Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at ANA InterContinental Tokyo
    • 2. 9:30 Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
    • 3. 11:00 Nezu Shrine and Yanaka
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch at Ueno yakiniku restaurant Daishoen
    • 5. 12:30 Disband at Ueno

    What Is a Private History Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests wished to gain an overview of Japanese history. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the major gardens were closed for the year-end holidays, we began with ancient history at the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace. In front of the Nijubashi Bridge, we looked back on the history of the imperial family, examined its relationship with the samurai governments, and then reviewed early modern history, including the end of the feudal domain system. We continued with modern and contemporary history, from the postwar period beginning with the GHQ occupation, as reflected in the Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Building, through to the present day. In Nezu and Yanaka, we strolled through neighborhoods where ordinary people live and through streetscapes that survived the air raids. When asked to recommend a place to eat, given the location I did not hesitate to take the guests to a yakiniku restaurant, where they were impressed by the deliciousness of the wagyu beef. The guests appeared to be very satisfied. As an additional note, the guests requested that lunch in Ueno be finished by around 12:30 and that the tour conclude at that point. Accordingly, we skipped the stroll through Ueno Park and parted ways in Ueno at around 12:30. I apologize for any concern caused by insufficient explanation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka~Otemachi600JPY
    Section 2Free PassNijubashi~Nezu0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu~Ueno0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu - Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu – Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Minn Machiya
    • 10:20 Meiji Jingu – Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 12:50 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
    • 13:40 Lunch @ Okada
    • 14:40 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
    • 15:40 Disband at Minn Machiya

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa The tour started at Machiya Station, where we purchased a 24-hour Tokyo Metro pass. At Meiji Shrine I gave various historical explanations, which the guests listened to attentively. The guests had a good deal of background knowledge about Japanese history and religion, and I received quite a lot of questions. On Takeshita Street, some of the guests enjoyed sweets and shopping. In Shibuya, the guests enjoyed themselves, taking panoramic photos around the scramble crossing. In Asakusa, they took many photos at a spot with a good view of the Skytree and the Asahi Beer headquarters, and mentioned that they wanted to try going up the Skytree this week. After having a yakitori lunch at a yakitori restaurant in Asakusa, I guided them to the Kappabashi kitchenware street, but they did not show much interest in the food samples, so I saw them back to the Hotel and the tour ended.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMachiya~Meiji-jingumae600JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4TrainTawaramachi~Ueno-hirokoji0JPY
    Section 5TrainYushima~Machiya0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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.

    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 in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Tofuku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Tofuku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
    • 9:27 Walk: via Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka
    • 9:52 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 10:55 Sanjusangendo
    • 11:48 Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 13:02 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    What Are the Best Temples to Visit on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since they only mentioned a love of history and art and had no specific requests regarding where to go, we followed my recommended course and visited three temples. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they enjoyed the magnificent views and the remaining autumn foliage; at Sanjusangendo Hall, they experienced its uniquely solemn atmosphere; and at Tofuku-ji Temple, they enjoyed the grand temple buildings and beautiful gardens. They shared that each place had a different atmosphere and character, and that they found it very enjoyable. At the end, instead of being taken to their accommodation, they wished to visit Nishiki Market, so I escorted them to the entrance, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Karasuma~Higashiyama Yasui230JPY
    Section 2BusGojozaka~Higashiyama Shichijo230JPY
    Section 3TrainHigashiyama Shichijo~Tofuku-ji230JPY
    Section 4BusTofuku-ji~Subway Kujo Station230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKujo~Shijo220JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 09:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch@Aoyuzu Tora (Marunouchi Building)
    • 13:50 Tsukiji Market
    • 15:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 16:00 Dismissal@Hotel

    What Does a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Include? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Sensoji The guests were a group from Oceania visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to go skiing in Hokkaido. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. 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 Tsukiji, they showed interest in the many shops, including the fish retail market and sushi. At Sensoji, they enjoyed sampling sweets at the shops along Nakamise Street and listened with interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo~Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 5SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa0JPY
    Total750JPY

    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

    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
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Good-bye at the Hiroshima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima Island & Good-bye at the Hiroshima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting at Hiroshima station
    • 10:45 Arriving in Miyajima Island
    • 12:00 Torii Gate and Itsukushima SHrine
    • 13:00 OMOTESANDO shopping and lunch by themselves
    • 13:20 Ferry
    • 13:35 Take a tram
    • 14:30 Arrival at the A-bomb Dome
    • 15:20 Monument tour in Peace Memorial Park
    • 16:25 Waiting in front of the Museum for 50 minutes
    • 16:35 Museum
    • 16:50 Good-bye at the Hiroshima station

