Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya crossing & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya crossing & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:45 Meet at Mercure Tokyo Hibiya
    • 11:25 Shibuya crossing
    • 12:10 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:50 Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise
    • 14:40 Disband in front of the Japanese restaurant on Kannon-dori Street

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Harajuku, and Asakusa I was standing by from 20 minutes before the meeting time, and the guests came down 15 minutes early. The guests were a group visiting from North America. They mentioned they wanted to see the Shibuya crossing, so we first looked down from the 12th floor of Shibuya Scramble and then actually crossed it ourselves. After seeing Hachiko, we headed to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, we were able to see charming Shichi-Go-San celebrations and a chrysanthemum festival, and since it happened to be Labor Thanksgiving Day and the Niiname-sai harvest festival today, we could also see a large display of many kinds of vegetables. In Asakusa, the guests seemed to be hungry, so we parted ways a little early in front of a restaurant.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShimbashi Station North Exit～Shibuya Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa260JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Tarsha

    Hello !
    I’m Tarsha, your tour guide.
    I was born and brought up in Tokyo, now live in Yokohama, next to Kamakura.
    I like music, singing, especially dancing, and am the master of Japanese traditional dance.
    It’s my pleasure to be able to show you the highlights of Tokyo, my hometown.
    I’d like to introduce Japanese culture with correct information during our tour,
    and would be happy if my guide will help you to understand Japanese mentality a little better.
    I’ll try to make our tour the best it can be, so let’s enjoy and explore Japan together !
    I’m looking forward to seeing you !

    Request Booking

    May 19, 2025
    Jonathan_S
    Excellent Private Tour!
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Our driver (Abe) and guide (Tarsha) were…

    Apr 22, 2025
    H6226ZFelisat
    Muy buena experiencia!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fue una experiencia súper linda! Tarsha, nuestra guía, una…

    Mar 23, 2025
    629leezak
    Tokyo 4 Hour Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tarsha was an incredibly kind and insightful tour…

    Oct 6, 2024
    FloridaKeywest
    Tarsha was FANTASTIC!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tarsha was absolutely FANTASTIC on our tour of Tokyo…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Ryoan-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Ryoan-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet (Hotel Mitsui Garden Kyoto Station)
    • 10:00-11:00 Travel (Hotel → Arashiyama)
    • 11:00-12:30 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 12:40-13:30 Lunch (Cefe Dining Sera)
    • 13:30-14:10 Travel (Arashiyama → Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 14:10-14:50 Ryoan-ji Temple visit
    • 14:50-15:30 Travel (Ryoan-ji Temple → Hotel)
    • 15:30 Farewell at the hotel
    • 　(Originally a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple was planned after Ryoan-ji, but since it would cause a time overrun (=overtime charge), the customer requested to cancel Ginkaku-ji, and the tour ended 30 minutes early)

    Title: What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. The tour itinerary had been confirmed in advance through a local agent, but a request to change parts of the tour came in suddenly the day before, so we adjusted some of the content and, after receiving confirmation again on the morning of the tour, proceeded. During the tour, it was difficult to keep to the schedule as planned. As a result, the revised itinerary also ran over time, and we ended up finishing the tour partway through. Toward the end of the tour, there was some disagreement within the group. In the end, since additional charges were not desired, we did not visit Ginkaku-ji, which had been planned as the final stop, and the tour ended a little earlier than scheduled. Despite how the tour went, the bamboo grove was something everyone enjoyed.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station)～Arashiyama・Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 2OtherArashiyama restaurant (Cafe Dining Sera)～Ryoan-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 3OtherRyoan-ji Temple～Hotel (Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station)0JPY
    Total0JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Request Booking

