Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet at Kawagoe Station
    • 12:35 By bus to Kitain Temple ~ Naritasan ~ Amazake at the teahouse
    • 14:04 By bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
    • 15:00 By bus to Fudanotsuji ~ Osawa Family Residence ~ Bell of Time ~ Sweet potato sweets at the teahouse ~ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    • 16:30 Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Title: What Is a Private Kawagoe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia who had been to Japan several times and were well acquainted with its history. When I explained that Kawagoe had once been a domain of the Tokugawa family and that it retained the atmosphere of a town that flourished in the past, having escaped earthquakes and air raids, the guests were impressed. We took a bus from Kawagoe Station to Kitain Temple, where we paid our respects in the main hall and then enjoyed the surviving structures of Edo Castle, the room of Kasuga no Tsubone, and the five hundred rakan statues. After that, we took a bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was still crowded with people making their first shrine visit of the New Year, and many had formed a long line toward the main hall to pray. The guests found this scene unusual and took photographs of it. Here they enjoyed a style of omikuji fortune-telling in which you fish for sea bream-shaped figures. We then took a bus to Fudanotsuji and strolled from there through the historic townscape district, shopping along the way. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the streetscape that has continued since the Edo period, and since they planned to stay for dinner, I told them where the bus stop was for their return and we parted ways on site. I believe it was a good tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Kawagoe617JPY
    Section 2BusKawagoe Station～Kawagoe City400JPY
    Section 3TrainKawagoe～Shibuya617JPY
    Total1,634JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

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    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 08:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20　Tokyo Tower
    • 11:15　Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:15　Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:50　Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:00　Meet @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. Some of them were visiting Japan for the first time, while others had been to Japan before. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were scheduled to depart on a cruise tour this evening. The group had originally been expected to include more guests, but some were unable to join due to their circumstances. This tour was conducted using a private chartered vehicle. At Meiji Shrine, likely due to the high volume of vehicles related to the New Year's first shrine visit, the parking area had been moved far from the usual location, which took an unexpected amount of time. I strongly felt that visiting Meiji Shrine by vehicle in January should be avoided. At Tokyo Tower, the guests seemed deeply impressed by the magnificent views of Tokyo. The weather was also fine today, and they were delighted to see Mount Fuji clearly. At Shinjuku Gyoen and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, they enjoyed strolling through the beautiful Japanese gardens. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, they were satisfied.

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

    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…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Station, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour to Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on January 13, 2025, on a sunny day. The tour included exploring the underground path at the temple and a walk along Maple Road. The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on a family trip. One of the guests was studying Japanese, so I showed my homemade simple Japanese memorization chart, and it drew a few laughs because of how rough and casual the content was. 💦 Since one of the guests needed to avoid certain foods, I looked into shops on Miyajima again after a while and discovered a place that serves set meals such as fried chicken made with rice flour. You may already know it, but I am noting it here just in case. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PNBEDG9tDNFu2cGt6?g_st=ic

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Section 4BusAtomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome-mae)～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    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.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel
    • 12:10 Tsukiji Market
    • 13::00 Kiyosumi Shirakawa Garden
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00 Disband at the Shimbashi Station taxi stand
    • 1

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a close-knit group visiting from North America. Every winter they escape the extreme cold of their hometown and spend several months in Europe. On this trip they were staying in Tokyo before continuing on a cruise around various parts of Japan, and then heading onward to Europe. They were very experienced travelers, and their goal was to understand Tokyo as a whole through a guided tour on the first day, after which they wanted to visit the famous spots on their own. When I introduced a rough itinerary they could cover over two days, they were very pleased and grateful. They praised Kiyosumi Garden as truly beautiful, and were surprised by the crowds at Tsukiji and Meiji Shrine. They had a strong interest in food culture and listened attentively to my explanations.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTsukiji Market Station～Kiyosumi Shirakawa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayKiyosumi Shirakawa～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shimbashi210JPY
    Total640JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

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    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Start at Hotel SANRAKU KANAZAWA
    • AM 10:15 Travel by car. From Utasu Shrine to Higashi Chaya District. Visit Shima. Tour of Kinpaku Sakuda
    • AM 11:50 Travel by car to Kinjo Reitaku. From Kinjo Reitaku, visit Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park Ishikawa Gate and Sannomaru
    • PM 13:45 Travel by car. Lunch and sightseeing at Omicho Market
    • PM 14:50 Travel by car. Stroll and shopping at Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 15:50 Travel by car. From in front of the Nomura Family Residence to the hotel
    • PM 16:00 Arrive at hotel. Tour ends

