Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel meet-up 9:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 10:50 Kinkaku-ji 11:50 Lunch 13:00 Higashiyama area 14:00 Fushimi Inari 16:05 Drop off at Osaka Station and tour ends

    What's a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. From the morning it was cloudy, and it stayed comfortable without heat until early afternoon, making for a pleasant tour. On the way to Kyoto, the train stopped for more than ten minutes at Takatsuki Station due to a door malfunction, so we arrived at Arashiyama later than planned. We were unable to make up the delay afterward, but on the way back, after I saw the guests off at Osaka Station, they told me they could get back on their own and wished to end the tour, so we managed to finish in about eight hours. Both were friendly and easy to talk with, and I enjoyed our conversations. They listened attentively to my explanations. In the Higashiyama area, they were very surprised to learn that the Japanese restaurant Nikenchaya "Nakamuraro," located within Yasaka Shrine, has been in business for 480 years. We walked to the Higashiyama area from Higashiyama subway station. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda (Subway)240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Saga-Arashiyama960JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi180JPY
    Section 4BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusWaratenjin-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Nishioji-Oike / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 6SubwayNishioji-Oike~Higashiyama (Kyoto)260JPY
    Section 7BusGion / Kyoto City Bus~Tofukuji / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 8TrainTofukuji~Inari150JPY
    Section 9TrainInari~Osaka840JPY
    Total3,320JPY

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

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Itinerary using a chartered vehicle arranged by an overseas agent
    • 1) 8:00 Meet up @ Hotel (2-3-24 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 8:20 Meiji Shrine <North Approach → Outer Worship Hall → Parking Lot>
    • 3) 9:50 Tokyo Tower <Exterior only>
    • 4) 10:30 Shibuya <Crossing → Break @ Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F (5-1-21 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, QFRONT 2F)>
    • 5) 12:00 Tsukiji Market & Light Meal
    • 6) 13:30 Asakusa <Nakamise Street → Sensoji Temple Main Hall → Niten-mon Gate>
    • 7) 14:50 Dismissal @ Hotel (2-3-24 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) had recommended a JGA-arranged private vehicle, but the overseas agency arranged transportation independently. In the communication before the tour, the guests requested Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Crossing, and Senso-ji Temple, so I sent back a proposed itinerary through the overseas agency. It was only in the evening of the day before that the private vehicle information (company name, driver's name, and contact details) was finally sent. However, it turned out that the overseas agency had conveyed a partially incorrect itinerary to the driver, and that the drop-off location was to be the accommodation. In the end, I had no choice but to reconfirm the itinerary with the driver when we met on the day. Since the guests did not speak Japanese, I showed the itinerary in English to confirm it. At the start of the tour, I reconfirmed the itinerary with the guests and we began. We started at 8:00 in the morning, and Meiji Shrine was pleasantly uncrowded. Since the Shibuya Crossing was too empty to be meaningful, I proposed a stop at Tokyo Tower to the driver, who agreed, and we took photos of the tower's exterior only. At Shibuya we spent a little time at a coffee shop, but at Tsukiji we passed the time enjoying takeout wagyu skewers, yakitori, and matcha drinks. Our stay at Tsukiji Market ran about 15 minutes longer than planned, and we departed for Asakusa at 12:50. As it was a weekday, the roads were somewhat congested, so we arrived at Asakusa about 5 minutes behind schedule. Along Nakamise Street, the guests bought some ichigo daifuku (since eating while walking is not allowed, we took some time behind the shop). We also had to wait about 10 minutes to meet the vehicle at Nitenmon Gate, and due to road conditions on the way to the hotel in Shinjuku, we arrived at the hotel at 14:50. According to the driver, any additional charges for the extended time would need to be discussed between the main guest and the vehicle operating company or the overseas agency. I sincerely apologized to the guests for my insufficient time estimation, and they kindly reassured me by saying, "The tour was fun, so it's fine. We are not upset," and we parted with smiles. Note: Before arriving at Senso-ji Temple, it might have been better to estimate the remaining time and propose to the guests that the vehicle use would end after Senso-ji, and that I would then see them to the hotel by train.