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Shiodome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Shiodome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel Tokyo
    • 9:10 Departure: Depart from Shiodome Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Daimon Station
    • (Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 10:30 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive at Tsukiji Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:45 Depart from Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Imperial Palace Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00 Depart from Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 14:30 Depart from Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:40 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:00 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Aoyama-itchome Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive at Shiodome Station
    • 15:30 Disband: Shiodome Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like for a Solo Traveler? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan from North America for the first time. The main purpose of this trip was a two-week cruise from Hong Kong to Bangkok. On the way back, the plan was to stop in Japan for a short stay before returning home from Haneda. The previous evening, the guest arrived at Haneda Airport from Bangkok and took a taxi to the hotel. The guest's request was: "I don't need lunch. Short visits are fine, but I'd like to see as many places as possible." The first half of the tour took place under light rain. First, we went to Asakusa. We walked from Kaminarimon Gate through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. Despite the rain, it was quite crowded. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teachings does Buddhism have?" Next, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. We looked around various shops, and the guest bought an "orange juice." The guest asked, "Why are there so many people here?" and mentioned, "I don't eat raw fish myself, but the rest of the family loves sushi and often goes out to eat it." We then moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "the current challenges of the imperial household." The guest said, "The pine trees are beautiful," and asked, "Does the emperor really live inside here?" We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I again explained about "the Meiji Restoration," "Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed here." The guest commented, "It's wonderful that there's such a green space in the city center. It feels great." We moved to Shibuya. The guest experienced the scramble crossing. There was also a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly tourists?" The guest also made comments such as: "Is it safe to walk around the city at night?" "Japanese people are all so polite." "Why aren't there any trash cans?" "The subway seems very well made, but it's hard to understand until you get used to it." "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." Finally, I saw the guest off at Shiodome Station, ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome Station～Asakusa Station220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Tsukiji Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Aoyama-itchome Station178JPY
    Section 7SubwayAoyama-itchome Station～Shiodome Station220JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Tsutenkaku Tower

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9：10　　Pick up at Nihonbashi 1chome4-12
    • 9:10-10:00 Kuromon Market
    • 10:00-11:00 Dotonbori
    • 11:00-13:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 13:30-14:30 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
    • 14:30-15:30 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • Around 15:30 End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Food and Sightseeing Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Since the guests wanted to start early, I went to their accommodation just after 9:00 to meet them. The guests seemed to love food, and at Kuromon Market we enjoyed raw oysters, fugu (pufferfish) sashimi, and melon. At a fish shop, one of the guests asked whether eating fugu could cause poisoning or be dangerous. After that, the guests really took a liking to fugu, taking photos of fugu lanterns, the large decorative fugu at Kuromon Market, and live fugu swimming in the tanks. At Dotonbori we ate takoyaki, then took photos in front of the Glico sign before heading to Osaka Castle. At Tsutenkaku, one of the guests told me for the first time about their personal beliefs, and we talked about various topics related to religion. The guests also listened with great interest to a monk's chanting. At Nipponbashi it became clear that the guests enjoyed cooking, and they were delighted to buy a kitchen knife at Tower of Knives as a souvenir from Japan. I was glad that the course chosen for this tour matched the guests' tastes so perfectly.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba～Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Total430JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @ JR Sannomiya Station
    • 11:15 @ Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
    • 12:45 @ Nunobiki Herb Garden
    • 13:45 Disband @ JR Shin-Kobe Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kobe Tour with a Government-Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. From the outset, deciding on the meeting place and time took considerable effort. Even after the meeting time and place were finally confirmed, we were unable to meet as planned on the day. I contacted them via a messaging app and the message was marked as read, but there was no reply. Later I received a phone call from a local travel agency and was able to confirm that the guests were waiting at Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Station rather than JR Sannomiya Station, which had been confirmed initially. I was told they had already left Shin-Kobe Station and were heading to Sannomiya Station, so we were able to meet about 30 minutes late and start the tour. The guests had also requested a Kobe beef lunch during the tour, and the reservation time and restaurant for this were changed several times. As a guide, I suggested that having lunch during the tour would be difficult and proposed scheduling it after the tour, which they agreed to. In the end the lunch was booked for 13:30, which made for a rather rushed tour. (Starting at 13:30 then became difficult, so I asked the restaurant to delay it by about 30 minutes.) As described above, the guests had to waste time before the start and the tour that followed was rushed, for which I feel very sorry. I believe the cause was that the content of communication between the local travel agency and the guide was not reliably conveyed to the guests. I repeatedly asked the agency to share the guests' contact details, but the response was that "everything will go through the agency until the day of the tour." I strongly hope for more responsible handling in such cases. I am also scheduled to conduct an Osaka tour with these guests tomorrow, and I would like to apologize again for today. As a guide, this was a very regrettable tour that left me with much to reflect on.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSannomiya～Maiko320JPY
    Section 2TrainMaiko～Sannomiya320JPY
    Total640JPY

