Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Genji Kyoto ➡ By train and subway 9:40 Nijo Castle (garden only) ➡ By bus 11:30 Kinkaku-ji ➡ By taxi 13:00 Kyoto Station (lunch) ➡ By train 14:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha ➡ By train to Kyoto Station, dismissal (15:20)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had visited Gion and Nishiki Market the day before, and planned to visit the Arashiyama area the next day, so we went to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. The group was impressed by the beauty of the gardens at Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji. For lunch, they wanted to eat okonomiyaki, so we went to a restaurant near Kyoto Station. At a souvenir shop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the group showed interest in daruma dolls, maneki-neko (beckoning cats), and Shigaraki-ware tanuki figures, and when I explained them, they said they would make good souvenirs. They were also interested in the kadomatsu New Year decorations displayed at Kyoto Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 5BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:30 Meet at Hotel Indigo Shibuya
    • 2.9:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3.11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4.11:45 Lunch at Sushisei
    • 5.13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 6.14:30 Takeshita Street
    • 7.15:00 Omotesando
    • 8.15:30 Disband at Omotesando

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Oceania during the summer. Since the group was running a little late at the meeting time, I was concerned and suggested items such as heat packs to help with the cold. We first traveled to Asakusa so they could experience the atmosphere of old Tokyo. On the way to Kuramae, the guests enjoyed taking photos with character figures from a well-known entertainment brand. As we were running slightly behind schedule, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market first for lunch, and while I waited at a sushi restaurant, the guests took a short time to explore freely. We were lucky to secure a table sooner than expected and were seated right away. After helping with the ordering, I stepped away for a while. When I returned to check on them fifteen minutes later, they seemed very satisfied with the fresh ingredients and flavors and were taking their time. Because we were pressed for time, we skipped Hamarikyu and instead visited Meiji Shrine, then enjoyed strolling along Takeshita Street and Omotesando before parting ways. The weather was fine, and overall the guests seemed very satisfied. They mentioned they could make their own way to teamLab afterward, so I left that to them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2TrainKuramae~Tsukiji Market220JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKitasando~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total820JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Tanaka Doll Shop

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Tanaka Doll Shop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet (@The Westin Miyako Kyoto)
    • 8:30-9:30 Travel (chartered car; Hotel→Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 9:30-10:30 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple & Sogenchi Garden visit, Bamboo Grove)
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel (chartered car; Tenryu-ji Temple→Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 11:00-11:50 Ryoan-ji Temple visit
    • 11:50-12:00 Travel (chartered car; Ryoan-ji Temple→Restaurant/Egao Gohan)
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana)
    • 12:50-13:00 Travel (chartered car; Restaurant→Kinkaku-ji Temple)
    • 13:00-13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 13:50-14:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple→Kawaramachi Shijo (Tanaka Doll Shop)
    • 14:20-14:30 Visit Tanaka Doll Shop
    • 14:30 Farewell at Shinkyogoku

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoanji, and Kinkakuji The guests were a group visiting from North America. After visiting Hiroshima and Osaka, they arrived in Kyoto the previous evening. It was their first visit to Kyoto, so I took them to Arashiyama (the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple and its Sogenchi Garden, and the bamboo grove), Ryoanji Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple. On the way back, the group expressed a wish to purchase a Japanese doll, so with advice from the driver, I took them to a doll shop, and we said goodbye at Shinkyogoku. They seemed very satisfied, especially because they were able to purchase the Japanese doll they had long wanted at the end of the tour. Among the group, some favored Kinkakuji Temple, while another favored Ryoanji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel(The Westin Miyako Kyoto)~Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 2OtherTenryu-ji Temple~Ryoan-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 3OtherRyoan-ji Temple~Restaurant (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana) [near Kinkaku-ji Temple]0JPY
    Section 4OtherRestaurant (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana)~Kinkaku-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 5OtherKinkaku-ji Temple~Kawaramachi Shijo (Tanaka Doll Shop)0JPY
    Total0JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00     Meet at Hotel S-Presso East
    • 8:00-10:07  Move to Koyasan by train
    • 10:10-10:30 Move to Okunoin by Koyasan bus
    • 10:30-11:50 Okunoin
    • 11:50-12:20 Lunch
    • 12:20-12:30 Move to Senjyuinbashi by Koyasan bus
    • 12:30-13:20 shopping , eat sweets
    • 13:20-14:00 Kongobu-ji Temple
    • 14:00-14:50 Danjo Garan temple complex
    • 15:00-15:20 Move to Koyasan Station by Koyasan bus
    • 15:35-17:22 Move to Namba
    • Around 17:35 Hotel S-Presso East(End of the tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Koyasan from Namba Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the train ride was long, I explained many things about Koyasan, and as a break we also chatted about the guest's home region in Oceania and their hobbies. I learned that the guest had practiced aikido for a long time, so I shared that the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was from Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. The snow that had fallen since morning was very beautiful, and because it was fresh snow it was crunchy and not slippery. Since I had anticipated the snowfall, I had contacted the guest in advance. I was glad we were able to walk through Okunoin and the Garan complex without any trouble. The guest bought prayer beads as a souvenir and also purchased a zodiac charm. The guest also seemed to like Japanese sweets and tried a variety of them. Since the guest had plenty of stamina, we were able to efficiently visit the main sites and returned to Namba as planned. The temperature at Koyasan was minus 2 degrees, but because there was no wind, Namba actually felt colder in the evening.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba~Koyasan3,540JPY
    Total3,540JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 15:30 Disperse @ Tsukiji

