Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Kuromon Market

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 10:45-12:40 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 13:10-13:50 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:10-14:20 @ Kuromon Market
    • 14:20 Disband @ Kuromon Market

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, in Japan for a trip. Some of the guests had visited Japan earlier this spring in April and were returning, while others were visiting Japan for the first time. The weather was clear but very cold on the day of the tour, yet the guests said it was warmer than in their home region and cheerfully toured Osaka. Since the group was scheduled to return home on the evening of the tour day, they had only a little Japanese cash left, and the only thing they found disappointing was that few shops at the Kuromon Market they had been looking forward to accepted card payment. Even so, over their one-week stay in Japan they were blessed with good weather and were delighted to see the autumn foliage and the adorable children dressed up for Shichi-Go-San.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Sachiko

    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!

    Request Booking

    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,…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nanzenji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Nanzenji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ 572-21 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, (airbnb)
    • 8:30-9:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:00-10:50 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 11:20-12:20 @ Nijo Castle
    • 12:50-13:50 Lunch @ Kura Sushi Plus-type Store Kyoto
    • 14:20-14:40 @ Nanzenji Temple
    • 14:50 Dismissal @ South Entrance of the Philosopher's Path

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. During our pre-tour correspondence, there was a request to change the meeting time to 8:00, so we met at 8:00. (I apologize that, due to the short notice, I was unable to submit the change form to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) in time.) They seemed to feel the cold rather easily and were dressed warmly. Because we started the tour early, Fushimi Inari Taisha was not very crowded, which pleased the guests. They mentioned that they do not have autumn foliage where they live, so they enjoyed looking at the colored leaves within the grounds and taking photos. One of the guests bought and enjoyed some xiaolongbao at a food stall near the exit of the grounds. At Sanjusangendo, the group became interested in the screen at the back of the hall that allows visitors to search for each individual Buddhist statue, and they spent some time enjoying searching through it. Since I had heard beforehand that the guests had made a reservation at a soba restaurant along the Philosopher's Path for 16:00, I had assumed they would not have lunch, but when they said they wanted to have lunch along the way, we decided to eat after strolling through Nijo Castle. One of the guests wanted to eat sushi, while another wanted to eat something other than sushi, so I took them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Kyoto with an extensive menu. Since the guests had wanted to experience conveyor-belt sushi, they were very pleased. Finally, we headed to Nanzenji, where the guests fully enjoyed the autumn foliage, after which I guided them to the southern entrance of the Philosopher's Path and we parted ways there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo Station～Fushimi-Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi-Inari Station～Shichijo Station170JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo Station～Sanjo Station170JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan Station～Nijojo-mae Station220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae Station～Shiyakusho-mae Station220JPY
    Section 6SubwayShiyakusho-mae Station～Keage Station220JPY
    Total1,220JPY

    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!

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    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…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.500 hotel
    • 2.520 Toyosu Auction watching start
    • 3.610 Sushi restaurant
    • 4.640 Intermediate building
    • 5.710 Took Yurikamome to Shiodome-Tsukijishijou
    • 6.750 Tsukijishijo Tsukiji Uogashi ate OOMA no Maguro at terrace
    • 7.845 Finish at Tsukiji.

    Can You Do a Private Tokyo Market Tour Visiting Toyosu and Tsukiji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were returning visitors to Japan. Two days earlier, they had joined an "Off the Beaten Path" program (a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) program) to see Kamakura. Although it was a Saturday, there was not much fresh tuna to see, but we observed from the viewing area, and the guests were surprised at the large amount of frozen tuna. After that they ate sushi, and mentioned that the previous day they had tried aged sushi (is that a thing? It was the first I'd heard of it). Still, they thoroughly enjoyed the sushi. Next we went to the intermediate wholesalers' building, where they looked with great interest at kombu, dried bonito, and wasabi. They even said, "I want one of those long knives used for cutting tuna." After that we rode the Yurikamome line and looked out over Odaiba, changed at Shiodome, and headed to Tsukiji. In the wholesalers' area they spotted tuna from Oma, and since I had explained at Toyosu that "Oma tuna is the best," they said, "I really want to eat it." They looked it up on Google and called it "the black diamond of tuna," bought a block of it, and the three of us ate it together. They were saying things like "It just melts." We then walked around the Tsukiji outer market before parting ways. They told me I was "a Five Star guide," though whether they will leave a review, I'm not sure…

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae～Shiodome388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome～Tsukijishijo178JPY
    Total566JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