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Shitennoji Temple & Dotonbori

    Osaka in One Day: Shitennoji Temple & Dotonbori

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Mystays Sakaisuji-Honmachi
    • 10:30-12:10 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • Stop by a takoyaki shop for a break
    • 13:00-13:50 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • Stop by a senbei (rice cracker) shop for a break
    • 14:50-15:30 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 16:00-16:10 @ Dotonbori
    • 16:10 Dismiss @ Dotonbori

    What Can You See on a Private Osaka Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha and Dotonbori The guests were visitors from Asia. They arrived at the Hotel just before the tour started. They had thoroughly researched their travel schedule and local information beforehand, and I could clearly sense their sincere wish to make the most of their limited time and budget. At the usually quiet Sumiyoshi Taisha, the shrine was lively with people celebrating weddings, Shichi-Go-San, and first shrine visits, and we shared a happy time under the mild autumn weather. Afterward, I guided them to the bustling, crowded Dotonbori, showed them the route back to the Hotel, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySakaisuji-Honmachi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3TrainTennoji Station-mae～Sumiyoshitorii-mae230JPY
    Section 4TrainSumiyoshi Taisha～Nankai Namba240JPY
    Total850JPY

    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 & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet up @ Genji Kyoto
    • 8:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:40 Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple
    • 11:35 Lunch @ Sanjo Keihan
    • 12:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:00 Dismissal @ Genji Kyoto

    What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for one and the second for another in the group; since the previous trip focused mainly on Tokyo, this time they were staying in Kyoto. They were very energetic, and at Fushimi Inari Taisha we walked all the way up to the Yotsutsuji intersection and back. The group seemed ready to complete the entire loop around the mountain, but since there was more on the itinerary, I asked them to turn back. At Eikando and Kiyomizu-dera they enjoyed the autumn scenery, and the beauty of Kyoto's autumn foliage seemed especially memorable for the first-time visitor in the group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo～Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3BusSanjo Keihan-mae～Nanzenji・Eikandomichi230JPY
    Section 4BusNanzenji・Eikandomichi～Sanjo Keihan-mae230JPY
    Section 5BusChionin-mae～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 6BusGojozaka～Shichijo Kawaramachi230JPY
    Total1,310JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Pirate ship cruise & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Pirate ship cruise & Hakone Shrine

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:05 Meet at hotel
    • 10:00-11:00 From Gora to Owakudani, then to Togendai
    • 11:25-12:00 Pirate ship cruise
    • 12:00-13:00 Lunch
    • 13:00-14:00 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 14:18-15:00 From Motohakone to Yunessun, then disband

