Category: Uncategorized

  • Hokkaido in One Day: TV Tower & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Hokkaido in One Day: TV Tower & Shiroi Koibito Park

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:20　TV Tower
    • 10:00　Nijo Market
    • 10:30　Clock Tower, Former Hokkaido Government Office
    • 11:30　Hokkaido Shrine
    • 12:00　Lunch @ Maruyama Class
    • 13:45　Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 15:15　Dismissal @ Sapporo Station

    What Is a Private Sapporo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia who have come to Japan many times to ski, and this trip included a skiing debut for one of them. This was already their third visit to Japan this season; they usually go to Furano, but this time they were planning to go skiing at Mount Teine tomorrow by JR train and bus. They were fluent in both Japanese and English and could also read kanji, so traveling seemed to pose no difficulties for them. They listened with great interest to the history of Hokkaido and Sapporo. At Hokkaido Shrine, they offered prayers and purchased protective charms. They mentioned that they had learned Japanese through anime.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySapporo Station～Odori240JPY
    Section 2SubwaySapporo Station～Maruyama Koen290JPY
    Section 3SubwayMaruyama Koen～Miyanosawa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayMiyanosawa～Sapporo Station290JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    Tour Report by Hiroko

    Hello I’m Hiroko.
    I started tour guide in 2017. I work not only in Hokkaido but also in Honshu area.
    Last year
    Freelance tour guide-operates over 120 days of operation.
    8 times of long -term escort tour in Hokkaido. 4 times of 8-10days in Honshu.
    12 times of Cruise guests’ one day excursions in Hokkaido and Tohoku. I love my job.
    Until then I’ve worked as a short-term study abroad coordinator of an English language School in Japan and Canada.
    I was born and brought up in Sapporo, I’m good at skiing.
    I majored Japanese history at college in Tokyo. I like Calligraphy.
    Let’s enjoy the tour together!

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    Aug 11, 2024
    M
    Miller A
    Good intro to Sapporo
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide was very knowledgeable…

    May 24, 2024
    Brian_K
    Sapporo with guide
    Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Koko-en Garden & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 12:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 15:00 @ Egret Himeji
    • 15:30 Disband @ Himeji Miyukidori Shopping Street

    Can You Do a Private Himeji Castle Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The tour had originally been planned for a larger group, but the day before, some of them had to return home due to feeling unwell. The guests had prior experience living in Japan and were quite knowledgeable about the country, speaking a little Japanese, reading hiragana almost fluently, and understanding around 700 kanji characters. They took their time exploring both Koko-en Garden and Himeji Castle and were very satisfied, but since they were a little tired, we skipped the shrine that had been planned for the end. On the way back, I guided them to the rooftop of Egret Himeji, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of Himeji Castle, and they were delighted. I also took them to a local shopping street to visit a shop well known for its handmade "maneki-neko" (beckoning cat), where they showed great interest and purchased one as a souvenir. With a little time to spare, they said they wished to stroll around on their own, so we parted ways. It was a very cold day with occasional sleet and rain, but once again the guests were very fond of Japan, and it was a great pleasure to guide them. The guests also had experience living in Asia, and we had a lively conversation about that region, as I have spent time there as well.

    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…

  • Kagoshima in One Day: Shiroyama Observatory & Reimeikan

    Kagoshima in One Day: Shiroyama Observatory & Reimeikan

    Kagoshima Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:15 Meet @ Marine Port Park Kagoshima
    • 10:20 Shiroyama Observatory
    • 11:25 Sengan-en
    • 12:10 Lunch @ Sengan-en Restaurant
    • 13:25 Statue of Saigo Takamori
    • 13:40 Tsurumaru Castle Ruins
    • 13:50 Reimeikan
    • 15:45 Disband @ Marine Port Park Kagoshima

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kagoshima? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who came to Kagoshima as one of the ports of call during a cruise tour from Tokyo to Singapore. At Shiroyama Observatory, they enjoyed the magnificent views of Sakurajima and the Kagoshima cityscape. At Sengan-en, they appeared deeply impressed by the beautiful garden and residence that once served as a villa of the Shimazu family. At the Reimeikan Museum, they viewed the exhibits on Kagoshima's history and art with great interest. Since I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainWakita～Kagoshima-Chuo Station600JPY
    Section 2BusKagoshima-Chuo Station～Shiroyama0JPY
    Section 3BusShiroyama～Sengan-en-mae0JPY
    Section 4BusSengan-en-mae～Kansei-cho0JPY
    Section 5TrainSuizokukan-guchi～Wakita0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple & Todaiji Great Buddha Hall

