Category: Uncategorized

  • Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kamakura Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1020 Meet at Kamakura station
    • 1040 Hokokuji Temple Bamboo Garden
    • 1120 Jomyoji Temple
    • 1200 Komachi Street
    • 1230 Lunch at Hase Shokudo
    • 1330 Kotokuin Great Buddha
    • 1400 Hase Temple
    • 1433 Hase Station
    • 1441 Tour ends at Kamakura Station

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Since they wished to see a bamboo grove garden and the Great Buddha, I had planned to visit Hokoku-ji Temple, Kotoku-in Temple, and lunch at a local eatery in Hase, but as there was time to spare, we also decided to visit Jomyo-ji Temple, Komachi-dori Street, and Hasedera Temple. At Kotoku-in, the guests actively enjoyed sightseeing, including going inside the Great Buddha. Since they did not plan to sightsee on their own after the tour ended, we did not go to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but I am glad that we were able to visit Komachi-dori Street and Hasedera Temple within the available time.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKamakura Station~Jomyoji Temple220JPY
    Section 2BusJomyoji Temple~Hachimangu Shrine220JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura~Hase200JPY
    Section 4TrainHase~Kamakura200JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:30 Meet at Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande
    • 2.10:00 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3.11:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4.13:00 Lunch Ramen Santouka
    • 5.13:30 Takeshita Street
    • 6.14:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 7.15:00 Shibuya Crossing
    • 8.15:30 Disband at Shibuya Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Under a truly magnificent blue sky, may I share these perfect photos taken during the tour? The weather today was the finest we have had all year. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, after providing a solid overview of the imperial system and the feudal domain structure, we thoroughly explored the former Edo Castle grounds. The guests asked intense and passionate questions, and I responded with equally strong answers (never aggressively, of course), making for a succession of wonderfully rich moments. At the same time, the guests were taking many photographs with their single-lens reflex cameras. Although they said they had eaten a hearty breakfast, they mentioned they had become hungry, so we headed straight from Meiji-jingumae Station to a ramen restaurant for lunch. As usual, without much of a wait, they enjoyed a spicy ramen and a miso ramen, eating with great relish. At Meiji Shrine, they marveled at the wooden shrine buildings, and finally, at the Shibuya crossing, they were amazed by the high level of civility that allowed pedestrians to pass without colliding, and I explained the historical and cultural background behind this. It was personally very rewarding to share such a memorable day with the guests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTsukiji~Asakusa900JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKita-sando~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu
    • 2. 09:05 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 3. 09:50 Stay @ Gotokuji Temple
    • 4. 10:50 Travel: Train
    • 5. 11:45 Stay @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 6. 12:40 Travel: Subway
    • 7. 13:10 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 8. 13:40 Disband @ Nakamise Shopping Street

    What Is a Private Day Tour to Gotokuji, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since I had learned from an email beforehand that they were staying at a hotel in Ginza, we met there. By coincidence, following the previous Saturday, I once again had the opportunity to guide guests to Gotokuji Temple. This time, however, the guests had Suica cards, so getting around was easier than before. On this occasion as well, they did some shopping within the grounds of Gotokuji Temple and at the shopping street in front of the station. I became convinced that walking the stretch between the station and the temple is an important part of the experience. Although it was still a bit early to enjoy the autumn foliage at Koishikawa Korakuen, it was surprisingly well received. It is very helpful that the metropolitan gardens are open almost all year round. In Asakusa, I kept the tour focused mainly on Nakamise Street. Although time was tight, since a single subway line runs back to the hotel in Ginza, I took them there last as originally planned and we parted ways on site. [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 1SubwayGinza Station~Yoyogi-Uehara Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainYoyogi-Uehara Station~Gotokuji Station170JPY
    Section 3TrainYoyogi-Uehara Station~Shinjuku Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku Station~Iidabashi Station170JPY
    Section 5SubwayKasuga Station~Asakusa Station290JPY
    Total1,040JPY

    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: Toyosu Station & Tocho-mae Station

