Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ebisu Station & Wadakura Park

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ebisu Station & Wadakura Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Westin Tokyo
    • 10:20 Ebisu Station
    • 10:45 Harajuku Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Takeshita Street
    • 12:20 Meiji-Jingumae Station
    • 12:35 Otemachi Station
    • 12:40 East Gardens
    • 13:40 Wadakura Park
    • 14:00 Disband @Tokyo Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens The guests were visitors from North America. Since there had been no contact from the guests until the day before, I was a little concerned about the itinerary, but we confirmed my proposed plan at the meeting point and started the tour. At Meiji Shrine, preparations for the New Year were steadily underway, so I talked about how it differs from the usual atmosphere and about the mindset Japanese people have toward the New Year. On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed a completely opposite, pop-culture world and savored some crepes. After that, we headed to the East Gardens. There were relatively few tourists, so we were able to stroll slowly through the quiet grounds. During the tour, I learned that the guests planned to travel to Kyoto on Saturday but had not yet purchased Shinkansen tickets. Since it was the homecoming season, I recommended buying them early, so we extended the tour a little and I helped out at Tokyo Station. With few seats remaining, the departure times ended up split, but we managed to secure tickets, and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-Jingumae~Otemachi Station210JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    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…

    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…

    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…

    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…

  • Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Start at Kawagoe Station at 9:20 → Explore Kawagoe (lunch) → Kawagoe Station → Ikebukuro Station at 13:00

    Title: What's a Private Kawagoe Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America staying at a hotel in Toranomon. Because they were unsure of the route, they came all the way to Kawagoe via the Saikyo Line, which caused the tour to start about 20 minutes late; since going via Ikebukuro would have been closer, I saw them off to Ikebukuro on the way back. For Kawagoe, I had one training session and two preliminary visits, but today was my first actual tour there. If the meeting point is Kawagoe Station, I felt that a 4-hour tour is more than enough for Kawagoe (today's tour was also 4 hours, and the tour on the 27th is again in Kawagoe but for 6 hours). However, with a 9:00 morning start like today, the shops are not yet open, so it is important to adjust the timing by visiting places such as Kitain Temple. Since the guests liked udon, I guided them to a handmade Musashino udon restaurant, and they seemed satisfied.

    Hello ! My name is Kazuo Inoue, please call me ,”kazu”.
    I started guide business in 2016, 8 years ago . So I have a lot of experience as a guide .
    Also I have joined Tokyo city guide club ,specialising in Asakusa, Meiji shrine,Imperial Palace.
    I have much of knowledge of Tokyo , especially history. I am a specialist of Tokyo.
    I can guide not only main sightseeing spots , but also Tokyo off the beaten path ,
    like Nezu Yanaka, Shibamata , the surbuarb of Tokyo.
    ( the photo is the ring of the Sumo-stadium in Ryogoku ,Tokyo)

    I am looking forward to seeing you. kazu

    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…

    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…

    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…

    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 in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Heisei Apartment
    • 9:30 – 11:45 Imperial Palace
    • 11:45 – 12:15 Ginza
    • 12:15 – 13:00 Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji I had the pleasure of guiding the group from Oceania on their first sightseeing visit to Tokyo. The places they wanted to see were the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji, so we started at the Imperial Palace, walking from Nijubashi Bridge to the East Gardens. The group was impressed by the construction of the stone walls and the Otemachi Gate. In the Japanese garden of the East Gardens, they took many commemorative photos. After stopping by places such as the Nissan Gallery in Ginza, I guided them to the Tsukiji Outer Market as they had requested, where they enjoyed sushi and other dishes amid the huge crowds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShin-Okubo~Tokyo208JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Ginza178JPY
    Total386JPY

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet at Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 1000 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 1120 Kyoto Gosho
    • 1230 Lunch Nishio
    • 1330 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 1430 Bamboo Forest
    • 1500 Iwatayama
    • 1600 Disband at Celestine Kyoto Gion

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although there was a cancellation notice from the booking platform at 5:30 the previous day, the guests reached out asking if something could be arranged, and thanks to the efforts of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we were able to carry out the tour largely as originally planned. The weather today was excellent, offering ideal conditions for walking outdoors, and the guests seemed very pleased. Since Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which had been part of the original plan, had already been visited the previous day, we added Iwatayama Monkey Park at short notice even though it had not been scheduled, and the group enjoyed it very much.

