Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: 2-2-21 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
    • 10:10 Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Departure from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive at Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 12:30 Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
    • Gokoku
    • 14:00 Departure from Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Gotokuji Station/Yamashita Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • 14:50 Arrive at Miyanoshita Station
    • Gotokuji Gotokuji Temple
    • 15:30 Departure from Miyanoshita Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • Gotokuji Station/Yamashita Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Shimokitazawa Station
    • (Keio Line)
    • 15:50 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:30 Departure from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 16:50 Arrive at Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • Dismissal: Shinjuku-sanchome Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The group arranged their trip around an extended holiday. Before coming to Japan, they had first traveled to Asia and stayed there for about a week. From there, they flew into Kansai Airport and visited Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, then traveled to Tokyo by Shinkansen three days ago. They plan to stay in Tokyo for about a week before returning home from Narita Airport. Tomorrow they plan a day trip to Mount Fuji, and the day after they plan to visit Disneyland. The guests followed a diet that avoided certain foods, with some members eating cooked fish but not meat. They mentioned, "In Asia, we struggled with the snow and cold, and sightseeing was not very enjoyable." They also said, "The Shinkansen between Kyoto and Hiroshima was significantly delayed due to snow, which was difficult." On the other hand, they added, "Tokyo has clear skies and feels wonderful." The tour took place under clear skies in comfortably warm weather. We first went from the accommodation to Asakusa. I gave a general explanation of "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "Are there Christians in Japan too?" There was also a question: "Why are there so many people here?" From here, at one guest's request, we went to Akihabara. There was also a question: "Why did this kind of anime district come to be?" They purchased a Nintendo game. They said, "We would like to shop here again at a more relaxed pace, so we will come back before returning home." Since one member of the group was getting sleepy, they wanted to rest somewhere, so we went to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. They looked around at various restaurants and, saying "This place will be fine," chose a restaurant where they could have a fish set meal. From here, we went to Gotokuji Temple via Shinjuku. I explained the general history of Gotokuji Temple. One of the guests said, "I love cats, so I really wanted to come here." They strolled slowly through the temple grounds and took commemorative photos in various spots. They said, "Unlike Senso-ji, it is quiet and pleasant here." After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the Scramble Crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here too there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly travelers?" They also commented, "Japanese people are all polite," "The city is clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash cans?" "Unlike the London Underground, the trains are spacious and comfortable," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "Prices feel inexpensive." I saw them off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station~Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho Station~Hibiya Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayHibiya Station~Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku Station~Gotokuji Station199JPY
    Section 6TrainYamashita Station~Miyanoshita Station160JPY
    Section 7TrainMiyanoshita Station~Yamashita Station160JPY
    Section 8TrainGotokuji Station~Shimokitazawa Station136JPY
    Section 9TrainShimokitazawa Station~Shibuya Station140JPY
    Section 10SubwayShibuya Station~Shinjuku-sanchome Station178JPY
    Total1,790JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:05 Meet up @ The Westin Tokyo
    • 2. 09:10 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 3. 09:40 Stay @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
    • 4. 09:50 Travel: On foot
    • 5. 10:05 Stay @ Cross Shinjuku Vision (3D giant cat)
    • 6. 10:10 Travel: Train
    • 7. 10:15 Stay @ Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 8. 11:15 Stay @ Takeshita Street, Cat Street (moving)
    • 9. 11:55 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Starbucks SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F (break)
    • 10. 12:45 Disband @ Shibuya Scramble Square

