Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Todai-ji

    Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Todai-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Tenryu-ji entrance
    • 9:10 Tenryu-ji Garden ~ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:20 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
    • 13:00 Lunch at udon specialty restaurant Kamasui
    • 13:45 Kasuga Taisha ~ Nara Park
    • 14:45 Todai-ji
    • 16:45 Disperse at Kintetsu Nara Station

    A Private Kyoto and Nara Day Tour: What Does a Licensed Guide's Itinerary Look Like? Today I guided a group of guests visiting from North America. Since we started early in the morning, the guests enjoyed the relatively uncrowded Tenryu-ji garden followed by the Arashiyama bamboo grove. They had also mentioned they wanted to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, so we walked through the beautiful autumn foliage of Sagano and took many photos, which the guests were very happy about. Afterward, we moved to Nara, where the guests had a wonderful time interacting with the deer. We then went to a popular udon restaurant in Nara, and the guests loved the warm udon broth. They mentioned they had booked several food tours and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying Japanese cuisine. Tomorrow I will accompany the guests on a Kyoto tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Kyoto240JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Kintetsu Nara760JPY
    Total1,000JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 10:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 12:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 14:00 Lunch at Manpukutei
    • 6. 15:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 7. 16:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 8. 17:00 Disband at Sensoji Temple

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Hamarikyu, Tsukiji, and Asakusa Under what felt like the clearest and calmest mild autumn weather of the year, the guests seemed very pleased with Meiji Shrine, which had fewer visitors than Kyoto. They also enjoyed taking photographs at Hamarikyu Gardens. At Tsukiji, they had fun buying unusual beans and fruits. As they had requested ramen, they were also given a recommendation by the taxi driver, and they savored the everyday flavor at a long-established ramen shop in Ginza. Before visiting the East Gardens, there was enough time to view the Outer Garden and the Sakurada Gate from the car window, so I was grateful for the vehicle. The East Gardens also seemed to have fewer visitors, and we stayed until close to the garden's closing time. Finally, we made it to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa just as the illumination was beginning to come on and while many shops were still open, and the guests marveled at the atmosphere of the old downtown district. Overall, the itinerary proceeded as planned, and it was an efficient tour that made good use of the mobility of the car.

    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…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Nunobiki Herb Garden & Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet @ JR Shin-Kobe Station
    • 10:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 12:00 @ Kitano Ijinkan District
    • 13:00 @ Nankinmachi (Chinatown)
    • 13:45 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 14:45 Disband @ JR Maiko Station

    Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America, and everyone was a strong walker, so we were able to move around smoothly throughout the tour. Everyone listened attentively to the guide's explanations, which made the tour very pleasant to lead. The whole group was friendly and enjoyable to guide, and I found it a genuinely delightful experience. I guided them to Nankinmachi, which had not originally been part of the plan, and we stopped at a restaurant serving the "Kobe beef" they had requested in advance, which they seemed very satisfied with. At the bakery inside Maiko Station, the nearest station to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, which I recommended, they also purchased many sweet breads. After the tour, the guests mentioned they would like to have a meal around Sannomiya Station if possible, so I explained the train route and handed them a memo for a taxi driver, and we parted ways at Maiko Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMotomachi~Maiko320JPY
    Total320JPY

    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

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo Tower & Shibuya Crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting point Hotel Celestine Ginza
    • 9:40 Tokyo Tower
    • 10:30 Zojoji Temple
    • 11:30 Asakusa
    • 12:30 Akihabara
    • 13:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Shibuya Crossing
    • 15:00 Disband at Shibuya Fukuras 17th floor.

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They seemed to appreciate learning how Tokyo Tower became a symbol of postwar recovery and rapid economic growth, and how the subsequent Tokyo Olympics transformed Tokyo into an international city. For lunch, we kept it simple with rice balls and udon near Akihabara Station, and the guests said the light, Kansai-style udon was absolutely delicious, finishing every last drop of the broth. At Meiji Shrine, there was an autumn chrysanthemum exhibition, and the guests were deeply moved, feeling as if they had touched the essence of Japanese culture. They were also enchanted by the view of the famous crossing and the cityscape from the terrace of Shibuya Fukuras. At a café, I was kindly invited to have some wine, but not wishing to intrude, I said my goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza~Kamiyacho178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOnarimon~Asakusa272JPY
    Section 3TrainEX Express Asakusa~Akihabara220JPY
    Section 4TrainAkihabara~Harajuku408JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total1,224JPY