    Nara in One Day: Horyuji Temple & Todaiji Great Buddha Hall

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:22 Meet up @ JR Horyuji Station
    • 9:37 Horyuji Temple
    • 11:53 Lunch @ Naramachi
    • 13:03 Shinyakushiji Temple
    • 13:58 Todaiji Great Buddha Hall
    • 15:15 Disband @ JR Nara Station

    Title: What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Horyuji, Todaiji, and Nara Deer The guests were visitors from North America. They had visited Japan several times before, but this was their first time in Nara, and they were excited to see the world's oldest wooden architecture. We met at JR Horyuji Station and began the tour. There were few visitors that day, and the weather was fine in the morning, so it seemed they were able to fully achieve what they had hoped for. They liked the calm atmosphere of the restaurant we chose for lunch, and I believe they were also very satisfied with Shin-Yakushiji Temple and the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, which we visited afterward, as well as the chance to interact with the deer. This private one-day tour of Nara was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHoryuji～Nara230JPY
    Section 2BusJR Nara Station～Kasuga Taisha Omotesando250JPY
    Section 3BusWarari-cho～Todaiji Great Buddha Hall・National Museum250JPY
    Section 4BusTodaiji Great Buddha Hall・National Museum～JR Nara Station250JPY
    Total980JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Yasaka Shrine

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Yasaka Shrine

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:40　Osaka Castle
    • 11:15　Shitennoji Temple
    • 12:30　Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:50　End of guide

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Namba Yasaka Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. We started at Osaka Castle. First, they were amazed by the impressive features of Japanese castles that differ from Western castles, such as the size, the moats, the stone walls, and the defensive systems. They were moved by the beauty of the main tower and the exhibits inside. At Shitennoji Temple, I explained the history of Buddhism, the different types and roles of Buddhist statues, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests clearly recognized the distinct differences from Christianity. Namba Yasaka Shrine has recently become popular among inbound visitors for its "lion stage." They burst out laughing at its amusing appearance (laughs).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTanimachi 9-chome～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTenmabashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba190JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Odawara Station 10:00 Drop off luggage at hotel in Gora　10:25 Hakone Open-Air Museum　12:30　Owakudani　13:20 Lake Ashi Cruise　14]00 Motohakone Port
    • 14:15 Hakone Shrine　15:30 Disband at Kowakidani Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The private tour of Hakone was originally set to start with a 9:00 meeting at Odawara Station, but it turned out that the guests were planning to arrive on a bullet train from Tokyo Station at 8:00, so I moved my arrival earlier and reached Odawara Station at 8:00. However, the guests missed their train at Tokyo Station, so in the end I waited until 9:00 before we were able to meet. At my suggestion, we first dropped off their luggage at the hotel and then started the tour from there. At the open-air art museum, the guests showed a great deal of interest and kept taking many photos of the artworks, which put us behind schedule, so we decided to skip lunch at a restaurant. At Owakudani, the cold and strong wind kept us from going outside, but the guests were delighted to see Mount Fuji from the ropeway. At Togendai, we hurriedly ate a light meal in the short time before the sightseeing boat departed. The guests were very satisfied to be able to visit Hakone Shrine, which they had wanted to see most of all. One of the guests had a lot of energy and walked quickly throughout, while another seemed a little tired, but all's well that ends well, and we parted with everyone looking satisfied. Afterward, I received a message of thanks from one of the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara～Gora5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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.

