Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at hotel　9:10 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple　　10:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple　　11:20 Lunch　12:15 Kawai Shrine　13:40 Nanzen-ji Temple　14:50 Fushimi Inari　16:15 Arrive at tea ceremony venue
    • 16:20 Tour ends

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Off the Beaten Path? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. They were a group who came without a large crowd of people in mind, wishing to visit sightseeing spots that were not too busy. In the morning it rained with a mix of snow, which made the situation a little worrying, but the weather recovered in the afternoon, and although it was cold, there was no problem with the tour. Because they wished to see less crowded destinations, instead of the Arashiyama bamboo grove we chose Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Kawai Shrine, which is popular, and Nanzen-ji, which is a well-known sightseeing spot yet has relatively few visitors for the size of its grounds. In addition, we included Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, which are essential stops for sightseeing in Kyoto. The guests both enjoyed photography and took many photos and videos. They also asked many questions. In particular, one of the guests asked a great number of questions with real enthusiasm. Some of these were about things I usually do not pay much attention to, which led to unexpected discoveries. An agent was involved in between, and in practice I was only able to communicate directly with the guests on the morning of the previous day. The photo was taken at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto Granbell Hotel～Maikoya Gion Kiyomizu0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • １．１０：２０ Meet at Shinjuku-ku Okubo 1-1-3
    • ２．１０：４５ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • ３．１１：３０ Meiji Shrine
    • ４．１２：３０ Omotesando
    • ５．１３：４５ Shibuya Crossing
    • ６．１５：００ Lunch at Asakusa Conveyor Belt Sushi Hyugamaru
    • ７．１５：３０ Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • ８．１６：２０ Disband at Sensoji Temple

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We had planned to meet the guests at their accommodation address in the Okubo area of Shinjuku, but it turned out that the guests were waiting at a different location that their own navigation had directed them to under the building name. It was unclear whether this was a navigation glitch or an operational error, but they kindly apologized for the mix-up in the meeting point. To avoid further confusion and prevent the situation from getting worse, we decided to meet at the originally planned address in the Okubo area of Shinjuku, and we were finally able to meet. This really made me realize that meeting by address or building name alone is risky, and that meeting at the nearest hotel is the safer option. I have been guiding for over two years, but this was the first time I had such an experience. However, the guests had a bright and cheerful disposition, so they quickly recovered their spirits during the tour. We cheerfully walked through the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, and the Shibuya Crossing, and in Asakusa the guests were very satisfied with the long-awaited conveyor-belt sushi. Whatever the reason, the tour unfortunately started late, so we finished correspondingly later, and I was able to guide for nearly a full six hours.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Shinjuku～Tochomae900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTochomae～Yoyogi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShibuya～Asakusa0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:00　Meet at Hotel The Mitsui
    • ②　10:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　11:15　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④　12:50　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑤　14:00　Lunch (around Kyoto City Hall)
    • ⑥　15:15　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑦　16:30　Return to hotel and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo and Local Udon The guests were visitors from North America who were traveling in Japan for the first time, staying in Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto while touring Kyoto and Osaka. They especially wanted to visit Sanjusangendo, which shaped the itinerary for the day. Wanting to make it a memorable trip for them, I took even more photos and videos than usual and AirDropped them to the guests. I explained the Obon tradition, and I learned that there is a very similar festival for welcoming the spirits of ancestors, known as Dia de Muertos. Compared with Japan's Obon it is more colorful, but the underlying idea is remarkably similar, and I was shown many photos of it. There was a slightly emotional moment when the topic came up, but the conversation became very lively around this subject. Interestingly, one of the guests' dreams is to someday build a traditional wooden Japanese-style house. Since the guests had requested udon or soba for lunch, we went to a noodle shop at the corner of Sanjo-dori and Sakaimachi-dori that the driver had recommended. The noodles were good, but the broth in particular was excellent, and the guests were quite pleased with it. To my slight embarrassment, this was the first time I had ever heard of the shop myself. At the end, we took a photo together in front of the hotel and said goodbye. I would be happy if it became a good memory for them.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    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…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & War Victims Memorial Facility

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Peace Park & War Victims Memorial Facility

