Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:00 to 10:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:00 to 11:20 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:40 to 12:45 Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 to 13:30 Nishiki Market
    • 13:45 to 14:15 Gion
    • 14:30 Dismissal   JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour in Autumn Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. When they booked this Kyoto tour, they had not expected to see any autumn foliage at all, so they were delighted to find that the maple leaves at Kiyomizu-dera and Tofuku-ji were still bright red. At Tofuku-ji in particular, there was a very long line just to buy admission tickets, but they were happy to wait because they wanted to see the autumn colors. After Nishiki Market, the plan was to go to the Sagano Bamboo Grove, but they said they had already visited the bamboo grove the day before and now wanted to return to their Hotel. Since that was the case, I wanted them to see at least one more place, so I took them to Gion. We ended the tour an hour earlier than scheduled. I felt that if they had told me before the tour started that they had already been to the bamboo grove, I could have offered some different suggestions.

    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: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace East Gardens & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at WPU Tokyo Shinjuku
    • 9:10 Tsukiji, breakfast @ Outer Market rooftop
    • 10:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 11:20 Akihabara
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Irori-an Kiraku Soba Ueno Branch
    • 12:15 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 13:40 Shibuya, Hachiko and Scramble Crossing
    • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:45 Disband at WPU Tokyo Shinjuku

    What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Private Guide's Report The weather was fine and the guests enjoyed sightseeing comfortably. At their request, we visited as many sights as possible, which made for a very busy day. At Tsukiji, after guiding them through the outer market, we addressed their request for sushi by having them enjoy a packed set of tuna sushi sold at the market, which they ate on the rooftop. The set of three pieces of lean tuna, three pieces of medium-fatty tuna, and three tuna rolls for 1,000 yen was delicious, and they were very satisfied. We moved somewhat quickly through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Akihabara, and at a standing soba shop in Ueno, I introduced vegetable tempura tsukimi soba for 690 yen as "a representative Japanese fast food" and had them try it, which they praised as very delicious. We then visited Asakusa, the Hachiko statue and scramble crossing in Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine, and they seemed very satisfied. Finally, I saw them off at their hotel, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Tsukiji600JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Shin-Ochanomizu0JPY
    Section 4TrainSuehirocho~Ueno0JPY
    Section 5TrainUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6TrainAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 8TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
    Total892JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 10:00 Tokyo Skytree
    • 3. 11:15 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
    • 4. 12:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 5. 14:15 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 6. 15:30 Disband at Yoyogi Station

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Include? A Licensed Guide's Report on Skytree, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine Body: Because meeting up with the guests was slightly delayed, there was not much time to travel from the accommodation area to Oshiage Station and Tokyo Skytree, so we were a little rushed. However, we were able to move at a comfortable pace without any panic and arrived in time. Returning to Asakusa, the guests were amazed by the lively atmosphere of the temple grounds. They also enjoyed shopping along Nakamise in Asakusa, the very area they had been looking down on from the observation deck just earlier. To save time, we entered the East Gardens through Kitahanebashi Gate, strolled through the ruins of Edo Castle while taking breaks along the way, and exited through Ote Gate. As they were feeling a little tired, we shortened the walk somewhat at Meiji Shrine, but the guests were deeply moved by the tranquility of the forest in the middle of the city. Finally, I saw them off at Yoyogi on the Oedo Line, so that they could return quickly and reliably to the Hotel from Shiodome, the station nearest their accommodation.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Oshiage900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOshiage~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total900JPY

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30   Pick up at hotel
    • 10:30-11:30 Kuromon Market
    • 11:30-12:10 Dotonbori
    • 12:10-15:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there(Lunch)
    • 15:00-16:00 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
    • 16:00-16:30 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • Around 16:40 Go back to Hotel (End of the tour)

