Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Hamarikyu Gardens

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:55　 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:50　Meiji Shrine
    • 12:10　Imperial Palace
    • 13:00　Lunch @ Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00　Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:20　Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 16:40　Disband @ Harajuku Takeshita Street

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on their first trip to Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Nagano, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with 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 the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they enjoyed strolling through the beautiful Japanese garden. Since some of the guests very much wanted to visit Takeshita Street, I guided them there and we parted ways. As I accommodated the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShibakoen～Meguro900JPY
    Section 2TrainMeguro～Shibuya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo～Ueno170JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 7SubwayAsakusa～Shimbashi0JPY
    Section 8TrainShimbashi～Shiodome190JPY
    Section 9SubwayShiodome～Yoyogi0JPY
    Section 10TrainYoyogi～Harajuku150JPY
    Total1,730JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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. 9:00 Meet up ＠Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:30　＠Zojoji Temple + Tokyo Tower
    • 3. 10:15　＠Ginza (Kabukiza Theater, Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Ginza Main Street)
    • 4. 10:45　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 11:30　＠Otemachi (salesforce tower Tokyo)
    • 6. 12:00　Lunch ＠Suju Dining (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 7. 13:00　＠Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side station plaza, inside the station building, underground mall, Yaesu Exit)
    • 8. 13:30　＠Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Food Hall)
    • 9. 14:15　＠Meiji Shrine
    • 10.　14:50　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11. 15:10　＠Omotesando (KiddyLand, POP MART Harajuku Main Store)
    • 12．16:00　Dismissal ＠Hotel Tokyo

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After this Tokyo tour, they planned to spend several days in Kyoto, then a few days in Osaka, before returning to Tokyo for further sightseeing. Since they had arrived in Japan the previous day, today was their first day of sightseeing, so we started by practicing how to use public transportation. During the visit to the Imperial Palace, after passing through Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, and the Main Gate, as we were heading toward Tokyo Station, the guest showed me Google Maps and mentioned they wanted to stop by the Tokyo head office of the company they work for. The building was located in Otemachi, just about a five-minute walk from Tokyo Station. When I introduced to the receptionist that the guest works at the head office, they kindly offered to take a commemorative photo for us. Afterward, we moved to the Shin-Marunouchi Building for lunch. The guest was interested in ramen, but as I wanted them to sit down and enjoy a healthy Japanese meal, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant. There they ordered a lunch set featuring wagyu beef steak as the main dish, and they enjoyed it very much, saying it was delicious. We purchased the Shinkansen ticket for the trip to Kyoto at Tokyo Station. The afternoon plan had not been decided between Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, but since the guest was looking for a character item called "Labubu" that a friend had asked them to find, I judged that the Harajuku area was essential. After visiting Meiji Shrine, we went around several shops searching for the item. It was not available at Sanrio or Kiddy Land on Takeshita Street, but we finally reached the POP MART Harajuku flagship store, which I found on Google Maps, and the guest was very pleased to be able to purchase it in the end.

    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 Namboku Line Shirokanedai Station～Mita Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassToei Asakusa Line Mita Station～Daimon Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station～Higashi-Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Ginza-itchome Station～Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station～Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Namboku Line Shirokanedai Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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!

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    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 in Half a Day: IMPERIAL PALACE & Hama-Rikyu Gardens

    Tokyo in Half a Day: IMPERIAL PALACE & Hama-Rikyu Gardens

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Starting from Hotel
    • 10:15 1. THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 11:15 2. Zojo-ji Temple
    • 12:00 3. Tokyo Tower
    • 12:45 4. Hama-Rikyu Gardens
    • 13:30 5. Ginza Mitsukoshi, TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 14:00　See off

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests' plans changed, and the number of participants was reduced. While I did not ask about the details, it would be helpful for the guide to be informed of such changes in advance. The guests greeted me in the hotel lobby, and after I explained the itinerary, we set off. After visiting the Imperial Palace, I also guided them to Tokyo Station. Since the guests would be traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto and Hiroshima for sightseeing, I showed them the station so they could see where to board the Shinkansen. At Zojoji Temple, there was renovation work being carried out in front of the Sanmon gate and the main hall, which reduces its appeal as a place to visit, so I think it would be best to avoid including it as a destination until the work is completed. Since the guests had arrived from Europe only the previous night, they were somewhat quiet, and I felt it was a day on which I, as a guide, should make even greater efforts.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOnarimon～Hibiya900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi～Onarimon – Akabanebashi – Shiodome / Shimbashi – Ginza – Tsukiji0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spear time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

