Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by foot to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 09:20- 11:00 Stroll around Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya District, gold leaf ice cream, Utasu Shrine
    • Travel by bus to Korinbo
    • AM 11:30-PM 12:50 Nagamachi Samurai District area, visit the Nomura Family Residence, Takada Family Residence, and Ashigaru Museum
    • Travel by bus to Omicho Market PM 13:10 Tour ends

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The destinations had not been decided until the day itself, but since the group had already visited Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden the previous day, we decided to visit the Higashi Chaya District and the Nagamachi area before finishing at Omicho Market. This was another extremely hot day, so I proceeded with the tour while taking breaks whenever possible. We started with gold leaf ice cream in the Higashi Chaya District. In the Nagamachi samurai residence area, the group visited the Nomura Family Residence and other houses at a relatively relaxed pace, taking in each spot. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Korinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Section 2BusKorinbo / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Musashigatsuji・Omicho Market / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total440JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (12:00) → Depart at 12:30 – Travel by taxi → Museum (13:00) → Peace Park (14:00) → Disband (15:00)

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since they were planning to go to Miyajima early in the morning, I was a little worried about whether we would be able to meet at the arranged time, but as they were going to return, I waited at the hotel at the scheduled time. They came back to the hotel a little later than expected and wanted to check out and sort their luggage, so our departure was delayed by about 30 minutes. They seemed to have enjoyed Miyajima very much. It was a very hot day, and since they had a Shinkansen to catch on the way back, they wanted to return early, so we decided to skip Shukkeien Garden, which had been planned, and I guided them only through the museum and the Peace Park. The museum was relatively uncrowded, so they were able to take their time viewing the exhibits. Everyone in the group asked various questions. We visited the memorial cenotaph, the Children's Peace Monument, and the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Peace Park, then I called a taxi to take them to the hotel and we parted ways early.

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Sep 29, 2026
    Q
    Q4398TTjades
    Yoko was exactly what we were looking for in a guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed…

    Sep 18, 2026
    horner92
    Yoko is amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Yoko was amazing. She…

    Sep 6, 2026
    Shelly_H
    You must visit Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yoko was exceptional on this…

    Jul 14, 2026
    alexandergF7340GJ
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
    Great experience and fantastic private tour…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @MIMARU TOKYO STATION EAST
    • 10:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 11:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40 Lunch @Kuzuryu Soba Marubiru Branch
    • 13:30 Tokyo Station JR East Travel Service Center
    • 14:10 Imperial Palace
    • 15:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 16:05 Disband @Asakusa

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. They also purchased several protective charms (omamori) as souvenirs. Since the guests requested assistance with exchanging their vouchers for JR Passes, I helped them complete the JR Pass exchange at Tokyo Station after lunch. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji, they were very interested in explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Since they said they wanted to explore Asakusa a bit more and could then return to their accommodation on their own, we parted ways in Asakusa. As I was able to accommodate the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKayabacho~Ebisu210JPY
    Section 2TrainEbisu~Shibuya160JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Ueno200JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Asakusa

    Tokyo: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:20-10:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 10:45-11:00 Tokyo Tower (do not go inside, take photos in front of Tokyo Tower)
    • 11:20-11:35 Shibuya Crossing
    • 11:55-12:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
    • 13:10-14:00 Asakusa
    • 14:00-15:00 Lunch

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. I had been in touch with one member of the group who had admired Japan since childhood, which is what led to this trip to Japan. At the Imperial Palace, one of the guests remarked on the lovely colors of a colorful coin case decorated with the chrysanthemum crest and purchased it as a souvenir. Since the group was fairly large and one guest required gluten-free options, the lunch reservation was set for a later time (with the guests' prior consent), so at Asakusa they bought some snacks to enjoy. The shuttle bus happened to have a cat-themed design, and as everyone liked cats, they were delighted. At the end, some of the guests decided to explore Asakusa again while the others returned to their Hotel, and the tour concluded in Asakusa.

