Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East & Shibuya Scramble Crossing

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:30 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:55 From Harajuku Takeshita Street to Cat Street
    • 14:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:30 Disband at Shinjuku Gyoen

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The weather was warm and calm, which allowed the tour to proceed pleasantly. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests enjoyed the historic ruins of Edo Castle along with the fully blooming Hikanzakura cherry blossoms. They were also fond of the long-finned nishikigoi carp in the pond and eagerly filmed them. In Asakusa, they took many photos and videos, and drew an omikuji fortune, receiving the best fortune (dai-kichi), which delighted them greatly. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about Shinto and the Japanese imperial system, and they listened with great interest. Since they walked quickly and did not spend much time shopping or snacking, we had some extra time, so after walking along Harajuku's Takeshita Street, we made our way to Shibuya via Cat Street. At the Scramble Crossing, they filmed more than five videos in total, both from the ground and from Starbucks, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour concluded with a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyobashi～Takebashi600JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3TrainAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya～Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • 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

    • 9:00 Hotel-10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens-11:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street-11:30 Meiji Shrine-13:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-13:30 Lunch-14:30 One Piece Store Harajuku-15:10 Hotel Dismissal

    Tour Report: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like for a First-Time Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private one-day tour in Tokyo for a guest visiting Japan for the first time from Africa. The guest had meetings scheduled in Tokyo and later in Osaka, and used a free day to relax and take a break. As the guest was interested in traditional culture and history, I gave an overview using a map of Tokyo and a timeline of Japanese history, and we started from the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The guest enjoyed the peaceful Sunday atmosphere as well as the lively bustle of Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and savored a vegetarian lunch at a Spanish restaurant in Shibuya. The tour ended after the guest purchased some One Piece goods.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno～Tokyo178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Meiji-Jingumae209JPY
    Section 3BusSangubashi Station～Jinnan 1-chome230JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-Jingumae～Kokkai-Gijidomae178JPY
    Total795JPY

    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!

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    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: Mitsukoshimae - Ginza - Knife Kikuto

    Tokyo: Mitsukoshimae – Ginza – Knife Kikuto

    Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel – Imperial Palace East Gardens – Otemachi
    • 11:10 Nihonbashi – Coredo Muromachi Knife shop Kiya
    • 11:45 Mitsukoshimae – Ginza – Knife Kikuto
    • 12:15 Ginza – Tawaramachi – Kappabashi – Knife Kamaasa
    • 13:45 Disband on Kappabashi Street

    What's a Private Knife-Shopping Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest came to Japan for a trip and looked forward to shopping for kitchen knives, so the tour was arranged amid a busy schedule. We moved the shopping time up to 10:00 due to the shops' hours, but since there was still time to spare, we walked through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and I showed the guest the plum blossoms that had just started to bloom, as well as the former castle keep foundation. Perhaps because of usually having a busy schedule, the guest seemed to relax and thoroughly enjoy the natural surroundings. A little after 11:00, we first went to Kiya in Nihonbashi. The guest really liked the knives themselves, but unfortunately the shop did not offer overseas shipping. Kikufuji in Ginza, which we visited afterward, also did not ship overseas, so in the end we went to a shop in Kappabashi that could arrange international shipping. At Kama-Asa in particular, a native English-speaking staff member gave detailed explanations, and the guest looked at a variety of products. Among them, the guest was satisfied with the high-quality items and purchased four. I also learned alongside the guest that there are many different types of kitchen knives, making it a very rewarding tour.

    Click here for more details: Kappabashi Knife & Kitchen Town Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Mitsukoshimae178JPY
    Section 2SubwayMitsukoshimae～Ginza178JPY
    Section 3SubwayGinza～Tawaramachi209JPY
    Total565JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara station & Hyatt Regency

    Kanagawa in One Day: Odawara station & Hyatt Regency

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Odawara station
    • 10:20 Hotel
    • 11:30 Owakkudani
    • 11:50 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:20 Hakone mountain pass
    • 13:30 Trout restaurant
    • 14:00 Checkpoint
    • 15:10Amasake chaya
    • 15:40 Hyatt Regency

    Title: What Do Guests Ask a Private Guide on a Hakone Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report 1. It's so clean in Japan. People are kind. Trains are on time. 2. Everything looks new here (the checkpoint/sekisho). 3. Cormorants are feeding on smelt fish. 4. When was the last eruption of Mt. Fuji? Do you expect another eruption? 5. How many people and days do you need to complete that thatched roof? 6. How long does a thatched roof last? 7. Zelkova is a specific tree used to make marquetry; Hakone handicrafts, marquetry. 8. Are all the cars EV, you mean? No, we are going back to gasoline-fueled cars, because the new government has stopped the subsidy for EVs. 9. How many Christians are there?