    Mar 26, 2026
    Chica717
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing private tour with Masa!
    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:00　Meet at DoubleTree By Hilton Kyoto
    • ②　10:05　Itinerary explanation and brief overview of Kyoto and Nara
    • ③　11:00　Depart from Kintetsu Nara on the "Aoniyoshi"
    • ④　11:40　Stroll around Naramachi (Nigiwai no Ie, Jizo Bosatsu, Koshin-do, Goryo Shrine)
    • ⑤　12:30　Gango-ji Temple
    • ⑥　13:30　Lunch (vegetarian menu)
    • ⑦　14:15　Head to Todai-ji Temple while strolling through Nara Park
    • ⑧　15:30　Todai-ji Temple
    • ⑨　16:30　Leave Kintetsu Nara and head to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑩　17:30　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ⑪　18:45　Disband at Sanjo-dori

    Title: Can You Take the Kintetsu Limited Express to Nara on a Private Kyoto Day Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia, visiting Japan for the first time. They especially wished to ride the Kintetsu Limited Express "Aoniyoshi" to Nara, and the receipt is attached. The original plan was to visit Kasuga Taisha after Todaiji, but the guests had become tired from walking, so I suggested that we stop by Fushimi Inari Taisha on the way back to Kyoto. They were delighted and we happily changed the plan on the spot. In the end, we parted ways on Sanjo Street. I explained a great deal about the history of the ancient capital of Nara and various aspects of Japanese culture, and the guests also had many other questions. They asked about the values and political views of Japanese people living in today's world. For example, they asked what motivates Japanese people to live and what their goals in life are, given that Japan, as a developed nation, possesses culture, religion, politics, economy, infrastructure, a high level of civic awareness and education, and wonderful nature. They also asked why, when Japanese people are generally regarded around the world as friendly, kind, considerate, and courteous, the country ended up doing something as tragic as the Pacific War, and what kind of ideology lay behind it. I answered strictly as my own personal opinions. I was surprised that the guests, who run a company, had come to Japan hoping to ask Japanese people such things directly.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKintetsu Kyoto～Kintetsu Nara1,860JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Nara～Tambabashi680JPY
    Section 3TrainTambabashi～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Total2,930JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Sapporo
    • 2. 9:10 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 3. 9:45 Nijo Market
    • 4. 10:10 Tanukikoji
    • 5. 11:25 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 6. 13:00 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 7. 13:45 Lunch @Mruyama Class
    • 8. 15:10 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 9. 16:55 Disband @Hotel Sapporo

    What Is a Private One-Day Sapporo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia who had been looking forward to the Sapporo Snow Festival starting the next day. During the tour they asked many questions, and answering them added a great deal to our conversation. As a result, we spent longer at each location, and although we were able to visit all the planned sites, we ended up well over the scheduled time by the point I saw them off at their hotel. When we visited the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, the sky was clear and the wind was gentle, making it a perfect day to enjoy the view from the observation deck. I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed their one-day tour of Sapporo.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station～Maruyama Koen Station210JPY
    Section 2BusMaruyama Koen Bus Terminal～Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium240JPY
    Section 3BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium～Maruyama Koen Bus Terminal240JPY
    Section 4SubwayMaruyama Koen Station～Miyanosawa Station250JPY
    Section 5SubwayMiyanosawa Station～Odori Park Station290JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

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    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • 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. 08:50 Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
    • 2. 09:10 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:30 Stay@Tsukiji
    • 4. 10:45 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:20 Stay@East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 6. 12:30 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:00 Stay@Asakusa
    • 8. 14:55 Disband@Kaminarimon Street

    Title: What's a Private Food-Focused Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the East Gardens, and Asakusa The guests were a group with a range of ages. They did not appear to be family but rather friends or work acquaintances. Everyone loved eating and had not had breakfast, so I first guided them around Tsukiji. The weather was poor and it happened to be a closed day, so I was a little concerned, but many shops inside the Senjagaku building, which houses the general information center (Platto Tsukiji), were open, so the guests could enjoy their meal without worrying about the rain. At the East Gardens, I was concerned about the condition of one of the guests, but since there seemed to be no problem, I guided them as far as Bairinzaka (the plum grove slope). After Asakusa, I had planned to take them to Shibuya or Akihabara, but the group leader wished to purchase kimono and other items for family, so we allotted a longer time here. On this day, the Setsubun event happened to be taking place at Sensoji Temple, so the guests were able to see a scene different from the usual. After the shopping was finished, I introduced a restaurant where they could have a late lunch, and the tour ended in Asakusa.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome Station～Tsukijishijo Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at the hotel　7:28 Board JR train bound for Nara　8:40 Arrive at Nara Station　　9:00 Nara Park　　9:15 Todai-ji Temple　　10:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine　10:50 Short break (Lunch)
    • 11:50 Yakushi-ji Temple　　13:00 Toshodai-ji Temple　　13:45 Board Kintetsu train bound for Kyoto　14:45 Tour ends