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Aug 5, 2026
    Voyage03860342449
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Great experience!
    We just had our private 6 hour walking tour with Kahori in Tokyo and…

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo castle & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo castle & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
    • 15:30-15:30. Nijo castle
    • 16:10-18:10. Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 18:30-19:00. Gion

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari The guests were part of a group visiting from Europe. Although the group was originally expected to include more people, in the morning we visited the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama, and afterward the group continued as a smaller party. It was a very hot day, so we went to Nijo Castle, viewed the Ninomaru Palace, and toured the gardens. Since one of the guests wished to smoke, we bought some drinks at a souvenir shop and cooled down by trying some Japanese games before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. By then it was already evening, with fewer people around and a breeze picking up, which made it much more comfortable and easier to guide than during the midday heat. After that we headed to Gion, where we saw Hanamikoji Street and a museum. As one of the guests wanted to buy a suitcase, I recommended Avanti, and we concluded the tour there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 3TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Gifu: Magome

    Gifu: Magome

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:43 Meet at Nakatsugawa Station
    • 9:55 Move to Magome by bus
    • 10:20 Start walking from Magome
    • 13:30 Lunch at Otokichi in Tsumago
    • 15:26 Move to Nagiso by bus. We had planned to take the 15:55 limited express, but since it was suspended, we took a walk to see the Momosuke Bridge and the steam locomotive in Nagiso Town
    • 16:55 Saw them off as they boarded the Limited Express Shinano

    What Is a Private Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. One of them had joined the same tour the previous year and enjoyed it so much that they returned this time with another member of the group. The weather was fine, with temperatures exceeding 30°C, so we made sure to stay hydrated and take rest breaks, which allowed us to walk smoothly. The guests seemed very satisfied with the meal, finishing everything and saying it was delicious. We arrived at Nagiso as scheduled, but the 15:55 limited express Shinano bound for Nagoya, which they had planned to board from Nagiso, was cancelled due to a signal inspection, so they were unable to take it. I then showed them the Momosuke Bridge and the SL Park within the town of Nagiso, and saw them off as they boarded the 16:55 limited express Shinano. They said they were glad to have seen many places that were different from the previous time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusNakatsugawa Station front/Kitaena Kotsu~Magome/Kitaena Kotsu800JPY
    Section 2BusTsumago/Kitaena Kotsu~Nagiso Station/Kitaena Kotsu300JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Gifu Prefecture, where I was born and raised, is located in the heart of Japan. It is home to many mountains exceeding 3,000 meters, and the historic Nakasendo (Samurai Road) runs through this dramatic landscape. Once a vital artery for travelers during the Edo period, the route still preserves the traditional atmosphere of that era, with many historical houses standing much as they did centuries ago. Walking along this path allows you to experience Japan’s original rural landscape—a distinct and refreshing contrast to the bustling former capitals of Kyoto and Nara.

    I also spent many years working in Nagoya, so I can guide you through the city with confidence. Nagoya is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine. Furthermore, the city is famous for “Nagoya-meshi,” a variety of delicious local specialties unique to the region.

    It is my great pleasure to introduce visitors to the depth of Japanese cuisine, history, and culture. Welcoming guests from all over the world is always a joy for me, and I truly look forward to guiding you and creating wonderful memories together.

    Jul 14, 2026
    wandahB6389XA
    Tripadvisor review: Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide
    The Nakasendo Trail: A beautiful blend of nature and culture.…

    May 26, 2026
    adamkO4340OC
    Tripadvisor review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great trail with a fantastic guide
    Excellent experience with…

    May 18, 2026
    rubia_k
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nakasendo Trail
    Our guide Taku Hasegawa was so knowledgeable…

