Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path & Kyoto Station

    Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path & Kyoto Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:45 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
    • 10:30-10:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 11:15-12:45 Lunch (Katsukura, seated around 11:45)
    • 12:55-13:15 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:40-14:50 Walk from Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple to the west side of the Gojozaka intersection
    • 15:10-15:30 Nishiki Market Walk
    • 15:45 Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market This was a private tour in Kyoto for a group visiting from North America, joined by another member of the group who is currently studying at a university in Tokyo. The itinerary was: Hotel → Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → lunch (a tonkatsu restaurant near Ginkaku-ji) → Ginkaku-ji → Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, and Kiyomizu-dera → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station. Originally, after Arashiyama the plan was to see Kinkaku-ji and have lunch in Gion (shabu-shabu or sukiyaki), but the day before, the group requested a change from Kinkaku-ji, which they had already visited the previous year, to another sightseeing spot, along with a request for tonkatsu for lunch, resulting in the itinerary above. During the tour, we were met with heavy traffic and large crowds in Kyoto during the autumn foliage season. At the tonkatsu restaurant for lunch, the reservation seats were fully booked, so I scheduled an early lunch and we arrived just after 11:00, but there were already two groups waiting. It took 30 minutes to be seated, but the guests waited calmly with pleasant expressions throughout. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, to avoid traffic, I arranged to meet the vehicle not at a nearby parking lot but on the road west of the Gojo-zaka intersection, an unusual arrangement that required walking a somewhat long distance. The guests kindly cooperated and were pleased to have avoided the heavy congestion. They were very gentle and easygoing, which was a great help. The highlight of the day was the tonkatsu they had strongly requested. They also ordered crab cream croquettes, shrimp cutlets, and chawanmushi, and enjoyed everything looking very happy. When I explained that the restaurant's sauce is an original recipe made with Saikyo miso, they ended up purchasing a bottle of the sauce that was displayed next to the register at the end.

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & eyoko

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & eyoko

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Grand Bach in Ginza
    • 10:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Otemachi Station (rice balls and sandwiches)
    • 13:20 Nezu Shrine
    • 13:50 Yanaka Temple Tour
    • 14:40 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:10 The National Museum of Western Art
    • 15:40 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
    • 16:40 Ameyoko
    • 17:15 Disband at Kanda Station

    Tokyo Private Walking Tour Report: What Can You See in One Day from the Imperial Palace to Asakusa with a Licensed Guide? The weather was excellent throughout, which made for an enjoyable tour. The guests asked a great many questions about Japanese history and culture and showed strong interest. They had Mobile Suica, so getting around was smooth. When I first asked about the previous day's destinations, they said they had already visited the main keep of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, so we limited the East Gardens to the garden area only. At Meiji Shrine there were many questions about Shinto, shrines, and the Meiji Restoration. Takeshita Street in Harajuku was not part of the plan, but since our time at the Imperial Palace East Gardens was shorter, I added it on the spot. The guests were very interested in things like animal cafés and were delighted. After seeing the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the shops in Otemachi were all closed, so we bought rice balls and sandwiches at a convenience store and ate them on a bench on the station platform. When I taught them how to eat a nori-wrapped rice ball, they found it novel. This day there were many visitors for the Shichi-Go-San celebration, and the guests took many photos. In Yanaka I explained Buddhism, and at Toshogu Shrine I explained Tokugawa Ieyasu and the shrine. On the way, the guests noticed the Rodin sculptures at the National Museum of Western Art, so I guided them through the front garden and explained that the building is a World Heritage Site. In Asakusa we were able to get very beautiful photos of the Skytree. At Ameyoko they enjoyed the lively atmosphere and treated me to some Belgian sweets. At Ueno Hirokoji, the guests said they could get back to their hotel in Ginza on their own from there, but I saw them off to Kanda Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGinza~Meiji-jingumae600JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Nezu0JPY
    Section 4TrainUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 6TrainUeno-hirokoji~Kanda0JPY
    Total600JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Enter Peace Memorial & Enter Itsukushima

