Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Tofukuji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Tofukuji Temple & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Byodoin Temple (meet at the front gate)
    • 11:30 Tofukuji Temple
    • 12:30　Lunch @ Shichijo
    • 13:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:30 Dismissal @ Gojozaka

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto and Uji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto, and at the time of booking they had a strong wish to visit Uji and Byodo-in. After confirming with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I accepted on the condition that they would cover the transportation costs outside the standard area and that these would not be billed to the company. We were blessed with fine weather, and the autumn foliage was later than usual this year, seeming to reach nearly its peak on this day, so I believe the guests enjoyed wonderful scenery at every place we visited. After finishing at Kiyomizu-dera, the guests proposed an early end because they wanted to go to the National Museum, so I concluded the tour at the bus stop on Gojozaka.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTofukuji Temple～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 2BusSanjusangendo Museum～Gojozaka230JPY
    Total400JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Royal Park Canvas - Ginza Corridor & Tokyo National

    Tokyo in One Day: Royal Park Canvas – Ginza Corridor & Tokyo National

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 The Royal Park Canvas – Ginza Corridor
    • 9:50 Rikugien Garden
    • 11:20 From Nezu to Yanaka, Ueno Sakuragi
    • 13:10 Lunch at Hachidaime Denzaemon
    • 14:15 Tokyo National Museum
    • 15:15 Disband in front of Tokyo National Museum

    Tokyo What's a Private Walking Tour of Rikugien, Nezu, Yanaka, and Ueno Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. Since they had already toured Kyoto, one of the guests said after visiting Rikugien that they were tired of shrines, temples, and gardens, and wished to walk through areas where ordinary Japanese people live. So I changed the route we had discussed by email, and instead led the group from Rikugien to Nezu, then through Snake Road (Hebi-michi) to Yanaka, and finally to Uenosakuragi for lunch. At Rikugien the autumn leaves were at their peak, and the guests were delighted, taking photos everywhere. In Nezu, rather than visiting Nezu Shrine, we made our way from Snake Road toward Yanaka Cemetery, stopping along the way to talk about small pieces of Japanese culture such as traditional Japanese houses, a nursing home, a public bathhouse, graves, jizo statues, and sugidama (cedar balls). Because we chatted about so many things, it took quite a while before we finally reached the lunch spot. Although we waited a little at lunch, the guests seemed very satisfied to enjoy a set meal in a traditional Japanese house. Finally we visited the Tokyo National Museum (unfortunately the first floor was closed), and while the guests were a little excited by the Pokémon manhole covers and Hello Kitty, they appreciated Japanese art, and as expected they were very interested in the netsuke exhibition at the end, stopping to enjoy it for a long time. It was also a good opportunity to introduce the new 10,000 yen and 1,000 yen notes, prompted by the red jade stone at Rikugien and the ukiyo-e at the museum; in particular, Shibusawa Eiichi left a strong impression on the guests, as it connected with a cork portrait they had seen the previous day at the bar of the Imperial Hotel. The guests loved to talk, and it was a very enjoyable six-hour tour throughout.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYurakucho～Komagome178JPY
    Section 2TrainKomagome～Nishi-Nippori146JPY
    Section 3SubwayNishi-Nippori～Nezu178JPY
    Total502JPY

    Tour Report by Danda

    Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.

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    Apr 21, 2026
    Sabrina_F
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Balade riche en découvertes
    Nous avons passé un super moment avec Danda.…

    Apr 14, 2026
    davidjonesresponseen
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking tour with Danda in Tokyo
    Excellent walking tour, we followed our…

    Apr 10, 2026
    Anna_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour with great guide
    Excellent tour with a very good guide…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Nahmjee_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour guide and experience.
    Danda was great with my family. He…

  • Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 　　　 Meet at Caption by Hyatt Namba
    • 8:30-10:23　 Move to Koyasan by train
    • 10:27-10:45 Move to Okunoin by Koyasan bus
    • 10:45-12:18 Stay at Okunoin
    • 12:18-12:23 Move to restaurant by Koyasan bus
    • 12:23-13:15 Lunch
    • 13:15-13:47 Walk around Okuno-in Ichinohashi erea/ Shojoshin-in(fire ritual)
    • 13:47-13:55 Move to Danjo Garan temple complex by bus
    • 13:55-15:00 Stay at Danjo Garan temple complex
    • 15:00-15:40 Stay at Kongobu-ji Temple
    • 15:42-16:00 Move to Koyasan Station by Koyasan bus
    • 16:10-17:57 Move to Namba
    • Around 18:00 East exit of Namba (End of the tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Mount Koya (Koyasan) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The group traveled together to Mount Koya (Koyasan) for a full day. We were just in time for the reserved-seat limited express at 8:40, so we arrived at Mount Koya earlier than planned. We decided to visit Okunoin in the morning, and since the 2-kilometer route seemed a bit demanding for one of the guests, we walked the shorter course starting from Nakanohashi. One of the guests apparently drinks Yakult every day, and was delighted to see the corporate memorial for Yakult, as well as the memorial towers for coffee, Apollo chocolates, and even one dedicated to termites. They also said the old moss-covered memorial towers were beautiful and took many photos. One of the guests seemed interested in Japanese history and knew the names of several warlords, so our conversation lively covered stories of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, who once sought to attack Mount Koya. They also enjoyed the shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). I had our photo taken together by a staff member at the restaurant. We were also in time for the goma fire ritual at Seijoshin-in, so we watched a little before entering the Danjo Garan and Kongobu-ji. The guests appeared to follow Buddhism and prayed earnestly at each site.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassNankai Namba Station～Koyasan4,090JPY
    Total4,090JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    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.

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Toyosu Market entrance & Shinjuku Station

    Tokyo: Toyosu Market entrance & Shinjuku Station

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meeting place: Hotel Groove, Shinjuku
    • 5:00 Hotel Groove, Shinjuku
    • (1 taxi)
    • 5:30 Toyosu Market entrance (Main Gate South Exit)
    • Toyosu Wholesale Seafood Building
    • (Tuna auction viewing / from the tuna auction viewing deck)
    • Intermediate Wholesale Seafood Building
    • 6:15 Depart Shijo-mae Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 7:00 Arrive Tsukiji-shijo Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Breakfast: Tsukiji Itadori Annex
    • 8:00 Depart Tsukiji-shijo Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 8:30 Shinjuku Station
    • 8:30 Dismissal: Shinjuku Station

    Can You Visit Toyosu Fish Market's Tuna Auction on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. The previous evening they had arrived at Haneda via a connecting flight and taken a taxi to their Hotel. On this trip they planned to spend some time in Tokyo, then travel to Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and heading home. They said, "We'd like to visit as many places as possible, and also try as many kinds of Japanese food as we can." Later in the day they planned to walk around Ginza and Asakusa. At 5:30 am we arrived at the south side of the main gate of Toyosu Market. First, we went to the seafood wholesale building, where they enthusiastically observed the tuna auction. The guests had applied for and won the lottery for the "Tuna Auction Viewing Deck," so on this occasion I guided them from the viewing deck. Before entering the viewing deck, I explained the history of Tokyo's fish markets, the differences between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and the differences between the wholesale market and the intermediate wholesale market. They asked questions such as: "Where is the tuna caught?" "Is all the tuna from around the world sent to Toyosu Market?" "When is the market closed?" "What kinds of tuna are there, and which is the most expensive?" "How many are put up for auction per day?" They also asked, "How much is one tuna?" and "Which part of the tuna is the most delicious?" The viewing deck is connected to the auction floor, so it was quite cold and there was a smell of fish. After this, we visited the intermediate wholesale building. They asked, "What kind of people come here to buy?" and "We'd really like to go inside and see it — is that not allowed?" We took the Yurikamome and the subway to the Tsukiji Outer Market and slowly walked around the area. As it was early morning, not all the shops were open yet. We looked around at various shops, sampled roasted soybeans and dried squid, and they bought a large amount. The guests love sushi. They said, "We'd like to have sushi here for breakfast," so we went to a restaurant. They made comments and asked questions such as: "The city is so clean. There's no litter on the ground." "We don't see any homeless people." "There are no trash cans on the streets — why is that?" They also said, "We really want to buy a sashimi knife as a souvenir for a member of the family, so please tell us how to get to Kappabashi Kitchen Town." They said they wanted to return to the Hotel once, so I saw them off at Shinjuku Station and we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShijo-mae Station～Toyosu Station189JPY
    Section 2SubwayToyosu Station～Tsukishima Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukishima Station～Tsukiji-shijo Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji-shijo Station～Shinjuku Station272JPY
    Total817JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:10 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • watching mochi-pounding at Nakatani-do
    • 11:30-12:00 Kofukuji Temple & its Museum
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 12:30-13:00 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • 13:10-20 Lunch at Muzuya Chaya
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 13:40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:00-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 14:50-15:20 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 15:30 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 15 minutes through the park
    • 15:50- Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, traditional town house, katana gallery etc.
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 17:05 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station or elsewhere (End of Tour)