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Although the guests arrived at the hotel lobby a little late, everything proceeded smoothly from there until the end of the tour. The guests were visiting from North America. One of the guests was an experienced travel planner who had prepared a perfect itinerary in advance, so I only needed to make a few minor adjustments. For the first stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory, we used the subway only on the way there, since Tochomae Station on the Oedo Line is the nearest station. From there to the cat screen at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station, we walked, as the travel time was not much different. Since the itinerary the guest had prepared had quite a bit of flexibility, after visiting Meiji Shrine I suggested walking through Takeshita Street and Cat Street. As I had been told they had reserved SHIBUYA SKY tickets for 13:00, I guided them to the elevator of the building housing that facility a little early before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu Station~Yoyogi Station170JPY
    Section 2SubwayYoyogi Station~Tochomae Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainShinjuku Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Total500JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:25 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:40 Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden ~ Bamboo Grove Path ~ Kameyama Park ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:20 Lunch @ Shijo Karasuma
    • 13:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:00 Walking: Sannen-zaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda ~ Maruyama Park ~ Chion-in Temple
    • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had entered the country the previous day, so today was effectively their first sightseeing experience in Kyoto. Because we visited Kinkaku-ji early in the morning, there were relatively few other tourists, and they were able to leisurely enjoy taking photos. At Arashiyama we had a little extra time, so I added a walk along some of the back streets to the planned course, which they were very pleased with. Kiyomizu-dera was as crowded as ever, but since they wanted to take a stroll, they enjoyed walking from Maruyama Park to Chion-in and then exploring the Gion area.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNijojo-mae~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 2BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Kitano-Hakubaicho230JPY
    Section 3TrainKitano-Hakubaicho~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
    Section 5TrainOmiya~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 6BusShijo Karasuma~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 7BusKiyomizu-michi~Higashiyama-Sanjo230JPY
    Section 8SubwayHigashiyama-Sanjo~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total1,810JPY

    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!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
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    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up@Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 @Zojoji Temple
    • 3. 10:20 @Tokyo Tower
    • 4. 11:30 @Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 12:00 Lunch@Tsukiji Tamazushi Harumi-dori Store
    • 6. 13:00 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 7. 13:40 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 8. 15:00 @Akihabara (Animate, Culture Zone)
    • 9. 15:45 @Midori no Madoguchi (Akihabara Station)
    • 10. 17:00 Disperse@Hotel Tokyo

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Before a Ski Trip to Hakuba? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time, with skiing in Nagano's Hakuba as their main purpose (one member had visited Japan for sightseeing long ago but retained almost no memory of it). The day after next, they planned to travel to Nagano to meet up with other relatives who were already sightseeing in Kyoto. The guests already had plenty of Tokyo sightseeing information gathered from Japanese neighbors living in North America and from friends who had visited Japan before, so we focused mainly on the places they had requested based on that. However, for Harajuku's Takeshita Street, which was scheduled as the final stop, two younger members of the group were big fans of "Demon Slayer" and had very specific and clear shopping goals. To broaden their options, I suggested changing from Harajuku to Akihabara instead, and they agreed. We visited some spots I had in mind and a few shops along the way, and in the end everyone had their parents purchase their favorite figures tax-free in the "culture zone," which left them very satisfied. They had also been concerned about issuing Shinkansen tickets between Nagano and Tokyo, and this was completed at the JR ticket office at Akihabara Station, which put them at ease. For Harajuku, which had been in the original plan, I advised them to visit it together with Shibuya the next day. I also showed them the entrance to teamLab at Azabudai Hills, for which they had a reservation the following day, when we arrived at Kamiyacho Station after walking from Tokyo Tower. For lunch, after strolling through the stalls of the Tsukiji Outer Market to soak in the atmosphere, I guided them to a sushi restaurant on Harumi Street where the children could relax and enjoy the meal. They were delighted, saying, "We often go to Japanese restaurants back home, but the sushi and miso soup here are by far the most delicious — a great choice." In Asakusa, they bought many favorite chopsticks as souvenirs, and enjoyed matcha lattes at a tea shop.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Oedo Line Tochomae Station~Daimon Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassToei Asakusa Line Higashi-ginza Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station~Marunouchi Line Nishi-shinjuku Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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!

    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 Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel – 14:00 Meiji Shrine – 15:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 16:00 Omotesando – 16:45 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Family Tour Like with Young Children? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, including young children. When I met the guests, they asked whether there would be a car available, so I explained that this tour was planned around public transportation and walking, and after re-confirming the tour conditions they had arranged, they were satisfied. Since the group had a stroller, we decided against traveling by subway or bus. Instead, we chartered a taxi and started from Meiji Shrine. After being surprised by an animal cafe on Takeshita Street, we moved to a Hello Kitty store. On the way back to the Hotel, the group purchased some baby goods, and the tour came to an end.

    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!

