Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!

Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.

I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.

May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!

May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .

Jul 2, 2026
jamespmccormick
Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
We booked a 6 hour Tokyo tour with Bruce Sugano and had a great experience! Bruce’s English is very good and he was flexible with us setting and changing the itinerary when we saw things we wanted to experience. We took the tour on our 2nd day in Japan and It was helpful to introduce us to the culture and help us gain an understanding of the city and some of its important sites. At the end of our tour, Bruce took us to one of his favorite sushi restaurants and introduced us to Japanese sushi! I would definitely recommend this tour!

Jun 12, 2026
716suzannab
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing experience
Bruce was an amazing guide. He taught us some essential Japanese that we have been using ever since. We visited a wide range of locations in Tokyo and our guide gave us lots of information and history. We would recommend this tour.
Suzanna and Nicholas

May 27, 2026
beaufordtjustice
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour of Tokyo with Bruce!
My son and I had a great tour of Tokyo with Bruce Sangano. We gave him several places we would like to visit and he turned those into our itinerary for the day. We learned a lot about Japanese culture, Shinto and Buddhism and many customs, etc. Near the end of our tour, he booked a great sushi restaurant that is more likely known to locals than tourist. It was wonderful. We would highly recommend Bruce for future tours of Tokyo!

May 24, 2026
A2151KImelissab
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Day out in Tokyo
I enjoyed a solo guided tour of Tokyo with Bruce who met me at my hotel and spent some time collaborating to create a bespoke itinery for the day to match my interests and his local knowledge of the kind of places I would not have thought to go to on my first visit to Japan.
We visited the old neighbourhood of Yanaka and walked along Snake Road where I met a shiba dog out for his Sunday morning walk & saw the Nezu shrine and its extrordinary topiary azalea gardens . Then we set off by metro to exprerience the buzz of Harajuku Street shopping district and visit a ridiculously cute hedgehog cafe. I experienced the iconic Shibuya Crossing and learned the story behind the famous mural by artist Taro Okomoto in the station. After all this we arrived mid afternoon at the Tokyo fish markets in Tsukiju where we enjoyed a late lunch at a local sushi bar- the best sushi I have ever tried- a highlight being zuke (tuna infused with yuzu). Our final stop was the local shrine near the market to honour the fish and the seaweed before heading back to my hotel. Along the way we had many interesting conversations about history, politics and art. It was a terrifc day. Highly recommended.

Jul 21, 2026
Sandra_U
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Individualized Tour!
Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour was individually crafted to the sites and activities that we wanted to see. We really enjoyed that we used public transportation. He had great insight and was very helpful. I highly recommend.

Apr 3, 2026
Celal_S
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great tour even…
We had a great tour even it was full day rainy and a bad day for walking. Masa san was a
great guide, he was very helpful and guided us very nicely.

Mar 30, 2026
Johanna H
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
We booked the 6 hour tour of Tokyo with a Government Guide for our first day, to help us ‘acclimatise’ to Tokyo….learn the trains/metro, get tips and ideas etc, plus obviously visit a few highlights. Masa our guide was brilliant, contacting us in advance to find out what we would like to see, then he produced a detailed itinerary for us to review (it was spot on). He kept in touch leading up to the day and led us through a great day. The tour (& Masa) exceeded our expectations

Mar 26, 2026
Chica717
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing private tour with Masa!
We had the absolute pleasure of spending two days with Masa san (a 6-hr tour and an 8-hour tour). If you are able to specifically request him as your guide, I highly recommend you do. He went above and beyond to make sure our visit to Tokyo was unforgettable. We corresponded well in advance, and Masa san provided invaluable insight into planning two days’ worth of sightseeing. On the days of our tours, he arrived on time and well prepared, and answered all our questions throughout the tours, whether they were about the sites, local customs, history, or etiquette. He researched alternatives when it rained and called venues on our behalf. He was a tour guide, travel agent, interpreter, and fixer – all in one! Most importantly, Masa san is a delight to spend time with – he’s a great conversationalist, and is extremely thoughtful, kind, and funny!

Jul 7, 2026
77guye
The best way to experience Himeji Castle
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What a great way to visit and see Himeji Castle and the Kokoen Gardens. Our private guide
Norio was so knowledgeable and accommodating. He made our visit to Himeji such a
memorable and awesome experience. Arigato gozaimasu Norio-san.

May 30, 2026
karenpG5549XU
Loved our tour
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great tour with Norio, would highly recommend him! He was very friendly and knowledgeable!