    Hiroshima in One Day: Enter Peace Memorial & Enter Itsukushima

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Hotel Hiroshima (Arrived 20 minutes early, guests were also waiting)
    •    Meeting Voucher confirmation
    •        Self-introduction (business card), route explanation, costs
    •        Whether photography is permitted
    • 10:05   Enter Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:15   Stroll through Peace Park
    • 12:00 P.M. Lunch at Restaurant Rijo, Hotel Hiroshima
    • 1:16   Astram Line-JR-Ferry
    • 2:20   Arrive at Miyajima
    • 2:50   Enter Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3:05   Stroll around Miyajima, buy souvenirs
    • 4:25   Depart Miyajima World Heritage Sea Route
    • 5:10   Arrive at Peace Park Disband

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. All of them were in good health, and the tour proceeded without any particular difficulties. At the Peace Memorial Museum, we had planned about 60 minutes, but the guests viewed the exhibits so attentively that it took around 70 minutes, and they appeared to be deeply moved. For lunch, they said they wanted to enjoy delicious food regardless of budget, so I confirmed with the guests and made a reservation at a Japanese restaurant. They thoroughly enjoyed Hiroshima specialties such as fried oysters and sashimi of local fish. On Miyajima, after visiting Itsukushima Shrine, they said they wanted to see something other than shrines and temples, so we strolled along a scenic route and then they purchased souvenirs at the shopping street along the approach. As planned, we parted ways at the Peace Memorial Park. I let them know that I could take them to their accommodation if they wished, but they preferred to explore on their own, so we said goodbye there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAstram Line Kencho-mae~Astram Line Shin-Hakushima190JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Shin-Hakushima~JR Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajimaguchi~Miyajima200JPY
    Section 4OtherWorld Heritage Sea Route Miyajima~World Heritage Sea Route Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,820JPY

    Hi, I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. My name is Shinya Tanaka, but you can call me Woody because I run my own company which makes products made of wood. So, I can introduce Japan’s various wooden culture from toys to castles.
    I like beer, watching sports, jogging and cooking.
    I was born and raised in Hiroshima City. Hiroshima has 2 major tourists’ destinations, Itsukushima shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Even so, there are many other wonderful spots here in Hiroshima.
    As a tour guide and a Hiroshima citizen, I will be able to share a great time with you here.
    I am looking forward to meeting you all someday. See you.

    Self-introduction YouTube: https://youtu.be/2nJMzPT-Mc4
    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shinya.tanaka.9889

    Jun 19, 2026
    P5566OYcolleens
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Fantastic tour and guide. Woody was enthusiastic about his…

    Apr 26, 2025
    Holly_B
    Unforgettable Day at Miyajima and Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had such…

    Jan 13, 2025
    davidmP2030SZ
    Great day in Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Woody was very knowledgeable and friendly. Tailored…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel-10:00 Senso-ji Temple Asakusa-11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens-13:10 Fukagawa Fudodo-13:50 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine-14:20 Lunch-15:10 Meiji Shrine-16:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street-16:10 Dismissal at Harajuku Station

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Covering Asakusa, Fukagawa, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe, with one member joining the group a day later. They planned to travel around Japan for nearly three weeks, so they purchased PASMO cards at Asakusa Station. While exploring Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding Asakusa area, they stopped at a long-established shichimi togarashi (seven-spice blend) shop with a history of four hundred years and, as a gift for someone in the group who loves spices, purchased a custom blend. In the old downtown district of Fukagawa, the guests were amazed by an unexpected esoteric Buddhist goma fire ritual and the enormous portable shrine at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine. Wishing for a light lunch before the next stop, the group took a break with handmade bread and coffee. We then strolled through Meiji Shrine, whose grounds have grown into a great forest over more than a hundred years, and parted ways at Harajuku Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Monzen-Nakacho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayMonzen-Nakacho~Yoyogi272JPY
    Total628JPY

    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…

  • Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet up @Koyasan Station
    • 2. 11:00 @Okunoin
    • 3. 13:15 @Kongobuji Temple
    • 4. 14:00 @Danjo Garan
    • 5. 14:45 Disband @Danjo Garan