    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…

  • Hokkaido: Yoichi Nikka Whisky & Otaru Canal

    Hokkaido: Yoichi Nikka Whisky & Otaru Canal

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet the customer at the hotel
    • 11:00 Restroom break at the parking area
    • 12:00 Yoichi Nikka Whisky
    • 14:30 Lunch at Kakizaki Shoten
    • 16:00 Otaru Music Box Hall, Hello Kitty Shop
    • 17:30 Otaru Canal
    • 18: 50 Return to the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour from Sapporo to Otaru and the Nikka Whisky Distillery Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. Everyone in the group enjoyed the trip in their own way. At the Nikka Whisky Distillery, the group took their time enjoying tastings and shopping. Some of the guests seemed to love taking photos and took a great many. Others found the exhibits about the history of Nikka Whisky fascinating and looked at them with interest. After that, we went to a nearby shop called Kakizaki Shoten to eat seafood rice bowls, and the group was very pleased, perhaps because the food was so fresh and delicious. Some of the guests were especially delighted with the fatty tuna. Next, we moved on to Otaru, where some of the guests enjoyed shopping at the music box hall and a Hello Kitty shop. Finally, we had planned to see the Otaru Canal decorated with candles before returning to Sapporo, but the crowds along the Otaru Canal were so heavy that we could not get out of the car, so we viewed it from the vehicle and returned to the Hotel in Sapporo.

    I’m Akiko Homma, who is a government-licensed guide of the Japan Guide Agency.
    I have good communication ability and cooperative skills in spoken English.
    Also, I have detailed knowledge of the features and attractions of Hokkaido, Kanazawa, Shizuoka and Yokohama as well as local culture, history, society, geography, nature, and food.
    I have had the pleasure of satisfying all of my clients with my guiding so far.
    My above skills and knowledge will help you make your trip more enjoyable and memorable!!
    I’m looking foward to seeing you and showing you around!

    Apr 15, 2026
    F9244DCevar
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Loved Kanazawa!
    Akiko was wonder! We had three generations, grandma, mom…

    Mar 9, 2026
    Karthik_R
    Akiko was very…
    Viator review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Akiko was very knowledgeable and showed everything at…

    Mar 23, 2025
    A8444ZRsimonm
    Great morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour by Aki in Kanazawa. He…

    Dec 18, 2024
    L5714WWmichaelm
    Wonderful Otaru Private Tour with Akiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Akiko was an absolute gem! From…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:55 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:10 Imperial Palace
    • 12:50 Lunch @ Aoyuzutora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:15 Dismiss @ Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and it was their second time in Japan. They planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoenmae0JPY
    Section 7SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Nishi-Shinjuku0JPY
    Total920JPY

    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

    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…

  • Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day

    Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Tokyo International Cruise Terminal 〜 Shimbashi Station (Assist with purchasing JR Shinkansen tickets and Suica at the station)
    • 10:00 Shimbashi 〜 Asakusa (Sumida River, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple) then tea ceremony experience at 'Kakinuma'
    • 13:00 By taxi to Ueno (Lunch @ Tsune-zushi)
    • 14:30 By JR from Ueno 〜 Akihabara (Souvenir shopping) then maid cafe experience at 'at-home cafe'
    • 16:30 Suehirocho 〜 Ginza (Mitsukoshi, Nissan Crossing, Kyukyodo, Ginza Six)
    • 17:30 Shimbashi 〜 Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
    • 18:00 Disband at the wharf

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Cruise Shore Excursion in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Due to a storm, the cruise ship arrived earlier than scheduled, so the tour started an hour ahead of the original plan. At the guests' request, we headed toward Asakusa instead of Tsukiji. The tea ceremony experience was a full course: entering an authentic tea room through the nijiriguchi (crawling entrance), watching the temae (tea preparation), enjoying a fresh wagashi sweet and matcha whisked by the instructor, tasting dry sweets, and finally whisking a bowl of matcha themselves. The guests were also very interested in the concept of ichigo ichie (a once-in-a-lifetime encounter) and were highly satisfied. Lunch in Ueno was also well received. The guests were surprised that it cost less than 5,000 yen for three people. Afterward, following some shopping in Akihabara, we visited a maid cafe. Everyone laughed heartily at the "moe moe kyun kyun!" chant. The guests said they never could have had this experience without a guide. Although we ran well over the planned time, we made our way back via Ginza and saw them off at the cruise ship, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo International Cruise Terminal~Shimbashi388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno~Akihabara146JPY
    Section 4SubwaySuehirocho~Ginza178JPY
    Section 5TrainShimbashi~Tokyo International Cruise Terminal388JPY
    Total1,309JPY

