Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: cup of Coffee at the restaurant

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: cup of Coffee at the restaurant

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting at the Hotel Vista
    • 11:10 Taking a Jet Ferry to Miyajima Island from Peace Memorial Park
    • 11:55 Arriving at the Miyajima Island and visiting the Shrine, Daiganji temple, Five-
    • storied Pagoda, and Senjyo Kaku Pavilion
    • 13:55 A cup of Coffee at the restaurant
    • 14:10 Goodbye at the free bus station to the ropeway

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests first said they wanted to go to Miyajima as early as possible to see the shrine and the five-story pagoda, and to ride the ropeway up Mount Misen. So we headed to Miyajima on the 11:10 jet ferry. While waiting for the ferry to Miyajima, I talked about the Atomic Bomb Dome in Peace Memorial Park and about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. At the shrine, questions came up about weddings and about the boats that pass under the torii gate. As for the five-story pagoda, the re-roofing work on its cypress-bark roof was set to begin on the 18th. Saying "You were lucky," I explained the five-story pagoda. Inside Senjokaku, the guests also enjoyed the votive tablets (ema). In Hiroshima, they said they wanted to head back early because they also wanted to visit the castle. For reference, I informed them of the return times for the jet ferry. However, after 4 p.m. it showed "fully booked." I suspect they may not have been able to board. I hope they were able to enjoy the illuminations at Hiroshima Castle.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori～Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Total1,320JPY

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

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    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 11:00 Zojoji Temple
    • 11:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13:10 Lunch @Ichikakuya
    • 14:00 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00 From Harajuku through Cat Street to Shibuya
    • 15:40 Disband in front of Hachiko

    What Is a Private Tour from Shinagawa to Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors who had been to Japan many times before, so it was difficult to suggest new sightseeing spots, and adjusting the itinerary took time even with correspondence beforehand. The route — from Shinagawa to Zojoji Temple, Hamarikyu Gardens, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond, and then from Harajuku through Cat Street to Shibuya — was only settled after discussing it on the morning of the tour itself. Since we did not spend much time at each place, we finished a little early in Shibuya. The weather was very nice that day, and the guests took many photos. On the Toei subway from Shinagawa to Daimon, we had to wait quite a while at Shinagawa Station due to the effects of a Keikyu line accident. At Zojoji Temple, we entered the Tokugawa family mausoleum, and there were questions such as why Kazunomiya's tomb was so lavish. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, there was a very long line to go inside, so we gave up on entering. The intersection at Harajuku and Omotesando were also extremely crowded. There was not much interest shown in Cat Street. Finally, I explained the history of Hachiko and Shibuya, and we finished about 20 minutes early.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Daimon308JPY
    Section 2TrainDaimon～Shiodome178JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi～Ueno167JPY
    Section 4TrainYushima～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total862JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ariake Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ariake Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting place: Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake
    • 12:15 Depart Ariake Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Tsukijishijo Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 14:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:15 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 16:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 17:00 Arrive Ariake Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Yurikamome Ariake Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They were on a two-week holiday trip. They had arrived at Narita the previous night and traveled to their hotel by hired car. They planned to stay in Tokyo for four days, then travel around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning home from Kansai Airport. They mentioned that they planned to visit Disneyland the next day and the day after. It was a tour under clear skies. We met at the hotel at 12:00. We took the Yurikamome line via Toyosu Station to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained "the history of fish markets since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." First, we went to "Tsukiji Uogashi." Here too they took photos here and there. After that, we went to the outer market. We looked around various shops, and the guests bought and sampled grilled crab and shrimp as well as matcha ice cream. There were questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and "Are these people who live in Tokyo, or are there many travelers from overseas?" For some reason, the "white strawberries" were very popular. After that, we went to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. This place was also very crowded, and there were questions such as "Why are there so many people?" and "Who comes here, and what do they buy?" From here, we moved on 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?", "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?", and "How many Christians are there in Japan?" There was a comment: "Tokyo is so clean everywhere. There is no litter on the ground." There were also comments and questions such as "I don't see any homeless people" and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" As the guests wished to be taken back to the hotel, I saw them off at Ariake Station on the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAriake Station～Toyosu Station251JPY
    Section 2SubwayToyosu Station～Tsukishima Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukishima Station～Tsukijishijo Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa Station～Shimbashi Station209JPY
    Section 7OtherShimbashi Station～Ariake Station388JPY
    Total1,560JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @MONday Apt. Premium Kyoto Station
    • 11:45 Arashiyama stroll ( From Hankyu Arashiyama to Togetsukyo Bridge, bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple visit )
    • 13:00 Quick lunch @ standing eatery at Randen Arashiyama Station
    • 14:15 Nijo Castle visit
    • 15:30 Fushimi Inari visit
    • 16;50 Disband @Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Hotel Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour was originally scheduled for a different day but was moved up by one day at the guests' request, as the original day's forecast called for rain all day. At the hotel meeting point, one of the guests explained that the group did not mind keeping strictly to time, and we agreed that we would cover as much as possible within a rough timeframe and that they would continue on their own afterward. As mentioned, we started a bit behind schedule, leaving the hotel around 11:00, about 30 minutes late, and continued at a relaxed pace with several stops to buy and eat food along the way. Taking this into account, I adjusted the original plan and, instead of going from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji, we went directly to Nijo Castle (partly to minimize taxi use, since there were five of us including me). After that, we visited Fushimi Inari, with Kiyomizu-dera to follow if time allowed. This turned out to be the right decision. At the taxi stand near Kiyomizu-Gojo there was only one taxi available, so I told the driver the destination and we parted ways there. Throughout the tour the guests asked many questions and listened attentively to my explanations, and it was a good tour that they enjoyed. The way we said goodbye at the end was a little unfortunate, since I had intended to accompany them to the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera had there been two taxis available. However, this had been understood and agreed upon with the guests from the start, so I do not think it was any problem at all.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMunicipal Subway Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae250JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Sanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Fushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo150JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Shoji