    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!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Lunch @ Gonpachi Harajuku
    • 13:00 Asakusa
    • 14:45 Akihabara
    • 15:30 Disband @ Cat Cafe Akihabara

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Akihabara The guests were a group visiting from North America. The group enjoyed an early lunch before the crowds and took occasional breaks while touring Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Akihabara. Since one of the guests could not eat raw food, they chose hand-rolled sushi with egg and avocado at the restaurant and finished it all, saying it was delicious. At Nakamise, the guests also happily enjoyed rice crackers and ningyo-yaki cakes. The best moment of the day was when one of the guests drew a "daikichi" (great blessing) fortune. We took a commemorative photo with the omikuji fortune slip. In Akihabara, the group wanted to visit a cat café, so after walking around the area, we said goodbye in front of the cat café.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello,
    I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
    I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
    I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
    Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
    What interests you about Tokyo?
    What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
    I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
    My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
    It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
    I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
    I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Darrin_T
    Tokyo Tour with Rumi
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Local tour guide Rumi took…

    Sep 29, 2026
    anettesoegaardn
    Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our guide was Rumi…

    Sep 25, 2026
    Frances_K
    Rumi was a wonderful…
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

    Sep 19, 2026
    K6328IFcarolinel
    Tokyo highlights
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day
    Rumi was very…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Asakusa & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel
    • 9:30-11:00 Asakusa
    • 11:30-12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:40-13:00 Takeshita Street
    • 13:00 Tour ends

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests came from Oceania. One of them had visited Japan for sightseeing more than ten years earlier, so this was a second trip for that person, while it was a first visit to Japan for the other. They seemed to love eating above all, and they very happily enjoyed the sweet potato ice cream and strawberry daifuku that I recommended. They walked relatively quickly and appeared to have plenty of energy. After I guided them through Meiji Shrine, we finished at Takeshita Street, where I again introduced a few foods and showed them a conveyor-belt sushi spot suitable for lunch, bringing the tour to a close. They mentioned that in the evening they would be joining a food tour in Shinjuku.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTameike-Sanno Station / Minato-ku, Tokyo~Asakusa210JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Omotesando260JPY
    Total470JPY

    Hello. My name is Kahori who lives in Tokyo.

    I am a mother who has 7 years old boy.
    I have been a guide for 7 years.

    I would like to introduce various spots to you.
    There are so many great spots such as Asakusa, Meiji shrine, Tsukiji fish market, etc. and off-the-beaten-path spots such as Yanaka, Fukagawa, etc. in Tokyo.

    Also, I love eating and drinking so I would like to introduce many restaurants and food stands.
    In addition, there are many types of Fashion culture in Harajuku, and it makes you surprise!!

    Let’s go to these attractive spots together!!

    I am looking forward to having a great time with you (^o^)

    Aug 5, 2026
    Voyage03860342449
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Great experience!
    We just had our private 6 hour walking tour with Kahori in Tokyo and…

    Jul 23, 2026
    bennyboyoz
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    An unforgettable private tour with Kahori.
    This private Geisha and Asakusa tour was one of the…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Kwame_L
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Amazing Private tour with Kahori
    Our tour in Tokyo was…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Noe_C
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great tour with Kahori!
    We had an amazing time on…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nishiki Market

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nishiki Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13;00 Hotel
    • 13;20-13:40 Chawanzaka
    • 13:50-14:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:30-16:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine
    • 16:00-16:30 Gion
    • 16:50-17:15 Nishiki Market

    What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu, Gion, and Nishiki Market The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Taking their interests into account, we started the tour from Chawanzaka, the slope known for its pottery shops. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and providing explanations, we focused our sightseeing on Kiyomizu-yaki ceramic shops. Along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the guests purchased a honey drink at a honey shop, and I introduced Zuiko-gama and other stores. We continued browsing pottery shops there, then went to Yasaka Shrine and Gion, where the guests bought a tenugui hand towel as a souvenir. Since they preferred not to remove their shoes, we skipped entering the museum and decided to head to Nishiki Market instead. I briefly introduced Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, and at Nishiki Market I mainly introduced shops selling bonsai and ceramics. At Nishiki Market, the guests purchased a bunch of Kyoho grapes for 2,900 yen, and I briefly introduced some Japanese games before ending the tour at the taxi stand.

    Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.