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 12:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 13:00 Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 14:00 War Victims Memorial Facility
    • 15:30 Kamiyacho, Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Peace Memorial Park Tour in Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour Report Tour date: 2025/01 Places visited: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome Guests: The group Weather: Cloudy Experiences: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park : Atomic Bomb Dome : Memorial facility for the war dead Details: The group came from North America. It was a family trip for the guests. They had visited Japan several times before, but this was their first time in Hiroshima. Since the tour covered only the Peace Memorial Park, it turned out to be quite different from a typical sightseeing tour. I believe they went through some very difficult moments. Because I was unable to show them the enjoyable and wonderful sides of Hiroshima, it left me with a slight sense of regret about the tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station～Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Exit　9:37 Board JR train bound for Nara　10:21 Arrive at Nara Station　　10:45 Nara Park　11:00 Todaiji Temple　12:15 Lunch　13:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine　　14:35 Naramachi
    • 14:45 Nigiwai-no-ie　　15:30 Harushika Brewery (sake tasting)　16:37 Board JR train bound for Kyoto　　17:21 Arrive at Kyoto Station　17:35 Guide to the underground shopping arcade, tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. Some of the guests had lived in Asia previously and could read Chinese characters, so they quickly understood various signs and notices during the tour. The group walked at a slightly relaxed pace but had no difficulty proceeding with the tour on foot. It was a cold day, chilly except for the occasional moments when the sun broke through, with a cold wind. Perhaps because of the cold season, the JR trains and buses were not crowded. The only Japanese tourists we saw were student groups on school trips. For lunch, we visited a popular tonkatsu restaurant, where everyone else was a tourist and I was the only Japanese person present. There was a clear sense of trust within the group. The photo was taken during lunch.

    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～JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainNara～Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meet at Kyoto Station　7:20 Fushimi Inari 9:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　10:20 Kinkaku-ji 11:20 Lunch 12:15 Nijo Castle　13:35 Drop off at Kyoto Station, tour ends

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guest was visiting Japan for the first time from North America, having arrived in Tokyo just two days earlier. While talking with the guest, I was a little surprised to learn that offices in their home region start work at 7:00 a.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m. Even with a one-hour lunch break, that meant a nine-hour workday, and sometimes work continued late into the night. I thought they might work even harder than people in Japan. The guest mentioned that the weather back home was still around 23 degrees Celsius, so Japan felt very cold. Partly because of the cold, the sightseeing spots were all quiet. Since the tour started at 7:00 a.m., we were able to take photos at Fushimi Inari in a very relaxed atmosphere. By the time we reached Arashiyama the number of visitors had increased, but it was not too crowded. Kinkaku-ji was also quiet. We had lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, and the guest mentioned that sushi is very expensive back home. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 7SubwayNijojo-mae～Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,580JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    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: East Gardens Otemon Gate & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: East Gardens Otemon Gate & Yanaka Ginza

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ Hotel
    • 11:05 East Gardens Otemon Gate
    • 12:20 In front of Otemon Gate
    • 12:45 Nezu Shrine
    • 13:30 Yanaka Ginza
    • 14:30 Disband @ Yanaka Ginza

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for a Family Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. The reservation was originally for a smaller number, but on the day the group turned out to be larger. After confirming with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we started the tour as planned. They had earlier visited Ghibli Park in Nagoya and had only done shopping there, so they booked this tour because they wanted to learn about history. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I explained points that seemed interesting enough to keep the group engaged. One of the guests had brought a DSLR camera, so at Nezu Shrine and Yanaka Ginza I pointed out good photo spots, and they quietly focused on capturing them. Although some of the guests seemed a little reserved at first, it was wonderful to see smiles by the end. One of the guests also went into every favorite shop I recommended, buying food and rice crackers, and enjoyed it all very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi Station～Nezu Station180JPY
    Total180JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Request Booking

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up@Capitol Tokyu
    • 11:30 Tsukiji
    • 13:00 Asakusa
    • 14:00 Lunch@Gonpachi
    • 15:55 Meiji Shrine
    • 17:00 Disband@Takeshita Street

    Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street: A Tokyo Private Tour Report by a Licensed Guide The guests were a group of three visiting Japan. Since one of the guests was not feeling well (recovering from an illness), we delayed the start time by one hour and began at 11:00. One of the guests came dressed rather lightly, so I recommended bringing a coat. This coat was a very bright pink, which turned out to be extremely helpful in spotting the guests during the tour. The group had traveled together several times before, and the others gave a wry smile, saying they had gotten used to one guest's love of photography but that it was still a bit much. There were many times during the tour when this guest would go off to take photos here and there and briefly disappear from sight, but thanks to the pink coat I was always able to find them right away. I myself was wearing a bright red coat so that the guests could easily find me if we got separated, which I think made me easy to spot. After the visit to Meiji Shrine, one of the guests, who was not feeling fully well, returned to the Hotel early. The rest of the group headed to Takeshita Street. They mentioned that it might have been just as well that this guest did not come, since it did not seem like a place they would enjoy. After seeing an animal cafe in Asakusa, the guests had become very curious about them, so I introduced them to a pig cafe before saying goodbye. It was nice to see the guests enjoying interacting with the pigs through the window. From here they plan to travel to Hakone and Kyoto, and then travel together to Asia.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKokkai-gijidomae～Tsukiji600JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Yoko