    Hello. My name is Hiromi Murata. Sometimes called Minnie.
    I work as an interpreter guide in Tokyo, Nikko, Nagasaki, etc.
    I was born in Nagasaki, graduated from a university in Tokyo, and had overseas experience due to my husband’s work.
    In the United States, I lived in Connecticut and California for a total of 10 years.
    Especifically, in California, I completed a course on teaching English as a second language at UCI Extension.
    My motto is to be a fun guide.
    I’m interested in art, architecture, gardens, etc.
    I also like Japanese culture and have experience in tea ceremony, kendo, calligraphy, and flower arrangements.
    Japan is a country with beautiful nature and history. The town is clean and full of delicious food.
    I would like to help guests create fun memories in Japan.
    Sincerely,
    Hiromi

    Jul 28, 2026
    Valerie_M
    Viator review: Nagasaki Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of beautiful Nagasaki
    Honestly, I had no idea…

    Jun 14, 2026
    lozzaj81
    Excellent way to get your bearings after arriving
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiromi was exceptionally responsive…

    Apr 23, 2026
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    Tripadvisor review: Nagasaki Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Beautiful port day in Nagasaki
    Arriving in Nagasaki on a…

    Mar 3, 2026
    Robert_Q
    More than WW2, Nagasaki has been leading changes in Japan for 500 years
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  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzenji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nanzenji Temple & Heian Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Hotel Meet (Hotel)
    • 14:15-15:15 Visit Nanzenji Temple (stroll around the grounds without entering the Hojo & Aqueduct)
    • 15:15-16:30 Kyoto Zoo
    • 16:30-17:15 Visit Heian Shrine
    • 17:30 Arrive at hotel
    • It was a little early, but with the customer's consent, the tour ended and we said goodbye in front of the hotel (all movement on foot)

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like When Guests Change the Plan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America who came to Japan for a trip. I had planned to proceed with the schedule the guest had originally agreed to, but it turned out to be a completely different tour. The original plan was Nanzen-ji → Ginkaku-ji → the Philosopher's Path, but the guest did not have cash on hand and did not want to pay to enter the Sanmon gate or the Hojo, so at Nanzen-ji we walked around the temple grounds, the Aqueduct, and the Keage Incline. The visit to Ginkaku-ji was also cancelled and changed to Heian Shrine, which does not require an entrance fee. Along the way, the guest expressed a wish to go to the zoo, so we took our time exploring the zoo and afterwards I took the guest to Heian Shrine (without entering the garden). It was the first time I had a guest who did not want to pay an entrance fee to enter a temple, and I was a little taken aback. The guest said they especially liked the Aqueduct. Rather than a tour where I was guiding, it felt more like we were enjoying the zoo together, but since making the guest happy is what matters most, perhaps a tour like this is perfectly fine too.

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
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    Excellent Tour and Guide
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  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ 40-5 Higashikujo Nishiiwamotocho Minami Ward, Kyoto
    • 9:20-10:15 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:00-12:10 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:30-13:15 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:40-14:45 @ Gion
    • 15:00 Dismiss @ In front of Sushiro Gion Store

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Gion The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Some of them had been to Japan three times, some twice, and some for the first time, but it was everyone's first visit to Kyoto. I had asked several times by email in advance about the places they wished to visit, but received no reply, so in the end we decided on the spot after meeting up. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, some of the guests chose not to worship there. After strolling through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, everyone enjoyed crepes from a food truck along the roadside. At Kinkaku-ji, the wind was strong, so the reflection of the golden pavilion on the Kyoko-chi pond was blurry. After arriving in Gion, the wind was still cold, and those who were lightly dressed looked chilly. After exploring Gion, the guests asked to be dropped off somewhere they could eat sushi rather than at their accommodation, so we parted ways in front of the recently opened Sushiro Gion branch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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