    Sep 29, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Customizable tour with Harumi-san
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Harumi…

    Sep 28, 2026
    Coastal07335209891
    Kobe Delight with Harumi
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour was definitely customized and our…

    Sep 27, 2026
    kakeelma
    Learning is fun with Harumi san!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    My husband and I…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Cosmopolitan580857
    We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Bespoke Shinjuku & Yanaka

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Bespoke Shinjuku & Yanaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Bespoke Shinjuku
    • 12:40 Hanazono Shrine
    • 13:30 Tokyo Tower
    • 15:00 Zojoji Temple
    • 16:00 Yanaka
    • 16:40 Dismiss @ Yanaka Ginza

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Tower, Zojoji, and Yanaka I guided a group visiting from Europe on a 4-hour afternoon private tour of Tokyo. They had arrived in Japan that morning, but everyone was in good spirits. They mentioned that many people in Europe are now traveling to Japan, and they responded with great enthusiasm to Japanese items. Since they wished to go up to the Top Deck of Tokyo Tower, I asked at the reception, and was told that the guide could accompany them free of charge, but that the ticket fee had to be paid in cash because the guide pays for them all together. When it is crowded it can take a very long time, but it was relatively empty, so the waiting time was within an acceptable range. They purchased the large souvenir photo taken during the tour. At Zojoji Temple, preparations for the Tanabata Festival were underway, and in the main hall we were able to see the chanting of sutras and the scattering of lotus petals. In Yanaka, they bought rice crackers, matcha, matcha ice cream, and sesame ice cream. One of the guests, who also drinks matcha at home, said that in Europe it costs about 6,000 yen for 30 grams, so it was a great bargain. After the tour they planned to go to Akihabara, so we parted ways in Yanaka.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Kamiyacho180JPY
    Section 2TrainHamamatsucho~Nippori210JPY
    Total390JPY

    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!!

    Sep 30, 2026
    16shelleyb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great day in Toyko
    Four of us spent an…

    Sep 29, 2026
    982marvf
    Yokohama Experience
    Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…

    Sep 24, 2026
    marshad422
    A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
    Tripadvisor…

    Sep 18, 2026
    7
    770stefanieg
    Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Takako, our guide…

  • Tokyo: Asakusa & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo: Asakusa & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet up @ JW Marriott
    • 09:05 Asakusa (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Okuyama, Nishi-sando, Nitenmon Gate)
    • 10:15 Akihabara Chuo-dori ~ Animate
    • 11:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 12:15 Photo spots along Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Kokkai-dori Avenue
    • 12:30 National Diet Building, Gaien Namiki-dori, and National Stadium from the car window
    • 13:00 Dismissal @ JW Marriott

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. For part of the group it had been many years since their last visit to Japan, and this trip was arranged to show Japan to the younger members of the group. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and other destinations abroad. What impressed me was that the younger guests listened to my explanations while constantly referring to the handmade Tokyo map and timeline I had given them. In Asakusa, they purchased a bag to hold souvenirs as well as T-shirts. At an anime shop in Akihabara, one of the guests was delighted to find an anime book they had been wanting. The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Diet-front street had apparently been used as filming locations for a TV drama, so at the strong request of one of the guests we visited them, and one of the guests posed for a photo for social media while another took the picture. For part of the group it was the second visit to Asakusa and the Imperial Palace, but they said that this time having a guide's explanations made it more enjoyable. Although we skipped Meiji Shrine, they kindly told me that they were glad they were able to do what the younger guests had hoped for.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 9:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 13:00 Tour ends at Senbon Torii

    What Is a 4-Hour Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan from North America. While some of them had traveled to Japan for work before, this was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto, and the trip marked a special milestone before continuing on to the next stage of schooling. Because heavy rain had been forecast, I was worried that the JR trains might be suspended, but fortunately the rain never became severe. Even so, we walked with umbrellas throughout the entire tour. To visit all three destinations within a 4-hour tour, one has to move at quite a fast pace. Sensing this, the guests told me they would rather not rush, and that it would be fine to end the tour partway through without seeing everything. Taking this into account, I was able to guide them calmly through Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji. At the final stop, Fushimi Inari, I led them partway up the Senbon Torii, and as our time was up, the tour concluded there, after which the guests continued exploring on their own. Along the way, they saw many school-trip students sightseeing in small groups and remarked that such a sight would be unthinkable in North America. I took the photo at Kinkaku-ji. It was a shame that I was not able to capture the guests' faces well in the picture.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Emmachi180JPY
    Section 3BusEmmachi~Kinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Emmachi230JPY
    Section 5TrainEmmachi~Inari200JPY
    Total1,080JPY

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

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel (9:00) → Motoyasu Pier (9:10) → Travel via World Heritage Sea Route → Miyajima (10:00) → Itsukushima Shrine (10:30) → Omotesando Shopping Street (11:30) shopping & lunch → Travel via World Heritage Sea Route → Disband