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Request Booking

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: InterContinental Tokyo Bay

    Tokyo in Half a Day: InterContinental Tokyo Bay

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 InterContinental Tokyo Bay
    • 9:30 Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge, Statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Park View Garden
    • 11:00 Abatar Robot Cafe Dawn ver. B
    • 12:30 Asakusa Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
    • 13:00 Dismissal @ Sensoji Temple

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Avatar Cafe I guided a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had previously lived in Tokushima for a year and said they loved Japan. It was the first time in Japan for the group. They had purchased a 3-day subway pass in advance and wished to have it issued, so they bought JR tickets and we issued the pass at a ticket machine at Hibiya Station along the way. We went to an avatar cafe that the guests had found and reserved in advance, where we shared a very interesting experience of talking through robots operated remotely by people with disabilities or those unable to work outside. The person we spoke with was based in North America and we conversed in English. Afterward, I took them to Asakusa, and since they wished to continue shopping on their own, the tour concluded at Sensoji Temple. The guests were very polite, and it was an enjoyable tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho～Tokyo170JPY
    Section 2SubwayHibiya～Kodenmacho180JPY
    Section 3SubwayMitsukoshimae～Asakusa180JPY
    Total530JPY

    Tour Report by Takako

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

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    Jul 21, 2026
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  • Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station

    Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station

    Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa
    • 9:10 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:30 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ueno Park / Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
    • 10:30 Depart Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive Komagome Station
    • Komagome Rikugien Garden
    • 12:00 Komagome Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Akihabara Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive Suidobashi Station
    • Korakuen Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:30 Depart Suidobashi Station
    • (JR Sobu Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • Shinjuku-sanchome Lunch: Tsukiji Sushisei, Isetan Kaikan Branch
    • 15:00 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:10 Arrive Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 16:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 16:30 Dismissal: Asakusa Station

    Title: What's a Private Garden-Focused Day Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Rikugien, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived the previous night on a direct flight to Narita Airport and taken a private car to a hotel in Asakusa. Their trip to Japan lasted about one week, after which they planned to travel on to Asia to visit relatives and celebrate the New Year together. Since one of the guests loves flowers and gardens, we chose to visit parks and botanical gardens. It was a clear day, but the tour took place in a bitingly cold climate. We first headed to Ueno, visiting the peony garden at Toshogu Shrine, where a "Winter Peony" exhibition was being held. One of the guests remarked, "We grow peonies in our own garden too, but here you can see so many varieties — it's wonderful." We then moved to Rikugien. Although only limited flowers could be seen at this time of year, the guests commented, "The scenery of this Japanese garden is superb." They photographed the carp in the pond many times. From there we moved to Koishikawa Korakuen. Again, only aged plum trees could be viewed, but the guests said, "The scenery within the garden is wonderful." At the request to rest a little and have sushi for lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in a department store building in Shinjuku. The guests noted, "Many sushi restaurants have opened in North America too, but they are expensive — about three times the price of eating in Japan — and the quality isn't as good." After this, we moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history of Shinjuku Gyoen, as well as topics such as the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era, the Meiji Restoration, and the current challenges facing the Imperial Family. The guests took many photos in various spots and commented, "The Japanese garden has such charm — it's wonderful," and, "I would love to come again during the cherry blossom season." The guests also shared various impressions: "The city is clean, with no litter scattered around." "The subway is very well made, though it's hard to understand until you get used to it." "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." "This city used to be beautiful and easy to live in, but now the central area has poor public safety and can be dangerous." I saw the guests off at Asakusa Station, and the tour ended.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno Station～Komagome Station167JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome Station～Suidobashi Station178JPY
    Section 4TrainSuidobashi Station～Shinjuku Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku-sanchome Station～Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station178JPY
    Section 7SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Total1,309JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    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.

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    Jul 21, 2026
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