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nara Park, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The guest was very quiet and asked no questions at all, made no restroom or shopping stops, took very few photos, and did not feed the deer any crackers. However, the guest kindly answered my questions. Because of this, we moved through each site more quickly than scheduled. Since we had extra time, after Yakushi-ji Temple I also guided the guest to Toshodai-ji Temple, which had not been part of the original plan. We met at the Hotel at 7:00 and arrived at Nara Park just before 9:00, when it was nice that there were relatively few tourists. We were also able to board the bus smoothly. Since we started early in the morning, the guest slept well on the Kintetsu train on the way back. With the Nara Kotsu one-day bus pass, it was helpful to receive discounts at Yakushi-ji Temple (100 yen) and Toshodai-ji Temple (200 yen). The photo was taken at Yakushi-ji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Nara720JPY
    Section 2Free PassJR Nara Station～Kintetsu Nara600JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu Nara～Nishinokyo300JPY
    Section 4TrainNishinokyo～Kyoto760JPY
    Total2,380JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Akihabara

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Monterey Ginza
    • 9:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 10:50 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:45 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:45 Akihabara
    • 13:15 Disband at Akihabara Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, Harajuku, and Akihabara Body: It was a cold day with a steady light rain throughout, but the guests were in high spirits and enjoyed the tour. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, we entered from Takebashi and I guided them at a leisurely pace. They viewed the site of Edo Castle and the gardens with great interest and asked many questions. At Nezu Shrine, I explained that it is one of the oldest structures in Tokyo. When I also pointed out the difference between its carp and those at the Imperial Palace East Gardens, they seemed intrigued. Since they were also traveling around Kyoto, they asked about Fushimi Inari as well. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they enjoyed looking around at many things, but were especially interested in an animal café and said they would return there later that day. I then guided them around Akihabara, and finally took them to JR Akihabara Station, where I explained the route back to Harajuku Station, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza～Takebashi600JPY
    Section 2TrainOtemachi～Nezu0JPY
    Section 3TrainNezu～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shin-ochanomizu0JPY
    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Shoren-in & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Shoren-in & Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    February, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Airbnb near Chion-in
    • 10:10 Shoren-in
    • 11:15 Chion-in Sanmon Gate, Great Bell Tower
    • 12:00 Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:30 Entoku-ji
    • 13:15 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:55 Disband at Gojozaka

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since they wished to explore the area near where they were staying, we first went to Shoren-in Temple. There were almost no other tourists, and they were very pleased to enjoy the beautiful Japanese garden in the quiet atmosphere. At this temple, anyone can freely ring the bell, and one of the guests was delighted to do so. At Chion-in Temple, they watched a video of the New Year's Eve bell ringing. Afterward, we passed through Yasaka Shrine, and at Entoku-in Temple they again enjoyed a Japanese garden in a peaceful setting. However, they were overwhelmed by the crowds from Sannenzaka up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They were amazed by the size of the carp in the pond. I believe they enjoyed the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • 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. 9:00 Meet at Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 2. 9:30 Tokyo Station
    • 3. 10:00 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch at Tsurukameya
    • 5. 12:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 6. 13:40 Akihabara
    • 7. 14:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 15:25 Disband at Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Asakusa to Harajuku The guests were visitors from Oceania. Coming from a country in midsummer to one in midwinter, they seemed to feel the cold, but we were blessed with good weather and were able to complete the planned itinerary. The tour was originally scheduled to end in Harajuku, but since they seemed anxious about returning on their own, I saw them all the way back to their Hotel, which caused us to run a little over the scheduled time. For lunch they said they would like noodles, so I took them to a restaurant in Asakusa, and they were very pleased and found it delicious. Overall, I believe they were satisfied with the tour. (F.Y.I.) As you may already be aware, the Welcome Suica can once again be purchased not only at the airport but also at major stations in the city. At Tokyo Station, it can be purchased at the JR East Travel Service Center at the Marunouchi North Exit (there may be other locations where it is available as well).

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara～Harajuku178JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Kyobashi209JPY
    Total743JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    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

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    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…