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Nara Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was scheduled to start at 11:50, but the guests got off one stop early at Shin-Omiya Station, so we began about 20 minutes late. The guests were visitors from North America and appeared to live a multicultural daily life, with diverse backgrounds among their family and friends. When I talked about how Korean residents in Japan have been treated legally over the years, they were surprised and said it seemed unfair. Although the autumn foliage was not quite as vivid as in a typical year, I enjoyed a full day of guiding in a beautifully colored park. That said, the accent was quite hard to catch!

    Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Junichi

    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.

    Request Booking

    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: Kofukuji Temple & Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple

    Kyoto: Kofukuji Temple & Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto Station
    • 09:00 Transfer: From the hotel to Nara by private car
    • 09:50 Sightseeing ①: Visit Kofukuji Temple
    • 10:30 Transfer: From Kofukuji Temple to Todaiji Temple by private car
    • 10:40 Sightseeing ②: Visit Todaiji Temple
    • 11:45 Sightseeing ②: Free time (playing with deer near Nandaimon Gate)
    • 12:00 Lunch/Break
    • 12:45 Transfer: To Kasuga Taisha Shrine by private car
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ③: Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 13:40 Transfer: Toward Yakushiji Temple by private car
    • 14:10 Sightseeing ④: Visit Yakushiji Temple and Toshodaiji Temple
    • 15:35 Transfer: To Kyoto by private car
    • 16:30 Dismissal: Hotel

    **Title:** Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania on a sightseeing trip. Prior communication and arrangements were handled through one of the guests. It was their first visit to Japan, but they had a strong interest in Japanese history, culture, and religion. This private full-day tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) lasted eight hours, of which two hours were spent traveling between Kyoto and Nara, leaving roughly six hours of actual sightseeing time. Since it was the guests' first visit to Japan, the itinerary covered the essential course of Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and, taking advantage of the private vehicle, also included Yakushi-ji Temple and Toshodai-ji Temple, which are rarely visited on walking tours. On the day of the tour, the weather was excellent — mostly cloudy but with occasional sunshine and not too cold — making for a very comfortable experience. On the way to Nara, after self-introductions in the car, I explained Japanese religion, culture, and history, including topics related to Nara, and answered many questions. Upon arriving in Nara, the autumn foliage was still showing vivid colors in many places, which delighted the guests, who took many photographs. At Kofuku-ji Temple, we viewed numerous Buddhist statues conveying the spirit of ancient Nara; at Todai-ji Temple, the guests were amazed by the majesty of the Great Buddha; at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they encountered the distinctive view of nature found in Shinto; and in Nara Park, they enjoyed interacting with the deer. One of the guests was a great animal lover and enthusiastically took photos of the deer. Yakushi-ji Temple and Toshodai-ji Temple, located slightly away from central Nara, had relatively few visitors, so we were able to explore them calmly and at a leisurely pace. The plan had originally included a final rest of about 30 minutes over tea, but at the guests' request we set off on the return journey to Kyoto about 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. We arrived in Kyoto at exactly 4:30. We parted ways with a sense of fond farewell.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Nadagiku Sake Brewery

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 12:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 14:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 15:45 @ Nadagiku Sake Brewery
    • 16:45 Dismissal @ JR Himeji Station