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

    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…

  • Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

    Shizuoka: Miho no Matsubara & Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

    Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50: Depart from Shimizu Port
    • 9:20~9:50: Miho no Matsubara
    • 10:20~11:30: Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:00~13:00: Lunch
    • 13:20~13:55: Sunpu Castle Park
    • 14:00~14:25: Shizuoka Sengen Shrine
    • 15:05: Disband at Shimizu Port

    What Is a Private Shizuoka Day Tour to Miho-no-Matsubara and Kunozan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Miho-no-Matsubara, they were fortunate enough to see Mount Fuji in its full glory, and the guests were highly satisfied. From that very spot, they called their family back home to share a live report of Mount Fuji. On the steep stairs at Kunozan, everyone reached the main hall on their own and made it back down safely, which was a relief. In the car during our travels, the conversation was lively and covered a wide range of topics. Through our conversations, I could sense that they had a high level of knowledge. The question, "Why did Japan wage war against the United States?" was a difficult one to answer. The tour was carried out in a generally warm and friendly atmosphere, and I believe the guests were very pleased.

    Click here for more details: Shimizu Shore Excursion: Mt. Fuji View Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Mike

    I have worked in the automotive industry for 44 years including 30 years with sales responsibility for the global car manufacturers. And I have lived in the U.S. for 20 years as permanent resident. I am quite familiar with communication in English with foreigners. I am confident not only to satisfy you but also to exceed your expectation with deep knowledge of Japan, especially for its culture based on the long history. There are many sightseers musts in Japan and I look forward to guiding you for beautiful sights, historic relics, and modern day-to-day life of the people here.

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    Sep 28, 2024
    Peta_G
    Efficient and Comfortable way to Tour the Shizuoka Area
    Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Mike…

  • 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　Meet up＠Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
    • 2. 10:30　＠Ginza (Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Chuo-dori)
    • 3. 11:00　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 11:30　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, Character Street, Ramen Street)
    • 5. 13:00　Lunch＠Tsukiji Sushizanmai
    • 6. 14:20　＠Ginza Mitsukoshi (Basement Food Floor)
    • 6. 15:00　＠Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 7. 15:30　＠Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 8. 16:20　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 9. 17:30　Disband＠Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for a First-Time Visitor Interested in Anime and Photo Spots? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America, with a strong interest in anime and taking photogenic photos. It was a first visit to Japan for one of the guests, who was eager to take many pictures. One of the guests had experienced sightseeing in Japan a few years earlier and told me from the outset that they wanted an itinerary that prioritized the other guest's wishes. From the hotel lobby where we met at the start, we could see the majestic figure of Mount Fuji as well as various buildings and landscapes representative of Tokyo, so I began by explaining these. The guests took many photos. When I explained Japanese history at the Imperial Palace, following my explanation one of the guests repeated the explanation to the other. At the Character Street beneath Tokyo Station, they enthusiastically chose and purchased products of their favorite anime. At Ramen Street, they took photos of several ramen ticket vending machines. At Tsukiji, they repeatedly photographed themselves eating skewered strawberry candies coated in syrup until they were satisfied with the shots. At the sushi lunch, one of the guests enjoyed their favorite toppings à la carte. Afterward, we searched for the "ice cream sandwiched in a waffle sold at convenience stores" that one of the guests had seen on YouTube. It turned out to be a chocolate-filled ice cream monaka. They also took many photos of themselves eating this. The original plan was to head to Asakusa in the afternoon, but since they were scheduled to visit Akihabara the next day, I suggested visiting Asakusa together with it, and instead added a visit to Shibuya on the way toward the Harajuku area during this tour. They took many photos of the view of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing seen from the upper part of a building and of a robot café.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station～Higashi-ginza Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station～Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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 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

    • 8:00 Hotel-9:45 Fukagawa Fudodo-9:40 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine-10:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace-11:50 Lunch-12:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-13:00 Meiji Shrine-13:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-14:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple, dismissal

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had spent about a week at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea and had hardly been anywhere else, so this was a chance to explore Tokyo shortly before their return home. Since we started early in the morning, we began with a stroll through the old downtown neighborhood of Fukagawa. The guests were amazed by the "Goma fire ritual" at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple and by the largest mikoshi (portable shrine) in Japan at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. We then enjoyed a peaceful walk through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. For lunch, we savored "tonkatsu" at a renowned restaurant in Omotesando. Afterward, we experienced the lively bustle of Takeshita Street in Harajuku and the quiet serenity of the forest at Meiji Shrine, before parting ways in Asakusa. I was able to share many different sides of Japan with the guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Monzen-Nakacho355JPY
    Section 2SubwayMonzen-Nakacho～Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Omotesando178JPY
    Section 4BusSangubashi Station～Shibuya230JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya～Asakusa252JPY
    Total1,193JPY