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to go skiing in Hokkaido. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they showed interest in the explanation of the differences between shrines and temples, as well as the many shops along Nakamise-dori. Since the guests said, "We can get back to the hotel on our own, so we would really like to go to Tsukiji Market," I guided them all the way to Tsukiji Market even though we had slightly gone over the tour time, and then we parted ways. As I accommodated the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji0JPY
    Total920JPY

    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…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 2. 11:00 Arrive at JR Nara Station
    • 3. 11:30 Guide through Kofukuji Temple
    • 4. 12:00 Guide through Tokondo Hall
    • 5. 12:30 Stroll through Nara Park (feeding the deer)
    • 6. 13:00 Guide through Todaiji Nandaimon Gate
    • 7. 13:30 Guide through the Great Buddha Hall
    • 8. 14l30 Guide through Nigatsudo Hall
    • 9. 15:30 Guide through Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 10. 16:30 Stroll through the shopping street
    • 11. 16:45 Disband @ Nakatanidou

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Nara Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The group visiting from Asia met me at the Hotel on time, and we discussed the itinerary for sightseeing in Nara. Since the guests preferred to leave the entire itinerary to the guide, I briefly explained a route covering Kofuku-ji, Nara Park, Todai-ji, and Kasuga Taisha, and we started our Nara tour by taking the JR Nara Line. On the train, we chatted, introduced ourselves, and talked about their impressions of Japan as we traveled to Nara. At first the guests seemed a little nervous and the conversation was somewhat awkward, but they gradually opened up, and by the time we arrived in Nara they had begun asking questions. At Kofuku-ji, I guided them around the Jizo Bosatsu, the three-storied pagoda, the North Octagonal Hall, the South Octagonal Hall, and the Eastern Golden Hall. They seemed to have a fair amount of knowledge about the Buddhist statues. After that, we moved to Nara Park in front of Todai-ji so that the young ones in the group could enjoy feeding the deer, which they had been looking forward to. Many deer came asking for "shika senbei" (deer crackers), and everyone was thrilled. I had considered lunch, and recommended "dango" and "takoyaki" at a shop in the bus terminal, where we took a short break together. After refueling, we moved to the Great Buddha Hall. I guided them while explaining the magnificent Great Buddha and the attendant statues. After the Great Buddha Hall, I showed them a replica of the sorin finial and the bell tower, then we moved to Nigatsu-do, where I explained the Omizutori ceremony. From there we walked to Kasuga Taisha. Unfortunately, the shrine was closed in preparation for the New Year, so I guided them from outside the main precinct. As the guests began to feel tired after Kasuga Taisha, we took a bus to the shopping street. There I showed them Nakatanidou, famous for its mochi-pounding demonstration, and they happily ate yomogi mochi. Finally, since the guests wished to go shopping in the shopping street, we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~JR Nara Station720JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine~In front of Kintetsu Nara Station100JPY
    Total820JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 3) 10:10 Shibuya
    • 4) 11:20 Imperial Palace Main Gate Nijubashi Bridge
    • 5) 12:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 6) 14:00 Tea Ceremony Experience @ Tea Ceremony Utensils Kakinuma (3-21-9 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 7) 15:10 Senso-ji Temple Main Hall
    • 8) 15:20 Dismissal @ Senso-ji Temple Nitenmon Gate