    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.…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Osaka in Half a Day: Harukas Garden & Sumiyoshi Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
    • 10:50-12:30 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 13:00-13:10 @ Harukas Garden
    • 13:45-14:30 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 14:55 Disband @ Kuromon Market

    Private Osaka Tour Report: What Is a Full-Day Guided Visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha and Kuromon Market Like? The guests were a group visiting Japan, arriving together via Asia. One of the guests was very cheerful and delighted everyone by recalling Japanese words and cultural traditions passed down through the family from earlier generations, sharing them and bringing laughter to the whole group. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, the place they most wanted to visit, I caught a warm and touching moment as one of the guests quietly bought a pair of cat charms and passed one to another member of the group. Afterward, I guided the hungry guests to Kuromon Market, where we all took a group selfie before parting ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHommachi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Tennoji240JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji-ekimae~Sumiyoshi-toriimae230JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Nankai Namba240JPY
    Total900JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel-11:20 Engakuji Temple-12:30 Lunch-13:30 Kotokuin Temple-15:00 Hokokuji Temple-16:30 Komachi Street-18:00 Tokyo Station Daimaru-18:30 Disband at Nihonbashi

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since they were scheduled to depart for another country the following day, we started the tour by purchasing tickets each time we boarded public transportation. The weather was wonderful, and we strolled through the quiet gardens and grounds of Engaku-ji Temple, enjoying a peaceful time. The guests requested sushi for lunch, and at a sushi restaurant near the Great Buddha, some of the guests, despite their dietary preferences, were very satisfied with how delicious it was. While admiring the bamboo grove garden at Hokoku-ji Temple, we enjoyed matcha and experienced a Zen atmosphere. As the guests were looking for sake vessels, they purchased high-quality sake cups at a department store in Tokyo Station. The guests thoroughly enjoyed Japanese culture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiodome~Shimbashi189JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Kita-Kamakura824JPY
    Section 3TrainKita-Kamakura~Yuigahama346JPY
    Section 4BusDaibutsu-mae~Kamakura Station East Exit200JPY
    Section 5BusKamakura Station~Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 6BusJomyoji~Hachimangu Shrine220JPY
    Section 7TrainKamakura~Tokyo Station2,210JPY
    Total4,209JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Tenjin-kita

    Fukuoka in One Day: Kido Nanzoin & Tenjin-kita

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:30 Arrive Kido Nanzoin
    • 10:52 Depart Kido Nanzoin
    • 11:25 Arrive Hakata Station Lunch Ramen inside Hakata Station
    • 12:00 Hakata Station Observation Deck
    • 12:30 Arrive Tochoji Temple
    • 13:00 Depart Tochoji Temple
    • 13:10 Arrive Shofukuji Temple
    • 13:55 Arrive Hakata Port Tower
    • 14:45 Arrive Tenjin-kita
    • 15:00 Disband at Tenjin Underground Mall

    What Is a Private Fukuoka City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had already visited Japan several times, and this was their first trip to Kyushu. They had already spent more than a week in Kyushu, traveling through Nagasaki, Ureshino Onsen, Aso, and Beppu, with today being a sightseeing tour of Fukuoka City. Tomorrow they planned to visit Hiroshima, and the day after they would have free time, so they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying Japan. In particular, the autumn foliage at Kido Nanzoin and Shofukuji was beautiful, and they were very pleased. Since they enjoy shopping, we ended the tour at the Tenjin underground shopping arcade. They had also visited Hokkaido before and had thought they might not need to come to Japan again for a while, but after coming to Kyushu this time and seeing places like Aso, Ureshino, and Beppu, which are less crowded than Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, they said they now intend to come again next year.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakata Station~Kido Nanzoin-mae380JPY
    Section 2TrainKido Nanzoin-mae~Hakata Station380JPY
    Section 3BusGion~Hakata Port Tower-mae260JPY
    Section 4BusHakata Port Tower~Tenjin-kita210JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    Hello, my nickname is Sasuke. I have been working as a National Government Licensed Guide since 2006. I was born and raised in Fukuoka city. I also work as a teacher. Recently my work as a grandmother has become busier and busier. What I like about being a guide is that I talk to people from different countries, get exposed to different ideas, and grow as a person. I would be happy to help make your trip more enjoyable. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to fulfill your request as much as possible. Looking forward to seeing you.