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Mount Koya (Koyasan) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had purchased a World Heritage Koyasan digital ticket in advance, but it seemed quite inconvenient to use, and even at Koyasan Station they could not get through the ticket gate without having a station attendant check it. Because it was the autumn foliage season with many tourists around, and to avoid any difficulty when I was not present, I had them purchase the paper limited express ticket for the return trip in advance. Also, with a paper World Heritage ticket there would have been a discount at Kongobuji Temple, but the digital ticket did not qualify for the discount. When I happened to have a discount coupon and gave it to them, they were very pleased. At Okunoin, some of the guests eagerly took photographs, while others listened carefully to my explanations. Unfortunately, the Torodo Hall could not be visited because it was under repair. There was a notice stating that it would be closed from November 18 until the end of August next year. Okunoin without the Torodo Hall loses half of its appeal, so this was very disappointing. Some guests actually sign up for this tour after seeing photographs of the Torodo Hall, and such guests would surely be very disappointed. I think this should be communicated at the time of booking. I felt that without the Torodo Hall, I would find it difficult to guide at Koyasan. The guests on this tour were very satisfied with Okunoin, Kongobuji, and the Danjo Garan, so all ended well. They were very happy and said they were glad to have met me. I was very pleased to hear them say so.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKoyasan Station~Okunoin-guchi500JPY
    Section 2BusOkunoin-mae~Senjuinbashi-higashi270JPY
    Section 3BusSenjuinbashi-higashi~Koyasan Station460JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hotel Kyoto
    • 09:30 to 10:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:00 to 12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:45 to 13:40 Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 14:00 to 14:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Autumn Foliage Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were a group visiting from North America. Like the guests the previous day, this group came to Kyoto expecting the autumn foliage to be at its peak, so they were a little disappointed to see that the maple leaves had not yet fully changed color. Even so, the fact that the maple leaves around Arashiyama in the northern part of the city and at Kinkaku-ji had turned red was at least some consolation. When I explained that the coloring of the maple leaves had been delayed because this autumn had been unusually warm, they mentioned that back home, many farmers were also troubled because the number of eggs the chickens were laying had dropped sharply.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet up @ Hotel Toyosu Premier
    • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 09:30 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 10:45 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 11:10 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 6. 12:25 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 7. 13:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 13:35 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 9. 14:45 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 15:10 Dismissal @ Hotel Toyosu Premier

    What Areas Can You Cover on a Private Tokyo Day Tour from Toyosu? A Licensed Guide's Report I visited the meeting-point Hotel for the first time on this occasion. The view from the lobby windows was excellent, and it may become popular in the future. It is also convenient that it is directly connected to Toyosu Station. Meiji Shrine was among the requested spots, but since it would take considerable time to travel there from Toyosu, I mainly guided the guests around the eastern part of the city, including the East Gardens, Tsukiji, and Asakusa. The guests seemed to have no problem with the walking pace, so at the East Gardens I guided them all the way to the main keep area. They mentioned that they live in North America, and their English was very standard and easy to communicate in, which was a great help. Returning from Asakusa to Toyosu requires two transfers, and the above-ground transfer at Kuramae Station can be confusing, so at the end I saw them off right in front of the Hotel before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToyosu Station~Yurakucho Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassHibiya Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa Station~Toyosu Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

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

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

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

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

    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: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
    • 10:00-10:40 Fushimi Inari
    • 11:40-11:50 Photos at the riverbank in Arashiyama
    • 11:50-13:10 Lunch (Arashiyama Daizen)
    • 13:30-13:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 14:20-14:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 15:30 Disband at the Handicraft Center

    Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Around Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The original plan was Hotel → Fushimi Inari → the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → lunch → Kinkaku-ji → Nijo Castle → Hotel, but with the autumn foliage season bringing heavy traffic congestion and severe crowding at each sightseeing spot, we needed to rearrange the itinerary and omit some parts. In the end, the itinerary became Hotel → Fushimi Inari → lunch (a small restaurant in Arashiyama) → the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → dispersal at a handicraft center. The highlight for this group was lunch. In our exchanges beforehand, they had repeatedly requested saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), so taking the itinerary into account, I guided them to a small sushi restaurant on the outskirts of Arashiyama. This restaurant is by no means famous, but saba-zushi is its signature dish, and its quality is comparable to that of long-established shops such as Izuu. In addition, the interior and atmosphere of the shop are those of an old-fashioned Showa-era sushi restaurant, so the guests were thrilled, saying, "This is exactly the kind of place we wanted to visit — something you can only experience in Japan!" From there, they looked at the picture menu and got very excited. In addition to saba-zushi, they ordered sanma sushi, anago sushi, steamed sushi, various nigiri sushi, and numerous à la carte dishes, all at an incredible pace. I was quite worried about whether they could finish it all, and sure enough, partway through they realized they had over-ordered — but by then it was too late. "Well then, let's all eat like wild beasts!" they declared, and guests and guide became one, cheering each other on as we finished every last bite.