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing and Tea Ceremony Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Based on detailed correspondence beforehand, they had requested the main sightseeing spots and a tea ceremony experience. After meeting at the hotel and reconfirming the itinerary, the tour began. During the tour, I learned that one of the guests needed to walk with care, so I made an effort to guide them along routes that were as easy to walk as possible. This time, the guests were spending two days in Tokyo while traveling on to Asia. They planned to visit the area around Mount Fuji the next day. Today, I guided them through the sightseeing spots as planned. In Tsukiji, they took a lunch break at a sushi restaurant and got some daifuku mochi to take away. Thanks to the tea ceremony instructor, the guests were able to enjoy the tea ceremony experience smoothly and were very satisfied. Since they were scheduled to join a walking tour starting from Shinjuku at 18:30, I guided them to a spot where it would be easy to call an Uber, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kitasando Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Monkey Park

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Monkey Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet  Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 10:00 to 11:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30 to 11:45 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 12:00 to 12:15 Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:15 to 15:15 Monkey Park
    • 15:30 Dismissal Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. After finishing Gion, the final stop of the morning tour, we were talking about heading to lunch when one of the guests mentioned wanting to go to a restaurant with a menu that used no meat or fish. Fortunately, we were in Gion, an area with many restaurants, so I was able to recommend a restaurant with such a menu. If this had come up in an area with fewer restaurants, such as around Kinkaku-ji, it would have been difficult to accommodate.

    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
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel @ Shinjuku
    • 10:30-11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 11:50-13:00 Shibuya Scramble + Lunch
    • 13:20-13:40 Imperial Palace
    • 14:00-14:50 Ginza
    • 15:10-16:00 Asakusa

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa After meeting the guests at the hotel, we discussed where to go. Since they had already visited the popular spots of Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Tsukiji, I suggested various other places, and we decided to start at Takeshita Street. On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed visiting a Shiba Inu cafe. After that, we saw the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue before having lunch. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed for the New Year holidays, so we only viewed Nijubashi Bridge. In Ginza, the guests enjoyed a cafe latte at a car showroom. In Asakusa, the group enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes together, and they also purchased omamori charms. Since one of the guests found it difficult to walk long distances, we made full use of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, and took frequent breaks while getting around. When I asked for their impressions at the end, it seemed the guests had enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku167JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Sakuradamon178JPY
    Section 4TrainSakuradamon~Ginza-itchome178JPY
    Section 5TrainGinza~Asakusa209JPY
    Total910JPY

    Hello! I’m TAKU.
    Don’t worry I’m NOT TAX!

    With an extensive knowledge of history and love for this amazing city, I am dedicated to giving unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of Tokyo and surrounding area. Tokyo offers such a variety of attractions and beautiful places such as historical and cultural places, parks, museums and modern buildings & towers.

    I have deep knowledge to guide from the historical point of view, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, off-the-beaten-tracks and many other spots in Tokyo. In addition, I have specialized skills to explain Sumo, viewing tournaments or stable practice tour because I have been a fan of Sumo more than 50 years.

    Beyond my tour guiding expertise, I hold a master’s degree in Medical administration and financial planning, and I had worked for health insurance societies and pension fund, I can explain Japanese Social Security system while my guiding.

    Tokyo has convenient public transportation system, but it is still difficult for visitors to use without any difficulties because of using Japanese signs. That is when you need a guide, too.

    Apr 5, 2025
    michaelcD221JN
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    Mar 20, 2025
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    Communication with guide was exceptional…

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  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gio-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gio-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station
    • 14:12 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 14:57 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 15:42 Gio-ji Temple
    • 17:03 Disband @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Tour of Okusaga in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time. It was their fourth day in Kyoto, but until then they had only visited Osaka and Hiroshima, so it was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto. Even so, they requested a tour of Okusaga, and I took them there. They said they wanted to avoid places that were too crowded, so we visited three temples along the old road, and I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the calm atmosphere and the beautiful views. Some of the guests asked many questions, and I was pleased to hear them say that they found it "interesting."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama480JPY
    Section 2BusSaga Shogakko-mae~Otagidera-mae230JPY
    Total710JPY

    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
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    Jun 20, 2025
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    Kyoto great tour experience.
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    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
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    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…