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    Request Booking

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Yasaka Pagoda and Higashiyama Area

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Yasaka Pagoda and Higashiyama Area

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Sakura Terrace The Gallery
    • 10:45-11:35 @ Nijo Castle
    • 11:55-13:15 @ Gion
    • 13:20-13:50 @ Yasaka Pagoda and Higashiyama Area
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Near Ichinen-zaka

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Higashiyama and Nijo Castle Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time on a trip of about ten days. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. The original itinerary had included a walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, but since the guests had already strolled there the day before, we quickly rearranged the plan to visit the Yasaka Pagoda and the Higashiyama area instead. The guests had a mobile SUICA, so getting around by public transport was smooth. Nijo Castle was less crowded than expected, which made it easy to guide. After the walk, the guests told me that seeing a place on your own is completely different from seeing it with a guide who explains the historical background. When I was explaining the class schedule board of the kabuki practice hall in Gion, I was momentarily surprised to find that it still listed the December schedule. On the way from Gion toward the Yasaka Pagoda, we walked through the grounds of Kenninji Temple, and I explained topics such as the relationship between Zen and tea. Near the Yasaka Pagoda, the guests said they wanted some coffee, so we stopped by a cafe called Nitto-do KYOTO COFFEE, where they got coffee to take out and kindly treated me to a coffee as well. After that, at the guests' request, we parted ways near Ichinen-zaka.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto Station～Nijojo-mae Station260JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae Station～Sanjo Keihan-mae220JPY
    Total480JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Horikawa Marutamachi

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Horikawa Marutamachi

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at the Gion inn
    • 10:30-11:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 11:40-13:00 Imadegawa Station → Nijo Castle
    • 13:00-13:30 Break at the cafe inside Nijo Castle
    • 13:50-15:30 Horikawa Marutamachi → Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:30-16:00 Ginkaku-ji Temple → Tour ends in Gion