    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…

  • Wakayama in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Koyasan Station

    Wakayama in One Day: Stay at Okunoin & Koyasan Station

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meet at Hashimoto Station and travel together, arrive at Koyasan Station at 10:07
    • 10:13-10:40 Move by bus to Okunoin (610 yen)
    • 10:40-12:20 Stay at Okunoin
    • 12:20-13:00 Stay at Restaurant Hachiyo.
    • 13:10-13:20 Move by bus to Senjuinbashi (270 yen)
    • 13:20-13:30 Stay at Juzuya Shirobei
    • 13:40-14:40 Stay at Kongobuji Temple
    • 14:45-15:48 Stay at Danjo Garan
    • 15:50-16:05 Move to Koyasan Station (410 yen)
    • 16:14-17:05 Travel together from Koyasan Station and disband at Hashimoto Station.

    Title: What Is a Private Guided Tour of Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report After arranging details with the guests, I met the group along the way at Hashimoto Station and accompanied them from there. Explaining the history of stations along the route, such as Kudoyama Station, we arrived at Koyasan Station. Because much of the snow had melted from the previous day's rain and the temperature was mild, I began the tour from Okunoin. The guests seemed to enjoy photography and took many photos from inside the train with a single-lens reflex camera. I took several photos of the group myself. Since they had already sightseen in the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka, they were enjoying the natural scenery of Koyasan. Although it was warm even in Koyasan today, they photographed the frozen water basin that had iced over during the night and a snow pile about 30 centimeters deep under the roof of Kongobuji Temple, capturing the shapes created by winter's nature. In a new goshuincho stamp book they had purchased in Kyoto, they received goshuin seals at Okunoin, Kongobuji, and the Konpon Daito pagoda. They seemed interested in old Japanese things and culture, and I believe they enjoyed Koyasan.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:45 Meet @ Hotel Namba Daikokucho
    • 09:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 12:15 @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru Department Store
    • 12:45 Dismissal @ Shinsaibashi Daimaru Department Store

    **Title:** What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka Castle, and Anime Spots The guests were visitors from Asia. At the meeting time they were still having breakfast, so the tour started with a slight delay. Both were big fans of Japanese anime and showed strong interest in Japan overall. They listened attentively to the guide's explanations. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they prayed at the main hall, collected the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles, and purchased the small charm pouches as well as other amulets. At Osaka Castle, although the visit was limited to the exterior, they were very satisfied with its beauty and grandeur and took many photos. As anime fans, they were guided to the "Pokémon Center" and the "One Piece" merchandise corner inside the Daimaru department store, and they said they would return there later. Likewise, I introduced "Nipponbashi Den Den Town" near the hotel, which they also wished to visit later. In addition, they wanted to try Japanese cheesecake and omurice, so I introduced some restaurants. (Note) On this occasion, the itinerary was not decided until the day itself, and the requests changed repeatedly, which caused some confusion. The meeting/drop-off location was suddenly changed, and there were many requests that were not very specific (simply wanting to eat Japanese cheesecake and omurice, and so on). Still, the guests clearly felt very fond of Japan, and they even shared some "behind-the-scenes" stories about their home region, so it was an enjoyable time together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba～Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Shin-Imamiya240JPY
    Section 3TrainShin-Imamiya～Morinomiya170JPY
    Section 4SubwayMorinomiya～Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total890JPY

    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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
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    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel Shinjuku – Nishi-Shinjuku – 10:40 Tokyo
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden – Sakuradamon – Hibiya Park
    • 12:10 Nihonbashi – Fukutoku Shrine – Bank of Japan – Mitsukoshi – Takashimaya
    • 13:20 Ginza – 14:00 Disband at Tokyu Plaza

    Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza? A Licensed Guide's Report The group of guests came from North America. We began by walking from Tokyo Station to Wadakura Gate and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, and when I started with stories spanning the Edo to Meiji periods, they listened with great interest. One of the guests had previously spent about three months in Japan on a high school exchange program and seemed to have a strong affinity for the country. As we walked out through the Sakurada Gate, we happened to witness a helicopter landing on the rooftop of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the guests were delighted, saying it felt like something special. After strolling through Hibiya Park, we moved on to Nihonbashi. I introduced several notable spots around Nihonbashi, and when I showed them a rare view, they were very impressed. The guests fully enjoyed the day, lining up to buy the famous dorayaki at Usagiya and shopping for souvenirs at Kyukyodo in Ginza.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku～Tokyo209JPY
    Section 2SubwayHibiya～Nihonbashi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMitsukoshimae～Ginza178JPY
    Total565JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
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    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
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    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
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    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…