Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Met at Hotel lobby, had a 10-minute meeting about the itinerary, and decided to move in the order of Sensoji Temple → Shibuya Scramble Crossing → Harajuku. Walked to Shimbashi Station and took the subway to Asakusa.
    • 09:45-11:40 Guided along the banks of the Sumida River. On the way to Sensoji Temple from there, upon the request "Can we buy matcha?", I took them to Masudaya where they purchased matcha and a tea whisk. From there we moved through Sensoji Temple's Kaminarimon Gate → Nakamise Shopping Street → Hozomon Gate → Main Hall → Stone Bridge → the Danjuro bronze statue in the back garden → purchased ice cream wrapped in mochi, then returned to Asakusa Station. Moved to Shibuya.
    • 12:15-12:40 Guided the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko. We decided to have lunch here, and after discussing, they said "Let's have ramen."
    • 12:40-13:30 Entered "Oreryu Shio Ramen" located on the right side just as you enter Center Gai and had lunch. They also ordered gyoza and were pleased. After finishing, we went to Harajuku by JR.
    • 13:45-15:15 Since the younger sister Malin was 17 years old and wanted to visit Takeshita Street, I first guided them along Takeshita Street. From there, after showing them the LAFORET building, we returned to Harajuku Station and I guided them to Meiji Shrine.
    • 15:30 As they wanted to return to the hotel, we went to Shibuya by JR, and I saw them off at the Ginza Line Shibuya Station, ending the tour.

    Title: What's a 6-Hour Private Tour of Asakusa and Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe on their trip to Tokyo. English was not their first language, but both spoke it well, so I guided them in clear, slow English. On the first day of their trip they had only visited Skytree, so after discussing options together, we followed the route above. One of the guests wanted to buy a kitchen knife to take home, so I took them to "Kanesou," located just near Kaminarimon, but it was still too early and the shop had not yet opened. Since they mentioned they would visit the Tsukiji Outer Market on a later day, I recommended "Masamoto" to them. When I asked one of the guests if there was anything they wanted to buy in Japan, the answer was matcha, so I took them to Masudaya in Asakusa, which delighted them greatly. Also, over lunch, they said, "We'd like to try going to Kamakura on our own, so please tell us how to get around there," and when I gave them advice, they were very grateful for that as well. It was a warm and pleasant six hours spent with such a close-knit group, and I was very glad.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi～Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by MINORUASAI

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

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    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 8:40 Meet up @ Hotel (5-10 Shibakoen 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace <Ninomaru Garden・Bairin-zaka Slope>
    • 3) 10:30 Shibuya <Hachiko Statue・Crossing>
    • 4) 11:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 5) 13:00 Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 6) 14:00 Tea Ceremony Experience @ Kakinuma Tea Utensils and Vessels (3-21-9 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 7) 15:10 Disband @ Intersection in front of Lawson Asakusa Kannon Store (2-28-25 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, Yanaka, and a Tea Ceremony I guided a group visiting from North America. In advance, they had mentioned that they would be traveling through several countries in Asia before stopping in Japan. Taking into account the opening time of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I proposed starting the tour at 8:40, which the guests agreed to. When we met at the hotel, I reconfirmed the itinerary I had sent in advance, and they told me they had already visited Sensoji Temple the previous day. The group was traveling to celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary. We visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (the plum trees, especially around Bairin-zaka slope, were in full bloom), then Shibuya (the guests were once again moved by the Hachiko statue and its surroundings), and Meiji Shrine (we were able to see processions of three wedding parties and their families, and at the souvenir shop the guests purchased a decorative Kutani-yaki plate). After that, I contacted the tea ceremony venue (the session was scheduled to start at 13:30, but since I planned to guide them through Yanaka, I asked whether we could push it back by 30 minutes) and we headed to the Yanaka shopping street. As this was the final day of a long journey that had begun in early February, with their return home in the early hours of the next day, the guests appeared tired during the walk from Yanaka to the tea ceremony venue. At the tea ceremony, the tea instructor kindly prepared chairs and a table so the experience could be as simple and comfortable as possible, and the guests were very pleased. When I mentioned that the guests were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, the venue presented them with a small box of dry sweets, which made it even more special. They took a taxi nearby, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Mita Line Onarimon Station～Toei Mita Line Otemachi Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station～Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station～Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kita-sando Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Nippori Station～JR Yamanote Line Ueno Station150JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station～Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

