Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

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

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet up　@Hotel
    • 2. 08:45 ＠Peace Park　＠Peace Memorial Museum
    • 3. 11:55 ＠Miyajima
    • 4. 12:15 Lunch＠Kuwaranka
    • 5. 13:00 ＠Itsukushima Shrine・Daisho-in Temple
    • 6. 15:00 ＠Hiroshima Castle
    • 7. 16:30 ＠Hotel

    Weather Report: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather forecast predicted rain until around 9:00, so I suggested moving the tour start time back by one hour, and since the guests preferred this, I changed the start time from 7:30 to 8:30. By the time we left the Peace Memorial Museum the rain had stopped, and everything went smoothly afterward. The region in Oceania where the guests live is a place that was heavily bombed by the Japanese military around 1942, and against this varied historical background, they took their time viewing the museum. Even today, the disposal of unexploded ordnance is said to remain an issue, which gave me a very thought-provoking and educational opportunity. The group was cheerful, polite, and close-knit, and everyone eagerly took photos. They also seemed to enjoy the okonomiyaki for lunch very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima～Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi～Shin-Hakushima330JPY
    Section 4OtherShin-Hakushima～Kenchomae190JPY
    Total1,820JPY

    Tour Report by Kahori

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

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    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet (Mimaru Suite Kyoto Shijo)
    • 9:00-9:40 Travel (Hankyu train; Shijo-Karasuma → Arashiyama)
    • 9:40-10:40 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple / Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 10:40-11:20 Travel (Keifuku train; Arashiyama → Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 11:20-12:20 Visit Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch (＠Kappo Chikucharyo / near Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 13:20-13:50 Travel (taxi at customer's expense; Ryoan-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji Temple)
    • 13:50-14:40 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:40 Farewell at the Kinkaku-ji Temple taxi stand
    • 　(After visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, we had originally planned to take you to Nijo Castle and say farewell there, but the rain grew heavy and the customer requested to return to the hotel, so we escorted them to the Kinkaku-ji Temple taxi stand and said farewell there)

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had originally planned for a larger group, but one of the guests remained at the hotel due to being unable to walk for long distances, so the group proceeded with the original schedule. I suggested using a contracted taxi for transportation, but since it would have been costly, we continued as planned. Throughout the tour, it rained continuously, and even with umbrellas everyone got quite wet, so I imagine the enjoyment of the tour was somewhat diminished. One of the guests mentioned during our walk to the restaurant that they were struck by the traditional Japanese houses (detached homes), noting how little space there is between one house and the next. One of the guests commented that Ryoan-ji Temple was wonderful, though I may have explained it in a slightly too complicated way. After Kinkaku-ji Temple, the plan had been to take the group to Nijo Castle before saying goodbye, but since the rain kept falling heavily, the guests wished to return to the hotel. I escorted them to the taxi stand and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-Karasuma～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Ryoan-ji Temple250JPY
    Section 3OtherRyoan-ji Temple～Kinkaku-ji Temple0JPY
    Total490JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

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    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Hiroshima: Museum

    Hiroshima: Museum

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00　Meet at the Hotel
    • 　　　　Head to the museum on foot.
    • 　　　　Explain the Hiroshima Municipal Girls' High School Atomic Bomb Memorial along the way
    • 10:30　Museum
    • 　　　　Memorial monument tour
    • 14:00　Memorial monument tour ends
    • 14:10　Guide to Okonomiyaki Benbee, then disband

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania. Since the distance from the Hotel to the museum was short, we traveled on foot. Along the way, I explained the memorial monument dedicated to the students who died during building demolition work. This monument commemorates more than 600 students who lost their lives during the building demolition efforts. On the box held by the central figure, Einstein's formula for atomic energy is inscribed. Because the speech restrictions of the time made it impossible to use images or words that directly depicted the atomic bomb, the formula was used as a symbolic expression as a last resort. The guests were deeply moved by this explanation. One of the guests took a particularly deep interest in the atomic bomb and viewed the materials with great attention. Some of the guests had been looking forward to visiting Hiroshima and had a strong desire to learn about the atomic bomb, asking many questions eagerly. At the Children's Peace Monument, the guests wrote messages of peace on recycled paper made from folded paper cranes and posted them. Since the guests planned to visit Miyajima the following day, I explained about Miyajima as well, which they were very pleased to hear. Finally, I guided them to an okonomiyaki restaurant. After the guests were seated, I told them, "This concludes the tour." At that point, some of the guests deliberately stood up, shook my hand, and greeted me politely. I was deeply impressed by their courtesy.

