Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:45 meet up with guests in the lobby of Hotel (*15 minutes later than the scheduled time )
    • 8:45 – 9:00 walk to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (*stop by Shirakami-shrine and the remains of ex-Kokutaiji-temple)
    • 9:00-10:10 visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 10:10 – 11:00 strolling in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Cenotaph, Flame of Peace, Children's Peace Monument, Atomic bomb Dome, Hypocenter)
    • 11:00 – 12:00 tram to Miyajimaguchi
    • 12:00 – 12:10 ferry to Miyajima island
    • 12:10 – 15:35 Five-storied Pagoda = Senjokaku =Itsukushima Shrine = Daiganji-Temple = Daishoin-Temple = Momijidani-Valley = Omotesando-Shopping street =
    • =Ferry terminal (World Heritage Cruise Boat)
    • 15:35 Break up, the end of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia. They were very humble and pleasant people. That said, since the guests were much younger than me, I found casual conversation outside the guiding spots a little challenging. I also felt somewhat apologetic, thinking that the guests may have felt they had to be considerate in how they spoke to a guide of a different age. On Miyajima we only grabbed something simple to eat while standing, so there was no real break. Without the guests saying they wanted to rest, there was not much I could do as a guide (though I did offer, asking things like "Shall we take a short rest?" and "Would you like to have a coffee somewhere?"), so I am a little unsure whether guiding straight through without a break was the right choice. Since the guests said they wanted to stay a little longer on Miyajima, I booked the World Heritage Sea Route for the return trip going directly to central Hiroshima (the Peace Park) for both of them, and we parted ways. The original planned end time was 15:30, and since we started 15 minutes late, I was scheduled to work until 16:00, but by mutual agreement with the guests, guiding ended at 15:35 at the Miyajima ferry terminal. I also recommended a comfortable and romantic cafe where the guests could relax in the evening.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAtomic Bomb Dome~Miyajimaguchi270JPY
    Total270JPY

    I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure.
    As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience.
    Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima.
    I understand that traveling to a new country can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar customs. Please consider me your local resource – not just for the tour itself, but for any questions or concerns you may have during your stay. From dining recommendations to advice on local etiquette, I am more than happy to assist in making your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. Thank you for choosing to explore Hiroshima with me. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer.
    If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

    Warm regards,
    Kay

    Jun 3, 2026
    Y5284SOjeffe
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima Island Walking Tour
    Keiko…

    Apr 21, 2026
    gailk914
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour & guide!
    Unforgettable and emotionally moving tour of…

    Jul 10, 2025
    Z4238KUrebeccag
    Amazing day
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was amazing. Kay was so knowledgeable…

    Jun 13, 2025
    Olga870
    Ahora tenemos nuestro corazón en Japón. La mejor experiencia
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide…

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet@Ujina Cruise Ship Terminal
    • 9:05-9:20 travel by taxi
    • 9:20-9:50 Shukkeien Garden
    • 9:50-10:00 travel by walking
    • 10:00-11:00 Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:00-11:15 travel by walking
    • 11:15-12:50 Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 12:50-13:00 travel by walking
    • 13:20 Tour ends @ Okonomiyaki restaurant / Iseya Micchan

    Title: What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like for a Group? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had reserved a minivan and two taxis, so we moved into the city smoothly and began by strolling through Shukkeien Garden. Most of the group qualified for the senior discount, so nearly everyone entered the garden free of charge. Hiroshima Castle was also just 180 yen with the senior discount, and the Peace Memorial Museum was 100 yen. While lower prices are welcome for guests, it felt a little unfortunate that there was limited economic benefit to Hiroshima City, given that they had come all this way to visit. When I introduced okonomiyaki, they said they would love to try it. Since some in the group found walking tiring, I guided them to an okonomiyaki restaurant closest to the Peace Memorial Museum, where the tour concluded. They were very friendly, and I had a wonderful time as well.

    As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.