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle, and Shitennoji I guided the guests, who were colleagues, on a full-day private tour of Osaka. They mentioned that walking was not a problem. Since they wanted to dine at a good Japanese restaurant, I had made a reservation at a well-known crab cuisine restaurant, but after drinking mango juice and sampling various foods at Kuromon Market, they were not yet hungry by the time we reached Namba after noon, so we canceled and moved on to Osaka Castle. (I had confirmed in advance that it could be canceled free of charge.) After viewing the interior of Osaka Castle, we enjoyed various local Osaka-style foods inside MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO. They also bought souvenirs, but surprisingly, at an ordinary ceramics shop near Shitennoji Temple, they each chose five or six everyday rice bowls and sake flasks. The kind shop owner wrapped everything carefully so it would not break, and even gave them a gift of an origami crane. Because we arrived at Shitennoji late in the day, they let us enter the central hall area free of charge just before closing. The temple seemed to bring a sense of calm, and the guests listened with interest to the monks' chanting. I saw them off at their hotel near Nagahoribashi, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNagahoribashi~Nipponbashi620JPY
    Section 2Free PassNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka0JPY
    Section 4Free PassEbisucho~Nagahoribashi0JPY
    Total620JPY

    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…

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet at Kamakura Station Enoden Line Get off at Hase Station Great Buddha of Kamakura Hasedera Temple From Hase Station to Kamakura Station Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Return to Kamakura Station and disband 15:40
    • The guest returns to Tokyo Station and returns to the USA tomorrow

    Title: What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had traveled to many parts of Japan, including Kyoto, with Kamakura as the final stop before returning to North America the next day. They had enjoyed Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi and shrines and temples in Kyoto and Nara, and seemed a little worn out by sightseeing. Since they expressed interest in Minamoto no Yoritomo, I steered the conversation in that direction. They also wanted to ask me, as someone with a technical background, about the Tokyo Skytree and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which they had visited, so I shared what technical knowledge I could. They kindly thanked me, though I suspect it was partly out of politeness. After Hasedera Temple and the Great Buddha, we returned to Kamakura Station, where I suggested lunch, but perhaps due to the rush of departing the next day, they said lunch was not necessary, so we finished a bit early. After words of thanks, they hurried onto the 15:44 train and headed back.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHase Station~Kamakura Station200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase Station~Kamakura Station200JPY
    Total400JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hakone-Yumoto. Take the train and cable car to Sounzan. Take the ropeway to Owakudani. Enjoy the barely visible Mt. Fuji and black eggs. Take the ropeway to Togendai. 12:40 Pirate ship. Disembark at Hakone-machi Port. View Mt. Fuji slightly. Eat at Donburiya near the Hakone Checkpoint ruins. After visiting and shopping at Maruyama Bussan, entrance to the Checkpoint ruins. From Hakone-machi Port, take the bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. Take the train to Odawara Station. See off at the Shinkansen entrance and disband. 16:15

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani and Lake Ashi The guests were part of a group visiting from North America, one of whom was making a repeat visit to Japan while another was here for the first time. When I introduced yosegi marquetry puzzle boxes, the guests were keen to buy them as souvenirs, and after enjoying a presentation at a local specialty shop, they made a variety of purchases. Today was quite cold, and for those who had grown up in a warm climate, this appeared to be a first experience of such chilly weather. However, since the autumn foliage was running late this year, the guests were able to fully enjoy the natural scenery of Hakone. On the other hand, because there are volcanoes in their home region as well, the volcanic landscape of Owakudani did not seem to be an especially unusual sight for them. The black eggs and the carp swimming in Lake Ashi made a stronger impression.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:12 JR奈良駅の改札口(奈良観光の出発点)
    • 8世紀からの古い大通りを15分歩く
    • 9:40-10:20 興福寺とその博物館
    • 鹿と遊びながら15分歩く
    • 11:10-50 春日大社
    • 10分歩く (水谷茶屋で昼食)
    • 12:10 若草山のふもと
    • 10分歩く
    • 12:30-13:00 東大寺二月堂
    • 5分歩く
    • 13:20 東大寺鐘楼 5分歩く (軽い昼食または軽食?)
    • 13:30-14:10 東大寺大仏殿  5分歩く
    • 14:20 東大寺南大門  5分歩く
    • 14:30-50 吉城園  10分歩く
    • 15:10 JR奈良駅に戻る 観光終了

