Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Shin-Okubo

    Tokyo in One Day: Hamarikyu & Shin-Okubo

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel Groove Shinjuku
    • 10:40 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market, Fish Market, Namiyoke Shrine
    • 12:00 Hamarikyu
    • 13:20 Nippori
    • 14:40 Shin-Okubo
    • 14:50 Disband @ near the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. During the pre-tour communication, replies were infrequent, and on the morning of the tour they asked to delay the start time by one hour and said it was fine to skip Nezu Shrine, so I quickly adjusted the route. At Tsukiji, one of the guests happened to find a piece of tableware that a friend had been searching for, and was delighted. They purchased a bento box for personal use, and another item, a knife, was purchased at Masamoto. After visiting Osaka and Kyoto earlier, I learned partway through the tour that shrines and temples were no longer of interest. In the latter half, the guests seemed quite tired and had luggage to carry, so we decided to return to the Hotel once. We got off at Shin-Okubo Station, which is closer to the Hotel than Shinjuku, and the guests took a liking to the Korean district there, saying they would come back later for a meal. Their spirits lifted noticeably toward the end. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Nippori180JPY
    Section 3TrainNippori~Shin-Okubo180JPY
    Total570JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:30 Meet at HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA
    • 2. 12:15 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 3. 13:00 Lunch (Yoyogi Sushi Takase)
    • 4. 14:30 Akihabara
    • 5. 15:15 Ueno (Eki Tabi Concierge Ueno)
    • 6. 15:30 Asakusa
    • 7. 17:15 Disband at HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Akihabara, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from Europe, on their first trip to Japan, having arrived the previous day for a stay of about ten days, planning to continue to Kyoto after Tokyo. I guided them around Meiji Shrine, Akihabara, and Asakusa. Since they had requested sushi for lunch, we went to a sushi restaurant in Yoyogi. Along the way, one of the guests wanted to buy tickets for the Fuji Excursion train, so on our way from Akihabara to Asakusa we stopped by the travel concierge counter at Ueno Station. As the temperature dropped in the evening and it became a bit cold, some of the guests wished to return to the hotel early, so we finished a little earlier than the scheduled end time. Some of the guests actively asked many questions, while others were fairly quiet and did not ask much, with rather muted reactions to my explanations, which made me a little concerned. However, since I received a tip when we parted at the end, it seems they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi~Akihabara178JPY
    Section 3TrainAkihabara~Ueno146JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi209JPY
    Total889JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Samurai District & Higashi Chaya District

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Samurai District & Higashi Chaya District

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet at Hotel Kanazawa Station West Exit
    • 10:20 Samurai District
    • 11:15 Kenrokuen Garden
    • 12:15 Kanazawa Castle
    • 13:15 Higashi Chaya District
    • 14:10 Disband at Kanazawa Station

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania. They enjoyed the traditional rooms of the Nomura Samurai House in the samurai district. At Kenrokuen Garden, they praised the view of the autumn foliage and Hisago-ike Pond. The guests showed great interest in the types of wood used for the floors and beams of structures such as the Gojukken Nagaya at Kanazawa Castle. They also seemed to like the elegant guest rooms of Shima in the Higashi Chaya District. Since one of the guests smoked, we looked for a smoking area at Kenrokuen Garden. This time, the guests enjoyed the historic buildings and the scenery of the nature-rich gardens.

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:30 Meet at Hotel (taxi) → 8:10 Hiroshima Station (JR and ferry) → 9:00 Miyajima (on foot) → 9:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine (on foot) → 11:00 Miyajima ferry terminal → 11:45 Hiroshima Peace Park ferry terminal (Peace Route) → Visit a pachinko parlor → 12:00 Lunch, okonomiyaki → Shopping while heading to Peace Park → 13:00 Peace Park (on foot) → Tour of the Peace Park monuments → 14:00 Peace Memorial Museum → 15:00 Walk through Hondori while introducing the city center, then proceed on foot to the accommodation, Hotel → 15:35 Tour ends at Hotel

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived in Hiroshima the day before, and their first impression was that it was a very beautiful city, so they seemed to have enjoyed their stay in Hiroshima. Some of the guests enjoyed taking photographs, and they had fun taking pictures in various locations. Since their accommodation was a hotel, on the way back we were able to walk along Hondori and show them the shops and the atmosphere of the town. Also, on the way to lunch there was a pachinko parlor, so we went inside and I was able to introduce pachinko to them. Although it was a short tour, they said they would like to visit again and, when they do, to set aside more time to relax. For that reason, I believe they were able to have an enjoyable time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1FerryMiyajima~Hiroshima Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hi there! I’m Minori, your local guide in Hiroshima.

