Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 10:00 Visit Senso-ji Temple, then take photos of Skytree
    • 12:05 Buy lunch at the 7-Eleven in Palace Building, ate while walking
    • 12:20 Imperial Palace, from Otemon Gate to Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:30 Meiji Shrine, it takes quite a while to reach the shrine
    • 15:00 Disband at Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine It was a cloudy day with occasional light rain (not enough to need an umbrella), but the guests enjoyed themselves. They had a 48-hour subway pass, so we were able to use public transportation smoothly. After meeting at the Hotel, we headed to Senso-ji Temple, but there was a large crowd that held us up during the visit, and shopping also took time, so we gave up on the planned visit to Ueno Toshogu Shrine. The guests enjoyed shopping for souvenirs in Asakusa. After taking photos of the Tokyo Skytree, I guided them through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden from Otemon Gate to Nijubashi Bridge. The weather was not very good, but they were satisfied with the historical explanations. We then headed to Meiji Shrine, where we were again frequently held up by large crowds. Partway through, we were directed to a fast track for those with strollers, which saved a considerable amount of time. The guests were happy to be able to make their visit. We reached the entrance to Takeshita Street when time ran out, and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3TrainNijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place (Dhawa Yura Kyoto) → Taxi → 9:40 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple → Walk → 10:30 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple → Walk → Saga Toriimoto Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings → Shoan-in Temple → Seiryo-ji Temple → 12:00 Lunch @ Ramen Arashiyama Chikurin-tei → 12:45 Sagano Bamboo Grove → Togetsukyo Bridge → 13:15 Randen Arashiyama Station → Ryoanji Station → 13:45 Ryoan-ji Temple → Taxi → 14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple → 15:00 End

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Communication had been slow, and the day before the tour the guests had expressed interest in covering both the Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and To-ji area and the Sagano and Kinkaku-ji area. Since these are in opposite directions, I asked them to choose one, and they selected the Sagano area. I proposed taking a taxi up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and then walking downhill toward Arashiyama. Within the group, one member was the most sure-footed while others preferred a slower pace, so I had to be careful about our walking speed. One of the guests took a liking to the goshuin stamp book at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and began collecting stamps. Along the way toward Arashiyama we noticed Shoan-in, which offers lovely goshuin, and had one hand-drawn there, which put us further behind schedule. For lunch we had ramen, and just like the guests I had guided two days earlier, the group was delighted and said it was delicious. After the meal we strolled from the Sagano Bamboo Grove to Togetsukyo Bridge, then took the Randen tram toward Ryoan-ji. Since we were running quite late, we were lucky to catch one of two taxis parked at a stand and headed to Kinkaku-ji. At Kinkaku-ji we aimed for a shorter ticket line and entered relatively smoothly. Some of the guests took their time viewing everything, so we went past our finishing time, but in the end I guided them to the taxi stand and the tour concluded. Because the group had varied interests and walking speeds, managing the itinerary was challenging — attending to one person meant leaving others waiting — but I was glad we finished safely. The guests expressed their emotions in a reserved way, but I believe their overall satisfaction was high. Some of the guests were interested in history, so when a question about Kyoto's history came up during the meal, I explained, and they seemed satisfied with the answer.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainArashiyama～Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Total250JPY

    Tour Report by Nabet

    “He was easy to talk to, friendly, and knowledgeable and even made sure we successfully navigated the public transit back to our hotel. If we are ever back in Kyoto, we’d love to book a tour with him again! ”

    “At every side we got an indepth explanation to any minor detail and every question we asked was answered and explained really well. It felt like a relaxing and wholesome walk through Kyoto even while it was pouring rain. We can absolutely recommend choosing Nabet!”

    “Nabet’s English is just perfect, he knows the way around sights, little streets and hidden secrets, he is very authentic…just a perfect tour!”

    Here are just a few of the many kind reviews I’ve received from the more than 100 groups I’ve guided through Kyoto and other cities.

    I’m deeply thankful for the chance to connect with my guests and contribute to a memorable tour experience!