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they were interested in history and mentioned they would be visiting the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, I recommended the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji. A few days before the tour, I received a question about which of Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji was the original building. Because the guests wanted to see the original, I changed the destination from Kinkaku-ji to Ginkaku-ji. Keeping the walking pace comfortable, I made sure the guests would not become tired throughout the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGion～Doshisha-mae230JPY
    Section 2SubwayImadegawa～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3BusHorikawa Marutamachi～Ginkakuji-mae230JPY
    Section 4BusGinkakuji-mae～Gion230JPY
    Total910JPY

    Tour Report by Mizu

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 27, 2026
    OscarBrisenoJr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Awesome tour of Kyoto
    Seeing the temples and shrines…

    Jul 21, 2026
    MarcL3556
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful and Memorable Tour of Osaka with Mizu…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Ranvt
    Local tour kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    I had a great experience on this local…

    Jun 11, 2026
    MamaL843
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
    Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto.…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Oowakudani

    Kanagawa in One Day: Oowakudani

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • <Itinerary>
    • 09:00am: To come to the lobby of Emblem Flow Hakone with a sign board your name written,
    • 09:06am – 09:35am: To move from Goura station to Oowakudani by Cable car and Ropeway,
    • 09:35am – 10:05am: Oowakudani sightseeing.
    • 10:10am – 10:35am: To move to Togendai by Ropeway,
    • 10:45am – 11:25am: Sightseeing boat (cruise) in Lake-Ashinoko,
    • 11:30am – 12:30pm: To take a lunch near Moto-Hakone port,
    • 12:50pm – 13:50pm: To see Hakone shrine,
    • 14:18pm – 15:00pm: To move from Moto-Hakone to Emblem Flow Hakone Hoel by Tozan bus and Tozan railway,

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of the Hakone area for a group visiting from North America. It snowed a little during the day, which the guests also enjoyed. The group experienced the various modes of transport in Hakone (the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, the ropeway, the sightseeing cruise boat, and the mountain bus), took in the scenery of Lake Ashi, and learned about the historical background of Hakone Shrine. They were also very satisfied with the Japanese food they had for lunch. In addition, we exchanged views on common Japanese customs and general knowledge, and I felt they had an enjoyable time. Everyone showed great curiosity about various Japanese customs and history and asked many questions actively, making for a very fulfilling tour. Regarding the receipt matter: With respect to the point you raised, that the Hakone Free Pass was billed at 5,000 yen while the receipt shows 10,000 yen, the situation is as follows. I purchased passes in advance at Odawara Station by credit card for a total of five people, the four guests and myself. At that time, I made the purchase at the ticket machine in two separate transactions, one for three adults and one for two adults. The attached receipt is for the two-adult portion. Because I picked up the guests in the morning at a hotel near Hakone-Gora Station, I purchased the passes in advance at Odawara Station. I received the 2,000 yen for the four guests' portion from them in the morning. That is the full account of the matter.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone 2-Day Free Pass～From Odawara Station to Hakone area5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

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

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  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:30 Meet up @ Hotel Monterey Himeji
    • 2. 12:35 @ Castle View
    • 3. 13:00 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 15:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 16:20 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 6. 17:00 Disband @ Omizosuji Shopping Street

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Today's guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They were traveling in Japan for about three weeks and had already visited Tokyo, Niseko, Kyoto, and Hiroshima before this tour. Since I knew the guests had arrived in Himeji well before the scheduled tour start time, I contacted them and we began the tour earlier than planned. After explaining an overview of Himeji Castle at Castle View, we headed to Himeji Castle. The castle was very crowded today. Perhaps for this reason, the viewing route through the main keep was reversed from the usual direction, which felt a bit unusual. After touring the main keep, the guests wanted to eat some snacks they had brought, so I asked them to wait until we exited through the Himeji Castle shop (some guests, if you're not careful, start eating at Bizenmaru). Because eating the snacks took some time, our visit to Kokoen Garden ended up being later than expected. After this, we went by taxi to Nadagiku Sake Brewery, but we had missed the brewery tour time (which ends at 4:00 pm), so we visited only the shop (the tasting corner). After the tasting, the guests also purchased some Nadagiku products. After Nadagiku, we returned to Himeji Station by taxi, and since the guests wished to find somewhere to eat, I took them to the Omizosuji shopping street and ended the tour. There were various little challenges along the way, but the guests were pleased.

