What Is a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Beforehand, they had requested Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji, but I explained that time would only allow us to guide them as far as Nijo Castle, and they agreed to the itinerary above. Since the guests planned to visit Kinkaku-ji after the tour, purchasing a one-day city bus and subway pass would be more economical, so I first helped them buy it, then we headed to Kiyomizu-dera on a sightseeing express bus. On the way there, we went up Chawanzaka to avoid the crowds, and on the way back we walked from Kiyomizuzaka via Sannenzaka to Yasaka Shrine. From Yasaka Shrine, we took the city bus to Shijo Kawaramachi. I had thought of taking a commemorative photo in front of the Mario statue on the first floor of the Takashimaya department store, but since it was closed for the New Year period, we skipped it and headed to the Shinkyogoku shopping arcade. The guests wanted to shop at a souvenir store along the way, so we stopped there, and afterward we went to Nishiki Market. However, it was extremely crowded, so we took a detour to a ramen restaurant housed in a renovated traditional townhouse. Many people here prefer the recommended chicken paitan, and the guests said it was delicious as they ate. Partway through, though, the flavor seemed a bit lacking to them, and they began adding a large amount of chili pepper, so it seemed that the soy-sauce-based black ramen would have suited them better (one of the guests ordered the black ramen and said it was delicious throughout). The private room in the back involves shared seating, but it has a view of an inner courtyard and a calm atmosphere, making it a very good restaurant. After that, we took the subway from Karasuma Oike Station toward Nijo Castle, and I helped them purchase tickets at the ticket booth before ending the tour. It had been over ten years since one of the guests last visited Kyoto, while it was the first time for the others, so I guided them to photo spots at Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do, and Yasaka Shrine. The weather was lovely, and we were able to take many wonderful family photos. I was glad that all of the guests were very pleased.

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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

What Is a Private Miyajima Tour Like on a Busy Holiday? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the tour took place in early January, I had explained the expected crowds to the guests well in advance. Initially, the guests hoped to visit Itsukushima Shrine even if it meant waiting in line. However, after seeing the actual crowds, the guests decided to give up on entering Itsukushima Shrine, so we visited other spots instead (Toyokuni Shrine, the Five-Storied Pagoda, the Five Hundred Rakan, Daisho-in Temple, and the Henjokutsu Cave). To avoid the crowds, we took a route through Machiya-dori and past the Dragon Beard Pine, and the guests were very pleased with the scenery. They seemed especially interested in the old votive tablets displayed at Toyokuni Shrine, the Five Hundred Rakan statues wearing red caps, and the blessings of the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage at Henjokutsu Cave. Finally, I showed them the photo spot for the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, and we went down to the sandy beach to view and learn about Itsukushima Shrine. The guests told me that even though they could not go inside, they were satisfied with its grandeur. I tried to avoid the crowds as much as possible, but the restrooms were extremely crowded, which I believe was a source of frustration. I also reflected that more thought was needed regarding the choice of lunch location (we ate near Hiroshima Station instead of Miyajima), even though reservations for lunch on Miyajima were impossible. Since sightseeing time was limited, avoiding waiting in lines is a must, and going forward I want to be prepared to quickly suggest alternatives. Using a messaging app that I had connected with the guests beforehand, I took many photos at the scenic spots with my own smartphone and sent them to the guests right away, which they greatly appreciated. Since the guests had visited Japan many times before, I handed them postcards and pamphlets of my hometown that I had brought along and promoted it to them.

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Tour Report by TAKA

I was born in Onomichi. After spending a lot of time in Onomichi until I graduated from high school, I entered Chiba University in Chiba Prefecture, next to Tokyo. After graduating from university, I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government. For the three years in Osaka, I was in charge of tourism public relations for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, planning tourism events in Hiroshima and promoting it to media and travel agencies. After that, I took an early retirement from the Hiroshima Prefectural Government and returned to my hometown, Onomichi. I worked as a staff member at the guest house Miharashitei, which is popular among foreign tourists, and at a vegetable and fruit wholesaler in Onomichi, which is famous for its citrus fruits. I like hiking and cycling on my days off. As for my experience as an interpreter and guide, I made my debut as an interpreter and guide in April 2024. I have guided walking around temples in Onomichi City, guided cycling on the Shimanami Kaido, and guided the townscape of Onomichi, a Japanese Heritage site. I am looking forward to cycling and walking with the guests who visit Onomichi.

Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was lovely, and the tour proceeded pleasantly. At the start, the guests wanted to get a PASMO or Suica card, so we purchased a PASMO at Toei Shinjuku Station, but since it was a registered card, it took quite a while. From Kudanshita, we walked past the side of the Budokan and around the Imperial Palace, enjoying a stroll along the moat under the clear sky. The guests wanted to buy some snacks at a convenience store, so we picked some up at a convenience store in Otemachi and ate them at Sumida Park in Asakusa while looking at the Skytree. Takeshita Street in Harajuku was surprisingly crowded, and the guests showed considerable interest in an animal cafe. We passed through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and parted ways on the 6th floor of Parco.