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour from Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had already visited Kyoto, and the day before they had visited the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, and were planning to head to Osaka the following day. Their trip to Japan had come about at the wish of one of the guests. It was raining quite heavily during the transfer from the Hotel to the Motoyasu boarding pier, but fortunately the rain stopped just as we arrived on Miyajima. The guests were delighted to spot the deer and took many photos, thoroughly enjoying the scenery of Miyajima. At Itsukushima Shrine, a newly married couple who had just held their wedding happened to pass by, which delighted the guests. They enjoyed lunch and shopping along the Omotesando shopping street. We returned by boat to the Peace Memorial Park, where we said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park~Miyajima2,400JPY
    Total2,400JPY

    Hello. My name is Yoko Shimada. Families traveling with children are always welcome. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching English to children from toddlers to junior high school students, and I currently work as an online Japanese teacher, especially for children from around the world.
    I hold a childcare qualification and teaching licenses for junior high and high school English in Japan. I am also a licensed Hiroshima Prefectural Regional Tour Guide-Interpreter. Because of my experience working with children, I always try to create tours that are warm, flexible, and comfortable for guests of all ages.
    I enjoy creating interactive and memorable experiences through conversation, local stories, and small cultural activities such as origami.
    I was born in Ehime, raised in Shimane and Hiroshima, and have lived in Hiroshima for more than 30 years. I love meeting people from different countries and learning about different cultures, so please tell me about your country too!
    I’m passionate about sharing Hiroshima’s history, culture, food, and beautiful local spots with you, and I will do my best to make your visit enjoyable, memorable, and special. I’m really looking forward to meeting you!

    Sep 29, 2026
    Q
    Q4398TTjades
    Yoko was exactly what we were looking for in a guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed…

    Sep 18, 2026
    horner92
    Yoko is amazing tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Yoko was amazing. She…

    Sep 6, 2026
    Shelly_H
    You must visit Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yoko was exceptional on this…

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    Great Hiroshima tour with Yoko
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  • Kochi: Kochi Shinko Port & Obiyamachi area

    Kochi: Kochi Shinko Port & Obiyamachi area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Kochi Shinko Port
    • 9:05 Depart from Kochi Shinko Port
    • 9:40–10:40 Chikurin-ji Temple
    • 11:05–12:25 Kochi Castle
    • 12:40–13:40 Lunch at Oranku-ya
    • 13:40–15:00 Shopping at Obiyamachi Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Depart from the Obiyamachi area
    • To Kochi Shinko Port via Katsurahama
    • 15:30 Arrive at Kochi Shinko Port

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kochi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Chikurin-ji Temple and Kochi Castle Today's private tour began at 9:00 when I met the guests at Kochi Shinko Port, and it centered on Chikurin-ji Temple, Kochi Castle, lunch at a local restaurant, and shopping at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade. It was raining on the day, but the taxi company had prepared umbrellas for us, so there were no major obstacles to our movements or sightseeing, and we were able to complete the planned itinerary without any problems. I had also received advance information that one of the guests was celebrating a birthday, so I made preparations on my end as well. It seemed that this was very much appreciated. Regarding lunch, I had been informed in advance that only fish and vegetables could be eaten, so I consulted with the local restaurant and they kindly accommodated this. The guests appeared to be very satisfied. During the shopping at the Obiyamachi shopping arcade, the tax-free processing at a duty-free shop took some time, so our arrival at the port was slightly later than scheduled, at around 15:30. However, overall there were no major issues, the guests responded very positively, and we were able to complete the tour successfully.

    I’m a licensed regional interpreter-guide for Kochi and Hiroshima Prefectures, currently living in Kochi. I have experience guiding both group bus tours and private tours for cruise ship visitors at Kochi Port.

    I always try to make sure guests feel safe and comfortable. For example, I adjust the walking pace and take breaks as needed, especially at places like Kochi Castle where there are steep paths. I’m physically strong, so I can handle long or active tours without any problem.

    During private tours, I often take many photos for guests and share them afterward. This has been very well received by guests. I also like talking about local food and drinks—not just what they taste like, but also the stories behind them.

    I can respond flexibly to different guest needs. If the weather changes or guests want to stop by a shop, pharmacy, or ATM, I can adjust the tour. I can also help with things like buying tickets at convenience stores or topping up IC cards.

    I’m available for English-speaking tours in Kochi. Please feel free to contact me, even on short notice.

    Jul 16, 2026
    Paul_C
    Viator review: Kochi Shore Excursion: Customized Car Tour, Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour and guide.
    We were so blessed to have Hiroshi…