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    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…

  • 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. 10:00 Hotel
    • 2. 10:40 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market, Lunch @Food Court, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 3. 12:50 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, West Approach
    • 4. 14:00 Dismissal @Asakusa

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with Tsukiji and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo tour for guests visiting from North America. Since the guests had had very little sleep the night before, we first took a walk of about 30 minutes to Tsukiji so that everyone could rest along the way. The weather was pleasantly warm, and the guests said it made for a nice walk. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed fatty tuna (o-toro) and shumai, purchased some wasabi beans, and then I took them to a food court, where we were able to relax and eat at our own pace on a rooftop bench (they had another o-toro rice bowl). After that, at the guests' request, we took a taxi to Asakusa. Anticipating that facilities might be needed, I showed them to the family area on the second floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, which they greatly appreciated. On the west approach, the guests tried the melon bread I had recommended. As the group grew tired, they decided to skip the planned Tokyo Skytree and return to the hotel, so I saw them into a taxi and the tour came to an end. They were very considerate and pleasant guests.

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

    Tour Report by Takako

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station　9:30 Fushimi Inari　11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　12:30 Lunch (Sushi)　13:20 Kinkaku-ji　14:40 Nijo Castle　16:10 Higashiyama Area (Yasaka Pagoda, Kongo-ji, Ninen-zaka, Ishibei-koji, Yasaka Shrine)　17:15 Tour ends.

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. Everyone walked quickly and, even when we were at risk of missing a bus, they moved swiftly so that we made it in time. The temperature was still warm, but in the afternoon, just as we entered Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), rain mixed with hail began to fall. However, it cleared up quickly, and there were no problems afterward from Nijo Castle onward. During this season there were fewer school-trip students, so we were able to visit each site smoothly. At Fushimi Inari, the guests offered their prayers carefully and even tried lifting the "omokaru-ishi" (the light-or-heavy stone). Everyone had a wonderful "let's try anything" attitude. The photo was taken in Arashiyama, where I joined in and it was shot with the guest's smartphone.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari230JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 4Free PassEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi1,100JPY
    Section 5Free PassKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike0JPY
    Section 6Free PassNishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae0JPY
    Section 7Free PassNijojo-mae～Higashiyama-Sanjo0JPY
    Section 8Free PassHigashiyama-Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi0JPY
    Total1,760JPY

    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…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the 1st floor entrance of Hotel Granvia Osaka (the hotel has changed) ➡ 10:20 Umeda Sky Building ➡ Osaka Castle ➡ Namba – Dotonbori ➡ Disband at Dotonbori (14:00)

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, who came to Japan to take part in a marathon. They enjoyed walking and moved at a brisk pace. As they had only just arrived in Japan, they were excited and interested in everything they saw. They were impressed that the streets were clean with no litter. They had purchased a JR Pass after arriving at Kansai Airport, but since they would be staying for a while, I recommended and they purchased an ICOCA card, which can be used for the subway and other transportation. One of the guests was a fan of the drama Shogun featuring the character Toranaga (played by Hiroyuki Sanada), and was very happy to be able to visit Osaka Castle.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka～Osakajo Park170JPY
    Section 2TrainTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total410JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Hamarikyu & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @InterContinental Strings
    • 9:40 Hamarikyu
    • 10: 30 Tsukiji Outer Market Brunch @Sushisei Main Store
    • 11:45 Asakusa: Kaminarimon～Nakamise
    • 12:45 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine～Takeshita Street
    • 15:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:15 Disband @Shibuya Station Midori Window

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour Including Harajuku, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the second time, though it was their first time sightseeing here. They planned to travel to Osaka and Kyoto after Tokyo, then return to Tokyo. When we reviewed the day's itinerary at the Hotel in the morning, they said they wanted to visit Harajuku and Shibuya, so we extended the tour by two hours. Since they were not particularly interested in Buddhist temples and had been asked to bring back kitchen knives as souvenirs, we visited Kappabashi instead of Sensoji Temple. I introduced three knife shops for them to look at, with the plan to purchase after returning to Tokyo from Osaka. However, they were interested in Shinto, so we visited Meiji Shrine. They were amazed at how different the atmosphere could be between Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine, separated only by the station. Both guests were curious and full of questions, asking about Japanese politics, economics, history, culture, and national character throughout the day, which made for a rewarding guiding experience. As a result, the travel time felt short. I helped them purchase round-trip tickets to Osaka at the JR ticket office in Shibuya Station, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Shinagawa～JR Shimbashi167JPY
    Section 2SubwayToei Asakusa Line Higashi-ginza～Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa220JPY
    Section 3TrainEidan Ginza Line Inaricho～Eidan Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Harajuku～JR Shibuya146JPY
    Total785JPY

    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

    Request Booking

    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…