May 28, 2026
TrailBlazer741528
Kobe Variety.
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at train negotiation! A highlight of the tour was the Herb Garden and Ropeway visit. The Sake Brewery and Museum was interesting with fabulous explanation from Norio combined with outstanding exhibits and tastings! He then left us to wander at our leisure in Chinatown.

May 23, 2026
sarahpR5911DJ
Himeji castle with Norio
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it was very interesting. The gardens were beautiful and it was great to see all the Koi fish. Norio made sure to take us to the best places and even took us to a great local sake place we asked for 🙂
Would recommend this tour

May 26, 2026
jilliand744
Tokyo sightseeing
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a good experience with our guide Kazu. He was very nice and made sure whatever we wanted to see or know he would accommodate. We covered a lot of ground in the 6 hour tour. He took to a wonderfully delicious sushi restaurant.
We would have been lost without him and probably would have wandered circles all day. I’m very happy with our experience
Thank you Kazu.

May 7, 2026
artsZ6836LO
Kazu in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu was very flexible and knowledgeable

Made good suggestions for places to visit

Knew the subway system very well

Apr 20, 2026
Fran_R
Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
A glance of Tokyo
A good overview of Tokyo with a guide that was very accommodating for our wants and
needs. We saw all the places we had requested. It was a great experience

Apr 7, 2026
Passenger03573064762
From ancient traditions to rapid trains
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an ambitious set of Tokyo sights to see located over a wide area of this busy city. Our guide, Kazu, led us through the day with a smile, giving us lots of historical background about each area. We rode so many subways that we lost count but we felt we got a strong sense of the city’s past and its current culture.

Mar 30, 2025
Cruiser537584
Much Deeper Understanding of Japan
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Our guide, Takeshi Don Tanaka, worked with us to choose the most important and compact temple, shrine, and castle for our Kyoto visit He is knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese history and culture. Tour of “security system” of Niko-Jo castle (nearly every architectural element a weapon of psychological warfare) a highlight of trip. Also great sense of humor.

Mar 30, 2025
sallybV2617DS
Kyoto Temples and Shrines
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had the best day with our guide, Takeshi Don Tanaka! Don worked closely with us to plan a fabulous itinerary visiting some of Kyoto’s most iconic temples and shrines. He shared his vast knowledge of Kyoto history and at the same time was friendly and funny, matching the personality of our group.

Mar 23, 2025
jefferyo2025
Amazing and Informative 6hr Kyoto tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Don Tanaka did an amazing job with our tour! He was highly professional and very well
organized. Thank you so much for a wonderful day!

Dec 26, 2024
allisonj994
Highly recommend!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wow, our guide, Don Tanaka was absolutely incredible. He knows so much about Japan and Kyoto. He made our tour fun and intellectual. He showed us so many places and hidden spots. Our driver Yasu was also a pleasure. Thank you to both! This was a highlight of our 2 week trip!

Apr 6, 2026
Sandra_V
Viator review: Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Peko was delightful,…
Peko was delightful, knowledgeable and very informative. She planned a great itinerary
and it was a very fun day in Kitakyushu.

Mar 27, 2026
junk1961
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Hakata Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great day in Fukuoka
Excellent day in Fukuoka with our guide Peko. Very informative and fun, and even on a dark
and rainy day we were able to see a great deal, including the largest statue of a reclining
Buddha. Highly recommend!

May 25, 2025
Susan_L
Peko was a very nice &…
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Peko was a very nice & good guide. She happily adapted to my requests and I’m very
grateful to her for coming out in the pouring rain! Great city & great tour guide.

Mar 20, 2025
Florencio_J
I had a great time! My…
Viator review: Kitakyushu Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
I had a great time! My guide Peko did an amazing job talking about the history and significance of the area. It’s like time traveling to when Japan was just becoming industrialized. You can tell as soon as you step into the train station nearby. If you go on a holiday, make sure to get your fill of blowfish sushi in the fish market.

Apr 6, 2026
Robert_S
A Wonderful Day!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide met us promptly at the cruise terminal. We got a cab to the train and travelled to Nanzoin Temple to see the reclining Buddah. An amazing place & must see! After a train ride back, we set out on foot to explore Fukuoka. Chizuko was very organized, thoughtful and informative in explaining each stop on our tour. She took us to see various Hakata temples and shrines as well as the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. We tasted a delicious fish-embossed creame filled cookie she thought we would enjoy… we did! In spite of it being a rainy day, Chizuko made sure we saw everything on the itinerary. She was a lovely lady; we really enjoyed the tour and her company. Thank you, Chizuko!