    Tokyo: Toyosu Station & Tocho-mae Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Meeting place: Hotel, Toyosu Premier
    • 7:00 Depart Toyosu Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 7:15 Arrive Shijo-mae Station
    • Toyosu Fisheries Wholesale Market Building
    • Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Market Building
    • Break:
    • 8:30 Depart Shijo-mae Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 9:00 Arrive Tsukiji Shijo Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • Breakfast: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan
    • 11:00 Depart Tsukiji Shijo Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive Tocho-mae Station
    • 11:30 Dispersal: Tocho-mae Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Toyosu Market and Tsukiji Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group residing in North America. Both were retired and now enjoy traveling as a leisure activity. They had visited Japan several times for work more than 20 years ago. This time, they were on a stay in Japan of about one month. They had already visited Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakone. After this, they planned to stay in Tokyo for three days before returning home. Although they were staying at a hotel in Tokyo, they requested that we meet somewhere near Toyosu Market, so we arranged to meet at a hotel in the Toyosu area. We met at 7:00 am and took the Yurikamome line to Toyosu Market. First, we headed to the seafood wholesale building. I explained the history of the fish market dating back to the Edo period, the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market, and the difference between the wholesale market and the intermediate wholesale market. There were questions such as: "Where is tuna caught?" "Is tuna from all over the world sent to this Toyosu Market?" "When is the market closed?" "What kinds of tuna are there, and which tuna is the most expensive?" "How many are put up for auction per day?" "What happens to the tuna that is left unsold at auction?" There were also questions such as "How much is one tuna?" and "Which part of the tuna is the most delicious?" We took commemorative photos here and there. After this, we took our time exploring the intermediate wholesale building. They purchased nori seaweed and packaged bonito flakes. There were questions such as: "What kind of people come here to buy?" and "We would like to go inside and look around — is that not allowed?" We had coffee and took a relaxing break at a café. We transferred between the Yurikamome line and the subway to move to the Tsukiji Outer Market. First, we went to Tsukiji Uogashi. Here too, we took photos in various places. After this, we went to the outer market. We looked around various shops and sampled roasted soybeans and dried squid. There were questions such as: "Why are there so many people here?" and "Are these people who live in Tokyo, or are many of them travelers from overseas?" Since they said they wanted to eat sushi here for breakfast, we went to a sushi restaurant. As one of the guests loves sushi while another cannot eat raw fish, that guest ordered only a cucumber roll and rice. They commented, "Tokyo is so clean throughout the city. There is no litter on the ground. It is completely different from where we live." They also commented and asked: "There are no homeless people to be seen." "There are no trash cans placed around the city. Why is that?" Since they asked to be taken back to their hotel, I saw them off at Tochomae Station and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherToyosu Station~Shijo-mae Station189JPY
    Section 2OtherShijo-mae Station~Toyosu Station189JPY
    Section 3SubwayToyosu Station~Tsukishima Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukishima Station~Tsukiji Shijo Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayTsukiji Shijo Station~Tocho-mae Station272JPY
    Total1,006JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 10:15 @Tokyo Station (station plaza, Marunouchi side station building, Yaesu exit)
    • 3. 10:40 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya food section)
    • 4. 11:15 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, matcha break at "Kaminari Issa", Sumida Park)
    • 5. 13:00 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 6. 13:20 Lunch @Tsukiji (Koromo Sushi) + food walking
    • 7. 14:00 @Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 8. 14:45 @Rikugien Garden
    • 9. 16:00 Disband @Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Asakusa, Rikugien Garden, and a Sushi Lunch The guests were active visitors from North America. On the morning of the tour, they arrived in Japan and reached the Hotel a little before our meeting time. Since they could not yet check into their room, they showered at the Hotel's gym and then appeared in the lobby for our meeting. Some of the guests had visited Japan before for work, and some had come previously for sightseeing, but this tour was primarily arranged as a first sightseeing experience of Tokyo for a member of the group who had not seen the city before. The Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa was very lively, and for a member of the group who had expected a solemn atmosphere, it did not feel especially comfortable. On the other hand, Rikugien Garden was greatly appreciated, and many photos were taken there. The guests even mentioned that they would like to live in a Japan where they could experience such an environment of beauty and tranquility. For lunch, we sampled food while walking, trying shrimp and tuna, but the guests also wanted to try a seated sushi lunch, so I guided them to a sushi restaurant where they could sit at the counter and watch the sushi chef prepare each piece. They were very satisfied. [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 1Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Higashi-ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Ueno Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Ueno Station~Komagome Station170JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Komagome Station~Tokyo Station180JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    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!…

  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Kyoto Station
    • 12:30 Arashiyama
    • 13:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:30 Lunch
    • 16:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion
    • 17:30 Disband

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although there were frequent emails from the guests with changes and additions to their requests, which made me a little worried about how things would go, they turned out to be very cheerful and easygoing, which put me at ease. I had assumed we would send the luggage to the hotel, but since they were moving on, they decided to store their bags in a locker instead. The schedule was fairly tight, but the guests were still able to enjoy a relaxed lunch. They seemed to have come from Tokyo for a one-day sightseeing trip, and after the tour they planned to do some shopping and stop by Nishiki Market. Even though it was a busy day, there was laughter throughout, and I believe they were able to enjoy a fun day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

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

    Oct 23, 2025
    536terryw
    Great day out in Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noriko was a great guide. She had…

    Oct 22, 2025
    pascalpJ9601TX
    Bamboo forest, Monkeys, and Temples in North-West Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family of four adults:…

    Oct 14, 2025
    9
    903tammyw
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Amazing! Our guide Noriko and our…

    Oct 11, 2025
    Graham S
    A great introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noriko-san was a wonderful guide. She…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kotoku-in & Komachi Street