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:25 Meet @Moxy Kyoto Nijo 2. 8:50 @Bamboo Grove Walk 3. 9:10 @Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden 4. 9:50 @Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace, Ninomaru Garden) 5. 10:50 @Kyoto Imperial Palace 6. 11:50 @Nishiki Market 7. 12:10 Lunch @Kentucky Fried Chicken Karasuma Nishikikoji Store 8. 13:00 @Gion Shirakawa, Gion Hanamikoji (from car window) 9. 13:15 Get off the taxi at the Kiyomizu-dera taxi drop-off point 10. 13:30 @Kiyomizu-dera (Since the applicant's guest had a bad knee and could not climb the stairs, we did not go to the main hall) 11. 13:50 @Sannenzaka 12. 14:10 @Hokan-ji 13. 14:16 Disband near the intersection of Yasaka-dori and Higashioji-dori

    Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group made up of relatives. One of the guests had been to Japan more than 20 times, but it was everyone's first visit to Kyoto. Since there were many places the group wished to see, I guided them to all of their requested destinations except Fushimi Inari Taisha within 6 hours. They mentioned that after arriving in Kyoto the previous day, they had visited only Fushimi Inari Taisha. We started with a walk through the bamboo grove, and after viewing the Sogenchi Garden at Tenryu-ji Temple, I pointed out Togetsukyo Bridge from the car window. When asked whether it is true that people in Japan eat Kentucky Fried Chicken at Christmas, I answered yes, and the group decided that since it was Christmas in Japan they would have Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch, so we had lunch there. I explained that because Kentucky Fried Chicken runs television commercials advertising Christmas chicken, some people do eat Kentucky Fried Chicken at Christmas. Before visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I judged that returning to the Hotel by taxi by 14:30 would be difficult, and with the guests' consent, we ended the taxi at Kiyomizu-dera. In front of the Nio-mon gate steps at Kiyomizu-dera, the guest who made the booking said their knee had become painful and that they could not climb the stairs at Kiyomizu-dera. I guided them to a gentler set of steps, but they said they could not manage those either, so in the end the group did not go to any of the areas requiring an admission fee. We shopped along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, passed through Sannenzaka, took photos at the Yasaka Pagoda, and finished at Higashioji-dori.

    I am Keiko Ibuki, Goverment-Licensed Guide. I passed National Guide examination and registered in 2015. I started guiding job in 2016. I mainly guide Kansai area, especially Kyoto. From 2016 to 2019, I guided visitors from overseas about 50 days. In 2023, I guided visitors from overseas about 50 days. I passed 2nd grade of Kyoto Tourism and Culture examination in 2020. I passed National Examination for Certified Travel Supervisors in 1997. I can tailor my guided tour to meet your requirements. I would like to make your visit to Japan enjoyable and memorable.

    May 15, 2025
    Christine_M
    There are SO many choices…
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    There are SO…

    Dec 25, 2024
    Kerri_D
    World Heritage Sites in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    Well- planned, strong…

    Jul 31, 2024
    whyisthisneededthiss
    Kyoto tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    Our tour guide Keiko was great.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:25 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:30 Akihabara
    • 16:30 Disband @ Ebisu

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were intrigued by the explanation of the differences between shrines and temples, and they also enjoyed sampling sweets along Nakamise Street. The guests requested, "We have a dinner reservation in Ebisu, so please guide us to the restaurant." Although this went beyond the scheduled tour time, I guided them to the restaurant as a special service before we parted ways. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShirokanedai~Meguro600JPY
    Section 2TrainMeguro~Shibuya170JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 5TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 6SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 7SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
    Section 8TrainAkihabara~Ebisu210JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gion

    Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Meet
    • 9:30 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:15 Bamboo Grove・Arashiyama (from the car window)
    • 11:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Nishio Yatsuhashi
    • 14:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Gion
    • 15:30 End at Hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. We toured based on their requested locations plus Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, and they were very pleased with the route. For lunch we went to a pleasant restaurant with a view of a Japanese garden, and I believe they were satisfied with the meal as well (noodles, tempura, and so on). I had originally included Nijo Castle in the route, but after arriving I learned that the Ninomaru Palace was closed for viewing that day (until recently it had also been open on Tuesdays). The guests said, "We'll come tomorrow, so it's fine," but it reminded me of the importance of checking in advance. Fushimi Inari, which had not been part of the original plan, was not very crowded, and they seemed satisfied. At the end, at Gion (Shirakawa), the guests kindly suggested taking a group photo together with the driver as well. They said that people in Japan are kind and the city is clean, so I would be happy if this tour also became a good memory of Japan for them. Thank you very much for all your support throughout 2024.

    Hi, I’m Makiko originally from Kobe.
    I have graduated from high school and University in the U.S., and working as an English Tour Guide in Japan since in my 20s.
    I want my guests to experience the beauty of Japan in Kansai region.
    Also, I’m a Sado, tea ceremony instructor , so ask me anything about tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese culture.
    Especially, I would like to take you where you can find peace in your mind through my tour, my recommended places in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji Temple.
    I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!