May 4, 2025
92075
So glad we did this!
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko, our guide, was phenomenal.
We communicated back-and-forth prior to our arrival in Japan. We had done some research and had a general idea of what we would like to see, do and eat.
Chizuko met us at our hotel and then effortlessly guided us on the subway and JR trains to our various destinations across the city, including a restaurant selling local delicacies that we would never have found.
It coincided with the festival so her carefully crafted itinerary changed a bit, as we were dancing and interacting with the various performing groups along the way.
Her English was perfect and, whilst she was very professional, she was also extremely pleasant and easy to talk to.
We had considered doing it on our own with a guide book but so glad we took the full day tour.
Highly recommended.

Mar 25, 2025
Veronicajhyde
A day in Fukuoka
Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Great day with our tour guide Chizuko, a trip to the garden island Nokonosima magnificent views and beautiful flowers and trees, just a few cherry blossoms.
In return a walk through shopping area and authentic sushi & sashimi lunch.
Continuing to walk through the shopping area past more blooms.
Highly recommended

Oct 18, 2024
Pearl_I
Wonderful Experience!
Viator review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Chizuko was a wonderful tour guide. She spent hours to customize our experience in
Fukuoka. We had a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Sep 17, 2025
785hongc
Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour with our guide Lily. Lily speaks excellent English and thoughtfully designed our tour itinerary based on our preference on leaning culture and history of Japanese. She brought history and culture information booklets full of historic photos and literature making sure that we understand the content and key historic facts. She also brought us along a Tokyo maps and attraction guide carefully explained how the Tokyo public transportation system along with more attraction recommendations for our planning purpose. Lily introduced us to some lovely authentic Japanese food and artwork shop including an incense shop that we could never found by ourselves. She is extremely knowledgeable and also patiently answering a variety questions that we had and also navigate timing and traffic perfectly. We could not have asked a better guide, thank you Lily!

Sep 16, 2025
H
Hong_C
A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best relaxed educational experience about historic Tokyo! Lily is a wonderful guid who had designed a perfect tour itinerary for our 6-hour tour for a hot humid day in September. Her English skill is perfect and she is very thoughtful about introducing Japanese history, cultures, art work and authentic food to us. She is also extremely helpful to explain Tokyo public transportation system to us and provided us step by step instructions on some JR line ticket purchase options to make sure that we could catch a chance to see Mt Fuji on our way to Kyoto. Most amazingly she was also able to locate an incense shop that we could never found it ourselves. Perfect time management too! Perfect tour!

Jul 18, 2025
Venture26940872209
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit to understand what we
liked .. and then a very enjoyable 4 hours
Highly recommend

Jul 1, 2025
michaellG938KC
Lily is the best. Highly recommended
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lily is an amazing guide and her tour was the highlight of our trip. Lily was friendly, knowledgeable, and perfectly tailored the experience to my teenage kids. From trendy boutiques in Shibuya to hidden vintage gems in Harajuku, every stop felt special. They helped with translations, provided helpful advice and made the whole day fun and stress-free. My daughters found pieces we never would’ve discovered on my own at vintage thrift stores. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fashion and wants a local’s guide!

Mar 30, 2025
Cruiser537584
Much Deeper Understanding of Japan
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Our guide, Takeshi Don Tanaka, worked with us to choose the most important and compact temple, shrine, and castle for our Kyoto visit He is knowledgeable and passionate about Japanese history and culture. Tour of “security system” of Niko-Jo castle (nearly every architectural element a weapon of psychological warfare) a highlight of trip. Also great sense of humor.

Mar 30, 2025
sallybV2617DS
Kyoto Temples and Shrines
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had the best day with our guide, Takeshi Don Tanaka! Don worked closely with us to plan a fabulous itinerary visiting some of Kyoto’s most iconic temples and shrines. He shared his vast knowledge of Kyoto history and at the same time was friendly and funny, matching the personality of our group.

Mar 23, 2025
jefferyo2025
Amazing and Informative 6hr Kyoto tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Don Tanaka did an amazing job with our tour! He was highly professional and very well
organized. Thank you so much for a wonderful day!

Dec 26, 2024
allisonj994
Highly recommend!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wow, our guide, Don Tanaka was absolutely incredible. He knows so much about Japan and Kyoto. He made our tour fun and intellectual. He showed us so many places and hidden spots. Our driver Yasu was also a pleasure. Thank you to both! This was a highlight of our 2 week trip!