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Kotoku-in & Komachi Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:50 Kamakura Station Meet up
    • 9:15 Kotoku-in
    • 10:00 Hase-dera
    • 11:00 Kamakura Station
    • 11:15 Hokoku-ji
    • 12:00 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
    • 13:00 Komachi Street
    •     Disband

    What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, staying at a hotel in Tokyo. It was their third day in Japan, and they had already arrived at Kamakura Station by around 8:45. They mentioned that they enjoy hiking, and they seemed to love the temples and shrines surrounded by greenery, saying it was much better than Tokyo. Since it was a weekday morning, most places were relatively uncrowded, which was nice, though as usual there were several groups of students on school excursions. One of the guests wanted to buy power stones, so we stopped by a shop near Hase Station, and they said it was "Perfect!" At Hokoku-ji Temple, one of the guests enjoyed some matcha. The autumn foliage in Kamakura was not yet at its peak, but they mentioned that they always admire beautiful autumn colors at their home in North America.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura Station~Hase Station200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase Station~Kamakura Station200JPY
    Section 3BusKamakura Station~Jomyoji180JPY
    Section 4BusJomyoji~Hachimanmae180JPY
    Total760JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Tokyo Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Tokyo Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meeting point: Hotel
    • 13:10 Departure: Tokyo Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 13:40 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 14:40 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 15:00 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • Lunch: Asian Restaurant Basil
    • 16:30 Depart from Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 17:30 Dismissal: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan for work-related meetings, coming from various regions around the world (North America, Europe, Asia, and others). It was everyone's first visit to Japan. The tour was arranged based on their wish to "see at least a little of Tokyo before the meetings and training start tomorrow." They had all arrived in Japan either the night before or that morning, gathered at a hotel in Yokohama, and then headed to Tokyo Station, meeting at a hotel. They were staying in Japan for only a short period, planning to return home after their meetings and training. For today's tour, they said they "wanted to get an overall impression of Tokyo." The tour took place under cloudy skies. First, we went to Asakusa. We passed through the Nakamise shopping street from Kaminarimon Gate to the main hall. As it was during a holiday period, it was extremely crowded. I explained about "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "What are the lanterns for?", "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", and "What kind of teachings does Buddhism offer?" We moved on to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji era," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "the current challenges facing the Imperial Family." They commented, "The pine trees are beautiful" and "I really like the Japanese garden." There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" Since they wanted to have lunch somewhere and mentioned that dietary considerations applied to part of the group, we went to an Indian restaurant in the basement of a hotel. Taking their time, with some enjoying beer, they savored their lunch. We moved on to Shibuya. After viewing the scramble crossing from the passage toward the Keio Inokashira Line, we went down and crossed the intersection back and forth. There were also questions such as "Why are there so many people here? Are most of them Japanese, or are most of them travelers?" and "What was it like during Halloween?" They also commented, "The city is so clean. There's no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is quiet, clean, and reassuring." I saw them off at the Shonan-Shinjuku Line platform inside JR Shibuya Station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Station~Ueno Station167JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno Station~Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station~Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijubashimae Station~Shibuya Station209JPY
    Total732JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0830 Meet at Hotel Shijo
    • 0910 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 1045 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 1145 Nijo Castle
    • 1230 Lunch at Kura Sushi
    • 1345 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 1440 Disband at Hotel Shijo

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkakuji The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. During the day, some of the guests preferred to rest outside rather than enter Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle, so they waited seated outside while the others explored. For the final stop at Kinkakuji, we adjusted the route slightly so that everyone could take part comfortably. The weather was beautiful that day, and the autumn leaves were just beginning to turn, creating lovely scenery. All of the guests said they would love to visit Japan again.

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building

    Osaka in One Day: Umeda Sky Building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting  Courtyard by Marriott Osaka Honmachi
    • 10:30 to 12:00 Umeda Sky Building
    • 12:30 to 13:15 Lunch at Osaka Bay Area
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Ferris Wheel and walk around Kaiyukan Aquarium area
    • 14:45 to 15:15 Dotonbori
    • 15:15 to 15:45 Walk around Shinsaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi-suji
    • 16:00 Dismissal   Osaka Metro Namba Station

    What's a Private Group Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Umeda Sky Building and Namba Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. It was difficult to reach a consensus among everyone, and their preferred destinations often did not match. The first spot, Umeda Sky Building, was enjoyed by the entire group, but after visiting the Sky Building, some of the guests decided to go their own way to visit Hozenji Yokocho. After lunch, some other guests separated to visit Sennichimae Doguyasuji. By the time we parted at Namba Station, the group had become smaller. I hope that the guests who went their separate ways made it back to their accommodation safely.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Metro Sakaisujihommachi Station~Osaka Metro Umeda Station190JPY
    Section 2SubwayOsaka Metro Umeda Station~Osaka Metro Osakako Station290JPY
    Section 3SubwayOsaka Metro Osakako Station~Osaka Metro Namba Station290JPY
    Total770JPY

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

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

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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

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

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

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