Category: Uncategorized

  • 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. 10:00　Meet up＠Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 10:45　＠Akihabara（Warhammer store）
    • 3. 12:00 　＠Asakusa（Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park）
    • 4. 13:30　＠Nihonbashi
    • 5. 14:00　Lunch＠Tokyo Station
    • 6. 14:40　＠Imperial Palace（Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate）
    • 7. 15:20　＠Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 15:45　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 9. 16:30　Disband＠Shinjuku Isetan Underground Entrance

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akihabara, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests joined this one-day Tokyo tour after spending about a week in Okinawa, before continuing to Tokyo, and were scheduled to return to North America the day after. They participated as friends, and one of them had visited Japan about four years earlier, at which time they had gone to Tokyo Disneyland. There was a request to stop by a shop selling Warhammer-related goods, so we first headed to the Warhammer Store & Cafe in Akihabara, timing our visit for the quieter morning hours. They were very pleased to be able to shop just as they had hoped. They immediately sent photos and videos taken in front of the shop online, which was greatly appreciated by the recipient. The other guest was not particularly interested in that shop, but at Asakusa, which we visited right afterward, they were delighted to find beautiful, craft-quality chopsticks along the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple and purchased several. They also fully enjoyed mitarashi dango and anko dango at a dango shop on a back street. For lunch, they wished to have ramen, so I guided them to Ramen Street in the basement of Tokyo Station, but as it was Saturday, every shop had long lines. To avoid using up sightseeing time waiting, I looked for another option and found an udon restaurant we could enter without waiting. They ordered kitsune udon and niku udon, and although it was a first-time taste for them, they commented that it was "delicious." Throughout the walk, they said several times how much fun they were having, and took many photos everywhere we went. When we finally parted at the basement entrance of the Isetan department store in Shinjuku, they seemed tired but very satisfied with the time we had spent together.

    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 Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station～Hibiya Line Akihabara Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Nihonbashi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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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!…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Hanamachi Art Museum

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Hanamachi Art Museum

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30 Toji Kobo Market
    • 13:20 Nishiki Market + Lunch
    • 14:50 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:35 Pontocho ~ Gion Hanamikoji
    • 16:20 Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
    • 17:00 Hotel Kyoto

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. I arranged an itinerary that followed almost all of their wishes and proceeded accordingly. Because breaks took a fair amount of time, we discussed the situation and decided to skip part of the itinerary, but I believe everyone was satisfied. In particular, the Kobo-ichi market, which had been scheduled to coincide with our visit, along with the streetscape of Gion and the Kaburenjo art museum of the geisha district, deeply moved everyone. They were also grateful that I was able to see them back to their hotel exactly on schedule.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:20 Pick-up at Narita Airport
    • 12:30 After arriving at Tokyo Station, start the tour after temporarily storing the luggage.
    • 13:00 Guide from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace.
    • 13:50 Move to Meiji Shrine.
    • 15:40 Guide to Takeshita Street
    • 16:20 Move to Shibuya.
    • 16:50 After moving to Ginza, guide through the main areas.
    • 17:30 Return to Tokyo Station and end the tour

    Can You Do a Half-Day Private Tokyo Tour After Landing at Narita? A Licensed Guide's Report During the pre-tour discussion, the guests had hoped to arrive at Narita at 10:30 and start a four-hour tour at 12:00, but I judged this to be impossible time-wise, so we arranged a pickup at Narita Airport on the condition that the guests would cover the transportation costs. The guests were staying in Japan for a few days before returning to North America after visiting Asia, so this became a half-day sightseeing tour of central Tokyo. After arriving at Tokyo Station by bus, we left the luggage in temporary storage and began the tour. From there, I guided the group from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace. I explained the origins of the Imperial family and the history of Edo Castle, and since the guests had just watched the film "Shogun," they toured the area with deep appreciation. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and between shrines and temples, and the guests seemed very pleased. On the way back, they received an amulet and a goshuin stamp in the goshuin book they had brought, which delighted them greatly. On Takeshita Street, the guests seemed amazed by Japan's unique pop culture and enjoyed seeing an animal cafe. In Shibuya, I took the group to the Hachiko statue and the Shibuya Crossing, where they eagerly took many photos. Since the accommodation was in Higashi-Ginza, I then guided the group around central Ginza and recommended a visit either that evening or on another day. We returned to Tokyo Station, and after picking up the luggage, I guided the group to the taxi stand and concluded the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