    I’ve called Hiroshima home for most of my life, and I have been a guide since 2019. My tours are centered on flexibility; I love listening closely to your interests to craft a personalized, high-quality experience just for you.

    My life has been a journey of deep exploration, as I have a passion for fully immersing myself in whatever sparks my curiosity. Whether it is graduating from a kimono-making school, building a professional career in accounting, or refining my skills in nail art and makeup, I have always committed myself wholeheartedly to mastering new fields. I am also a dedicated language learner, with experience in English, Spanish, and Russian. I love weaving these diverse professional and personal experiences into our tours to offer you a unique and memorable time. I truly look forward to meeting you in Hiroshima!

    Jul 29, 2026
    Henk72
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Impressive, sad and beautiful tour. A must do with Minori
    The…

    Jul 15, 2026
    206emiy
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima!
    We had an…

    Jul 11, 2026
    DKGV21
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Awesome Guide
    Minori was a gem of a guide! Lives right…

    Jun 2, 2026
    andreaswH4360FK
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful day on Miyajima and in Hiroshima
    Wonderful day…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall & Jinya

    Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall & Jinya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:55 Meet in the lobby of Hotel Takayama Ekimae
    • 13:20 Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
    • 14:10 Kusakabe Folk Museum
    • 14:50 Hida Takayama City Museum
    • 15:10 Old Town Streets
    • 15:45 Jinya
    • 16:35 Disband in front of Takayama Station

    Title: What's a Private Family Walking Tour of Takayama's Old Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America. They seemed overwhelmed by the magnificent festival floats at the Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall). They were also interested in the old wooden architecture of the Kusakabe Folk Museum. Along the way, one of the guests bought some Japanese tea. At the town museum, there was a conversation about what the site where Takayama Castle once stood looks like today. In the old townscape, we visited shops selling Shibukusa pottery and Shunkei lacquerware. They seemed to enjoy the traditional Edo-period rooms and the autumn foliage in the garden at the Jinya (historic government house). The group members supported one another on the stairs and other spots throughout the tour.

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 5:00 Meet up @ Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
    • 2. 5:20 @ Toyosu Market
    • 3. 6:20 Breakfast @ Iwasa Sushi (inside the Toyosu Market Intermediate Wholesale Market Building)
    • 4. 7:30 @ Strolling around Tsukiji Market
    • 5. 8:00 Disband @ Tsukiji Market

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Morning Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. A relative of theirs had once lived in Osaka for about ten years and had worked in interpretation before returning home, and having heard stories about Japan from that relative and friends, the guests had become interested and decided to make this first trip. The guests took an interest in many things and asked a variety of questions. There was even a question I could not immediately answer about a power-saving campaign poster displayed inside the market, and the guests observed the market and the tuna auction very keenly. For a sushi breakfast, the guests enjoyed a meal at Iwasa Zushi, a wholesaler-operated shop I had recommended, and were highly satisfied. Since the guests also had a strong interest in Tsukiji, we skipped the produce building and headed to Tsukiji by bus. On the way to the bus stop, one of the guests spotted a rainbow in the sky, and we laughed together, saying it seemed to be welcoming us. At Tsukiji, the guests immediately recognized the appearance of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, so I gave a general explanation from a spot with a full view of its exterior before we moved into the bustle of the market due to time constraints, where I explained the highlights. After enjoying some street food, the guests were scheduled to meet friends in Ginza, so I explained the walking route and we said our goodbyes.

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:55 Meet @ Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:20 Visit @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 11:40 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:10 Visit @ Asakusa
    • 6. 14:00 Disband @ Kaminarimon-dori

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour of the East Gardens and Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. I was visiting the meeting-point hotel for the first time, but since it was a small hotel, meeting up was easy. The initial list of desired spots included Meiji Shrine, but since the guests were planning to visit SHIBUYA SKY the following day, I recommended visiting the shrine at that time instead, so for this tour we focused on the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa. Since walking at a comfortable pace did not seem to be an issue, I guided the guests all the way to the Honmaru area of the East Gardens. In Asakusa, on the other hand, we took a break at a café before heading to Sensoji Temple. The guests enjoyed shopping, and especially at a tenugui (hand towel) shop on Orange Street, they purchased many items. In Asakusa, I feel that the best shops are actually found just off the main Nakamise shopping street. At the end, I took the guests to a recommended tempura restaurant on Kaminarimon Street before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi Station~Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total360JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Levant Tokyo (2-2 Kinshi 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 3) 11:30 Shibuya <Crossing & Hachiko Statue>
    • 4) 12:30 Harajuku・Omotesando & Break @ THE MATCHA TOKYO Omotesando (5-11-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 5) 13:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 6) 14:30 East Gardens <Ninomaru Garden only>
    • 7)15:30 Dismissal @ Tokyo Skytree Entrance