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    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hyatt Place Kyoto
    • 2. 9:30 @Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 3. 10:15 @Philosopher's Path
    • 4. 11:30 @Suirokaku Aqueduct
    • 5. 11:45 @Nanzen-ji Sanmon Gate
    • 6. 12:30 @Nishiki Market
    • 7. 15:15 @Gion
    • 6. 16:25 Disband @Gion-Shijo

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking and Food Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nishiki Market, Ginkakuji, and the Philosopher's Path The guests mentioned being sensitive to gluten, though not allergic, so I was a little concerned about how a food tour would go, but they enjoyed everything without any problems. The main goal was to enjoy Nishiki Market, and otherwise they wished to avoid crowds and visit places with beautiful gardens. When I proposed an itinerary of Ginkakuji → the Philosopher's Path → Nanzenji → Nishiki Market, they said they were happy to walk a lot and decided to go with this plan. They were very pleased with both Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path. After walking a great deal and working up an appetite, we headed to Nishiki Market. They enjoyed sampling various foods, bought a knife at Aritsugu, and also purchased a kanzashi hairpin as a souvenir. At Nishiki Market, they were extremely happy, saying the guiding exceeded their expectations and that they were able to do everything they had hoped to. Since they wished to see a bit more, we extended the tour by two hours and I showed them around Gion. They appeared quite tired by then, so they took a taxi back to their hotel from Gion-Shijo. They also kindly mentioned that some of their close friends were planning to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, and asked if I could guide them as well.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKarasuma Marutamachi～Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 2TrainKeage～Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Total450JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    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!

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    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…

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:50 Meet up @ Enoshima Electric Railway Hase Station
    • 2. 13:55 Move: On foot
    • 3. 14:00 Stay @ Hase-dera Temple
    • 4. 15:05 Stay @ Kotoku-in Temple
    • 5. 15:30 Move: Train
    • 6. 15:55 Stay @ Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 7. 16:45 Stay @ Komachi-dori Street
    • 8. 17:20 Disband @ JR Kamakura Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since I had been informed that the guests would travel from Hakone to Kamakura via Fujisawa Station, I had changed the meeting point in advance to Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. It seemed that something had been left behind at a station along the way, so their arrival was delayed by about 50 minutes. However, since the itinerary had originally been planned with plenty of flexibility, there was no major impact on the tour. I was told that no available coin lockers could be found at Fujisawa Station, so the guests arrived carrying two suitcases. They were able to find available lockers at Hasedera and Kamakura Station respectively, so I believe they were able to enjoy the tour without worrying about their luggage during the day. Some time was spent shopping along Komachi Street, but in the end the tour was wrapped up in about 3 hours and 30 minutes and concluded at Kamakura Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHase Station～Kamakura Station200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Wakayama in Half a Day: Stay at Okunoin & Koyasan Station

    Wakayama in Half a Day: Stay at Okunoin & Koyasan Station

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30　Meet at Hashimoto Station on the way to Koyasan Station (arrive at Koyasan Station at 10:29)
    • 10:35～10:50　Take the bus to Okunoin-mae (610 yen)
    • 10:50～12:30　Stay at Okunoin
    • 12:30～13:20　Stay at Restaurant Hachiyo.
    • 13:22～13:30　Take the bus to Senjuinbashi (270 yen)
    • 13:30～13:55　Stay at Juzuya Shirobei
    • 14:00～14:40　Stay at Kongobuji Temple
    • 14:45～15:17　Stay at Danjo Garan
    • 15:19～15:30　Move to Koyasan Station (410 yen)
    • Accompany to Hashimoto Station and disband at 16:25