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    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Yoyogi Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Century Southern Tower
    • 9:15 Yoyogi Station
    • 9:20 Harajuku Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 10:30 Takeshita Street
    • 11:20 Meiji-jingumae Station
    • 11:50 Shin-Ochanomizu Station
    • Akihabara, Radio Kaikan
    • 12:30 Lunch @Yodobashi Camera
    • 13:45 Akihabara Station
    • 14:00 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Disband @Senso-ji Temple

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Asakusa The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. Since they had expressed interest in history, culture, and food, and one of the guests enjoyed anime and manga, we settled on a balanced plan covering Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Asakusa. The group especially enjoyed the fashion on Takeshita Street and the Radio Kaikan in Akihabara. We were able to find goods from a favorite manga that they had mentioned beforehand, and the whole group was delighted. At a large electronics store, I guided them through the home appliance section, where they were thrilled by the refrigerators and rice cookers. For lunch, we chose a restaurant serving xiaolongbao, which the group had wanted to try, and they were very pleased with how delicious it was.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYoyogi Station～Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae Station～Shin-Ochanomizu Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkihabara Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total540JPY

    Tour Report by Lily

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 ENT TERRACE Asakusa (Tawaramachi) meet ~ Senso-ji ~ Asakusa ~ 11:00 Kamiyacho ~ Tokyo Tower ~ 13:00 Omotesando ~ Lunch @ Maisen ~ 15:00 Disperse at Takeshita Street

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a multi-generational family group visiting from North America. Based on their requests, the itinerary covered Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, the area around Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. We arrived at Asakusa early, so many of the shops were not yet open, but there were still plenty of people and the atmosphere was very lively. From Tokyo Tower, we could clearly see not only the surrounding buildings but also the autumn colors of Zojoji Temple, the park, and Mount Fuji. Since Omotesando has few dining options, we headed to a restaurant that can accommodate larger groups, but many people were waiting and the wait was said to be over 30 minutes. I therefore suggested having lunch somewhere else, but the guests chose to wait in line. The wait was worthwhile, and they were very pleased that the food was delicious and reasonably priced. However, because of the waiting time and walking at a comfortable pace for the group, time ran out at Takeshita Street. Even so, we did not go over the scheduled time, and the guests were very considerate and truly wonderful to guide.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Kamiyacho209JPY
    Section 2SubwayKamiyacho～Omotesando178JPY
    Total387JPY

    Tour Report by Kyoko

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Request Booking

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Jingu Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Hotel
    • 10:30 Asakusa
    • 12:30 Ginza
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Honganji, Outer Market
    • 13:30 Lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi Food court
    • 14:55 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:45 Tour ends at Meiji Jingu Station

    What Does a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, and Tsukiji The guests were a group visiting from Europe who work in the travel industry. They came to Japan to experience a tour firsthand for professional purposes. In addition to Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Tsukiji, they had also expressed a wish to visit the Nezu and Yanaka areas, but due to time constraints these were not included in this day's itinerary. At Senso-ji, they purchased ukiyo-e postcards at a shop along Nakamise Street and all drew omikuji fortunes, enjoying a relaxed sightseeing experience. On the way to the Tsukiji Outer Market, we stopped by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where a lunchtime concert featuring a soprano singer and pipe organ was being held, and the group was delighted. For lunch, since some in the group were not fond of raw fish, we ate at the food court in the fish market area, enjoying a fried set meal with chunks of tuna and tempura seiro soba. At Meiji Shrine, some of the guests filled out and dedicated prayer notes. Because we took our time exploring each location, we finished at Meiji Shrine at 3:50 p.m., but since the group planned to head to Yanaka next, I explained that they could take the Chiyoda Line to Sendagi, and we ended the tour at Meiji-jingumae Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku-gyoemmae～Asakusa252JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Ginza209JPY
    Section 3TrainGinza～Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 4TrainTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total848JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet up @MIMARU Tokyo Hatchobori
    • 2. 08:35 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:00 Stay @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 10:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 10:35 Stay @Akihabara
    • 6. 11:25 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 7. 12:15 Disband @In front of teamLab Planets