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Who Prefer to Avoid Stairs? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Since I had received information in advance that some of the guests preferred to avoid slopes and stairs, I planned the tour to steer clear of uphill paths and steps as much as possible, coordinating the drop-off and pick-up points with the driver. However, since most sightseeing areas are not accessible by car, I explained and confirmed inside the vehicle just beforehand how much walking would be involved at each stop. By building in rest breaks along the way, we managed to cover the main spots within the available time. Fortunately, the weather was good for this time of year, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed their shopping, so I believe they had a very enjoyable experience.

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

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi from Dobashi tram & museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi from Dobashi tram & museum

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 9:10　Head to Miyajimaguchi from Dobashi tram stop
    • 10:00　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:10　Take the ferry to Miyajima
    • 10:20　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 　　　　Shrine　Daisho-in Temple　Omotesando
    • 12:40　Finish sightseeing in Miyajima and head to Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:50　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:55　Lunch at Okonomiyaki Chinchikurin
    • 13:40　Finish lunch and head to Miyajimaguchi JR Station
    • 14:04　Head to Nishi-Hiroshima Station from Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 14:26　Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:32　Take the bus to the museum
    • 14:43　Arrive at the museum
    • 　　　　Museum　Monument tour
    • 17:00　End of monument tour　Disband

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania around Hiroshima and Miyajima. One of the guests was very interested in history and, before visiting Hiroshima, had visited Mount Koya and studied Kobo Daishi in great detail. Because of this, when I spoke about Daisho-in Temple on Miyajima, the guest listened with great interest to the explanation that Kobo Daishi founded it, that the fire he used 1,200 years ago still burns to this day, and that this flame has been passed on to the "Flame of Peace" in the Peace Memorial Park. This guest also knew that Miyajima is one of the "Three Views of Japan," and I was amazed by the depth of that knowledge. I also received questions such as "Why is vermilion used at shrines?" and "What is the raw material for it?" Since I could not answer right away, I looked it up on the internet together with the guests. Vermilion has been considered a color that wards off evil since ancient times, and its raw material is a mineral called cinnabar, which contains mercury sulfide. However, out of consideration for the environment, we learned that synthetic pigments are used today. Through this exchange, I myself learned a great deal. Overall, the group was highly knowledgeable, and they viewed the explanations at the museum with great enthusiasm.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDobashi～Miyajimaguchi270JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima Station～In front of the museum220JPY
    Total820JPY

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • 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. 9:00 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho
    • 2. 9:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3. 11:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 4. 13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 14:00 Lunch at Santouka Ramen
    • 6. 15:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 7. 16:00 Disband at Shimbashi Station Yurikamome

    Title: What Is a First-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and this was their very first day in the country. Since they had just arrived the day before from Oceania, where it was summer, I offered them heat packs to help with the cold. In Asakusa, they bought ningyo-yaki and fruit from the street stalls, and they were very fond of the warm tea from the vending machines. On the way to Kuramae Station, they enjoyed taking photos with the anime characters displayed at the Bandai headquarters. At Iidabashi Station, on the way to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, we took a slightly wrong exit but corrected it right away. We had intended to get off at Yoyogi Station to head to Meiji Shrine, but ended up getting off at Kitasando Station instead. As it was Coming of Age Day, Meiji Shrine was crowded together with New Year's worshippers, and the worship route was restricted, but we were able to enter through the north torii gate and exit through the first torii gate to the south. From there, for lunch at Santouka Ramen, we were fortunate that a terrace seat opened up right away and we were able to sit. For guests who do not mind the cold, Santouka Ramen with its terrace seating is a great help. After viewing the Shibuya crossing, we parted ways at Shimbashi. The guests seemed to really enjoy the ramen.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKinshicho～Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassKuramae～Iidabashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassIidabashi～Kitasando0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya～Shimbashi0JPY
    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…

