Category: Uncategorized

  • Kanagawa in One Day: HAKONE SHRINE & HATSUHANA SOBA and see off

    Kanagawa in One Day: HAKONE SHRINE & HATSUHANA SOBA and see off

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 meet at Hakone-Yumoto train station gate, and shops
    • 11:15 HAKONE CHECK POINT & ONSHI-HAKONE PARK
    • 12:30 HAKONE SHRINE
    • 14:00 OWAKU-DANI VALLEY
    • 16:15 HATSUHANA SOBA and see off

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the booking was received only three days before the tour and contact had been difficult, with the kind assistance of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I was able to complete the guiding without any problems. As a result, I accompanied a lovely group from North America and enjoyed a cheerful and pleasant day guiding them through Hakone, which had no snow at the time. Having traveled to Japan several times before, the guests were more interested in nature on this Hakone tour. In addition to Mount Fuji, they showed strong interest in the torii gate of Hakone Shrine, and they waited in line for nearly an hour at the lakeside torii photo spot, delighted to have taken wonderful photos. From the very start of the tour, they had requested Hatsuhana soba, so I explained the menu, helped with the order, and then took my leave.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHakone Ropeway Sounzan→Owakudani~Hakone Ropeway Owakudani→Sounzan2,500JPY
    Total2,500JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at InterContinental The Strings Tokyo, an Hotel in Shinagawa
    • 10:30 From Tokyo Station to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 12:00 After lunch, Meiji Shrine
    • 13:00 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Sukajan shops
    • 15:00 Shibuya
    • 16:00 Return to the hotel and disband

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Otemachi, and Harajuku Body: Blessed with clear skies, this was a walking tour enjoyed with relaxed conversation from start to finish. When I asked in advance about lunch preferences, there was a request for chicken katsu curry, but it was difficult to find a restaurant serving it near the Imperial Palace. I took the guest to a curry shop in the underground area of Otemachi Station, and because it was the kind of place that locals in Japan use on an everyday basis, it was received with even more delight. Since I had also heard in advance a request to visit a sukajan (souvenir jacket) shop, I searched for and took the guest to a shop in Harajuku, where they enthusiastically selected and purchased items. This was probably the highlight that pleased the guest the most. I was reminded once again how important it is to hear the guest's wishes in advance as much as possible and to accommodate them to the greatest extent possible.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Tokyo178JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOmotesando~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinagawa178JPY
    Total743JPY

    Welcome to Japan!
    My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
    Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
    I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
    Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
    My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
    I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.

    See you soon!

    Jun 5, 2026
    cathywB8167WE
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
    Takeshi was great with…

    May 13, 2026
    Kim_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Experience Tokyo like a local…,
    It was a wonderful way…

    May 11, 2026
    Trenee_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Takeshi did an amazing…
    Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Dianne_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Takeshi was our guide. He…
    Takeshi was our guide. He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:50 Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
    • 2. 9:20 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 3. 10:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Street
    • 4. 11:10 Lunch @ Chikuan
    • 5. 12:10 Senso-ji Temple
    • 6. 13:20 Ueno, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 7. 14:20 Azabudai Hills
    • 8. 14:40 Dismissal @ In front of teamLab Borderless

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like with Tsukiji, Asakusa, and teamLab? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from North America on a private day tour of Tokyo. Because they preferred comfortable travel even at a higher cost, we used taxis for the entire itinerary. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed tuna, steamed pork buns, and candied strawberries, and since they said they would like udon or ramen for lunch, I took them to an udon restaurant in Asakusa. They also purchased items such as omamori charms and daruma dolls, and they especially loved the melon bread filled with whipped cream. Since they had been awake since 3:00 in the morning, they began to look tired around Ueno, so we moved earlier than planned to Azabudai Hills, where a teamLab reservation had been made. After returning home, I received an email saying they had written a review, and I was delighted that they seemed satisfied.