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

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:55 Hotel
    • 09:30 Asakusa
    • 10:30　Akihabara
    • 12:00 Tsukiji
    • 13:00 Lunch at Ginza
    • 14:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:00 Tour ends at Harajuku Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were staying in Tokyo only for the day and were heading to Osaka the following day. The itinerary was created based on their requests, but since the Tsukiji Outer Market was closed on this day, I informed them of this before starting the tour. At Sensoji Temple, there was some crowding due to the New Year's first shrine visit, but we were able to worship as usual without having to wait in line. In Akihabara, the guests purchased character goods at Animate and the Radio Kaikan building. We also stopped by Yodobashi Camera near the station, and while some of the guests took a break at a cat cafe, another purchased bone-conduction headphones. After visiting the Tsukiji Market, we moved to Ginza and had lunch at a tempura and ramen restaurant. At Meiji Jingu Shrine, the area from the large torii gate along the main approach past the turn up to the third torii gate was packed with people, and it was impossible to move forward, so we gave up on worshipping there. I explained the location of Takeshita Street and how to return to the hotel from Harajuku, and we ended the tour in front of Harajuku Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza～Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2TrainTawaramachi～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4TrainGinza～Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Total743JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Shinsen-en Garden

    Kyoto in One Day: Ryoanji Temple & Shinsen-en Garden

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet up＠Suiran Kyoto
    • Travel　Keifuku Train
    • 10:00～10:40　Ryoanji Temple
    • Travel　Taxi
    • 10:50～11:30　Kinkakuji Temple
    • 11:30～12：00　Lunch＠Hokurokutei
    • Travel　Taxi
    • 12:15～13：30　Nijo Castle
    • 13：40～13：50　Shinsen-en Garden
    • Travel　Kyoto Municipal Subway, Keifuku Electric Railway
    • 15：00　Disband＠Suminokuracho

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle When I met the guests at the Hotel, we chatted casually after leaving the Hotel, talking about things like when they had arrived in Kyoto and how long they planned to stay. Partway through, one of the guests mentioned needing to be guided to a hospital at the end of the tour to refill a prescription. I explained that, being the start of the year, almost no hospitals would be open, and asked whether after the tour would be acceptable, which they confirmed. I told them we would look for a hospital after arriving at our first destination, Ryoan-ji. On the train, I checked Kyoto City's holiday medical services and found that the relevant clinics were closed, so after arriving at Ryoan-ji I called the Kyoto Prefecture holiday medical center, which suggested a certain hospital. When I called there, however, they were unable to help. Since the guests had said earlier that they would be in Kyoto for another two or three days, I promised that if they could get through the weekend, I would show them the location of my regular clinic near the Hotel, which would reopen from the 6th. The guests were very fond of the overall quiet atmosphere at Ryoan-ji. At Kinkaku-ji, they were moved by the beauty of the golden pavilion. For lunch, I asked whether they would prefer ramen or udon, and since they had never tried udon, they chose udon, so we went into a shop in front of Kinkaku-ji. They were delighted to try udon for the first time. At Nijo Castle, the guests seemed very interested in samurai culture, listened attentively to my explanations, and asked many questions. Since we had time, they strolled leisurely through the Honmaru Garden, Seiryu-en Garden, and other areas. At Shinsen-en, they took photos enthusiastically. On the way to Nijo Station on the subway, we passed a charming Japanese sweets shop and a vintage clothing store, and they stopped by. We then took the train and got off at the station nearest my regular clinic. The guests were very curious, and at one point tried to pick up a flyer posted at the entrance of a house for sale, apparently wanting to know the price of a single-family home in Japan. I then showed them the clinic and pharmacy, and we walked toward the Hotel. At just the right point, we reached a spot where the guests could find their way back on their own, so we said goodbye there. There were various unexpected events, but I sincerely hope they are able to receive their medicine safely.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainArashiyama～Ryoanji250JPY
    Section 2TrainNijo～Uzumasa Tenjingawa220JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Rokuoin250JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Satoko

    I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

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    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…