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    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

    May 27, 2026
    jackie m
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Our guide was really interesting and had…

    Apr 9, 2026
    Lindsey_W
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Atsushi, was…
    Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…

  • Miyagi in One Day: Oshima & Urakasumi Brewery Saura

    Miyagi in One Day: Oshima & Urakasumi Brewery Saura

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Sendai Kotodai Koen
    • 10:00~11:08 Travel (walk ~ Sendai City Subway Kotodai Koen Station ~ Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station ~ Matsushimakaigan Station)
    • 11:10~12:00 @ Oshima
    • 12:00~12:10 @ Godaido (viewing from the quay as the Sukashibashi bridge is under construction)
    • 12:10~13:40 @ Fukuurabashi Bridge ~ Fukuura Island
    • 13:40~14:20 @ Zuiganji Temple approach ~ Sanshodo ~ Ibuki ~ Tenrin-in (Mausoleum of Date Iroha-hime)
    • 14:32~14:42 Travel (Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station ~ Hon-Shiogama Station)
    • 14:50~15:30 @ Urakasumi Brewery Saura
    • 15:59~16:29 Travel (Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station ~ Aoba-dori Station)
    • 16:30~16:45 Guide to dinner venue (Marumatsu Ichibancho branch)
    • 16:45 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Matsushima and Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Through prior email correspondence, we learned that the originally requested Kirin Beer Sendai Factory is closed on Mondays, so as an alternative I proposed a visit to the Urakasumi sake brewery in Shiogama, located midway between Sendai and Matsushima. Just before the tour, we discovered that the Sukashibashi bridge leading to Godaido in Matsushima was closed for repair work until the end of March, so we decided to view it from the quay side and to keep the later part of the itinerary relaxed. The guest accepted this, as it was their first visit to a sake brewery. Since meals were provided only in the morning and evening, no lunch was needed, so we decided to take our time and explore thoroughly (I got very hungry, which was tough for me). Instead, they asked me to recommend an affordable place for dinner, so I picked out several options accessible from around the Hotel. The guest was very energetic, and although Oshima and Fukuurajima islands are usually visited only at key points, they said "since we're here, let's go as far as we can," so we explored every corner of both islands. To make up for not being able to cross to Godaido, we added the approach path to Zuiganji Temple and the Iroha-hime mausoleum at Tenrin-in, and by stopping off at Urakasumi in Shiogama on the way back to Sendai, I kept the long travel time between Matsushima and Sendai from feeling long. During the tour we chatted constantly. At Urakasumi they showed us an English video about sake brewing in addition to the tasting, and while the guest enjoyed sampling at the counter I gave a mini lecture on sake making. My experience last year guiding international students on a sake brewing tour for the National Tax Agency came in handy. The tasting service for the guest was even given as a bonus, which delighted them greatly. I asked "Is it okay to have alcohol on an empty stomach?" and they said "This much is fine." On the way back, when I offered to take them to a family restaurant near the Hotel, they surprised me by saying "Actually, my real accommodation is the Hotel. I chose the Hotel in Kotodai Park as the meeting point because I thought an easy-to-find place would be better." I said "You could have told me when we confirmed," but they explained they had come to the meeting point while exploring the city. I gave them a Sendai city map I had on hand, suggesting they use it for the next day's travels. On the way back, instead of taking the subway, I took them to a Japanese-style family restaurant, Marumatsu, and since they were going to eat there, we parted ways at that point.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendai City Subway Namboku Line Kotodai Koen Station～Sendai City Subway Namboku Line Sendai Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station～JR Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station～JR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station～JR Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station330JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: 30 @ Asakusa & 30 @ Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: 30 @ Asakusa & 30 @ Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @ Gateway Premium Nihonbashi
    • 2:10:30 @ Asakusa
    • 3.12:30 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 4:13:30 @ Shibuya
    • 5:14:00 Disband @ Shibuya Uobei