    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…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Guide them to Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Guide them to Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet the guests at the hotel (MIMARU KYOTO NIJO CASTLE)
    • 11:00 Guide them to Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 13:00 Guide them to Kiyomizu-dera
    • 14:00 Guide them to Yasaka Shrine
    • 14:30 Disband @ Restaurant 'Omen'

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests, a group from Europe, on time at their hotel in Kyoto. They said they would leave the entire day's itinerary up to me as their guide, so we decided to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera. We walked from the hotel to the nearest subway station (Nijojo-mae) and took the subway to Inari Station via JR Nijo Station. After getting off at Inari Station, I guided the group through Fushimi Inari Shrine, and they were delighted by the Senbon Torii, which they already knew from a guidebook about Japan. Along the way, they tried their luck at a power spot before heading back down. After the shrine, we took a train and a bus to Kiyomizu-dera. We stopped to take photos at the Yasaka Pagoda, then climbed the crowded Sannenzaka and the approach path to reach Kiyomizu-dera. There I explained the background of the temple, focusing on the Kiyomizu Stage and the Otowa Waterfall, where the guests drank the water. As the crowds were overwhelming, some of the guests began to feel tired and hungry, so we walked at a slightly quicker pace to Yasaka Shrine, then passed through Gion. I recommended the famous udon restaurant "Omen" near Shijo-ohashi Bridge, and we parted ways there. The guests were cheerful, and they followed along without a single complaint throughout the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojo-mae Station~Nijojo Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nijojo Station~JR Inari Station200JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Inari Station~JR Tofukuji Station150JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji-mae Station~Kiyomizuzaka Station230JPY
    Total800JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gathering Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Gathering Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Gathering Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 09:00 to 09:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:15 to 11:15 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:00 to 12:50 Ginkaku-ji
    • 13:30 to 14:15 Ginkaku-ji
    • 14:35 to 15:15 Nijo Castle
    • 15:30 Dismissal Subway Karasuma Oike Station

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginkaku-ji and Japanese Culture Body: Today's guests were visitors from North America. They had a deep interest in Japanese history and culture, and they listened very attentively to my explanations. At Ginkaku-ji, they were genuinely fascinated by my talks on the concepts of wabi and sabi, the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and Japanese gardens, which made me very happy. They took many photographs of the materials I used to explain these topics. When I have the chance to meet guests like this, I feel a strong sense of fulfillment as a guide. It was a truly enjoyable day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi~Higashiyama Sanjo230JPY
    Section 2BusHigashiyama Sanjo~Ginkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusGinkaku-ji-michi~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae Station~Karasuma Oike220JPY
    Total910JPY

    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…

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.5:30 Meet at Toyosu Market
    • 2:5:30@Tuna Auction Viewing
    • 3.6:20@Toyosu Seafood Wholesale Building Tour
    • 4:7:20@Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5:8:40@Asakusa
    • 6: 9:30 Dismissal@Asakusa

    Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour with the Tuna Auction, Tsukiji, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan who had applied in advance for the lottery to see the tuna auction. They all won a spot, but some of the group could not make it to the tuna auction in time and joined later at Tsukiji. One of the guests was very keen to see the tuna auction, as they had experience going out to catch tuna over several days, and was delighted to be able to watch it up close. After meeting up at Tsukiji, the group enjoyed a variety of foods, including tuna sushi, wagyu beef, and strawberry daifuku. Afterward, we went to Asakusa, visited Senso-ji Temple, and enjoyed browsing the Nakamise shopping street, where they purchased items such as chopsticks and postcards. We parted ways in Asakusa. They were a very pleasant and cheerful group.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Toyosu189JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Shintomicho178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa286JPY
    Total653JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Shinsaibashi