    What Is a Private Koyasan Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests planned to walk the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage after the Koyasan tour, and since I have already completed the Shikoku 88 Temple circuit once and am now gradually making my second round, they asked me many questions about the Shikoku pilgrimage. Having walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, they became interested in the experience of the Japanese pilgrims, the henro. We had a lively conversation on the train about how public transportation in Shikoku is inconvenient, which is exactly why walking the pilgrimage becomes necessary. They currently live in Asia and had just arrived in Japan, so the temperature difference was quite extreme, but we enjoyed a Koyasan below freezing while warming up wherever free hot tea was available, at restaurants, and in a room at Kongobuji Temple. They mentioned that it was not so cold while walking. They were also delighted by the snowy scenery, and when it was time to head back at the end, they said it had been the most wonderful day. Normally one visits Koyasan after completing the Shikoku pilgrimage on foot, but they had received their goshuin (temple seal) at Koyasan first. For me, it felt less like guiding customers and more like relatives visiting from a distant land, and I was able to enjoy touring Koyasan with them. Meeting all kinds of people is the true joy of being a guide, and Koyasan in particular tends to attract many unique guests.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station～Okunoin-mae610JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae～Senjuinbashi270JPY
    Section 3BusKondo-mae～Koyasan Station410JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Request Booking

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Saitama in Half a Day: Honkawagoe

    Saitama in Half a Day: Honkawagoe

    Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Depart from Hotel
    • Stroll along Kuranomachi Street
    • Visit Kitain Temple and Kawagoe Toshogu Shrine
    • 16:30 Arrive at Honkawagoe

    What Is a Private Kawagoe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was initially to be confirmed later, but when I checked in about a week beforehand, the guests said they would come by car and asked where would be a good place to meet. By chance, the staff at a hotel told me about a large-capacity parking area behind it, which was a great help. However, as in other places, Kawagoe gets quite crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, making it difficult to find parking, so I felt once again that cases where the guests decide the meeting point later require some extra caution. The guests were a group from Asia who had been living in the Tokyo area for two years. They did a lot of shopping along the storehouse-lined street. Since we had some time left over, I suggested visiting Kitain if they were not too tired. We managed to get the goshuin stamp, but could not enter the main hall as it closed at 4:00. Even so, we went to Kawagoe Toshogu, and when I gave various explanations, the guests were delighted and took many photos. For the group photos, one of the guests preferred not to be in them and stepped aside. Transportation cost was 0 as we traveled on foot. At the Kawagoe Festival Museum, the guests paid the 300 yen admission fee, so there was no cost on my part.

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

    Tour Report by kazu

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

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    May 26, 2026
    jilliand744
    Tokyo sightseeing
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He…

    May 7, 2026
    artsZ6836LO
    Kazu in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

    Made good suggestions…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Fran_R
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    A glance of Tokyo
    A good overview of…

    Apr 7, 2026
    Passenger03573064762
    From ancient traditions to rapid trains
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an ambitious set of…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:55 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 7:15 Fushimi Inari
    • 8:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 9:25 Short break (Arashiyama)
    • 10:45 Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:10 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:10 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from Oceania. We were able to meet by 7:00 and start the tour on schedule. The weather forecast had predicted snow from the afternoon, but it fell on and off from the morning. When it was not snowing, it was basically sunny, and although it was a cold day, we were able to proceed with the tour almost as planned. Since none of the guests had a transportation IC pass, we paid in cash each time. One of the guests took charge of handling the payments together, which was a great help. It was also convenient that everyone could walk quickly. Although it was a cold day, since it was a Saturday, there were many domestic tourists to be seen at Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike～Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    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.