    Mar 21, 2025
    J
    Jet815326
    Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We only had a few…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Y8716YMkathyb
    Highly recommend this tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught…

    Nov 14, 2024
    TrailBlazer145790
    Kyoto Introduction
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding…

    Oct 18, 2024
    Z2198GLjohannah
    Wonderful experience
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind,…

  • Kyoto: Philosopher's Path & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:25 Philosopher's Path
    • 10:20 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 11:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, lunch
    • Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Koshindo
    • 13:45 Nishiki Market
    • 14:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
    • Since it was time for the car, I released it.
    • The customer asked, "Since we couldn't go to Gion yesterday, could you give us a little guided tour?", so
    • 15:40 Guided tour of Gion and Hanamikoji Street.
    • 16:15 Showed them Tatsumi Bridge and the walk along the Shirakawa River, then ended the tour.
    • I received payment for one hour.

    What Does a Private Full-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since they had come from a warm region, they mentioned that they had bought down coats after arriving in Japan. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide began the tour from the midway point of the Philosopher's Path. At Otoyo Shrine, the guests enjoyed seeing the altars dedicated to guardian animals such as komainu, mice, snakes, monkeys, foxes, and kites. At Nanzen-ji Temple, I guided them through three beautiful styles of gardens, the fusuma paintings by the Kano school, and the Suirokaku aqueduct of the Lake Biwa Canal. They said the atmosphere was superb. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, they were delighted by the view from the veranda and the Otowa Waterfall, and they also enjoyed lunch. After walking down Sannenzaka slope, we visited Nishiki Market, where they took photos of the interesting-looking shops. At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, they experienced the Senbon Torii and the Omokaru-ishi stones. They said they wanted to visit Gion, so I guided them along Hanamikoji Street before ending the tour. They were very pleased and told me they would write an excellent review.

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto fun
    Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

    Jul 15, 2026
    P9099TXkennethr
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    A great day
    A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

    Jun 28, 2026
    A
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    AmyfromPlano
    Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

    Jun 22, 2026
    yeseniag981
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Osaka Tour
    Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Kyoto Station Meet 11:40 Kinkaku-ji  12:55 Short break (Lunch) 13:55 Kyoto Imperial Palace  15:00 Fushimi Inari 16:20 Gion 17:00 Tour End

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors making their first trip to Japan from North America. They traveled from Osaka to Kyoto Station by transferring between the subway and JR. One of the guests appeared to walk with almost no difficulty, moving along energetically alongside the rest of the group. Today was a relatively warm day, though there was occasional light rain. One good thing was that, with schools now on winter break and no more student groups on excursions, all of the sites we visited were relatively uncrowded. It also felt as though the number of foreign travelers had decreased a little. Perhaps at this time of year people are traveling to warmer countries. The autumn foliage finally seems about to end. After I showed the guests around Gion, they took a taxi to Kyoto Station. The photo was taken at the Imperial Palace grounds.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKyoto~Kitaoji1,100JPY
    Section 2Free PassKitaoji Bus Terminal~Kinkakuji-michi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKitaoji~Imadegawa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassImadegawa~Kyoto0JPY
    Section 6TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 7TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 8Free PassTofukuji~Gion0JPY
    Total1,400JPY

    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.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Ishibei-koji Alley

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Ishibei-koji Alley

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30  Meet at Hotel TAKASEGAWA
    • 10:35  Itinerary explanation, about the history of Kyoto
    • 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:45 Sanjusangendo
    • 14:00 Lunch at Sanjo
    • 15:00 Kodaiji Temple
    • 16:00 Ishibei-koji Alley
    • 16:15 Gion: Tatsumibashi Bridge to Shinbashi-dori Street
    • 16:40 Disband at Gion, Furumonzen-cho

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Higashiyama and Gion The guests were visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time from North America. The destinations for this visit were decided according to the guests' wishes. One of the guests was always chatting, and whenever I explained something about a site in response to a question, they would enthusiastically add that there was something similar back home, sharing story after story. They were thoroughly enjoying the trip, and I found listening to them delightful. Another of the guests was interested in history and asked me a variety of questions. I thought they asked excellent questions, such as why the 15th Tokugawa shogun returned the samurai government, which had lasted some 700 years, to the Emperor. For lunch I took them to a very local spot. At Kodaiji Temple, even though Christmas was near, the autumn leaves and the golden ginkgo foliage sparkled in the evening sun, and the scene looked more autumnal than autumn itself — truly beautiful. Kyoto today turned from light rain to clear skies, with both the morning and evening sun shining beautifully, and the streets of Gion glowed with a wonderful atmosphere, so we took many photographs. The guests were very pleased. I hope it made for a lovely Christmas Eve for them.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
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