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine The guests were a group visiting Tokyo from Oceania, and this private tour took place on their second day in the city, guided by a licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). In advance, the guests had requested a visit to Tsukiji, expressed a love of seafood, and asked to see the Tokyo Skytree (the guests had been asked to make the Tokyo Skytree reservation themselves). The day before the tour, the guests informed me that they had not made a Tokyo Skytree reservation. At the very crowded Tsukiji Outer Market, the guests enjoyed sea urchin and scallop sashimi, wagyu beef skewers, and ice cream. The guests took a very relaxed approach and explored at their own individual paces. After Shibuya, the guests requested matcha-based sweets and drinks, so we headed to Omotesando. After passing through Harajuku, I guided them to Meiji Shrine, where there were many worshippers for Shichi-Go-San celebrations, weddings, and first-shrine visits for newborns. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I guided them only around the Ninomaru Garden. We skipped Asakusa and parted ways at the entrance to the Tokyo Skytree.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKinshicho Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line~Tsukiji Shijo Station, Toei Subway Oedo Line900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji Shijo Station, Toei Subway Oedo Line~Shibuya Station, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line0JPY
    Section 3Free PassShibuya Station, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line~Meiji-jingumae Station, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line~Otemachi Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line0JPY
    Section 5Free PassOtemachi Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line~Oshiage Station, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Tutenkaku Tower

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Tutenkaku Tower

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Pick up at Hotel
    • 10:00-12:00 Ota Road / Doguyasuji / Kuromon Market / Dotonbori
    • 12:00-14:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 14:00-15:00 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:00-15:30 Tutenkaku Tower
    • 15:30-16:00 Return to the hotel
    • Around 16:00  End of the tour

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Tsutenkaku The guests were a family group visiting Osaka. They were calm and thoughtful, and listened attentively to the history of Osaka Castle. Since the walk from the Hotel to Dotonbori is a somewhat in-between distance, we chose to walk so that they could enjoy the Nippombashi area and Doguyasuji. They enjoyed looking at the food samples, and although they seemed to have already bought plenty of souvenirs, one of the guests purchased a small lacquerware item. At Kuromon Market they sampled some food but did not buy anything, and since they were not yet hungry in Dotonbori, we moved on to Osaka Castle. With an e-ticket we were able to enter quickly, but it was crowded in the early afternoon, so I explained things as we climbed the stairs. For the meal, they said inexpensive takoyaki and okonomiyaki near Shitennoji would be fine, so we ate there. Since they had reserved a kushikatsu dinner for the evening, they only had a light lunch. They seemed to like the shape of Tsutenkaku tower and took many photos. As they were tired from walking from Shitennoji to Tsutenkaku, we took the train from there to Namba, and since they were unsure of the way back to the Hotel, I saw them all the way there and we parted ways in front of the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba~Tanimachi 4-chome240JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho~Namba190JPY
    Total620JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine & Umeda Sky Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • *Extended from 4 hours to 6 hours
    • 09:00: Meet up @Hotel The Fag Shinsaibashi
    • 09:45 @Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
    • 11:45 @Namba, Doguyasuji
    • 12:45 @Dotonbori
    • 13:45 @Umeda Sky Building
    • 15:00 Disband: Osaka Metro Umeda Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Dotonbori, and Umeda Body: The guests were visitors from North America, and both were quite fit walkers, so we were able to move around smoothly throughout the day. We started after they topped up their ICOCA cards at a subway station. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, there were many visitors for the "Shichi-Go-San" ceremony that had begun the previous month, and the guests were delighted to take photos there. They also offered prayers at the main hall and collected the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" (five great powers) pebbles. Afterward, at Doguyasuji, they searched enthusiastically for tableware they liked and were very satisfied to purchase their favorite items. They also explored Dotonbori and the Umeda Sky Building with great interest, taking many photos along the way. After the tour ended, they wanted to have a late lunch, so I introduced several restaurants before we parted ways at Umeda subway station. They also mentioned wanting to visit Osaka Castle the following day if possible, so I gave them a map and explained the route.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Namba190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha Shrine~Namba240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda240JPY
    Total910JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 25, 2026
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