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. The group moved at a fairly slow pace, and the steep staircases inside Himeji Castle were quite tiring for them, which caused the tour to run considerably over the scheduled time. Both were very interested in the sights and listened attentively to my explanations. At Koko-en Garden, the autumn foliage was more beautiful than I had ever seen, and the guests seemed thoroughly delighted. At the Nadagiku Sake Brewery, they enjoyed a tasting and purchased Japanese sake as a souvenir. One of the guests was of Asian background and maintained residences in more than one region, and since I had experience living in that region and could speak a little of the language, the group was very pleased and we were able to spend the time enjoyably together. As they were returning to Osaka, I recommended taking the Special Rapid Service and explained how to board it, after which we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hogon-in Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hogon-in Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • 9:50-10:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30-12:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kameyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:35-13:35 @ Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 13:45-14:20 @ Hogon-in Temple
    • 14:30 Dismiss @ In front of Tenryu-ji Temple Main Gate

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Autumn Foliage Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Today was their final day in Kyoto and in Japan, as they were scheduled to depart from Tokyo's Narita Airport the following day. Everyone was cheerful, friendly, and easygoing, which made the tour a pleasure. Fushimi Inari Taisha was not very crowded. However, there was a long line of school trip students at the Omokaru-ishi stones, so the guests were unable to try them. Instead, I guided them to the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, and they enjoyed crawling under its roots. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was also not too crowded and easy to stroll through. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, the guests were delighted to take photos of the Japanese macaques against a backdrop of autumn foliage. After exploring the Monkey Park, we had a little time left, so I guided them to Hogon-in Temple, a famous spot for autumn foliage. Although some of the leaves had already withered, there were plenty of trees at their peak, and everyone enjoyed capturing the autumn colors in their own way. Afterward, I had planned to see the guests back to their hotel, but at their request we parted ways in front of the main gate of Tenryu-ji Temple.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHorikawa Takoyakushi～Shijo Keihan230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo Station～Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainInari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa Harajuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Toranomon Hills
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 11:40 Shibuya
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Branch
    • 13:00 Yasukuni Shrine
    • 13:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:00 Asakusa (Skytree photos) Harajuku (see a few shops on Omotesando)
    • 15:50 Disband at Toranomon Station

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was excellent, and the guests were in high spirits as they enjoyed the sightseeing. Upon first meeting, the guests said they wanted to visit a war museum, so I changed the plan to visit the Yushukan at Yasukuni Shrine before going to the Imperial Palace. At Meiji Shrine, the guests wished to visit the inner garden and enjoyed the autumn foliage. Many people were lined up at Kiyomasa's Well, so we skipped it. On Takeshita Street, the guests were particularly interested in an animal café and looked at it from the outside. Along the way, the guests said they wanted to eat sushi, and although I suggested a restaurant on Takeshita Street, they found a restaurant in Shibuya on their own, and we had lunch there. We went to the Yushukan at Yasukuni Shrine, but unfortunately it was closed. The ginkgo trees at Yasukuni Shrine were very beautiful. I was surprised at how many people were at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but we were able to see the whole area. We skipped Akihabara and ended the tour in Asakusa, parting ways at Toranomon Station.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToranomon Hills～Meiji-jingumae600JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Kudanshita0JPY
    Section 4TrainOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa～Toranomon0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 10:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street pass-through, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch at Ramen Watanabe
    • 4. 13:15 Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street)
    • 5. 14:40 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Harajuku Street, Omotesando)
    • 6. 16:00 Dismissal at Harajuku

    What Is a Classic Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Tokyo for the first time and had no particular requests, so I guided them along a classic route. Since the Inui Street passage at the Imperial Palace was open to the public at the time, I added it to the itinerary, and the guests were delighted. As they wished to have ramen for lunch, we moved to Asakusa and I took them to a ramen restaurant. They said it was the most delicious ramen they had ever eaten. The weather was fine again on this day, and we were able to complete the itinerary as planned, so I believe the guests were very satisfied.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEbisu～Hibiya209JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Total639JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    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

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    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…