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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.

Title: What Is a Private 6-Hour Walking Tour of Arashiyama and Sagano in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had originally planned to pick up the guests at the Hotel at 9:30. However, since the guests were already in Kyoto and felt that traveling by train during the busy New Year period would be difficult, on December they contacted me asking to move the meeting time earlier. I offered that we could instead meet at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, since a hotel pickup would waste a lot of travel time. They replied at 9:30 that they would "take a taxi to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station," and I directed them to the less crowded North Exit. However, just before 9:30, they contacted me saying, "We are at the entrance to the Sogenchi Garden of Tenryuji Temple. The taxi driver told us this was the north taxi stand." I told them I would head over and asked them to wait there. Thinking they were at the garden entrance, I went there, but I could not find anyone matching them. I called and asked, "Could you be at the North Gate?" Since they were not quite sure, they said, "I think so." I explained the situation to a staff member at Tenryuji Temple and made my way through the garden to the North Gate. But they were not there either, so I called again and asked what was around them, and they sent me a photo. It turned out that what they called the "entrance" was actually the large signboard next to the Chokushimon Gate, so I headed there. When I asked, it seemed they had confused JR Saga-Arashiyama Station with the Randen Arashiyama Station. Although I had clearly said "JR," I learned that in such cases it might be better to explain, "not the Randen, not the Hankyu, but the JR," and also that having them quickly send a photo of their surroundings would be more efficient. Once we regrouped, I guided them across Togetsukyo Bridge as planned, and they were moved by the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The guests asked many enthusiastic questions. We then headed to Tenryuji Temple, and I guided them through from the garden. They were impressed by the beauty of the karesansui (dry landscape) garden at the Ohojo, and also by the beauty of the Sogenchi Garden. We continued to the Hyakkaen garden, where they tried very hard to toss a coin into the basin in front of the frog figurine near the Fureai Kannon. They were the first among all the guests I have ever guided to try so eagerly to place a coin here, so I took a photo for them. Next, we strolled through the bamboo grove and headed from the front of Okochi Sanso toward Jojakkoji Temple. Along the way there was a lotus pond, but unfortunately the lotuses had withered, so I showed them a photo I had taken in the summer. Jojakkoji Temple was also uncrowded, and they liked its lovely atmosphere. I showed them up to the Tahoto pagoda, and they were moved that the pagoda remains just as it was from the Edo period. From our earlier communication, it seemed they did not particularly enjoy walking (although it was a 6-hour tour, they had said "half-day," and when I explained that a "half-day" meant four hours, they responded along the lines of, "Four hours of walking is plenty."), so I suspected they might not want to climb any higher from here. When I asked, they said "this is enough," so we went back down. After that, we had planned to stop by Rakushisha, but unfortunately it was closed. Instead, I showed them the grave of Kyorai. On reflection, I realized I also had a photo of this from the past, so I could have explained it while showing them that. Since we had completed the itinerary we had discussed in advance, I asked how they would like to proceed. They said, "We'd like to go to Nagatsuji Street and have lunch. It's fine to part ways there," so we chatted along the way to Nagatsuji Street, where I guided them to my recommended soba restaurant, "Iwao," and said goodbye. There was a bit of a mishap at the start, but the guests were all very kind, and I too had a wonderful time. When we were discussing the itinerary in advance, they sent me something like an itinerary sheet they had received from a travel agency. After a tour with your company is confirmed, I always ask the guests where they would like to go. It seemed that for this Sagano tour, the places to visit had already been decided, so the guests seemed to wonder why the guide was asking such questions. This time I planned the itinerary according to that sheet, but I imagine the approach differs depending on your partners. If such an itinerary sheet exists, it would be helpful if there were a way for the guide to know about it in advance.

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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!

A Private Nara Day Tour from Kyoto Over New Year's: A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a visitor from North America. After spending three days sightseeing in Tokyo and visiting major sites in Kyoto the previous day, they were scheduled to travel to Hiroshima the following day. There had been a request to change the hotel. The guest had sent an email directly, but I did not notice it. The original accommodation had been Hotel, but it had been changed to another Hotel. Not realizing this, I called the guest at 9:00 and learned that the hotel had been changed. I took a taxi to the guest's Hotel, and the tour started at 9:30. During the New Year's period (January 1–3), the loop bus in Nara was suspended, and city buses to and from Kasuga Taisha Shrine were also not running. We took a taxi from Todai-ji Temple toward Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but there was a very long line at Kasuga Taisha with entry restrictions in place. We waited about ten minutes, but the line did not move at all, so we skipped it. We could not catch a taxi either, so we walked to Naramachi. The guest wanted to buy a small Buddhist statue, but several shops were closed for the New Year holiday, and we could not find one. We then took the Kintetsu line to Nishinokyo and visited Yakushi-ji Temple, after which I saw the guest off at Kintetsu Kyoto Station, ending the tour.