    +Current Occupation+
    • Associate Professor specially appointed for Entrepreneurship Education and University-Based Startup Support
    • Management Consultant for SMEs and startups
    • Government-Licensed Interpreter Guide

    +Hobbies+
    Travel, music, sake, ice hockey, squash, watching soccer

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    May 29, 2026
    Tamara M
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto bei Nacht – faszinierende Einblicke in Kultur und Spiritualität
    Ich…

    Oct 21, 2025
    Jana_C
    4-hour private tour with Nabet was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing experience…

    Oct 16, 2025
    987kayeh
    Knowledgeable guide who was will to respond to our multiple questions
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Thankyou…

    Oct 16, 2025
    janiec555
    Significant sites in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nabet is an excellent guide. He explained Japanese…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00@Meet at hotel
    • →9:30 Sensoji Temple
    • →10:30 Nezu Shrine
    • →11:30 Ueno Park
    • →12:30 Tokyo National Museum, disband

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine, Ueno Park, and the Tokyo National Museum The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At the guests' request, since it was cold, they wished to use taxis for all transportation, so we traveled to Nezu Shrine by taxi. As a result, we were able to proceed ahead of schedule, strolling from Nezu Shrine to Ueno Park and resting at a cafe before heading to the Tokyo National Museum. The guests showed great interest in Japanese culture and history and asked many questions, which reminded me of the importance of continued study. I was asked about the year of the Buddha's birth but could not answer immediately; I was relieved to be able to look it up and provide the answer before the tour ended.

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

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hello, I’m Yukie Tachibana, national licensed tour guide living in Yokohama with my family. Please call me Yuki. I have been working as a tour guide for 5years mainly around Tokyo, Kanagawa, for example, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kawasaki. I have had an experience of attending a lot of foreign visitors from all over the world in both private and group tours for sightseeing and business in one to multi-days. I’m able to arrange the tour for you, so please feel free to ask me your favorite plan in Japan as to spot, food and some activities. I like to see Buddhist statues in temples so I’d like to introduce our history and culture. Also because I like Japanese animation and character, and animals, I can take you to some shops for the animation and animal cafes that are so popular among tourists. Looking forward to seeing you soon and share wonderful time in Japan! Thank you.

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    May 1, 2026
    444CraigH
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo in a day from Yokohama
    We had a great…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Adele P
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Yokohama!
    We had a lovely day in Yokohama with Yukie…

    Oct 17, 2025
    LeslieS1560
    Intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuki was awesome. She reached out right after we…

    Jun 27, 2025
    L
    L3151LVdavidl
    Amazing Kamakura Tour with Yukie
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel – 9:00 Tokyo Tower – 10:20 Meiji Shrine – 11:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – 13:00 Fukagawa Fudo Temple – 14:00 Asakusa Dismissal

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Early January? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first day in Tokyo, arriving after enjoying skiing and hot springs in Niseko, Hokkaido at the end of the year. The weather was clear, so from Tokyo Tower we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji as expected, giving us a cheerful start to the day. Meiji Shrine, which I had expected to be packed with New Year worshippers, was actually quite smooth to visit thanks to the controlled worship route. At Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the guests were very curious about an animal cafe, and at Fukagawa Fudo-do, which we visited after Shibuya, they were able to experience a New Year goma fire ritual, making for a meaningful and enjoyable day.

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

    Tour Report by Michio

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nara in One Day: Todaiji Temple & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara in One Day: Todaiji Temple & Yoshikien Garden