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

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    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 in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up　Keio Plaza
    • 10:50 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:10 Asakusa
    • 13:40 Shibuya
    • 14:00 Dismissal Chiku Chiku Cafe

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and More The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. After staying in Tokyo for a while, they planned to continue on to Hokkaido for skiing. They were very friendly and pleasant, and it was a joy to guide them. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed the atmosphere with steamed pork buns, yakitori, and hot sake. They took a great liking to a coffee shop once visited by John Lennon and Seiji Ozawa, taking many photos there. In Asakusa, they were amazed by the busiest crowds of the year and the long line for prayer. When I took them to a hedgehog cafe they had reserved, one of the guests was thrilled and full of excitement. They thanked me warmly, saying they had a wonderful time, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Shijo Station280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya290JPY
    Total860JPY

    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.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & JR Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & JR Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:08 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:42 Lunch @ Shijo Karasuma
    • 15:03 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although it rained all day, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sanjusangendo as planned. They toured every site with great interest and asked many questions. In particular, at Sanjusangendo, they seemed quite impressed by the sight of numerous Buddhist statues arranged in neat rows and by the archery competition that began four hundred years ago. At the end, they asked to take a photo together, which I was happy to do. Overall, I believe they enjoyed the tour.

    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 2TrainFushimi Inari～Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi～Shijo Karasuma230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Karasuma～Higashiyama Shichijo230JPY
    Section 6BusMuseum Sanjusangendo～Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    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 One Day: Departure: Depart from Ueno & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Ueno & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: The STAYME the hotel Tokyo
    • 9:10 Departure: Depart from Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:20 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 10:00 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:15 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • Break: Doutor Coffee
    • 11:00 Depart from Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Kamiyacho Station
    • Shiba Tokyo Tower
    • Lunch: Food Court
    • 12:30 Depart from Kamiyacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Depart from Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:00 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Ueno Station

    Tokyo Private One-Day Tour Report: What Can You See in a Day from Ueno with a Licensed Guide? The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. Two days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport via a connecting flight, then taken the Narita Express to Ueno Station. The previous day, they had strolled around the Ueno area and enjoyed an izakaya tour in the evening. This trip was an approximately two-week visit to Japan. They planned to stay in Tokyo for only three days, then travel around Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. After returning to Tokyo, they planned to head home. They said, "We want to enjoy various kinds of Japanese food." The tour took place under clear skies in pleasant weather. They remarked, "It really is colder here than where we come from." First, we headed to Asakusa. We passed from Kaminarimon through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. It was extremely crowded. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming Tokyo, what a five-story pagoda is, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. There were questions such as, "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" After that, we went to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. Here too it was very crowded, and there were questions such as, "Why are there so many people?" and "Who comes here, and what do they buy?" We took a break at a cafe inside Ueno Station. From there, we moved on to Tokyo Tower. I explained about Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. We were able to faintly see Mount Fuji. They said, "Now I really understand that Tokyo is a vast, sprawling metropolis." We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about the Meiji Restoration, about Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. They said, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the heart of the city. It feels so refreshing." After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the scramble crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here as well, there were questions like, "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or are they travelers?" There were also comments such as, "Japanese people are all so polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash cans?", "The subway is very well made, but it's hard to understand until you get used to it," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." I saw the guests off at Ueno Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Kamiyacho Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayKamiyacho Station～Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Ueno Station209JPY
    Total1,098JPY

    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.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo: Shibuya & Asakusa/Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo: Shibuya & Asakusa/Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Pick up at the hotel.
    • 9:20 Head to Tsukiji Market by subway and stroll through the outer market.
    • 10:30 Walk from Tsukiji to Ginza
    • 11:20 Guide through the Imperial Palace from Sakuradamon Gate.
    • 12:30 Move to Shibuya.
    • 13:30 Stroll through Meiji Shrine
    • 14:40 Move to Takeshita Street.
    • 15:30 Move to Asakusa/Sensoji Temple.
    • 16:50 Move from Asakusa to Akihabara and end the tour.

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Tsukiji to Akihabara 9:00 Pickup at the Hotel. Since this assignment came in suddenly the day before, I was unable to contact the guests directly, but I headed to the Hotel and we were able to meet up without any trouble. The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. 9:20 We took the subway to Tsukiji Market and strolled through the outer market. The guests seemed to love seafood and enjoyed trying many different things at Tsukiji Market. At Namiyoke Shrine within the market, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and how to worship, and they were very interested. 10:30 We walked from Tsukiji to Ginza. To help the guests get familiar with the area near their Hotel (Hatchobori), we walked from Tsukiji to Ginza. Along the way, I explained about Godzilla Minus One, which they enjoyed. 11:20 I guided them through the Imperial Palace from Sakuradamon. In front of the Imperial Palace, I gave various explanations about the imperial family, and in front of Nijubashi they took many photos and seemed to have a great time. 12:30 We moved to Shibuya. After taking them to Shibuya Crossing, we headed to Meiji Shrine. 13:30 We strolled through Meiji Shrine. There were still many people around, so it took some time to reach the place of worship, but the guests experienced the uniquely Japanese atmosphere. They also purchased several kinds of omamori charms, which pleased them. 14:40 We moved to Takeshita Street. I introduced Takeshita Street as a spot beloved by young people, and after experiencing it themselves, the guests enjoyed the various fashions and animal cafes, saying they would like to come back during their stay in Japan. 15:30 We moved to Asakusa and Sensoji Temple. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the unique atmosphere of Asakusa, and the guests enjoyed the street food from the various stalls. 16:50 We moved from Asakusa to Akihabara, where the tour ended. Since one of the guests was an anime fan who wanted to buy figures, I took them to Akihabara at the end. I introduced the main shops and concluded the tour.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed 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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • 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

