Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station West Exit

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kamakura Station West Exit

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:15 Kamakura Station West Exit
    • 12:40 Kotoku-in Temple Great Buddha
    • 13:10 Sabo Wakan
    • 13:40 Hasedera Temple
    • 15:00 Hokoku-ji Temple
    • 15:40 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 16:10 Komachi-dori Street
    • 17:30 Dismissal @ Yokohama Station

    What Is a Private Day Trip to Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Kamakura, a place of fond memories for one of them, on their first day after arriving in Tokyo the previous day. They were very friendly, showed interest in everything, and asked many questions about Japan, so we had a wonderful time together. We stopped for tea along the way, which put us slightly behind schedule, but they asked me to stay with them until they boarded their return train, so we went to the station together. There, the Yokosuka Line was delayed due to an obstacle on the tracks, and we waited nearly 30 minutes to board. On top of that, the train was not running directly to Tokyo Station but was turning back at Yokohama, so I saw them safely transfer to the Tokaido Line at Yokohama Station, and the tour ended without any problems. Since the station platform and in-train announcements were only in Japanese, we talked about how helpful it would be if translations were provided, even using AI. They thanked me and said it had been a very good day before heading home.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura~Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji~Hachimangu220JPY
    Section 5TrainKamakura~Yokohama360JPY
    Total1,200JPY

    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!!

    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 Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:25 Meet at Kyoto Station 9:55 Fushimi Inari 11:25 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 12:05 Short Break 13:25 Kinkaku-ji 14:50 Higashiyama Area (Yasaka Pagoda, Ninen-zaka, Ishibei-koji, Yasaka Shrine)
    • 15:45 Tour Ends

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Yasaka Shrine The guests visited Japan from North America. They arrived at Kyoto Station ahead of time, so we were able to start the tour smoothly. Taking photos was mainly handled by one of the guests, who captured many pictures throughout the day. The weather was cloudy from the morning, and as forecast, a light rain began in the afternoon. However, it was not heavy enough to be bothersome, which was fortunate. The guests did not do any shopping and walked steadily throughout the tour. At Fushimi Inari, the temporary structures set up for the New Year had already been dismantled, which gave me the feeling that the New Year season was now far behind us. The guests seemed to really enjoy the bamboo grove in Arashiyama and took many photos there. We passed through the grounds of Yasaka Shrine and reached the main entrance of the shrine, where the tour concluded. As a gift, I received some maple syrup. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama-Sanjo260JPY
    Section 7BusHigashiyama-Sanjo~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & Memorial Facility for the War Dead

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & Memorial Facility for the War Dead

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 11:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 12:00 Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 15:00 Memorial Facility for the War Dead
    • 14:30 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On February, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group, who were visiting from North America, on a private tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The weather started with snow and later turned to rain. The tour covered the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the memorial facility for the victims. Since there was no messaging app number available, I tried to reach the guests several times by email and other means, but there was no reply for a while, which was a concern. At the last moment, some of the guests arrived by Shinkansen while others arrived via the Sanyo Main Line, so coordinating the meeting was a bit challenging. With rain for the first time in a while, the pace of the tour was also a little slower than usual.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park249JPY
    Total249JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:20 Meet up @The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
    • 2. 09:30 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:10 Visit @Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:30 Visit @Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Marunouchi
    • 6. 12:25 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 12:50 Visit @Asakusa
    • 8. 13:45 Disband @Hanayashiki Street

    What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Metro Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. On this occasion, we traveled using only the Tokyo Metro. One of their requested spots was a Japanese garden, but since it was Monday and both the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen were closed, I guided them through the Inner Garden of Meiji Shrine instead. Unfortunately, we did not find many seasonal flowers, so it ended up being somewhat underwhelming. On the other hand, the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and the Marunouchi area that I showed them afterward were fairly well received. They seemed interested in Nijubashi Bridge and the beautifully maintained black pines. In the courtyard of the Mitsubishi Ichigokan, the roses were already in bloom, and I felt that going out of our way to take the longer route had been the right choice. To accommodate dietary preferences, I took the guests to a roasted sweet potato shop in front of Hanayashiki in Asakusa, and we all enjoyed roasted sweet potatoes together before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassRoppongi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up Hotel
    • 2. 10:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 3. 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
    • 4. 13:40 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 5. 14:00 Lunch Yokohama Iekei Ichikakuya Shibuya Center Street Branch
    • 6. 14:40 Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine)
    • 7. 15:50 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 8. 16:10 Dismissal Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