  • 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

    • 10:00 Hotel – 10:40 Meiji Shrine – 11:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 11:50 Lunch – 13:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 14:30 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 14:50 Fukagawa Fudodo – 16:20 Animate Ikebukuro Main Store, dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) guide led a private one-day Tokyo tour for guests visiting Japan for the first time. The guests had already traveled to Kyoto, Osaka, Kinosaki, Nara, and Mount Fuji, and Tokyo was to be the final stop of their trip, with only a few days left in Japan. Since they had already visited many shrines and temples, we started at Meiji Jingu, which feels less like a shrine and more like a vast forest. In the Harajuku Takeshita Street area, the guests were surprised by several animal cafes and enjoyed window shopping at many sneaker shops. When I suggested delicious tonkatsu, they immediately chose it for lunch. They savored a fine domestic brand pork, showing that Japan offers more than just wagyu beef.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShinjuku Sumitomo Building～Sangubashi Station230JPY
    Section 2SubwayOmotesando～Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Monzen-Nakacho178JPY
    Section 4SubwayMonzen-Nakacho～Ikebukuro355JPY
    Total941JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

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    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet and depart at the Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae　➡　10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Temple Garden　➡　12:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine　➡　13:10 Gion　➡　After guiding you through Gion, explain how to get to Nishiki Market and disband (13:50)

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Kyoto Like for Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a larger group affiliated with a national space-related organization, divided into a smaller group, while the other groups were handled by other guides from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), which I learned at the hotel on the day. Since we traveled by public transportation, the first thing we did was have everyone purchase ICOCA cards at Kyoto Station. Today happened to be the day of the "Toshiya" archery event at Sanjusangendo, where people wearing traditional formal kimono take part. One of the guests, who noticed people in formal kimono carrying Japanese bows on the train and at the station, was very interested since they practice archery, and struck up an eager conversation about it. In Gion, the guests purchased matcha, a bamboo whisk, and wagashi sweets, and one of the guests made a reservation for a tea ceremony experience. I believe everyone was satisfied with the half-day tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total700JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Request Booking

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Hotel Residence Asakusa Kappabashi (10 min from Ginza Line Tawaramachi, 15 min from Asakusa Station) Meet up
    • Stroll around Senso-ji Temple to Ginza Line Asakusa Station
    • 1015 Ueno Station　Purchase Oscar's Suica and confirm whether next week's Shinkansen stops at Ueno
    • 1050 Nippori　Yanaka Ginza　Yomise Street　Hebi Road　Nezu Shrine
    • 1240 Ueno　Explain the overview of Ueno Park while transferring from JR to Ginza Line
    • 1255 Asakusa
    • 1310 Tokyo Skytree
    • 1320 Purchase tickets, confirm boarding the elevator, then disband

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like Before a Ski Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Oceania. They arrived at Narita Airport last night and came to their hotel by a car arranged through a travel agency. For this assignment, the travel agency acting as intermediary did not permit direct contact with the guests, so it proceeded with a certain sense of frustration. Not only the email address but also the mobile phone number were not shared until the last minute. This morning we were able to meet successfully via SMS. The guests will stay two nights in Tokyo and then go skiing at Tsugaike for several days starting Monday the 13th. (Guests from Oceania the other day were similarly heading to Hakuba.) It does seem that there are many ski visitors from Oceania. After that, they plan to return to Tokyo the day before their departure and stay in Shinjuku. Since they had no ideas beyond skiing, I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained candidate destinations for sightseeing in Tokyo tomorrow and on the day before their departure. Tomorrow they may go to teamLab in Toyosu. Last night they had sushi and were delighted to try sea urchin for the first time. One of the guests was very curious about Japanese sweets, and I explained various kinds. They apparently wanted to eat "dorayaki," but we could not find any, so I suggested they look for it at Nakamise on the way back. Instead, at a dango shop just before Nezu Station, they enjoyed daifuku mochi and mitarashi dango very much. At checkout it came to about 800 yen, which was around 7 Australian dollars, and they were surprised at how inexpensive it was. Indeed, it was about half the price of Nakamise. Perhaps they may not feel that Nakamise prices or Toyosu prices are expensive either.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Ueno178JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Nippori146JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu～Nishi-Nippori178JPY
    Section 4TrainNishi-Nippori～Ueno146JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusa～Tokyo Skytree157JPY
    Total983JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…