    Osaka in Half a Day: Sumiyoshi Taisha & Shinsaibashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
    • 09:45 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 11:00 @ Osaka Castle
    • 13:15 @ Shinsaibashi
    • 13:30 Disband @ Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori The guests were visiting from Oceania and were on their first trip to Japan, so they toured with great interest. At each spot, they listened attentively to the guide's explanations and asked many questions. At Sumiyoshi Taisha, they picked up the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" small stones and also purchased the small charm pouch. Before visiting Osaka Castle, they wanted to take a break, so at a bakery originating in Kobe located inside the nearest Morinomiya Station, they had some sweet pastries and drinks and were very satisfied. Because we spent a little too much time at two of the spots, it was somewhat unfortunate that at the final stop in Dotonbori we had to part ways immediately upon arrival. Since one of the guests really wanted to buy Japanese chocolate, I introduced them to the Daimaru department store in Shinsaibashi.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Namba190JPY
    Section 2TrainNamba~Sumiyoshi Taisha240JPY
    Section 3TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Shin-Imamiya240JPY
    Section 4TrainShin-Imamiya~Morinomiya170JPY
    Section 5SubwayMorinomiya~Shinsaibashi240JPY
    Total1,080JPY

    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

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel (Hilton Kyoto) Meet
    • 8:30-9:10 Transfer (by contracted vehicle; Hotel → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 9:10-10:00 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:00-10:50 Transfer (by contracted vehicle; Fushimi Inari → Arashiyama Torokko Station)
    • 10:50-11:30 View bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji Garden (Hyakka-en, Sogenchi Garden)
    • 11:30-11:40 Transfer (by contracted vehicle; Tenryu-ji parking lot → Shakado-mae)
    • 11:40-11:55 Visit Seiryo-ji
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch (Cafe Dining Sera) @ Shakado
    • 12:50-13:20 Transfer (by contracted vehicle; Restaurant → Kinkaku-ji)
    • 13:20-14:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:00-14:30 Transfer (by contracted vehicle; Kinkaku-ji → Hotel)
    • 14:30 Said farewell at the hotel.

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. I took them to Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama (the bamboo grove and the gardens of Tenryu-ji), and Kinkaku-ji. Although it was mid-February, the daytime sunshine was very warm and the sky was clear, making it ideal weather for the tour, and I believe the guests were able to enjoy it in good spirits. Among the places we visited, some of the guests said they liked the bamboo grove best, while another was most impressed by the torii gates at Fushimi Inari. All members of the group moved briskly, so the tour proceeded very smoothly, and with the time we had to spare they were able to enjoy some shopping as well. Since they would be staying in Kyoto for the following three days, I suggested several places to visit around the city. The weather was fine, and I believe they enjoyed the day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel (Hilton Kyoto)~Fushimi Inari0JPY
    Section 2OtherFushimi Inari~Arashiyama Torokko Station0JPY
    Section 3OtherTenryu-ji parking lot~Shakado0JPY
    Section 4OtherRestaurant (cafe Dining Sera) @ Shakado-mae~Kinkaku-ji0JPY
    Section 5OtherKinkaku-ji~Hotel (Hilton Kyoto)0JPY
    Total0JPY

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

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

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

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

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

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00   Meet at Tokyo International Terminal
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Tokyo Yakult Swallows Official Goods Shop Jingu Stadium Store
    • 12:30 Lunch in Asakusa
    • Kobe Beef Dia Kaminarimon Nishi Store
    • 13:30 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30 Yomiuri Giants Official Goods Shop
    • GIANTS STORE BALLPARK TOKYO
    • 15:00 Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 15:20 Inside KITTE, Tokyo Central Post Office (Ginza Post Office JP Tower Branch Office)
    • 16:00  Disband at Tokyo International Terminal

    What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors traveling in Japan who had arrived by cruise ship. One of the guests was a big baseball fan and wished to purchase merchandise for teams such as Yakult and the Giants, so after consulting with the driver, we were able to stop by during the tour to make the purchases. The guest was very pleased. For lunch in Asakusa, the guests requested Kobe beef. Since it cost nearly 18,000 yen per person, I hesitated, but Asakusa was extremely crowded past noon on a Saturday, and the guests had mentioned they disliked crowded places, so we went to a Kobe beef teppanyaki restaurant. The beef was grilled right in front of us, and the meat was very tender and juicy. The guests were satisfied, saying the flavor of the meat itself was excellent. I felt that with guests seeking a high-end experience, taking them to somewhat upscale places leads to higher satisfaction. Finally, the guests said they wanted to buy stamps, so we went to the post office inside the KITTE building. A regular stamp for sending a postcard is 100 yen, but the 120-yen stamp had a design with a distinctly Japanese essence, so they purchased that one. Throughout the day, I believe I was able to respond flexibly to the guests' requests.