    What Is a First-Time Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was quite cold, but they mentioned that it was warmer than where they come from, which they said gets much colder. Everyone was very interested in Japanese history, architecture, and culture, and they listened attentively to my explanations. One of the guests loved photography and enthusiastically took pictures, saying that Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine were beautiful. They wished to receive a goshuin (shrine stamp), but perhaps because it was still the New Year period, Meiji Shrine was quite crowded with worshippers, the sales location was different from usual, and there was a very long line, so they said they would come back another time. Since their JR Pass had not been activated yet, we activated it at the JR ticket office in Shibuya, experienced Hachiko and the Shibuya crossing, and since they wanted to eat sushi, I guided them to a sushi restaurant, ending the tour. They plan to visit Mount Fuji and Kyoto next. They were a wonderful group who got along very well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMitsukoshimae～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total576JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Hida Kokubunji Temple & Takayama Jinya

    Gifu in Half a Day: Hida Kokubunji Temple & Takayama Jinya

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00…Meet in front of Takayama Station
    • 13:10…Hida Kokubunji Temple
    • 13:40…Stroll along the Miyagawa River
    • 14:00…Shopping at the souvenir shops
    • 14:20…Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
    • 15:00…Sanmachi Street (sake tasting)
    • 15:30…Takayama Jinya
    • 16:50…End of the guide in front of Takayama Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The snow had largely melted and it felt a little warmer. The guests were visitors from Asia, and the tour was conducted in English. The guests both spoke English fluently, and we enjoyed exploring Takayama while chatting in a friendly atmosphere. In front of the tourist information center, I explained the itinerary and gave an overview of Takayama. At Hida Kokubunji Temple, the guests actually offered a prayer in front of the main hall. They also drew an omikuji fortune. Since it was written in Japanese, I translated it, saying, "This is lucky. Travel in particular is auspicious." They smiled happily. The guests were traveling in Japan for this trip, having left family behind at home with a relative to look after things. While strolling along the Miyagawa River, the guests purchased a pair of chopsticks. At the Hachimangu Shrine, I explained the two bows, two claps, and one bow, and the guests actually offered a prayer. We visited three sake breweries along Sannomachi Street, and the guests enjoyed tasting different varieties of sake at each. They also savored Hida beef sushi. The Takayama Jinya was indeed very cold, so we put on the slippers I had prepared and toured it at a leisurely pace. In the Arashiyama room, while viewing the pine tree in the garden, I explained, "The pine is the most auspicious tree and a symbol of longevity," and the guests replied, "It is the same in our country." I found this interesting. We returned to Takayama Station, and I recommended a restaurant for dinner to conclude the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Lily

    Hi, everyone! I’m Yuriko Suematsu, a government licensed tour guide. Please call me Lily, because Yuri means Lily in English.
    I like Japanese history, culture, and Japanese castles. Especially, I like tea ceremony in kimono.(I’m also a licensed kimono dresser.)
    So, I sometimes guide around Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Osaka, Nara and Nagoya in kimono.
    There are lots of beautiful places to visit in Japan.
    Especially, I recommend you to visit Kyoto and Nara if you are interested in Japanese ancient history. Nara and Kyoto are both ancient capital cities over 1000 years ago.
    I also recommend you to visit Gifu(Shirakawa-go and Takayama), my hometown if you want to enjoy rural nostalgic atmosphere.
    If you’re interested in Japanese castles, I recommend you to visit Himeji, Osaka, Kanazawa and Nagoya. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time to see beautiful castles.
    Let’s enjoy Japanese culture and history together!

    Request Booking

    Apr 16, 2026
    maerlaeb
    Wonderful tour on the Nakasendo Trail
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had the…

    Apr 14, 2026
    Andrew K
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour
    Highly recommended! Yuriko-san was so knowledgeable and patient.…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Sydney_N
    We had a wonderful tour…
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour in…

    Sep 12, 2025
    Cornishgirl22
    Wonderful tour of Takayama
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Lily contacted me a few weeks before…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Okazaki Shrine

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Okazaki Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
    • 10:10-10:50 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:40-12:05 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 12:50-13:35 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:00-14:50 @ Nijo Castle
    • 15:10-15:15 @ Okazaki Shrine
    • 15:30 Dismiss @ Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for a Family Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The advance information stated four adults, but the actual group turned out to be a family group. We met in the hotel lobby around 9:30am, but the departure was slightly delayed because some of the guests went back to their room to get warm clothing such as knit caps. They had arrived in Japan only two days earlier via Osaka and mentioned they were still experiencing jet lag. One of the guests was visiting Japan for the second time, while the others were on their first visit. Fushimi Inari Taisha and the other sites were not very crowded, so we were able to explore smoothly. After strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, they said they wanted to eat something light, so we took a short 15-minute snack break at a stall inside the Randen Arashiyama Station. Since one of the guests happened to be nine years old, I shared the story of how Ashikaga Yoshimochi became shogun at the age of nine while we were at Kinkaku-ji, which sparked a bit of lively conversation. When one of the guests had visited Japan previously, they had gone to Nijo Castle, but at that time the Ninomaru Palace was closed. This time they were able to go inside and were very pleased. Due to time constraints, our visit to Okazaki Shrine ended with just taking a few photos. After that, I saw the guests off at their hotel and we parted ways.