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:38 Kintetsu Nara Station (Start of Tour)→17:00 end of tour
    • walk 5 minutes
    • mochi-pounding at Nakatani-do
    • 11:00-30 Kofukuji Temple & its Museum
    • walk 15 minutes while communicating with deer
    • 12:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine did not enter the main hall due to the New Year's third-day crowds
    • lunch or snack at Mizuya Chaya
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 12:30 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:00 Todaiji Temple
    • 13:00-10 Todaiji's Todaiji's Hokke-do Hall
    • walk 5 minutes (light lunch or snack at Emado Chaya?)
    • 13:10-30 Nigatsudo Hall walk 5 minutes
    • 13:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 130:50-14:10 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • entrance: 800 yen　 walk 5 minutes
    • 14:20 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:30-40 Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 15:08 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Park Day Tour Like During the New Year Holidays? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests were fluent bilingual speakers. We were lucky not only to see the high-speed mochi pounding at Nakatani-do, but there also happened to be mochi pounding at the Aoba teahouse in Nara Park, and one of the guests jumped in to join. There was even a serving of sake, and I invited them to have a drink, but one of the guests was quite strict and said, "I don't drink during the daytime." I replied, "Well, most Japanese people don't drink during the daytime either, but today is one of the three craziest days of the year, so let's have a drink." In the end, though, we missed the chance to drink. As it was the last of the first three days of the New Year, Kasuga Taisha was extremely crowded. We gave up on getting close to the main sanctuary. The guests seemed tired from sightseeing on consecutive days. At the guests' request, we ended the tour 90 minutes early.

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

    Tour Report by Junichi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

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

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Meet
    • 11:00 Miyajima
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 18:00 Atomic Bomb Dome, dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: Tour Report Date of tour: January 2025 Places visited: Miyajima, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Guest: the guests Weather: Sunny with occasional clouds Experiences: Kaidan-meguri, stroll along Maple Road Details: The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was a family trip. As we talked, we had a lively conversation, including a story about how I once drank too much beer and felt unwell despite the very high altitude. Since one of the guests did not speak English, I enjoyed conversing using my rusty Spanish and Google Translate when it was just the two of us. Miyajima had many visitors again today, and we waited in line for about an hour to buy tickets for the shrine. In the meantime, I handed the guests a map and a brochure, and provided remote guiding by sharing locations from time to time via a messaging app. From experience, I know the locations of many restrooms, so the guests did not seem to face any inconvenience.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Total750JPY

    Tour Report by Yuji

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Inabado & Miyagawacho Area

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Inabado & Miyagawacho Area

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30　Meet up @ ASAI Kyoto Shijo
    • 9:35　Inabado
    • 9:45　Bukkoji Temple
    • 10:00　Takasegawa → Shijo Ohashi Bridge → Shinbashi
    • 10:30　Yasaka Shrine → Yasaka Koshindo → Hokanji Temple
    • 11:00　Ninenzaka → Ishin no Michi
    • 11:15　Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
    • 11:30　Hanamikoji
    • 12:00　Ebisu Shrine
    • 12:15　Miyagawacho Area Stroll
    • 12:30　Disband @ ASAI Kyoto Shijo

