets. I'll put them in our bag. 4. Taxis in the U.S. are yellow? "No, not quite. We have Uber taxi more popular." 5. The guest has a hybrid. I like Toyota, gasoline-fueled. 6. You burn incense sticks and pour the fumes over the body for blessing? 7. I want to try an oracle- fortune of good luck/ bad luck. How do you do that? 8. You have "wasabi" in here, (pointing chopsticks at sushi), we have wasabi served separately in Ohio. Everything is fishy in the U.S. but here so delicious. 9. You have "san" with your family name, too. 10. Thank you. We'd like to stay here for a while. You can leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainIkejiri-Ohashi-Asakusa 400 Asakusa-Tokyo 330 Otemachi-Shibuya 210～Ikejiri-Ohashi-Asakusa 400 Asakusa-Tokyo 330 Otemachi-Shibuya 210940JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Hideaki

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Request Booking

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

    May 20, 2026
    olgalA154QQ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with an excellent guide
    Great experience! Our guide WADA Hideaki…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sightseer57474900023
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hideaki’s perfect first day in Tokyo!
    Hideaki was an incredible guide and…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 13:30 Asakusa
    • 14:30 Disband at Asakusa

    **Title:** What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Tsukiji, and Asakusa **Body:** At the guests' request, we met at Harajuku Station. We were supposed to meet at the exit near Meiji Shrine, but the guests had gone toward the Takeshita Street exit, so it took a little time to meet up. At Meiji Shrine, I was surprised to find that the Yakult Swallows baseball team had come to pray for victory, and the guests were delighted by this. At Tsukiji, the guests seemed satisfied after enjoying strawberry daifuku, sashimi, and gyudon (beef bowl). They left the hormone (offal) bowl unfinished, so it seems it was not quite to their taste. At Senso-ji Temple, our time ran out around the point where we had walked from Nakamise shopping street to the main hall, so we parted ways there. The weather was pleasant and spring-like, making it a perfect day for a walking tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMeiji Jingumae～Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Asakusa210JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by ISAO

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    Request Booking

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Station→Walk→8:15 Higashi Honganji Temple→8:45 Gojo Subway Station→9:00 Kyoto Gyoen National Garden→9:30 Kyoto State Guest House (guests to pay guided tour admission fee)→11:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace→12:00 Taxi (paid by guests)→12:20 Lunch @ Kinoya (okonomiyaki restaurant)→13:00 Bus→13:10 Yasaka Shrine→Walk→13:20 Ishibei-koji Alley→13:30 Koshindo Temple→13:40 Yasaka Pagoda→13:55 Kenninji Temple→14:00 End

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a First-Time Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a first-time visitor to Japan from North America with a strong interest in Japanese culture. Since there were no particular requests for standard destinations such as Kiyomizu-dera or Kinkaku-ji, I proposed a visit to the Kyoto State Guest House, where one can experience the essence of Kyoto's traditional crafts and history, along with a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which happened to be holding a special opening. Since we met at Kyoto Station at 8:00, I guided the guest to Higashi Hongan-ji, within walking distance of Kyoto Station, to fill the time before our 9:30 entry to the Kyoto State Guest House. Higashi Hongan-ji can be visited for free from early morning and offers magnificent Buddhist architecture and art, so the guest was very pleased. I explained that the Kyoto State Guest House would cost 4,000 yen including my own admission, but the guest did not mind the cost at all, and was very satisfied, saying it was truly wonderful to see something that cannot be seen anywhere else. For lunch, since the guest had a request for an okonomiyaki restaurant where you grill it yourself, as recommended by a friend, I took them there. The guest greatly enjoyed the whole process of flipping it, spreading the sauce, sprinkling bonito flakes, and cutting it into easy-to-eat pieces, calling it "Exciting!" I also suggested several places to visit after the tour, and the guest said they would definitely like to go. When getting into the taxi, as a matter of courtesy I had the guest board first, but since they were quite tall, it seemed difficult for them to exit from the inner seat. This taught me that in the case of a low-riding sedan-type taxi, it might be better to flexibly board first myself.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo～Imadegawa260JPY
    Section 2BusShijo Kawaramachi～Gion230JPY
    Total490JPY

    Tour Report by Nabet

    “He was easy to talk to, friendly, and knowledgeable and even made sure we successfully navigated the public transit back to our hotel. If we are ever back in Kyoto, we’d love to book a tour with him again! ”

    “At every side we got an indepth explanation to any minor detail and every question we asked was answered and explained really well. It felt like a relaxing and wholesome walk through Kyoto even while it was pouring rain. We can absolutely recommend choosing Nabet!”

