Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Umeda Sky building

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Umeda Sky building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30   Pick up at Hotel in Nihonbashi
    • 8:30-11:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 11:00-12:00 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 12:00-12:30 Kuromon Market
    • 12:30-14:00 Dotonbori
    • 14:00-14:30 Umeda Sky building
    • Around 14:35 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky Building This was a private tour for a group visiting Osaka. I asked where they wanted to go and arranged the itinerary so that, even if time ran short toward the end, the whole group could enjoy the Umeda Sky Building. They listened attentively to the history of Osaka Castle. At Tsutenkaku, they were quite focused and did not play around much. At Kuromon Market, they watched takoyaki being made, bought some, and tried various samples, and then had okonomiyaki in Dotonbori. We took photos in front of the Glico sign, and I gave them Glico caramels that I had bought in advance. At the Umeda Sky Building, a Christmas market had been set up, creating a festive atmosphere, so I told them about the basement dining area, the entrance to the Floating Garden Observatory, and the subway for their return trip, and we parted ways there. I took plenty of group photos for them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho~Nihonbashi190JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total860JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 9:15-10:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:40-11:30 @ Gion
    • 12:25-13.10 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:30-13:40 @ Hokyo-in
    • 14:00-14:20 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ Camellia Garden tea house

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for one, while the other had visited once about three decades earlier. As soon as we met, they said, "We are the type who move fast," explaining that they had arrived in Tokyo two days before, explored Tokyo the previous day, and planned to finish exploring Kyoto today before returning to Tokyo the same day and heading home the next day. They did not take many photos, and rather than simply enjoying the scenery, they were the type who listened carefully to the historical background of each place. When I explained inari sushi along the approach to Fushimi Inari Taisha, both of the guests bought some and enjoyed eating it while walking. I had intended to take the Keihan train from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Gion, but the entire line was suspended due to an accident, so we took a taxi to Gion instead. After exploring Gion, we had originally planned to visit Nijo Castle, but partway through I realized that the Ninomaru Palace was closed because it was Tuesday, so we decided to head to Kinkaku-ji instead. At Kinkaku-ji, they sampled yatsuhashi and bought a bag. We also took a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama. At Hokyo-in, the autumn foliage could still be enjoyed nicely. After exploring the Arashiyama bamboo grove, they had a light snack at the terminal of the Randen Arashiyama Station. Since the guests had booked a tea ceremony experience at Camellia Garden tea house after the tour, I saw them off there, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2BusGion~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama Station~Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:56 Meet up @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection
    • 2. 10:10 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Nijo Market
    • 4. 11:00 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 5. 12:00 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 6. 13:50 Lunch @Maruyama Class
    • 7. 14:35 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 8. 15:25 Factory
    • 9. 15:50 Disband @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection

    Sapporo Private Tour Report: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You at Okurayama Ski Jump and the Olympic Museum? The original plan was to visit Mount Moiwa, but after learning that the guests had a background in sports and had previously done winter sports, I proposed visiting the Sapporo Olympic Museum together with the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. The guests happily accepted the change. The weather was fine, and the cityscape of Sapporo could be seen clearly, and they were very satisfied with the view. Although they were not very familiar with the athletes from the era of the Sapporo Olympics, their interest in the sports meant they explored the museum with great enthusiasm.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station~Maruyama Koen Station210JPY
    Section 2BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium~Maruyama Koen Station240JPY
    Section 3SubwayMaruyama Koen Station~Bus Terminal Station250JPY
    Total700JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

    Sep 2, 2025
    roxannerW1499FK
    Great experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful city tour with Tom in…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting at the lobby in the Hotel
    • 11:10 Hiroshima Castle
    • 13:10 Lunch at the Noodle Restaurant
    • 13:40 Peace Memorial Park including the A-Bomb Dome
    • 14:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:10 Goodbye near the Peace Bridge

    What Is a Private History Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the garden of Hiroshima Castle, I spoke in detail about the historical events leading up to the Meiji Restoration, the modernization that followed and Hiroshima's connection to it, the history from the First Sino-Japanese War through the Pacific War, and especially the circumstances leading to the Pacific War, the atomic bombing, and the reality of the atomic bomb. One of the guests from Asia listened attentively and responded that they understood very well. When I asked afterward, they said they loved history and were learning similar things at school. It made me think that, unlike in Western countries, this part of Asia teaches Japanese history in great detail. Perhaps because of this, at the Atomic Bomb Museum, they quickly remarked that it was all things they had already learned at school. I accompanied the guests partway, and I was impressed by how skillfully they used a mobile app, paying for everything such as admission fees and taxi fares by phone. They mentioned that this part of the group would join the rest of the group in Kyoto.

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Hotel Meet (Hilton Garden inn Kyoto, Shijo)
    • 7:00-7:30 Travel (City Bus: Gojo Station → Gojozaka)
    • 7:30-8:40 Visit Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 8:40-9:10 Travel (Keihan Train: Gion-Shijo → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 9:10-10:00 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:00-10:30 Travel (Keihan Train: Fushimi Inari → Tofukuji, JR: Tofukuji → Kyoto Station)
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel (Taxi: Kyoto Station → Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 11:00-11:50 Visit Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji & Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove, Kimono Forest)
    • 11:50-12:30 Travel (Keifuku Train: Arashiyama → Kitano-Hakubaicho, City Bus: Kitano-Hakubaicho → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 12:30-13:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:00 Tour ends at Kinkaku-ji
    •   On the way back, we took the guests to Nijo Castle