    Can You Do a Private Half-Day Tokyo Tour Covering the East Gardens, Akihabara, and teamLab Planets? A Licensed Guide's Report Although I had told the guests that I knew the location of their accommodation because I had been there before, I mistakenly thought of the hotel across the street and nearly ended up late for the meeting time. There are two branches of the same accommodation near Hatchobori Station, one on each side of Shin-Ohashi Street, and I reflected that I should have double-checked more carefully. At the time of booking, the tour start time was set for 09:00, but after hearing that the guests had reserved tickets for teamLab Planets at 12:30, I moved it up by 30 minutes. As a result, we arrived at the requested spot, the East Gardens, right around opening time, which allowed us to use our time effectively. As a place to stop by on the way to teamLab, I suggested Akihabara. Since a considerable amount of time was spent purchasing trading cards at the Radio Kaikan building, we skipped the other shops and headed straight to Toyosu. As there were younger members in the group, we took the Yurikamome line for just one stop from Toyosu and parted ways in front of the teamLab Planets venue near Shin-Toyosu Station.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHatchobori Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station～Akihabara Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkihabara Station～Toyosu Station210JPY
    Section 4TrainToyosu Station～Shin-Toyosu Station190JPY
    Total760JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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

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

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

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:30　Meet at Hilton Kyoto
    • ②　09:35　Explanation of today's itinerary and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　10:00　Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • ④　11:15　Nijo Castle
    • ⑤　12:50　Lunch (Arashiyama)
    • ⑥　13:15　Bamboo grove walk
    • ⑦　14:00　Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑧　15:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑨　15:45　Return to hotel and disband

    What Is a Private Kyoto History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle The guests were a group of three visiting from North America, experiencing Japan and Kyoto for the first time. Since they wanted to learn about Japanese history, I included the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle in the itinerary and explained how Japan's political system evolved with a focus on the Emperor and the Shogun, and how the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun changed over time. I believe they listened with great interest. They asked not only about the Shoguns but also about figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and even Takeda Shingen, and I spoke at length. When I mentioned that if Takeda Shingen had lived another ten years, Japanese history might have changed dramatically, they followed the conversation with ease, so I asked why they were so knowledgeable about Japanese history — and the answer was a game app. There is a made-in-Japan Sengoku battle game about rising to power and conquering the country, and they had become hooked and gained a lot of knowledge on their own, and they wanted to hear more authentic stories about the Sengoku period and about the Emperors and Shoguns directly from a Japanese person. We spoke at length about topics that rarely come up in everyday conversation, such as why Toyotomi Hideyoshi reigned over the country as Kampaku rather than becoming Shogun (more precisely, why he could not become Shogun). I truly enjoyed it. They were a wonderful group of three.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

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

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the gate of Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal　➡　Osaka Castle by subway　➡　Umeda Sky Building by JR　➡　Shitennoji Temple by subway　➡　Dotonbori by subway　➡　Shin-Osaka Station by subway, dismissal (14:00)

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour Before Heading to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an active group visiting from Europe. Based on prior communication, we moved the tour start time earlier to 9:00, and since the group wanted to head to Kyoto after this 4-hour tour (their ship was scheduled to depart at 22:00), we visited four locations that the group had selected from their list of places they wanted to see, touring at a brisk pace. At Dotonbori, the guests enjoyed takoyaki and beer. At Osaka Castle Park, the autumn foliage combined with the clear weather was very beautiful, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and took many photos.

    Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka Castle Park～Osaka170JPY
    Section 3SubwayHigashi-Umeda～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba190JPY
    Section 5SubwayNamba～Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Tour Report by Emi

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

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    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Kyoto Station　9:37 Depart on JR bound for Nara　10:23 Arrive at JR Nara Station　　11:05 Lunch (kakinoha sushi)　12:10 Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple　14:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine　
    • 15:40 Naramachi & Karakuri Toy Museum　　16:30 Board bus bound for Nara　17:07 Board train bound for JR Kyoto　17:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station　Tour ends

    Nara Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Does a Family Day Trip Look Like? The guests were a family visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests had previously been to Tokyo, but this was the first proper sightseeing trip for them, and the rest of the group was visiting Japan for the first time. Because a travel agency acted as an intermediary, I was only able to contact the guests directly two days before the tour, so there were many details to confirm in a hurry. In a short period of time, we settled many questions such as whether to use a stroller, whether to use a chartered or street taxi, and whether to take the bus. In the end, we decided to travel by bus, though this seemed a little tiring for one of the younger guests. At the last stop, a museum of mechanical toys, one of the guests asked a staff member if they could charge their smartphone from an outlet, but this was declined. This seemed to cause considerable frustration, and even though play had only just started, there was a desire to leave right away. I explained that charging a smartphone freely is not permitted in Japan, but the frustration did not ease, and in the end the group only had less than ten minutes to play, used the restroom, and left. I have brought many families to this facility before, and everyone had enjoyed it. It was fortunate that another member of the group stayed very calm and handled the situation well. The photo was taken at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Nara720JPY
    Section 2Free PassJR Nara Station～JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainNara～Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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

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

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

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