    “Nabet’s English is just perfect, he knows the way around sights, little streets and hidden secrets, he is very authentic…just a perfect tour!”

    Here are just a few of the many kind reviews I’ve received from the more than 100 groups I’ve guided through Kyoto and other cities.

    I’m deeply thankful for the chance to connect with my guests and contribute to a memorable tour experience!

    +Current Occupation+
    • Associate Professor specially appointed for Entrepreneurship Education and University-Based Startup Support
    • Management Consultant for SMEs and startups
    • Government-Licensed Interpreter Guide

    +Hobbies+
    Travel, music, sake, ice hockey, squash, watching soccer

    Request Booking

    May 29, 2026
    Tamara M
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto bei Nacht – faszinierende Einblicke in Kultur und Spiritualität
    Ich…

    Oct 21, 2025
    Jana_C
    4-hour private tour with Nabet was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing experience…

    Oct 16, 2025
    987kayeh
    Knowledgeable guide who was will to respond to our multiple questions
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thankyou…

    Oct 16, 2025
    janiec555
    Significant sites in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nabet is an excellent guide. He explained Japanese…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Tempozan Passenger Terminal
    • 10:45 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:30 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 14:00 @ Namba Shopping Street
    • 14:45 @ Kuromon Market (light meal included)
    • 15:30 @ Dotonbori (light meal included)
    • 16:30 Dismissal @ Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Food and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Both were very active and moved smoothly throughout the day. They had previously stayed in Japan for a period in the Tokyo area, and mentioned some family connection to Japan from that time. The weather was an unfortunate light rain, but both showed great interest and enthusiasm at each spot and asked many questions. At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, we happened to come across a rare occasion of a shrine visit for a newborn, and the guests were able to take a photo together, which pleased them very much. Both seemed to be quite fond of Japanese food, so the tour took on the character of a "food-walking tour." They enjoyed "551 pork buns," and at Kuromon Market they had tempura, sea urchin, salmon roe, roasted chestnuts, dried fruit, and pickles, and in Dotonbori they had authentic "Kobe beef," and also, at the request of the guests, yakitori. They commented that everything was very satisfying. (In fact, it felt as though they tried every Japanese dish the guide recommended.) The guests also shared various insights about their region, including behind-the-scenes stories not usually conveyed in the general media, which I found very interesting.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Morinomiya290JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya～Shin-Imamiya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Namba240JPY
    Total940JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Vacation Rental-12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens-13:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street-14:30 Meiji Shrine-15:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing Dismissal

    What Is a Private Family Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meeting Guests at a Guesthouse This was effectively the first day of a 10-day tour of Japan for a group visiting from Europe. The guests were staying at a guesthouse, and when I went to the address I had been given, I found four buildings at the same street number, so I had to search for the correct one. When I looked for the apartment on the second floor, as I had been informed in advance, it turned out that what is called the second floor in the European style corresponds to the third floor in Japan, so identifying the exact location took some time here as well. In addition, I was unable to use a free-call messaging app, and I was only able to meet the guests once one of them came out of the building, so I felt that some kind of arrangement is needed when guests stay at private lodgings. That said, the guests were very satisfied with the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayWaseda～Takebashi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3BusSangubashi Station～Shibuya230JPY
    Total617JPY

    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 Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00　Meet up @ the b ginza
    • 2. 9:15　@ Ginza Chuo-dori
    • 3. 9:30　@ Kabukiza Theatre
    • 4. 10:00　@ Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 5. 11:45　@ Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 6. 12:15　@ Nezu Shrine
    • 7. 13:40　Lunch @ Suju Dining (Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 8. 15:00　@ The National Art Center
    • 9. 15:30　@ Aoyama Cemetery
    • 10. 16:30　Disband @ Ginza Mitsukoshi front