    Sep 24, 2025
    Paige_M
    Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide for this…

    May 8, 2025
    Smatty68
    Tomoyo was a star guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We really enjoyed our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Josh_H
    Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Chloe_O
    The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tomoyo was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Tenryu-ji Garden & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in One Day: Tenryu-ji Garden & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Airbnb
    • 9:20 Tenryu-ji Garden
    • 9:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:50 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 12:50 Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 14:45 Disband at Fushimi Inari Taisha

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Today's tour was for a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto, and they enjoyed a stroll through the bamboo grove and had ice cream on the main street of Arashiyama. Afterward, we moved to the area near Kinkaku-ji, had lunch, and then visited Kinkaku-ji. The weather was lovely today, and with almost no wind, the reflection of Kinkaku-ji on the pond was exceptionally beautiful. The guests were delighted and took many photos. They also looked at various omamori (good luck charms) and purchased some. To save time, we took a taxi to Fushimi Inari Taisha, but by the time we arrived it was close to the end of the tour, so I explained the route through the Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) before we parted ways. The guests enjoyed themselves very much, and a few hours later I received a thank-you email from them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGojo~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total940JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1000 Meet at Hotel Mimaru Shinmachi Sanjo
    • 1040 Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 1100 Komyo-in Temple
    • 1150 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 1240 Lunch at Omiya
    • 1330 Rokuhara Mitsu-ji Temple
    • 1350 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
    • 1425 Disband in front of Kodai-ji Temple

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a private tour for a group visiting Japan. Everyone was fluent in English, so communication was no problem at all. The weather was good, and the tour was carried out pleasantly. The one disappointing thing was that the autumn leaves were not very vivid in color. However, compared to the crowds the previous day at places like Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market, Komyo-in and Higashiyama had fewer people, offering a nice atmosphere and lovely scenery, which seemed to satisfy the guests. After the tour, they wanted to explore on their own, so I provided information about places such as Kodai-ji, Higashiyama, and the Kawaramachi area before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Tofuku-ji150JPY
    Section 3TrainToba-kaido~Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total760JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Meet, arrived, but there was a problem with vehicle assignment regarding the luggage. After countermeasures (details communicated by phone in sequence), departed at 9:50 with 2 cars. Via Tomei to Hatsuhana Ryokan.
    • Unloaded luggage, taxi finished. After that, by assigned car, went around Hakone-machi Port, lunch at Hotori-ya, pirate ship, ropeway, Owakudani, then from Sounzan by assigned car to hotel. Disbanded at PM 4:10

    **Title:** What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like When Plans Change? A Licensed Guide's Report **Body:** We met at 8:50 and, after discussing the itinerary, discovered at the parking lot that the arranged vehicle was not sized to accommodate the luggage. It took about 45 minutes to resolve the situation (the details were reported by phone), and one additional taxi was added. I rode along with the luggage, and we first headed to a facility in Hakone with two vehicles. I covered the taxi fare upfront, and we then headed toward Hakonemachi Port. The top priority was to make sure the guests did not feel uncomfortable, so I made a thorough effort to keep things lighthearted and enjoyable. One of the drivers had roots in the Middle East and worked together with me to keep the mood bright, even conversing with the guests in Persian. The guests were cheerful as well, and everyone had a wonderful and enjoyable outing together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAman~Hatsuhana Hakone36,810JPY
    Section 2OtherTogendai~Sounzan1,500JPY
    Total38,310JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

    Jun 30, 2026
    G2432BLtimothyc
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
    6 hour tour of Hakone
    we had a great experience with…

    Jun 25, 2026
    T7734IPbrandons
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in hakone
    Niro was perfect for us. He was…

    Jun 8, 2026
    JasonB6980
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hiro-san knows Hakone!
    Our guide, Hiro-san, did a wonderful job introducing…

    Jun 7, 2026
    Tourist31988989961
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura 8 hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide from Tokyo
    Great Day and Tour
    Kamakura was amazing. Enjoyed…

  • Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • PM12:30 Start at Kenrokuen Katsurazaka Gate
    •     Tour of Kenrokuen Guide to Kinjo Reitaku
    • PM 13:20 Kanazawa Castle Park Tour of Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura
    •     Gyokusen'in Garden  
    • PM 14:20 Stroll through Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 15:00 Move to Hashiba-cho
    • PM 15:20 Stroll through Kazue-machi and Higashi Chaya District Gold leaf Sakuda
    • PM 16:45 Tour ends in front of the reserved izakaya

    Title: What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The meeting point was listed as the Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden Management Office (Former Residence of Genba Tsuda), 1-4 Kenrokumachi, so I was waiting there. However, about 10 minutes before the meeting time, I learned via a messaging app that the guests were actually on the opposite side, at the Katsurazaka Gate of Kenrokuen. I hurried across the park inside Kenrokuen and managed to start the tour without any trouble. The guests had visited Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle, and had stayed in Kyoto for four days, so they seemed to have already toured quite a few castles, shrines, and temples. Even so, I believe they came to understand and enjoy the culture that developed from Kanazawa's samurai society. At the end, they asked me for a recommended local dinner spot, so I guided them to a recommended izakaya, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKorinbo~Hashiba-cho210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…