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America. Since there are many forests in their home region, I was not sure whether they would enjoy it, but they seemed to appreciate the moss-covered cedar groves, the stones, and the crystal-clear air. The temperature dropped suddenly, and the autumn foliage was beautiful; the area around the mid-slopes of Hakone was especially impressive, and it was enjoyable even during the pickup. Correspondingly, both the buses and the pirate ships were so crowded that a single vehicle could not accommodate everyone. It was probably the busiest day of the year. Since the guests also had an appointment in the afternoon, I think the best part was that we managed to finish the tour on time.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora～Gora5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gion & Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion & Yasaka Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Meeting point: Hotel KABIN Minamiza
    • 14:10 Sightseeing ①: Gion (Minamiza → Shirakawa → Hanamikoji)
    • 15:00 Sightseeing ②: Kenninji Temple tour
    • 15:30 Travel & Sightseeing ③: From Kenninji to Kiyomizu-dera (Nene no Michi → Ishibei-koji → Ninenzaka → Sannenzaka → Kiyomizuzaka)
    • 16:00 Sightseeing ④: Kiyomizu-dera tour
    • 17:10 Sightseeing ⑤: Yasaka Shrine tour
    • 17:30 Dinner: Gion (ramen restaurant)
    • 18:30 Dismissal: Hotel
    • (Note) Itinerary change: After the tour of "Kiyomizu-dera," a tour of "Eikando (nighttime light-up of autumn leaves)" was planned, but the guests said, "Everyone is tired, so we would like to return to the hotel and rest," so the tour of "Eikando" was canceled. Instead, we briefly toured "Yasaka Shrine," which is also close to the hotel, and then had a meal (dinner) nearby to conclude the tour.

    Title: What Is a Private Afternoon Kyoto Tour of Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for sightseeing from Oceania. All prior communication and itinerary arrangements were made with one member of the group. The guests said, "Since this is a short trip to Japan, we want to see as much as possible," and had already decided to visit Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji in the morning of the tour day. For the afternoon that I was in charge of, they wanted to explore the Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, along with the illuminated autumn foliage. Although I wondered whether the guests would be up for it physically, I did my best to meet their request and arranged a 6-hour itinerary from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: "Gion → Kennin-ji → Kiyomizu-dera → Eikan-do (illumination)." On the day, I arrived at the Hotel 30 minutes early and waited. Ten minutes before the meeting time, I met the group returning from lunch, and we were able to set off exactly at 2:00 p.m. as scheduled. This was the first visit to Japan for the guests, and they listened eagerly to my explanations and asked many questions. However, when we had nearly finished sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera and the temperature dropped sharply after sunset, one of the guests said, "Everyone is getting a bit tired, so we'd like to cancel the next stop at Eikan-do and return to the Hotel to rest." Sensing that the group had indeed built up considerable fatigue, I agreed and suggested, "In that case, I'll take you back to the Hotel, but there is a famous shrine called Yasaka Shrine on the way, so I'll show you that." The guests wanted to eat ramen on the way back to the Hotel, so we stopped at a ramen shop just off Shijo Street and had dinner together. While eating ramen, I asked, "There is still more than an hour of guiding time left — is there anywhere else you'd like to go?" but the guests replied that it was fine as it was. In the end, after finishing dinner and seeing them off at the Hotel, the tour concluded with about an hour and a half to spare. The guests expressed their gratitude, saying, "We were able to enjoy the sightseeing very comfortably. Thank you." It was also a tour that made me feel the difficulty of sightseeing that extends into the evening, especially as it begins to get seriously cold.

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

    Tour Report by Nori

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　10:30　Hotel Kyoto　Meeting
    • ②　10:35　Itinerary explanation・Explanation about Kyoto
    • ③　11:30　Arashiyama Heiseiin (About Sai no Kawara)
    • ④　12:00　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
    • ⑤　12:30　Kameyama Park Walk
    • ⑥　13:00　Tenryu-ji Garden
    • ⑦　13:45　Lunch Break
    • ⑧　14:30　Saga Daikaku-ji Temple
    • ⑨　16:00　Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑩　16:45　Return to Kyoto city by taxi
    • ⑪　17:00　Disband at Shijo Kawaramachi

    What Is a Private Kyoto Cultural Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. One of them had previously done a lot of work involving Japanese companies and had frequently visited Tokyo, so despite speaking only a little Japanese, they were comfortable with the language and were great admirers of Japan. They said that every time they come to Japan to enjoy themselves, they feel as if they have come home. I did my best to explain, as carefully as I could, the stories that might be called the form and spirit of Japan — for example, Buddhism and Shinto, the Emperor and the Shogun, Zen Buddhism, dry landscape gardens (karesansui), wabi-sabi, Obon, and the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires. It was very memorable how earnestly they listened to my humble explanations.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Total200JPY

    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

    Request Booking

    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…