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    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 One Day: Tsukiji & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up @ EDITION Ginza
    • 8:15 Tsukiji (Fish Market ~ Outer Market ~ Honganji Temple)
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge ~ East Gardens)
    • 11:30 Harajuku Lunch @ Kyushu Jangara Ramen
    • 12:00 Takeshita Street ~ Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Shibuya (Hachiko, Scramble Crossing ~ Center Gai)
    • 15:00 Disband @ EDITION Ginza,

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. When guests are native English speakers, I make it a policy not to ask about their country of origin. One of the guests had visited Japan several times for travel and had joined a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tour with the group last year, while another was visiting Japan for the first time. Before arriving, they had expressed a wish to visit Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine, but since we had time, I added Takeshita Street and Shibuya to the itinerary. At Tsukiji, they seemed to thoroughly enjoy medium-fatty tuna, grilled king crab, and matcha. They also sampled and purchased dashi stock at a specialty shop. At the Imperial Palace, many police officers were busy preparing for the Emperor's Birthday public appearance, but we were still able to see the Nijubashi Bridge. At the East Gardens, I explained the history from the Edo shogunate through the Meiji Restoration and the relocation of the capital to Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, we were lucky enough to see two processions for Shinto weddings.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Line Tsukiji～Hibiya Line Hibiya178JPY
    Section 2SubwayChiyoda Line Otemachi～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Harajuku～JR Shibuya146JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza Line Shibuya～Ginza Line Ginza209JPY
    Total742JPY

    Tour Report by Hideki

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

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    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 40@Asakusa & 00@Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: 40@Asakusa & 00@Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2:10:40@Asakusa
    • 3.12:20＠Shibuya
    • 4:14:00@Meiji Shrine
    • 5:15:30@Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    • 6: 16:00 Disband @Shinjuku Station

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku The guests were visitors from North America. On the morning of the tour they contacted me asking, if possible, to start the tour earlier, so we began the tour at 10:00. They were surprised at how clean the trains and the city were. They were very interested in religion and asked many questions, including about the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. At Nakamise, they enjoyed ningyo-yaki and candy-coated strawberries. At Shibuya, they said the Shibuya Crossing and also the beautiful forest of Meiji Shrine were wonderful. After that, they kept exclaiming "amazing" at the view of Tokyo seen from the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. According to the plan, we were also going to visit Hie Shrine, but the guests were quite tired, so we ended the tour in Shinjuku. As they said they could return to their accommodation on their own, we parted ways at Shinjuku Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRoppongi～Asakusa286JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya252JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku146JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku146JPY
    Total830JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

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    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet@Hotel New Otani Tokyo
    • 2. 09:55 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:25 Stay@Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 4. 11:45 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:40 Stay@Nezu Shrine
    • 6. 13:15 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:30 Stay@Yanaka
    • 8. 14:25 Travel: Subway
    • 9. 14:55 Lunch@Kamiya Bar
    • 10. 15:30 Stay@Asakusa
    • 11. 16:25 Disband@Kaminarimon

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Yanaka, and Asakusa The guests were visitors from North America. They arrived early at the meeting point, so we were able to start smoothly. The first stop, Shinjuku Gyoen, offered perfect cherry-blossom-viewing weather, quite different from two weeks earlier. The plum blossoms and Kanzakura cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the same time, so we naturally ended up staying longer. There was no strong wind like the day before, and I believe the guests enjoyed taking photos. Since I had heard that one of the guests liked street food, I recommended several options in Yanaka, but they did not eat much. I suggested some in Asakusa as well, but in the end we adjusted to a preference to sit at a bar and have some drinks, so we stopped at Kamiya Bar for light snacks and beer. Since I had also heard that the guests enjoyed drinking, after guiding them through Sensoji Temple I introduced some spots along Hoppy Street and we parted ways in Asakusa. For this tour, the admission fee to Shinjuku Gyoen was paid by the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station～Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu Station～Sendagi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassSendagi Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…