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Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Guests with Limited Mobility? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member of the group had difficulty walking and found climbing stairs challenging. It was unexpected that the elevator we had planned to use at Fushimi Inari was unavailable, but we adapted by taking shortcuts and gentler roundabout routes, and by having part of the group wait below in some sections. At our final stop, Ginkaku-ji, one of the guests suggested skipping the visit, but I strongly recommended it because of the beautiful moss garden that can be seen there. With encouragement from the group as well, they went in to see it, and afterward they thanked me, saying, "I'm so glad we went in."

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What Is a Half-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, who had traveled from Tokyo to Kyoto this morning, so the tour began in the afternoon. Everyone walked energetically throughout the day. At Genbu Shrine, which enshrines the turtle "Genbu," one of the symbolic guardian deities representing Kyoto's four-direction cosmology, there were many visitors, perhaps because it was the Year of the Snake. One disappointing point today was at Kinkaku-ji Temple, where a goshuin (temple seal) could only be brushed by hand directly into an official goshuin book. One of the guests had a small notebook (with an elegant cover comparable to a proper goshuin book), so they received a pre-written goshuin instead. I felt it was not ideal that the difference between those who could have it written in front of them and those who could not was so clearly visible. At other temples (Kiyomizu-dera) and shrines (Yasui Konpira-gu), it was written by hand directly. If the concern is ink bleeding through to the back, simply inserting a sheet of paper in between would solve the problem. After guiding the group through Gion, they seemed to be getting hungry and expressed a wish to have dinner on their own, so we finished 30 minutes early. The photo was taken at Tatsumi Inari Shrine in Gion.

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Tour Report by KAZU

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.

What Is a Private New Year's Eve Walking Tour of Sapporo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests' hotel was about a 20-minute walk from the Sapporo Beer Garden, but the venue was closed that day for New Year's Eve. Since the guests were staying several nights in Sapporo, I provided information about Sapporo as well as Otaru so that they could continue enjoying their stay after my guided tour. It was a pleasant group with a warm family atmosphere. I explained the grid layout of central Sapporo, and how the subway Namboku Line and Tozai Line cover the sightseeing spots to a reasonable extent. I also explained that even in cold weather, one can enjoy Sapporo using the underground shopping arcade and underground walkways. After building a sense of location including walking routes, we first walked a little to Nijo Market. I also explained and visited the Clock Tower, which is essential to Sapporo's history. As a Japanese cultural way to spend New Year's Eve, we visited a shrine. Along the way at Maruyama Park, the guests enjoyed taking photos with snow squirrels, snow snakes, and snowmen made in the trees. Since the Red Brick Government Building was under restoration, I asked whether they would prefer the Hoheikan or Shiroi Koibito, and they chose Shiroi Koibito Park. We were running quite behind on time, and I told them I did not mind and would be happy to continue guiding, but they said everything, including the return trip, would be fine. I handed them a map for the return route, a Sapporo map, sightseeing pamphlets, a discount ticket for the TV Tower, a Norbesa pamphlet (where night views can be enjoyed), and an Otaru map, and we parted in front of the Shiroi Koibito ticket counter. The guests had bright expressions and asked many questions, and they even gave me souvenirs such as a keychain and chocolates.

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Tour Report by Meji

I’m certified guide speaking English and Spanish. I’m well experienced tour guide. My tour is always full of joy. I know Namahage, Onsen and alcoholic beverage verry well. I speak spanish too. I worked there for 5 years. My tour is always full of joy and smile. I was born in Hakodate, so naturally I know Hokkaido verry well including some special points too. I can tell you very special Samurai story, verry noce and local restaurants and verry typical atmosphere. I wait your kind offer. In my tour experiences, no one was unsatisfied. And if you want to ski, I’ll be happy to share a joy of winter spports.

Title: What Is a Private Tour of Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. At Ueno, one of the guests shared that the weapons Japan used during the Bakumatsu-era conflicts were reused from those employed in earlier overseas conflicts. The group was delighted by the peony garden, mentioning that they also grow peonies in their own garden at home. They found the contrast between the peonies and the five-story pagoda beautiful and took many photographs. They enjoyed making a New Year's shrine visit. They also had a pleasant time taking purikura photo-booth pictures. As a souvenir, they purchased a character figure.

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Tour Report by Romy

Hello!

My name is Romy, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

Thank you,
Hello!

My name is Hiromi, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

Thank you,
Romy

What Is a Private Osaka Evening Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Asia. One of the guests had a long history of working with Japanese companies and was very familiar with Japan, visiting Tokyo every month, but had not been to Osaka in ten years, while the rest of the group were visiting Japan for the first time. Because the group arrived at the Hotel around noon on the day of the tour, we started later than usual, but thanks to that timing we were able to enjoy the sunset at Shitennoji Temple and the beautiful illuminations at Harukas Garden and Dotonbori. It was heartwarming to see one of the guests happily taking photos while another posed. [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.

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Tour Report by Sachiko

I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!