    Jul 8, 2026
    jdtudor
    Great day!
    Viator review: Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This is a great way to see…

    Oct 8, 2025
    jacquiwinn62
    A great day sightseeing in Fukuoka and ate the best Ramen ever!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Raeanne101184
    City tour of popular shopping and shrines and temples.
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Sasuke showed…

    Sep 4, 2025
    mareen589
    Great 6 hour Tour of Fukuoka
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was 6 hours…

  • Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 9:10 Clock Tower
    • 3. 9:35 Nijo Market
    • 4. 10:30 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 5. 11:30 Mount Moiwa
    • 6. 13:05 Disband @Cocono Susukino

    Title: What Is a Private Sapporo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group who had visited Sapporo before, in December 2019, so they already knew quite a lot about the city. For that reason, I planned the itinerary mainly around places they had not yet seen. Although they had been to the Clock Tower before, they had not seen the museum inside, so I guided them there. They had not been sure how to get to Mount Moiwa, which seems to be one of the reasons they requested a guide this time. Fortunately, the weather was good, and we were able to enjoy a clear view over the city of Sapporo. For the final destination, I recommended a commercial facility in the Susukino area that was well suited for lunch, took them there, and we parted ways at that point.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station~Maruyama Park Station210JPY
    Total210JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet up @Onyado Nono
    • 2. 9:15 @Kifune Shrine
    • 3. 11:00 @Kurama-dera Temple
    • 4. 12: 15 Lunch @Sanzen-in Temple
    • 5. 13:00 Sanzen-in Temple
    • 6. 14:30 @Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 7. 15: 40 @Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 8. 16:30 Disband @JR Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Autumn Foliage Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the second time, and this time they wanted to enjoy the autumn foliage. Since they were taking an evening bullet train to Kanazawa, they requested a two-hour extension, and as the driver's schedule allowed it, the tour was extended. The guests had requested Kifune Shrine, Kurama-dera Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Nanzen-ji Temple, but the driver kindly offered to take them to Sanzen-in Temple as well. We were also able to have lunch at Sanzen-in, and the guests were delighted, saying, "I had no idea such a wonderful place existed." There was also a tea service, and they loved the matcha drink so much that they were moved, saying it was the most delicious they had ever had, and they purchased some. At Ginkaku-ji Temple, they were able to buy the Nambu ironware wind chime they had been hoping for, and they were very satisfied. They thoroughly enjoyed the autumn foliage at every place we visited, and with tears in their eyes, they repeatedly said, "It was truly a wonderful day." At the time of parting, I checked whether anything had been left behind in the taxi (including the seat pockets!), but while waiting on the platform for the return JR train, I received a distressed call from the guests saying, "My wallet is missing!" I immediately had the driver check again, and it was found in the seat pocket, so both the driver and I returned to the drop-off location. The guests apologized many times, but I was simply glad it was found. I reflected that I must check more thoroughly in the future.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKurama-dera Cable Car Station~Kurama-dera Entrance200JPY
    Section 2OtherKurama-dera Entrance~Kurama-dera Cable Car Station200JPY
    Total400JPY

    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
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA
    • 2. 10:15 Gotokuji Temple
    • 3. 11:45 Tokyo Tower
    • 4. 13:30 Disband at Daiba Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji and Tokyo Tower The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had lived in Japan for a time more than ten years ago and were now traveling through several destinations, spending about four days in Japan and visiting only Tokyo. I guided them to Gotokuji Temple and Tokyo Tower. At Gotokuji Temple, the autumn foliage in the grounds was at its peak, and the guests were delighted by how beautiful it was. At Tokyo Tower, we were blessed with fine weather and enjoyed a wonderful view. Since the guests wished to see Odaiba and do some shopping, I accompanied them to Daiba Station on the Yurikamome line. I handed them an English-language map of Odaiba, explained the main highlights such as the Gundam statue and the Statue of Liberty replica, pointed out the shopping facilities, and showed them how to return to their Hotel before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Gotokuji376JPY
    Section 2SubwayGotokuji~Akabanebashi453JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkabanebashi~Shiodome178JPY
    Section 4TrainShiodome~Daiba325JPY
    Total1,332JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

    Jul 9, 2026
    mariee530
    An incredible walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This tour was beyond expectations!…

    Jun 30, 2026
    simonegN55VE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fabulous walking tour with Haru
    Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…