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Nezu Shrine, and Roppongi Since there had been no prior communication, we discussed the itinerary on the morning we met. Having arrived in Japan the day before, the guests had already visited the Imperial Palace, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Ginza. They expressed a wish to see Nezu Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Odaiba (the Fuji TV building and Tokyo Big Sight), and it became clear that they had a strong interest in history and architecture. I therefore proposed adding the Roppongi area, including the National Art Center and Aoyama Cemetery, and they agreed, with Odaiba to be visited if time permitted. This was the first visit to Japan for the guests, who have long lived in Europe. They appear to work in highly specialized fields in the medical and railway sectors. As we walked from the hotel along Ginza-dori toward the subway station, many staff members were already preparing for the Tokyo Marathon to be held that day. After introducing the Kabukiza Theater, we took the Toei Asakusa Line from Higashi-Ginza to Asakusa Station, where traffic restrictions were also in place around Sensoji Temple; there were no problems, but we had to take a slight detour. As soon as we came up to street level from the designated exit, we could see Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Beer headquarters, and when I explained about them, the guests mentioned that they were acquainted with the renowned French designer Philippe Starck, who designed the building. At Sensoji they skipped drawing an omikuji fortune, but performed the water purification ritual and prayed at the main hall. In Yanaka, they bought YANAKA Coffee to take away. At a traditional candy shop just before the entrance to Nezu Shrine, they bought and tried cinnamon-flavored candy. Within the grounds of Nezu Shrine, they admired the magnificent azalea shrubs, which were not yet in bloom. They also took many photos of each other, alternating, as they passed through the thousand torii gates of the Inari shrine. For lunch, I guided them to "Suju" in Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, where they ordered the wagyu and cod saikyo-yaki set meal, adding sashimi as well, and finished everything. Afterward, they explored the National Art Center and Aoyama Cemetery with great interest. Throughout the tour, the guests asked a variety of questions—about history, culture, contemporary social issues, and honest feelings as a Japanese person amid world affairs—and enjoyed the conversation. In the end, having had almost no sleep for two days due to the time difference, they were overcome by drowsiness, so we decided to visit Odaiba on another day and parted a little earlier than planned.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToei Asakusa Line　Higashi-ginza Station～Asakusa Station220JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro　Ginza Line　Asakusa Station～Kanda Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line　Kanda Station～Nippori Station170JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro　Chiyoda Line　Nezu Station～Nogizaka Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro　Chiyoda Line　Nogizaka Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro　Chiyoda Line　Meiji-jingumae～Ginza Line　Ginza Station0JPY
    Total990JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Guide through Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Guide through Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet the guests at the HOSHINOYA Tokyo lobby
    • 9:30 After the meeting, depart the hotel and head to Asakusa from Otemachi Station via Mitsukoshimae
    • 10:10〜11:05 Guide through Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
    • 11:50〜12:45 Guide around Shibuya Hachiko and the Scramble Crossing, then lunch (ramen)
    • 13:00 Depart Shibuya Station and head to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine via the JR Yamanote Line
    • 13:15〜14:15 Guide through Meiji Shrine, then walk to Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:20〜14:50 Guide through Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 14:50 〜15:05 Guide through Omotesando
    • 15:05 Head from Harajuku to Shinjuku via the JR Yamanote Line
    • 15:10 Arrive at Shinjuku Station, walk to Godzilla Road and Kabukicho
    • 15:10 〜15:30 Walking guide around Shinjuku Godzilla Road and the Kabukicho area
    • 15:40 Disband in front of the Shinjuku Station East Exit

    What's a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from the Middle East. One of the guests had come to Japan for travel several times before but was experiencing a relaxed sightseeing tour of Tokyo for the first time. Another guest, based in Japan, joined only for the Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku Takeshita Street portions of the day. The guests took many photos in various places and, within the limited time available, visited Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Nakamise Street, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku Takeshita Street, Omotesando, the Godzilla Road in Shinjuku, and Kabukicho, enjoying the tour throughout. I explained the difference between shrines and temples, and the guests seemed to master the proper way to pray at each. After the sightseeing, one of the guests was set to return home tonight from Haneda Airport and planned to come to Japan again in the autumn.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOtemachi〜Asakusa/～Asakusa〜Shibuya/Shibuya〜Harajuku590JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku150JPY
    Total740JPY

    Tour Report by Nobby

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Request Booking

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo In A Day Tour with Nobuo
    The excursion…

    Apr 18, 2026
    Traveler10250323486
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with a Japanese guide who seemed like…

    Sep 23, 2025
    johnsL7185LE
    Brilliant family day trip with Nobuo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobuo Kokure is a wonderful guide.…

    Aug 4, 2025
    leslie_w
    Nobby was an awesome tour…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobby was an awesome tour guide. Very…

  • Tokyo: Tokyo National Museum & Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo: Tokyo National Museum & Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo City Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience, Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 Meet at The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8
    • 9:25 Buy same-day tickets for Tokyo Skytree at the Seven-Eleven near Ueno Station
    • 9:50 Tokyo National Museum
    • 13:20 Tokyo Skytree
    • 14:20 Dismissal at "Tokyo Solamachi"