    What Can You See on a First-Time Private Sightseeing Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan and, since there was no work on this national holiday, decided to spend the day sightseeing. As it was their first visit to Japan and they were interested in Japanese history and culture, I guided them along a classic route. They also wanted to go somewhere with a view of Mount Fuji, so at the end I took them to the observation floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to conclude the tour. It was slightly hazy, but Mount Fuji could be seen in the distance, and they were delighted. Since it was windy and cold that day, and they said warm ramen or udon would be good for lunch, I took them to a ramen restaurant in Shibuya. I was able to give detailed explanations of Japanese history, culture, and religion to match each place we visited, and I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySuitengumae~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya252JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 5SubwayYoyogi~Tochomae178JPY
    Total932JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Hotel – 16:00 Meiji Shrine – 17:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 18:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – 18:45 Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho & Golden Gai – 20:00 Disband at Hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private First-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya This was the first day of a private tour in Tokyo for guests visiting Japan for the first time. The guests checked into their hotel in the afternoon and the tour started immediately afterward. We had to give up on visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, as it was close to closing time. Instead, we enjoyed a walk through the forest of Meiji Shrine, then continued from Takeshita Street in Harajuku to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Where the guests live, the lowest temperatures are around 12°C, and Tokyo was even colder than that. They did not have warm down jackets, and since only a few hours had passed since their flight arrived early in the morning, they were experiencing the most difficult stage of jet lag. As a result, the tour ended about an hour earlier than planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Yoyogi178JPY
    Section 2BusJingumae 1-chome~Shibuya Station West Exit210JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Shinjuku167JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku~Shibuya208JPY
    Total763JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:50 Meet up@Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station
    • 2. 09:00 Travel∶Train
    • 3. 09:40 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 10:25 Travel∶Train
    • 5. 10:35 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 6. 10:55 Travel∶Train
    • 7. 11:20 Stay@Marunouchi, Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 8. 12:45 Travel∶Subway
    • 9. 13:15 Lunch@KOMEDA is □
    • 10. 14:10 Travel∶Subway
    • 11. 14:35 Stay@Asakusa
    • 12. 15:15 Travel∶Subway, Train
    • 13. 15:45 Disband@JR Tokyo Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were a group from North America. Since their hotel was close to Tokyo Station, we mainly used JR trains to get around. We visited Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa — all classic sightseeing spots. Since the guests did very little shopping and the first half of the day went smoothly, we also stopped by Marunouchi before visiting the East Gardens. I had been told that some of the guests avoided animal products, so at lunchtime I took them to a plant-based cafe in East Ginza, but it was unexpectedly crowded. The situation seems to differ between weekdays and weekends, and I will keep this in mind for future reference. Because the wait at the cafe took longer than expected, I kept the visit to Asakusa focused mainly on Nakamise Street. I had heard that the guests would be heading to Ise Grand Shrine after the tour, so at the end I took them to the Shinkansen ticket counter at Tokyo Station before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station~Harajuku Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya Station~Tokyo Station210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi Station~Higashi-ginza Station180JPY
    Section 5SubwayHigashi-ginza Station~Asakusa Station220JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa Station~Ueno Station180JPY
    Section 7TrainUeno Station~Tokyo Station170JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    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 Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1330 Meet at Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi
    • 1430 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 1530 Kinkakuji Temple
    • 1710 Gion
    • 1730 Disband at kimono rental shop

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Kimono and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because one of the guests found the rented kimono uncomfortable, some time was spent changing, and our departure from the Hotel was delayed by about 20 minutes. Although the weather was cloudy, the sun came out from time to time, so it did not feel very cold. I took many photos of one of the guests wearing the kimono. As the return time for the rental kimono was tight, we skipped Arashiyama, which had originally been planned, and after visiting Kinkaku-ji we went to Gion, where we parted ways at the kimono rental shop.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Keihan Shijo230JPY
    Total900JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ The Thousand Kyoto
    • 9:55-10:50 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 11:00-11:10 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 11:20-12:10 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:50-13:45 @ Nishiki Market
    • 14:15 Disband @ In front of the Shinkansen platform at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Before a Cruise Departure Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests continued from the previous day. The morning was cloudy with a bit of light snow. Today the guests were in a calm and pleasant mood when we met. Since they mentioned they would like to catch a bullet train departing Kyoto around 14:00 to make it in time for their cruise ship's departure, I kept that schedule in mind throughout the tour. Inside Tenryu-ji Temple, where footwear is not allowed, the guests mentioned that their feet felt cold, so I made sure to move through the site as quickly as possible. At the Sogenchi Garden, the guests listened with great interest as I explained the stone arrangement based on the motif of a dragon climbing a waterfall, and the borrowed scenery (shakkei) technique used in the garden. After strolling through the bamboo grove, we took a taxi to Kinkaku-ji Temple. At Nishiki Market, the guests said they wanted to eat noodles, so they enjoyed udon at a local shop. Afterward, we caught a taxi, saw the guests off to their hotel, and I also guided them to the bullet train platform at Kyoto Station before parting ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 2BusKinkakuji-michi~Nishioji-Shijo230JPY
    Section 3TrainSai Station~Kawaramachi Station170JPY
    Total640JPY

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 09:30 Miyajima
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:30 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:30 Hiroshima Station, dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour Report Date: February 2025 Places visited: Miyajima, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Guest: The guest Weather: Sunny with occasional clouds Experiences: Itsukushima Shrine — worship etiquette : Daisho-in Temple — the Kaidan-meguri underground passage : Maple Road — stroll : Peace Memorial Park — moment of silence in remembrance Details: The guests were visitors from North America. I paid careful attention to stairs and any changes in level along the way. At the museum, the exhibits seemed to be quite intense for the guests, and they came out after about five minutes. Since one of the guests wanted to look around thoroughly, I took the other to the library.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park240JPY
    Section 4BusGenbaku Dome-mae~Hiroshima Station240JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…