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Yamagata & Yamadera Customized Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Yamadera Station and begin climbing to Risshakuji Temple
    • 11:45 Lunch at Yamadera Sanroku Rest House
    • 12:30 Travel from Yamadera to Yamagata
    • 13:00 Travel from Yamagata Station to Kajo Central, enjoy views of Yamagata city and piano performance
    • 13:51 Travel from Yamagata Station to Kaminoyama, enter Kaminoyama Castle, enjoy the views and castle exhibits
    • 14:51 Travel from Kaminoyama Castle to the samurai residences, enjoy the samurai residences and their exhibits
    • 16:15 Travel from Kaminoyama Station to Yamagata Station
    • 16:30 Disband at Yamagata Station

    What's a Private Yamadera and Kaminoyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America who had searched for Yamadera on a travel review site before requesting a guide through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). They expressed that they hoped their guide could share stories they could not have learned on their own. At the Konpon Chudo hall of Yamadera, I explained that the "Eternal Flame," which monks maintain through the unceasing task of adding vegetable oil to the oil dish twice a day, is the origin of the Japanese proverb "yudan taiteki" (carelessness is your greatest enemy), and the guests looked satisfied by the explanation. While climbing the more than one thousand stone steps, I explained that with each step one sheds evil, so that by the time one reaches the innermost sanctuary one can gaze upon the world below from the Godaido hall with a noble spirit — which the guests came to appreciate even while catching their breath. In Kaminoyama, they were captivated by the imposing keep of Kaminoyama Castle, and at the samurai residence they happily posed for photos with a replica Japanese sword.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamadera Station~JR Yamagata Station242JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamagata Station~JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station242JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Kaminoyama Onsen Station~JR Yamagata Station242JPY
    Total726JPY

    For all the guest who may have an interest on my career, This is Sanichi,a government certified guide interpreter, inaugurated my guide interpreter business career since 2023. My guide interpreter work include all aspect of business scene ranging from simultaneous interpretation at convent visitor, Tsunami-torn area guide tour,Municipal government supported exchange student welcome party official interpretation, International cruise ship on shore excursion guide, and so on, and keep doing business by fair and fast manner with reasonable cost without any prejudice against client’s objectives, race or gender.
    I can attend anyone, anywhere, anytime upon request! I’m confident that I’m a shoulder you may count on here in Japan!

    Apr 3, 2026
    V2097LInickd
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    15,000 Steps thru Sendai History
    Sanichi is a very help…

    Jul 14, 2025
    carlanS8210WG
    Merveilleux !
    Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
    La visite du château de Kaminoyama était très…

    Nov 23, 2024
    ym360
    Exploring Yamagata with Sanichi
    Tripadvisor review: Yamagata / Yamadera 6hr Private Trip with Licensed Guide
    Our guided tour with Sanichi was…

    Oct 11, 2024
    D2725MMjamesb
    Yamagata and Yamadera trip with Sanichi
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    The tour organizers where…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 10:20 Tokyo Station (ticket purchase support)
    • 3. 11:10 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 4. 13:20 Sengakuji Temple
    • 5. 14:30 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
    • 6. 15:15 Gotokuji Temple
    • 7. 16:15 Disband at Shibuya

    What Is a Private Tour of Sengakuji and Gotokuji Temples in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were interested in Japanese history, especially the age of the samurai, and requested to visit Sengakuji Temple and Gotokuji Temple, so I guided them there. Although Sengakuji Temple is not on the list, I judged there would be no particular problem and took them there. The weather was favorable, and I was able to guide them almost as planned, so I believe the guests were satisfied. Information about Sengakuji Temple: It is not on the list and I imagine there are not many requests for it, but I would like to share some information. Sengakuji Temple has the graves of Asano Takumi-no-Kami and the 47 Ako samurai (retainers), which can be visited for prayer, but you need to purchase incense (300 yen) to offer. Since this is not an admission fee, there is no guide discount, and I do not think it is something the guests should be asked to pay for, so it would likely be borne by the guide. A guide who does not wish to do so could decline on the grounds that it is not on the list. For guests who love history and the story of the 47 Ronin, I think it is an attractive place to visit.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi~Tokyo167JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Sengakuji272JPY
    Section 4TrainTakanawa Gateway~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Miyanosaka340JPY
    Section 6TrainMiyanosaka~Shibuya340JPY
    Total1,475JPY

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

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

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

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
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    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…