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Tokyo National Museum and Skytree The guests visited Japan from North America and, after some days in Kyoto, arrived in Tokyo. Direct email communication with the guests had not been possible, and a travel agency had decided the day's itinerary. Immediately after meeting the guests, they told me that a kimono-wearing tea ceremony experience was unnecessary, as they had already done it in Kyoto and had informed the travel agency in advance. The guests also indicated that they had no interest in any of the three places designated by the travel agency for the day: the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and the Tsukiji Outer Market. Judging that communication between the guests and the travel agency had been insufficient, I called Mr. Yasuda of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). He spoke with the guests by phone and promptly handled the cancellation of the tea ceremony facility. We were then able to visit the guests' true destinations of choice — the Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Skytree (for which same-day tickets were quickly reserved at a convenience store) — and complete the guiding. Both guests had a deep appreciation of Japanese ukiyo-e and Zen, and as I explained the various works at the Tokyo National Museum, smiles gradually appeared on their faces (the conversation was especially lively when discussing "Zen in the Art of Archery" written by the German philosopher Eugen Herrigel). In front of the famous staircase inside the National Museum, we took a group photo full of beaming smiles. At the observation deck of the Skytree, we captured a powerful group photo brimming with energy.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo City Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Skytree Line Asakusa Station～Tokyo Skytree Line Tokyo Skytree Station160JPY
    Total520JPY

    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 in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    March, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel, then purchase medicine at the pharmacy
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 15:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Disband at Meiji Shrine

    Title: What's a Private 2-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine Body: As this was the second day following the previous one, the conversation flowed easily from the start and we began smoothly. Since some concern about knee swelling was mentioned, we bought an anti-inflammatory at a pharmacy before beginning the tour. The guests were interested in Japanese culture and gardens, so at the Imperial Palace we spent time carefully exploring Bairin-zaka Slope, the Tenshudai Donjon Base, the Fujimi-yagura Keep, and the Ninomaru Garden. Camellias, Kawazu cherry blossoms, and plum blossoms were in full bloom, and the guests seemed to enjoy taking in the fragrances and taking photos. At Tsukiji Market, we energetically sampled grilled wagyu skewers, shumai, tuna sushi, and more. Meiji Shrine was crowded as it was a Saturday, but the guests seemed to like its quiet atmosphere. We had planned to go to Shibuya, but since the Yamanote Line was suspended and it was already 4 o'clock, we ended the tour there. There were times I had to ask them to repeat things, and the guests kindly said they were used to being asked to repeat themselves and spoke slowly for me. It was a very fulfilling tour spent over two days with a wonderful group. The total step count exceeded 40,000 steps.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku～Takebashi290JPY
    Section 2SubwayHibiya～Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Total680JPY

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Request Booking

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • 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

    • 0930 Hotel Tokyu (directly connected to Metro Kokkai-gijidomae Station) meet up
    • 0950 Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
    • 1200 Shinjuku, Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Head, 3D Cat Display
    • 1340 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 1440 Shibuya, Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Mark City
    • 1515 As you will be doing some shopping, disband at Mark City

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like on Tokyo Marathon Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East. They had been traveling around the Kansai region until the previous day and were staying in Tokyo for several days. Before this tour, they had visited TeamLab Planets, Tokyo Tower, and Ginza. One of the guests had visited Japan more than twenty years ago and was already familiar with getting around the city. Regarding today's tour, I explained in advance that movement would be restricted due to the Tokyo Marathon. I had received a message beforehand saying: "we would need to have lunch, maybe at 1pm. We are big big foodies, so even if we stop multiple times to have dishes that are a must, we don't mind. actually we prefer it than going to one place and having a big meal and waste time there." So at the terrace in the forest of Meiji Shrine, they enjoyed mitarashi dango. After that, at Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, they savored izakaya-style dishes. However, at this point, they said, "Since we've already been up Tokyo Tower, we don't need to go to the Metropolitan Government Building," so I had some difficulty adjusting the schedule. The guests had wanted to see cosplayers in Harajuku, but there weren't many to be seen. Even in Shibuya, including some maid-café-related spots, there weren't many people of that style. It seemed to differ from the impression from the previous visit. After explaining about shopping in Shibuya, we parted ways. If it hadn't been Tokyo Marathon day, I could have taken them as far as the area around the Imperial Palace, which left me with a slight sense of regret.

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

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…