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

    Kyoto in One Day: Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 10:10 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 11:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Gion
    • 13:50. Fushimi Inari
    • 14:45 Drop off near the hotel and tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They mentioned that they wanted to see a bamboo grove other than the one in Arashiyama, so we visited Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. It was a hot day after the end of the rainy season, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji had fewer tourists than expected, making it easy to take photos. After that, at the guests' request, we used a taxi to avoid the heat. This allowed us to save a considerable amount of time and energy. Even so, the guests seemed quite tired. Therefore, although the float assembly for the Gion Festival had already begun, I decided not to suggest it, and instead we went from Gion directly to Fushimi Inari before returning to the Hotel early. With temperatures reaching 36°C, this was unavoidable. From Adashino Nenbutsu-ji onward, we used a taxi for all transportation. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove of Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2BusNonomiya/Kyoto Bus~Toriimoto/Kyoto Bus230JPY
    Total470JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM 13:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel: On foot, Higashi Chaya District
    • PM 13:15- 14:30 Sightseeing from Kazuemachi Chaya District to Higashi Chaya District, gold leaf ice cream, Shima sightseeing
    • Travel: By bus, Kenrokuen-shita
    • PM 15:00- 15:50 Sightseeing at Kanazawa Castle Park
    • PM 15:50 -16:30 Matcha experience at Gyokusen-an
    • Travel: On foot to the hotel via Oyama Shrine PM 17:00 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As it was a very hot day with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius, I proceeded with the tour while taking as many breaks as possible, though some of the guests understandably became tired along the way. After visiting Kanazawa Castle Park, we had originally planned to explore the Nagamachi samurai district, but instead we decided to enjoy a relaxed matcha experience at Gyokusen-an while viewing the Gyokusen'inmaru Garden. Since there were no other visitors and we had the place entirely to ourselves, the guests took photos and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHashiba-cho / Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Kenrokuen-shita / Kanazawa Castle / Hokuriku Railroad Bus220JPY
    Total220JPY

    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!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Join the Owakudani guided

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Shrine & Join the Owakudani guided

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 11:40 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:30 Hakone Checkpoint
    • 13:10 Take the pirate ship from Hakonemachi Port to Owakudani via the pass
    • 14:30 Join the Owakudani guided tour
    • 16:50 Tour ends at the hotel

    Private One-Day Hakone Tour from Tokyo: What Does a Licensed Guide's Itinerary Look Like? The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of the guests was a big fan of anime, and this trip to Japan was realized out of a wish to see the real Japan firsthand. At the first stop, Hakone Shrine, I explained Shinto, its influence on Japanese culture, and the way of worship. The group seemed to greatly appreciate the solemn atmosphere, and quickly performed the two-bow, two-clap ritual and happily purchased omamori charms. The group was delighted by the shrine's torii gate, finding it very quintessentially Japanese. At the Hakone Checkpoint, the group took a liking to yosegi marquetry woodwork and purchased many pieces. The group also joined the guided tour of Owakudani and was moved by the natural landscape they had never experienced up close before. They were quite fond of Owakudani's famous "black soft-serve ice cream," enjoying it so much that they purchased it twice (six in total) among the group.

    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.

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Hotel (3 min from JR Keiyo Line Shiomi Station) meet up
    • 0925 Tsukiji Outer Market Kabukiza Theatre (from car window) Ginza 4-chome Intersection (from car window)
    • 1025 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Nijubashi Bridge (from car window) Tatsumi Yagura Turret Gyoko-dori Avenue Marunouchi Building pine piles Tokyo Station
    • 1125 Meiji Jingu Shrine visit Takeshita Street entrance (from car window) Shibuya Scramble Crossing (from car window)
    • 1330 Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
    • 1445 Return to hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At first, communication did not go smoothly, and partway through a travel agency became involved, saying they would "arrange a car." Since an unlicensed taxi would have been a problem, I explained and confirmed the details, and informed them that [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could also arrange transportation, after which the booking was changed to a tour with a vehicle. They arrived in Japan during summer vacation. The previous day, they had made their way to Ginza with some difficulty (their area is served only by the Keiyo Line, so after arriving at Tokyo Station they walked). Today, after my tour, they planned to visit TeamLab Planets in the evening. After Tokyo, they were going to travel around the Kansai region and Hiroshima. At Tsukiji, they first said they wanted to eat sashimi, but rather than tuna or salmon, they enjoyed trying whale (something that can indeed only be eaten in Japan). Also, although they passed it by once, they decided they really wanted to try king crab, and even though it was quite expensive, the group thoroughly enjoyed it together. Today was an extremely hot day, so at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden they got in and out of the vehicle at each point, which helped them avoid getting worn out. At Meiji Shrine, they enjoyed soft serve ice cream at the Forest Terrace. As it was their first day, they did not do any particular shopping. Since they would be getting around on their own from the next day, I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained the transportation options.

    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.

    Sep 24, 2026
    Leslie_R
    Good tour on first day
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