    What Is a Private Winter Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The day in Hiroshima had a high of only 9 degrees, making it a very cold day. There was a 20-minute wait in front of the shrine, and another 50-minute wait in front of the atomic bomb museum, and inside it was extremely crowded, so the guests came out after just 10 minutes, saying they could hardly move in the main building. The unexpected crowds at both the shrine and the museum meant that one of the guests was shivering from the cold and could not really take in my explanations. Perhaps they had not checked Japan's winter temperatures beforehand. As the guide, I should have brought disposable heat packs! I should also have suggested purchasing heat packs or a plastic raincoat at a convenience store. It seemed that they had not studied much about the atomic bombing in their history education.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~A-bomb Dome270JPY
    Section 3TrainPeace Park Front~Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total910JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima statin platform & ARR Hiroshima statin

    Hiroshima in One Day: Hiroshima statin platform & ARR Hiroshima statin

    Tour Itinerary

    • Tour on December 29 in Hiroshima/Miyajima
    • 10:02 A.M. Hiroshima statin platform
    • to have a brief meeting about the tour
    • to Hiroshima castle by Taxi or Bus(about 15minutes)
    • We will take two taxis for the six of us, including the guide, or bus.
    • 10:30 Hiroshima castle(about 30minutes)
    • Castle Tower Museum is closed due to year end holiday.
    • to walk to Peace Park on foot about 15 minutes
    • 11:15 Peace Memorial Park
    • to walk around the park to see some monument including;
    • Atomic Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, A-bomb Cenotaph.
    • 12:00 Lunch at a restaurant near Peace Memorial Park
    • Just in case, I have reserved a table at a restaurant but it depends on your choice.
    • I will assist you to order, then leave there and return in 30 minutes.
    • 1:00 P.M. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum(about an hour)
    • This is a very emotional, even shocking, exhibit.
    • Whether or not you enter depends on your choice
    • 2:30 DEP Peace Memorial Park port World Heritage Sea Route boat
    • 3:15 ARR Miyajima ferry port
    • Miyajima Island
    • to walk around the island to see some histrical things including;
    • Itsukushima Shrine, Great Torii Gate.
    • 5:25 DEP Miyajima ferry port
    • 5:35 ARR Miyajimaguchi ferry port
    • 6:04 DEP Miyajimaguchi station JR train
    • 6:33 ARR Hiroshima statin
    • 7:06 DEP Hiroshima statin platform Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Hiroshima on a day trip from Osaka, and everyone appeared to be in good spirits and enjoyed the tour. On the 29th the Hiroshima Castle keep was closed, so at the initial briefing in the morning I informed the group of this, and then we strolled around Hiroshima Castle and headed to the Peace Memorial Park a little earlier than planned. The guests also seemed to enjoy the meal at the restaurant I had reserved in advance. The guests were visitors from North America whose first language was Spanish, though most of them were also fluent in English. At the end, I said goodbye and saw the group off.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Castle220JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,940JPY

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Kyoto: Kyoto Station Observation Deck & Gion

    Kyoto: Kyoto Station Observation Deck & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00  Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 11:10 Kyoto Station Observation Deck
    • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00 Lunch
    • 15:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Yasaka Pagoda
    • 17:20 Gion
    • 18:00 Disband at Karasuma Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like on the Way to Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America and stopped in Kyoto on their way from Tokyo to Osaka. I assisted with exchanging a Kansai Wide Pass, but it seemed inconvenient, as the pass had to be used differently depending on the mode of transportation, and there were restrictions on the exchange times and locations. For lunch, the guests enjoyed the eel dish they had been looking forward to at a restaurant. They said it was more delicious than what they had eaten in their home region. Due to year-end traffic congestion, it took a long time to reach Kiyomizu-michi, and we ended up going over the scheduled time. The guests spotted a much-talked-about chili flake seasoning at a spice shop and hurried in to purchase it. Since their luggage was stored at Kyoto Station, they returned there. I accompanied them partway before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji230JPY
    Section 4SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 5TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 6TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Section 7TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Karasuma170JPY
    Total1,520JPY

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

    Oct 23, 2025
    536terryw
    Great day out in Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noriko was a great guide. She had…

    Oct 22, 2025
    pascalpJ9601TX
    Bamboo forest, Monkeys, and Temples in North-West Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family of four adults:…

    Oct 14, 2025
    9
    903tammyw
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Amazing! Our guide Noriko and our…