    What Is a Private Nara Day Tour From Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were happy to walk a great deal, which was very helpful. When there are younger members in the group, more time is spent playing with the deer, so I kept the explanations of the shrines and temples fairly brief. The scenery was not quite as beautiful as in a typical year, but the setting around Mizuya Chaya was superb. The group had hoped to return to Kyoto on the Kintetsu sightseeing limited express "Aoniyoshi," but they had been unable to figure out how to book online the previous day, and today the ticket window said it was fully booked. I had also looked at the online reservation site the night before, but found it hard to navigate and felt it would be difficult. It needs more study. I had been quite confident in my ability to understand the Aussie accent, but I found this group hard to catch and had to ask them to repeat themselves several times.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel Meet (Mimaru Suite Kyoto)
    • 13:00-13:50 Travel (Karasuma Line/Tozai Line; Karasuma Shijo→Keihan Sanjo, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo→Keihan Shichijo, Walk; Keihan Shichijo→Sanjusangendo)
    • 13:50-14:50 Visit Sanjusangendo
    • 14:50-15:30 Travel (Walk; Sanjusangendo→Keihan Shichijo, Keihan Train; Keihan Shichijo→Fushimi Inari)
    • 15:30-16:30 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 16:30-17:00 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari→Keihan Sanjo, Tozai Line/Karasuma Line; Keihan Sanjo→Karasuma Shijo)
    • 17:00 Farewell at the hotel

    Title: What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Sanjusangendo The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. After visiting Tokyo, they arrived in Kyoto the previous evening. Since they wished for a relaxed 4-hour tour, I took them to Sanjusangendo and Fushimi Inari as requested. Some of the guests especially liked Fushimi Inari, and another mentioned that Fushimi Inari was wonderful apart from the crowds. One of the guests had visited Japan for sightseeing 17 years ago, but that trip was a large-group tour by big bus and left almost no impression, so this time they booked an FIT tour. Although we visited only two places, during our travels I explained Kyoto's traditional industries, venture businesses, and the current situation in Japan (declining birthrate and aging population, GDP, geographical features). It may have been a little boring for some of the younger members of the group. I was reminded once again how important it is to further refine the appeal and value of an FIT tour, which cannot be experienced on a large bus tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKarasuma Shijo~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Sanjo~Keihan Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Shichijo~Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 5TrainKeihan Sanjo~Karasuma Shijo220JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto & Tenryu-ji Temple and Bamboo Grove Path

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kyoto & Tenryu-ji Temple and Bamboo Grove Path

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto Station
    • 8:57-9:03 Kyoto → Inari JR 150 yen
    • 9:10-10:10 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:23-10:47 Inari → Saga-Arashiyama JR 240 yen
    • 10:50-12:20 Sightseeing at Tenryu-ji Temple and Bamboo Grove Path
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Ware Ware Ha Arashiyama Cafe (only guests seated
    • 13:00 Support with ordering, then finish

    What Is a Private Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania, and I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama in Kyoto. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I explained the torii gates and the history of Shinto, and in Arashiyama I introduced the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple and the teachings of Buddhism. The guests were especially interested in the differences and background between Shinto and Buddhism, and they eagerly asked many cultural questions. I also recommended a cafe in Arashiyama that opened this September and supported them with placing their order. They were satisfied with the atmosphere and service of the cafe, and it seemed they had a wonderful time enjoying the scenery of Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
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  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet up @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform
    • 2. 11:50 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 13:45 Lunch @ Gontaro
    • 4. 14:45 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 5. 16:10 @ Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji, Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 6. 17:30 Disband @ Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo. One of the guests had just bought a DSLR camera the previous day in Tokyo and took many photos of Kyoto's beautiful autumn foliage. Initially, the group had requested as many as ten locations including lunch, but I explained that Kyoto is large and that crowds would make smooth travel difficult, and that reserving lunch in advance would make things go more smoothly, so we decided everything beforehand and proceeded accordingly. The tour itself went as planned, but one of the guests' relatives was staying in Kyoto for a short time and, on the day, mentioned wanting to meet at the lunch spot. They said they knew the location, but it seems the main branch of the same restaurant was communicated to them, so in the end they were not able to have lunch together. Feeling that this would be unfortunate, since we were going to Nishiki Market at the end of the tour, I arranged for them to meet at the entrance, made sure they successfully met up, and then we parted ways. The guests were very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitano-Hakubaicho230JPY
    Section 5TrainKitano-Hakubaicho~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Karasuma240JPY
    Section 7OtherKyoto~Kyoto140JPY
    Total1,440JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
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    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…