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report When I asked in advance about the places the guests wanted to visit, they said they wanted to focus mainly on the sake breweries in Fushimi as well as the Gion and Higashiyama areas. I explained that the sake breweries are closed during the New Year period, and that while it is possible to simply walk through the streetscape, seeing the breweries themselves would not be possible. The guests said they would leave out the sake breweries this time, so we decided to focus on the Gion and Higashiyama areas, going as far as Yasaka Hokanji Temple rather than extending all the way to Kiyomizudera. Along the way, at Bukkoji Temple, the guests spent a while taking photographs, perhaps because they found the architecture unusual. This is a Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) temple, and since it is remarkably large, I explained why a Jodo Shinshu temple would be so big and what kind of teaching Jodo Shinshu represents. The guests listened with great interest. Strictly speaking, if I were to explain about geisha, we should have gone to Yasaka Shrine first, but due to the walking route we passed through the Shinbashi area first. Since we had time, we went back a little and I explained the characteristics of the ochaya (teahouses). We then headed to Yasaka Shrine, where the guests were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people coming for the New Year's first shrine visit. Because there were so many people at the main hall, they did not make an offering there, but since they had already washed their hands at the entrance, I suggested they pay their respects at one of the small subsidiary shrines. They showed interest in the lanterns displayed at the dance hall (maiden). We then headed to Yasaka Koshindo and Hokanji Temple. The guests listened with interest to the explanation of Koshindo. They seemed especially fond of the five-storied pagoda at Hokanji Temple, and mentioned that they would like to come back and make time to see it privately again. We then went to Yasui Konpiragu Shrine (I personally find the concept of this shrine interesting, so I always tend to include it) and strolled along Hanamikoji. I took a photograph at the entrance of Ichiriki. Whenever I explain about Ichiriki in front of it, I usually get scolded by the staff there, but since it seemed to be closed for the New Year today, I mentioned to the guests that we could take our time with the photos. Then, since it was the New Year, we went down Yamato-oji to visit Ebisu Shrine. At Ebisu Shrine, the guests joined the other worshippers and threw coins toward the straw cape of the Ebisu figure on the torii gate. From there we went down through Miyagawacho, where they experienced the atmosphere of a hanamachi (geisha district) different from the others. I had been a little worried about whether we could complete this itinerary in four hours, since the guests might become tired, but the tour finished earlier than I had planned. The guests said that was fine, so we chatted about various things as I saw them back to their hotel, and the tour came to an end. It was not that I walked fast without matching the guests' pace, but because I was worried about whether the tour would finish on schedule, the pace up to Yasaka Shrine may have been a little rushed. I thought it might have been good to spend a little more time at Yasaka Shrine. Overall, I believe both sides enjoyed the tour.

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

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Tower & Akihabara

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tokyo Tower & Akihabara

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:20　Tokyo Tower
    • 11:50　Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
    • 12:30　Senso-ji Temple
    • 13:20　Akihabara
    • 13:50　Disband @ Akihabara

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and other cities. At Tokyo Tower, they seemed impressed by the vast views of Tokyo. The weather was excellent that day, and they were delighted to see Mount Fuji clearly. At Senso-ji Temple, it was extremely crowded due to the New Year visits, but they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. In Akihabara, some of the guests showed great interest in anime and camera shops. Since they wanted to stay longer in Akihabara to shop and explore, we parted ways there. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza～Kamiyacho600JPY
    Section 2SubwayKamiyacho～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
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    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

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  • Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day

    Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day

    Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 – Greet the customer at Hotel
    • 2. 10:30 – Depart from JR Sapporo Station
    • 3. 11:10 – Arrive at JR Otaru Station
    • 4. 11:20 – Stroll along Otaru Canal (Chuo Bridge ~ Asakusa Bridge)
    • 5. 11:30 – Rest at LeTAO (former Otaru Canal Hall)
    • 6. 11:40 – Move to Otaru Sakaimachi
    • 7. 11:50 – Enter the Venetian Art Museum (1F only)
    • 8. 12:20 – Stroll along Sakaimachi Street (stop by and shop at 5~6 stores such as glassware shops and bag shops)　
    • 9. 13:00 – Rest at the same shopping district
    • 10. 14:00 – Shopping at LeTAO main store
    • 11. 14:30 – Stroll along Sakaimachi shopping district again
    • 12. 16:00 – Enter Otaru Music Box Museum
    • 13. 16:30 – Depart from JR Otaru Station
    • 14: 17:10 Arrive at Sapporo Station
    • 15. 17:20 Walk through the Underground Walkway ~ to Tanukikoji
    • 16. 17:40 Guide takes leave and heads home

    Title: What Is a Private Winter Day Trip to Otaru, Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a knowledgeable Japan enthusiast who had traveled to Japan several times before, visiting areas such as Honshu and Kyushu. When we departed from the hotel there was quite heavy snowfall, which was a little worrying, but fortunately the snow had stopped by the time we arrived at our destination, Otaru Station. Whenever snow fell from time to time, the guest cheered with delight, finding it very rare and charming. As the roads had become slippery, I demonstrated how to walk safely on winter paths. There are many shops selling glassware throughout downtown Otaru, and the guest looked at numerous stores with great interest. Since summer in the northern region offers beautiful scenery and delicious food as well, I encouraged them to be sure to visit again. [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. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Click here for more details: Otaru Day Trip from Sapporo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSapporo Station～Otaru Station750JPY
    Section 2TrainOtaru Station～Sapporo Station750JPY
    Total1,500JPY