    Oct 11, 2025
    Graham S
    A great introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noriko-san was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00  Meet the guests @ JR Nara Station
    • 2. 11:30 Tour of Kofukuji Temple
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch @ Kamasui
    • 4. 13:30 Nara Park
    • 5. 14:00 Tour of Todaiji Temple (Nandaimon Gate, Great Buddha Hall)
    • 6. 15:30 Tour of Nigatsudo Hall
    • 7. 16:00 Break @ Cafe Conce
    • 8. 17:00 Disband @ Kintetsu Nara Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at Nara Station, introduced myself, and started the Nara sightseeing tour. At Kofuku-ji Temple, I spent about an hour guiding them through the Jizo Bosatsu, the three-story pagoda, the North Octagonal Hall, the South Octagonal Hall, and the Central Golden Hall before we had lunch at a udon specialty restaurant in the shopping street. After lunch, we walked to Todai-ji Temple. I had planned to have them feed the deer in Nara Park, but the deer crackers were completely sold out, so they were not able to enjoy feeding the deer. Instead, we moved on to the Great South Gate and then to the Great Buddha Hall, where I guided them through each, and from the Great Buddha Hall we went to Nigatsu-do Hall. Fortunately, the souvenir shop there was selling deer crackers, so they were able to feed the deer after all. However, since one of the guests had become tired, after I explained the Shuni-e ceremony at Nigatsu-do Hall, we took a tea break at a cafe along the approach to Todai-ji Temple. I had planned to guide them to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but considering the situation and the fact that the guests were thinking of having dinner in the shopping street today, we took a bus from Todai-ji Temple to Kintetsu Nara Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of Todaiji Temple / National Museum~In front of Kintetsu Nara Station250JPY
    Total250JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0810 Meet the customer at Hiroshima Station
    • 0830 Board the JR train
    • 0900 Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station
    • 0910 Board the JR ferry
    • 0920 Arrive at Miyajima
    • 0930-1130 Visit Itsukushima Shrine, Daigan-ji Temple, Daisho-in Temple, and Omotesando
    • 1150 Arrive at the World Heritage Sea Route pier
    • 1200 Board the high-speed boat
    • 1245 Arrive at the pier on the bank of the Motoyasu River in Peace Park
    • 1300 Lunch, ate okonomiyaki. Waited quite a while.
    • 1400-1600 Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Atomic Bomb Museum, and various monuments
    • 1610 End of work

    Title: What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. At first I was a little concerned about whether we would communicate well, but they were friendly and easygoing, which put me at ease. Today there were a great many visitors, and everywhere we went was crowded. At Miyajima, the guests seemed to enjoy interacting with the deer. We visited Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji Temple, and Daishoin Temple. At the shrine, they drew omikuji fortunes: one drew a good fortune and the other drew a bad one. I explained that the bad-fortune slip could be tied at the designated place and left behind. On the way from Daiganji to Daishoin, I spoke about the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. At Daishoin, we went through the pitch-dark underground passage called the kaidan, which seemed both scary and enjoyable to them. As planned, we took the high-speed boat and arrived at the Peace Park. They wanted to eat okonomiyaki, but since there was a long line at Nagataya, we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant two doors down. Unusually, we waited about 30 minutes here as well. There were five okonomiyaki shops inside, so the three of us each ordered from a different shop, divided everything into three, and shared to enjoy different kinds of okonomiyaki. In the Peace Park, we visited the hypocenter, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Rest House, the cenotaph, the museum, the Children's Peace Monument, and Aioi Bridge. It was just about time to finish, but they said they wanted to do some shopping, so I guided them there and concluded the tour. I believe they had an enjoyable time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherMiyajima~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting with Concierge
    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

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  • Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Toshodaiji Temple

    Nara in One Day: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Toshodaiji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet up JR Nara Station
    • 10:40 to 11:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 11:45 to 12:35 Todaiji Temple
    • 12:50 to 13:15 Nigatsudo Hall
    • 13:40 to 14:00 Kofukuji Temple
    • 14:10 to 14:45 Lunch (ramen at Higashimuki Shopping Street)
    • 15:10 to 16:00 Toshodaiji Temple
    • 16:30 Disband JR Nara Station

    What Is a Private Guided Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The plan was for them to travel from Kyoto to Nara and meet me at JR Nara Station. They boarded a local train instead of the rapid express from Kyoto Station, so our meeting was delayed by about 15 minutes. They mentioned that they had come to Japan partly to look around ahead of an upcoming study-abroad stay at Doshisha University starting in April of next year. The guests seemed very happy about it. [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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station~In front of Kasuga Taisha Main Hall250JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Nara Station~Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station300JPY
    Section 3TrainKintetsu Nishinokyo Station~Kintetsu Nara Station300JPY
    Total850JPY

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
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    Ali O
    Amazing!
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    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
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    Kyoto Tour
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    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…