    Jul 18, 2026
    Geert73
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
    We, a…

    Jul 15, 2026
    G5010ZVmelodys
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
    Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
    Our…

    Jul 11, 2026
    rikkes490
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Rigtig god guidet tur
    Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer

    とても良いガイドツアーでした。
    とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet (ANA Crown Plaza)
    • 8:30-9:10 Travel (contracted vehicle: Hotel → Kiyomizu Gojozaka)
    • 9:10-10:00 Kiyomizu-dera stroll
    • 10:00-11:00 Travel (contracted vehicle: Yasaka Pagoda → Arashiyama)
    • 11:00-12:10 Arashiyama stroll (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sogenchi Garden visit, Bamboo Grove)
    • 12:10-13:00 Lunch (@Arashiyama Cafe Dining Sera)
    • 13:00-13:30 Travel (contracted vehicle; Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:30-14:10 Kinkaku-ji visit
    • 14:10-14:30 Travel (contracted vehicle; Kinkaku-ji → Hotel)
    • 14:30 Said goodbye at the hotel

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Licensed Guide? Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji Itinerary Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama (the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Sogenchi Garden, and the bamboo grove), and Kinkaku-ji Temple. While traveling in the car between destinations, I kept the tour engaging by including quizzes along the way. Although it was somewhat crowded and the schedule was tight, the guests kept to the plan and we were able to finish the tour right on time. Some of the guests said Kinkaku-ji was their favorite, while another commented that Kiyomizu-dera was the best. I believe the group came to enjoy both Japan and Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel~Kiyomizu-dera Gojozaka0JPY
    Section 2OtherYasaka Pagoda~Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 3OtherArashiyama~Kinkaku-ji0JPY
    Section 4OtherKinkaku-ji~Hotel0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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 !

    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…

  • Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Ole'in Shizuoka pickup
    • 9:33 – 10:18 Travel by bus Shizuoka Station ⇒ Nihondaira Ropeway
    • 10:30 – 12:00 Nihondaira Ropeway & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine
    • 12:30 – 13:16 Travel by bus Nihondaira Ropeway ⇒ Shizuoka Station
    • 13:30 Lunch Yakiniku Gyurikimaru
    • 14:30 By bus to Sunpu no Kobo Takumishuku
    • 15:00-16:00 Making chopsticks at Sunpu no Kobo Takumishuku
    • 16:00 By bus to Shizuoka Station
    • 16:30 Return to Hotel Ole'in Shizuoka

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Shizuoka? A Licensed Guide's Report on Lunch and a Chopstick-Making Workshop The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Some care was needed for lunch due to certain dietary considerations, so I asked what they were able to eat. Since they mentioned they could have rice, meat, and vegetables, I took them to a yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant near Shizuoka Station that serves lunch. They were able to cook the food themselves at an indoor BBQ table, which they really enjoyed. After lunch, we went to the Takumishuku craft village in Suruga to make our own chopsticks. The chopstick-making workshop was a great hit with the guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShizuoka Station~Nihondaira Ropeway710JPY
    Section 2BusNihondaira Ropeway~Shizuoka Station710JPY
    Section 3BusShizuoka Station~Togeppo Sunpu Takumishuku Entrance440JPY
    Section 4BusTogeppo Sunpu Takumishuku Entrance~Shizuoka Station Front440JPY
    Total2,300JPY

    My name is Terry Hirao, Shizuoka’s local tour guide. You can call me Terry, as in Teriyaki. I love Japan and Japanese culture and can show you the best of Japan, its history, breathtaking beauty, delicious foods, Japanese Tea. Shizoka is located in the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, two largest metropolitan cities and famous for Mt. Fuji, Japanese Tea and a lot more. The most popular destinations in Shizuoka are Nihon Daira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrines (National Treasure), Miho Pine Tree Grove (World Cultural Heritage). I hope I can help you enjoy your trip!!