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    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
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    Katsuko-san…

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • Depart Kamakura Station 10:50→Arrive Hase Station 11:00→Kotoku-in Great Buddha (11:10〜11:30)→
    • Hase-dera Temple (11:40〜12:00)→
    • Lunch (12:10〜12:40)→Depart Yuigahama Station 12:50→Arrive Enoshima Station 13:15→
    • Enoshima (13:30〜15:30)

    Can You Do a Private Kamakura and Enoshima Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were deeply interested in history and Japanese culture, having visited Engaku-ji Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine just a few days earlier. They listened attentively to the story of how the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in was built, the anecdote about former President Obama and ice cream, the connection between Hasedera Temple in Nara and Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, and the accounts of Yoritomo and Ieyasu visiting Enoshima Shrine. As they were studying Japanese, they actively spoke to the shop staff, saying "Thank you very much. It was delicious." Since one of the guests had recently undergone knee surgery, we did not visit Okutsumiya, which requires the use of steep stairs. They hope to return to Japan around cherry blossom season next time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHase Station～Hase Station200JPY
    Section 2TrainYuigahama Station～Enoshima Station260JPY
    Total460JPY

    Tour Report by Masako

    Hello, I’m Masako. My given name is same as Japanese Empress. But just call me Masako, please.
    I’ve been working as a National licensed English guide since 2016.
    I was born in Fukuoka prefecture in Kyushu, located about 1000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. I’ve lived in Shinjuku,Kamakura,now I live in Yokoyama.
    I love traveling,walking,cooking, and meeting new people from all over the world with different cultures. I enjoy the differences and similarities between our cultures and way of thinking.
    I am easygoing and cheerful. When I was in high school and college, I practiced kyudo or Japanese archery and kendo or Japanese fencing.
    I majored in English language and literature in college.
    I’m currently learning Russian and Spanish languages on a radio show.Before working as a guide, I worked for a steel company and for an after school childcare center.
    During the covid 19 pandemic, I worked for the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
    All of my work experience have been very useful in my work as a tour guide. I will showing you inspiring places in Japan.
    My tour includes a lovely relaxing walk while learning about history and culture and getting a glimpse of the everyday life of Japanese people.
    There are many wonderful places in the small towns of Japan that are not in the guidebooks. I have guided to the following places.
    o area-Asakusa,Ueno, Imperial Pala
    ce Garden,Meiji Shrine, Harajuku,Omote
    sando, Sinjuku,Kagurazaka, and so on.
    Other area-Kawagoe,Yokohama, Kamaku
    ra,JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, Hakone,
    Mount.Fuji. In addition,I have guided Osaka,Kyoto, Hiroshima,Nara.
    I’ve guided many school children, senior citizens, and visually impaired guests.
    I’ve learnt a great deal from my guests. Traditional dances, beautiful songs, ecology andhabits of wild birds, funny jokes, food culture, and so on.
    These experience have enriched my life so much and the friendship.
    I thank you all!
    Indeed, Tokyo is a very small city on a map but each town has its own charm and character.
    You can enjoy seasonal attractions,foods, and sceneries in Japan with distinct four seasons.
    Cerry blossoms,fresh greenery in mountains in spring, beautiful hydreangers in the temple garden in rainy season, fireworks festival and summer festival in summer, autumnal red and yellow leaves in harvest season, walking around on New Year holidays, seeing Japanese traditional culturein winter.
    As you know, eating is half of These fun of traveling.
    And getting to know the local people is one if the charms of the walking tour.
    Let’s make your special tour together.I’m very looking forward to seeing you!

    Request Booking

    Jan 11, 2025
    Stacey_K
    Exceptional tour guide!
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masako -san was a wonderful guide! She provided a…