    Can You Do a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Day Tour Covering Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This time, the tour started early at 7:00 in the morning and ran continuously for six hours without a lunch break. I took the guests to Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji. While traveling from Fushimi Inari to Arashiyama, the Keihan train we were on suddenly stopped operating due to a personal injury accident. Since such accidents usually cause stoppages of more than an hour, we got off at Tofukuji, transferred to the JR line, and headed to Kyoto Station. Thanks to the guests' kindness, we traveled from Kyoto Station to Togetsukyo Bridge by taxi (at the guests' own expense). Because the taxi ride was smooth, the tour became a little rushed, but we were able to complete the Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji portions of the itinerary almost as planned. Some of the guests particularly liked Kinkaku-ji and the bamboo grove, while others enjoyed Kiyomizu-dera the most. What was unfortunate was that civil engineering work was being carried out in many places along the Katsura River in Arashiyama, which spoiled the beautiful scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojo Station~Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 4TrainTofukuji~Kyoto Station150JPY
    Section 5OtherKyoto Station~Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 7BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    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…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet @ Conrad
    • 5:15 Toyosu Seafood Wholesale Building ~ Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Fish Market ~ Outer Market
    • 8:45 Disband @ Conrad

    What Is a Private Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They watched the tuna auction with great interest, and when I explained the supply chain, they asked "who makes the most profit," to which I could only answer that "it depends on the situation (supply and demand)." At Tsukiji they enjoyed eating their way through the market, buying trimmings of bluefin tuna, conger eel, salmon sashimi, and strawberries at the fish market and eating them on the rooftop (photo). At the outer market they ate rolled omelet, grilled oysters, fatty tuna sashimi, and whale sashimi. Since they would be staying in Tokyo for another four days and commuting from their hotel, I introduced several sushi restaurants in Tsukiji Market, a beef skewer shop, a knife shop, and more. I also used a map of Tokyo to explain recommended sightseeing spots and how to get there from the hotel, and then we parted ways.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Asakusa
    • 8:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 10:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 11:40 Harajuku Lunch
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:30 Shibuya
    • 14:00 Subway Ginza Line Shibuya Station Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them shared a very active outlook, and our conversation grew lively as we found common topics from the same era. They were captivated by the autumn foliage at Hamarikyu Gardens and the sunlight filtering through the trees along the approach at Meiji Shrine. We also happened to encounter a family celebrating a shrine visit for a newborn, which seemed to help the group understand how religion is woven into everyday life in Japan. One of the guests had an impressive vocabulary in Japanese, and we had a delightful discussion about culture and history. They expressed great appreciation and gave a generous token of thanks, which left me humbled as the tour came to a close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa TEXP~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Shinbashi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayShiodome~Harajuku286JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total820JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at Hotel Premier Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit
    • 2. 10:00 Tsukiji (Hongan-ji Temple, Outer Market)
    • 3. 12:15 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 4. 13:20 Gotokuji Temple
    • 5. 14:00 Lunch at Hidakaya Gotokuji Branch
    • 6. 15:10 Takeshita Street
    • 7. 15:50 Disband at Hotel Premier Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report Based on our prior communication, the guests had visited the Imperial Palace the day before and planned to visit Asakusa the following day, so I focused the tour on the Tsukiji Outer Market and the western area, as requested. Since the guests mentioned wanting to purchase a knife as a souvenir at Tsukiji, I guided them to Aritsugu, but selecting and finishing the knife took some time, which extended our stay at Tsukiji. As a result, we skipped the originally planned Hamarikyu Gardens and headed to Shibuya instead. After that, I guided them to Gotokuji Temple, which I have been recommending to guests recently, and to Takeshita Street, which they had requested, before seeing them off at their Hotel to end the tour. We were blessed with good weather, and I believe the guests were able to fully enjoy the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Shibuya209JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Miyanosaka340JPY
    Section 4TrainGotokuji~Meiji-jingumae325JPY
    Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Kyobashi209JPY
    Total1,261JPY

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @MIMARU Tokyo Station East
    • 2. 10:10 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:55 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 11:50 Stay @Takeshita Street
    • 5. 12:05 Travel: Subway
    • 6. 12:50 Stay @Asakusa
    • 7. 13:50 Disband @ Nakamise Street

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. As expected, they had a distinctive accent, and since some of them spoke quite quickly, it was at times challenging to follow the conversation. The guests did not have a Suica card or any cash, so we first arranged for them to withdraw cash at an ATM in a convenience store near their accommodation. Hearing that it was their first time in Japan, I decided to guide them to Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, and I also added Takeshita Street to the itinerary to suit the group. Perhaps because they did not do much shopping along the way, we had more time to spare than expected in the latter half. At the end, I took the group to a popular ramen restaurant near Nakamise Street, "Yoroiya," and concluded the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHatchobori Station~Meiji-jingumae Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station~Asakusa Station260JPY
    Total470JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

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  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet at hotel 9:10 Board JR from Kyoto Station 9:20 Fushimi Inari 11:00 Kinkaku-ji  12:20 Nishiki Market  13:00 Lunch (Shinkyogoku sushi restaurant) 13:40 Gion  14:10 Yasaka Pagoda  14:45 Kiyomizu-dera 15:40 Shopping on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera 16:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Ishibei-koji 16:30 Tour ends at the exit of Yasaka Shrine

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in December? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan from North America. On this occasion, the group came to Japan, but part of the group returned home early due to work, so today's tour ended up being with a single guest. This change in the number of participants had not been communicated in advance, so no prior notice was possible. Until arriving at the Hotel in the morning, I had expected to guide the group. Consulting in advance and moving up the tour start time proved to be the right decision. At Fushimi Inari, we were able to take many photos without other tourists in the frame. The guest took many photos at every place we visited, but the autumn foliage at Kiyomizu-dera seemed to be the favorite. Being able to see autumn foliage even at this time in December was a stroke of luck for the guest. This photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Emmachi200JPY
    Section 4BusEmmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Shijo260JPY
    Total1,290JPY

    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
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    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…