    Nov 6, 2024
    andrew h
    Very knowledgeable tour guide of the area
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Very…

    Oct 21, 2024
    Adventurer_from_Cda
    We had a great time – we enjoyed having Terry H as our guide for Shizuoka/Shimizu! Thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Jane_R
    Great experience on this Mt Fuji private tour
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Terry…

    Aug 21, 2024
    Go02797182361
    Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Gion Shirakawa area

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Gion Shirakawa area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet @Hotel. Kiyomizu
    • 10:00 Arashiyama stroll (Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 12:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:45 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 14:30 Stroll around Gion Shirakawa area
    • 15:00 Disband @ Gion Hanamikoji

    What Is a Private One-Day Photo-Focused Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first visit to Japan and to Kyoto. They had arrived in Kyoto from Tokyo the previous day and were staying for a few more days. Today's tour followed a photo-focused course, so the itinerary featured Kyoto's most photogenic and iconic spots. Since this is the peak autumn sightseeing season, I warned the guests in advance at the meeting point that they should be prepared for heavy crowds everywhere. In the end, apart from the approach path at Fushimi Inari, the sites were less crowded than expected, and it turned out to be a fairly comfortable tour. One of the guests carried a serious camera and was very enthusiastic about taking photos, so things took a bit longer than anticipated. However, by making flexible use of taxis for getting around, we were able to finish the tour right on time without having to rush, and both guests were very satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainRanden Shijo-Omiya~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 2TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Fushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total690JPY

    My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
    I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
    I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
    Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
    I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.

    May 23, 2026
    Amber_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great walking tour in Kyoto!
    Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…

    Jun 25, 2025
    Safari35155142765
    Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…

    Jun 22, 2025
    Global136391
    Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Amy_R
    Wonderful Nara tour
    Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
    We had such a wonderful…

  • Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens & Tokyo Station

    Tokyo in One Day: East Gardens & Tokyo Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40: Meet @ Tokyo Station Chuo Line Platform
    • 9:15: East Gardens
    • (*Tokyo Station ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura Turret ~ Otemon Gate ~ Fujimi Yagura Turret ~ Honmaru Ruins ~ Ninomaru Garden)
    • 11:30: Asakusa
    • (*TIC ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Lunch @ Toyama)
    • 14:00: Tokyo Station
    • 14:30: Boarding assistance & send-off at the Shinkansen platform

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like, Including Shinkansen Boarding Assistance? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was originally planned as a hotel meet and hotel drop-off, but the night before, the guests contacted me to say they had accidentally booked a Shinkansen ticket two hours earlier than intended. They mentioned they were also nervous about boarding the Shinkansen and asked if I could stay with them through the boarding process, so we suddenly changed the meeting time (9:00), the drop-off time (14:30), and the locations. On the day, we met at Tokyo Station, stored the luggage in a coin locker, and set off. Since the boarding assistance meant we couldn't use the full tour time, I made sure to include at least the requested "somewhere quiet where we could feel nature" and "Asakusa" in the itinerary. One of the guests in particular took great interest in many things, stopping frequently to take lots of photos, so I guided them at a relaxed pace. At Asakusa, the guests wanted to draw omikuji fortunes even if it meant waiting in line, so we all tried the omikuji experience together. They also said they wanted to eat tonkatsu in Asakusa, so we had a meal at a restaurant. There were only two groups waiting ahead of us, but the timing was unfortunate and we ended up with quite a long wait (several other tonkatsu shops were closed for the day). After that, if there had been time, I had considered a quick walk from Suehirocho to Akihabara, but since lunch took so long and there was a ticket machine problem at Asakusa Station, time became tight and I cut it. We arrived at Tokyo Station at 13:55. I thought it might be a bit early, but between retrieving the luggage from the locker, restroom breaks, and stocking up at a convenience store, it turned out to be just the right amount of time. I explained things about moving around inside the station after getting off at Kyoto Station and getting to the hotel, as well as points to be careful of when disembarking, and after seeing off the departing Shinkansen, my work was complete.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Tokyo324JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Tokyo150JPY
    Total683JPY

    Hi! My name is Kiyo Hirose, a nationally licensed guide in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Kobe, a small city in Western Japan, near Osaka and Kyoto. After I lived in several different regions, I have been in Tokyo since 2019. My experiences across Japan’s diverse regions allowed me to appreciate the cultural and regional diversity of Japan.
    Through the period of 2yrs paid guide and 12 years volunteer guide, I have supported a wide range of travelers, from individuals to the groups. Now I’m providing guiding, interpretation, escorting, and transfer assistance. Every time, I try to provide more than just information; not only to introduce historic sites, but also to share the everyday realities and cultural layers of Japan.
    I’m looking forward to making your visit both enjoyable and deeply memorable!

    **When you see this message, please contact me via E-mail or WhatsApp.
    **If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me before the tour!

    Sep 14, 2025
    A
    Adventurer527820
    Kiyo was the best!
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    May 25, 2025
    Greg_F
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    Nov 21, 2024
    Nzzzq
    Kiyo was an awesome guide! Highly recommend!
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    Awesome day with Kiyo !!…