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

    Tour Report by Kaz

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • walk 3 minutes
    • 9:15-9:45 Kofukuji Temple
    • walk 15 minutes while playing with and feeding deer
    • 10:20-12:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine & its Museum
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:10 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:40- Todaiji Temple
    • 12:50-13:20 lunch at Emado Chaya
    • 13:30-50 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:10-40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:10- Nara-machi (Old Merchant Quarters of the town)
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 16:10 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station or elsewhere

    What Is a Private Cultural and Religious History Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from South America. The group showed genuine interest in everything. They seemed fully convinced by explanations of how both Shinto and Buddhism evolved significantly from their original forms into what they are today. They were among the few guests who were familiar with Manichaeism, which could be described as one of the oldest world religions. I wish I had had enough time to hear how Arab culture, the Arabic language, and Islam are perceived in their home region.

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

    Tour Report by Junichi

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

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    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji & Ksrasuma

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkakuji & Ksrasuma

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
    • 10:00 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
    • 11:00 Ryoanji (600) by taxi
    • 12:30 Adashino Nenbutsuji (500) by taxi
    • 13:30 Lunch (Satsukitei)
    • 14:00 Gioji (300) by walking
    • 14:30 Bamboo grove by walking
    • 15:30 Arashiyama Togetsukyo and the Monkey Park(800)
    • 16:10 Randen Arashiyama
    • 16:30 Ksrasuma (Hankyu Railway)
    • End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and the Monkey Park Body: The guests visited Kyoto from Oceania, coming after Miyajima, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and Osaka. Since they had enjoyed okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style) so much in Hiroshima and wanted to have it again, I recommended "Warai," a local okonomiyaki restaurant in Kyoto. Because they wanted to drink matcha, we enjoyed thin tea at a shop within the grounds of Kinkaku-ji, our first destination. After Ryoan-ji, we went to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Gio-ji. At Gio-ji the autumn leaves were completely bare, but the moss was reasonably beautiful and the guests were pleased. Since one of the guests likes coffee, we went to the Arashiyama branch of Arabica, but it was extremely crowded. As they mentioned they would be sightseeing around the Higashiyama area the next day, I let them know that the Arabica main store near Kiyomizu-dera would likely be less crowded. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, it felt like about 90% of the visitors were international tourists. One of the guests loves monkeys and was very excited feeding them. Since they wanted to return to the Hotel using PASMO, we took the Randen tram to Sai, transferred to the Hankyu line, and finished the tour at Karasuma Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRanden Arashiyama～Sai250JPY
    Section 2TrainSai～Karasuma170JPY
    Total420JPY

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari & Tenryu-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at Dhawa Yura Kyoto
    • 09:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 11:30 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove – Nonomiya Shrine – Kameyama Park – Oi River Riverside)
    • 12:30 Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:40 Lunch (Sushi Restaurant Naritaya: near Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 13:20 Tenryu-ji Temple (Main Hall + Garden)
    • 15:10 Dismiss: at Kinkaku-ji-michi bus stop (after guidance on the route back to Gion)

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Arashiyama and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, and this was a repeat visit to Japan for both, though their first time in Kyoto. Both were great fans of Japan. One of the guests was drawn to Japanese anime (which started with a certain character franchise), samurai and ninja culture, and Japan's rich and varied food culture. Being a sports enthusiast, they had recently become a fan of a particular Major League Baseball player, and even during the guiding they asked me questions about Japanese professional baseball. As arranged at the start, after sightseeing in Arashiyama I guided them to the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop (and, at the guests' request, gave them directions for continuing on to the Gion area). We exchanged smiles and a handshake there and parted ways (15:10).

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    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Randen Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusHakubaicho～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Total940JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

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    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

    Apr 23, 2025
    Simon S
    Enjoyable and informative
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    The service was friendly…