    Hello! My name is Ayaka.
    I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
    My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.

    On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.

    I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.

    Mar 28, 2026
    Destination424937
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Japan
    Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .

    Mar 19, 2035
    L9685HWdianan
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    Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    Maxkerry
    Great day in Tokyo
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    An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…

    Oct 4, 2025
    D
    Donna_S
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting place: 2-2-21 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
    • 10:10 Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 11:30 Departure from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive at Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 12:30 Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Hibiya Station
    • Hibiya Lunch: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
    • Gokoku
    • 14:00 Departure from Hibiya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Gotokuji Station/Yamashita Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • 14:50 Arrive at Miyanoshita Station
    • Gotokuji Gotokuji Temple
    • 15:30 Departure from Miyanoshita Station
    • (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
    • Gotokuji Station/Yamashita Station
    • (Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Shimokitazawa Station
    • (Keio Line)
    • 15:50 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 16:30 Departure from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 16:50 Arrive at Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • Dismissal: Shinjuku-sanchome Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. The group arranged their trip around an extended holiday. Before coming to Japan, they had first traveled to Asia and stayed there for about a week. From there, they flew into Kansai Airport and visited Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, then traveled to Tokyo by Shinkansen three days ago. They plan to stay in Tokyo for about a week before returning home from Narita Airport. Tomorrow they plan a day trip to Mount Fuji, and the day after they plan to visit Disneyland. The guests followed a diet that avoided certain foods, with some members eating cooked fish but not meat. They mentioned, "In Asia, we struggled with the snow and cold, and sightseeing was not very enjoyable." They also said, "The Shinkansen between Kyoto and Hiroshima was significantly delayed due to snow, which was difficult." On the other hand, they added, "Tokyo has clear skies and feels wonderful." The tour took place under clear skies in comfortably warm weather. We first went from the accommodation to Asakusa. I gave a general explanation of "Senso-ji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" and "Are there Christians in Japan too?" There was also a question: "Why are there so many people here?" From here, at one guest's request, we went to Akihabara. There was also a question: "Why did this kind of anime district come to be?" They purchased a Nintendo game. They said, "We would like to shop here again at a more relaxed pace, so we will come back before returning home." Since one member of the group was getting sleepy, they wanted to rest somewhere, so we went to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya. They looked around at various restaurants and, saying "This place will be fine," chose a restaurant where they could have a fish set meal. From here, we went to Gotokuji Temple via Shinjuku. I explained the general history of Gotokuji Temple. One of the guests said, "I love cats, so I really wanted to come here." They strolled slowly through the temple grounds and took commemorative photos in various spots. They said, "Unlike Senso-ji, it is quiet and pleasant here." After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the Scramble Crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here too there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly travelers?" They also commented, "Japanese people are all polite," "The city is clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash cans?" "Unlike the London Underground, the trains are spacious and comfortable," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "Prices feel inexpensive." I saw them off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station~Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho Station~Hibiya Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayHibiya Station~Shinjuku Station209JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku Station~Gotokuji Station199JPY
    Section 6TrainYamashita Station~Miyanoshita Station160JPY
    Section 7TrainMiyanoshita Station~Yamashita Station160JPY
    Section 8TrainGotokuji Station~Shimokitazawa Station136JPY
    Section 9TrainShimokitazawa Station~Shibuya Station140JPY
    Section 10SubwayShibuya Station~Shinjuku-sanchome Station178JPY
    Total1,790JPY

    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
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