    • ①　09:00　Meet at Hiiragiya Ryokan
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④　11:30　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑤　13:00　Lunch on Sanjo/Teramachi Street
    • ⑥　13:50　Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • ⑦　14:30　Pontocho ～ Tatsumi Bridge/Shinbashi
    • ⑧　15:30　Kennin-ji Temple
    • ⑨　16:15　Yasui Konpira Shrine ～ Yasaka Pagoda ～ Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka
    • ⑩　16:45　Yasaka Shrine
    • ⑪　17:00　Disband in front of Yasaka Shrine

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and this was their first time in Japan and Kyoto. They were both very friendly and cheerful, joking around throughout the day, so we had a wonderful and enjoyable time together. As many guests do, they were very keen to ask about the shogun and the emperor, Buddhism and Shinto, and how the coexistence of these actually works. One amusing question they had was about Japanese toilets: some have air jets and some don't, which they said would be almost unthinkable in other countries, so why is that the case here, and don't the locals ever complain? They were full of curiosity. I answered that in Japan, from the first year of elementary school, teachers check every morning at assembly whether students have brought a handkerchief and tissues and whether they have trimmed their nails, so even as adults, Japanese people always carry a handkerchief and tissues. Because of this, most people don't mind even if there is no air jet in the toilet. They were both quite impressed. They also asked why some places have warm water and others only cold water, seemingly at random. I explained that in Japan all tap water is drinkable and of the same quality, and whether or not the water is heated depends on each facility since heating costs money. They said "I see," but still seemed to want to say something more, so I just laughed it off. It was like this the whole day. It was a lot of fun. Also, please note that at Kennin-ji Temple, guides have been charged an admission fee since last year, so I have attached a copy of the receipt.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo170JPY
    Total390JPY

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 13:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 16:00 @ Egret Himeji
    • 16:15 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 16:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    # What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and I felt they already had considerable knowledge about Japan. Some of the guests took photos and videos enthusiastically everywhere we went. One of the guests loved Shiba Inu dogs, and we happened to be able to take a photo with a Shiba Inu that was out for a walk in front of Himeji Castle, which made them very happy. They also mentioned wanting to try a matcha drink, so they enjoyed one at a shop in the shopping arcade near the castle and seemed very satisfied. Today was during the New Year period, so at both Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden many staff members in samurai costumes were happily posing for photos. After this tour, the guests were heading to Hiroshima, so we parted at the Shinkansen ticket gate of JR Himeji Station. The tour was scheduled to end at 17:00, but for some reason they had reserved a Shinkansen departing at 16:46.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TAKESHITA STREET & TSUKIJI Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: TAKESHITA STREET & TSUKIJI Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 meet at MONday Apart Premium Akihabara Asakusabashi
    • 10:00 1. TAKESHITA STREET
    • 11:45 2. SHIBUYA CROSSING and the Pokemon Center
    • 13:30 3. Ginza, the Mitsukoshi
    • 15:00 4. TSUKIJI Outer Market

    What Is a Non-Temple, Family-Friendly Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was an itinerary unlike any I had experienced before. In advance, I received an email suggesting "fun for kids" as a theme for the destinations, so I responded with an itinerary that included no shrines or temples at all. In the end, this proved to be a great success. On Takeshita Street, the guests shopped and enjoyed street food as they pleased, spending nearly two unexpected hours having a great time. In Shibuya as well, after the famous crossing, we went straight to the Pokémon Center, where they leisurely explored the various floors, including the sixth floor. In Ginza, when I guided them to the basement food hall of the Mitsukoshi department store, they happily purchased a variety of prepared dishes and enjoyed them at the tables and chairs along the pedestrian paradise on Chuo-dori. When a group of Japanese guests seated nearby kindly offered their unused chairs, I truly felt the goodness of Japan as a guide. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I guided them on a full loop and recommended some spots before taking my leave.

    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 Toei One-Day Pass_Toei Asakusabashi Station～Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Toei One-Day Pass_Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya～Ginza～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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

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

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

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

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

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

    Apr 3, 2026
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    We had the absolute pleasure of spending…