Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @ Sunroute Ginza
    • 2.10:15 @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 3.11:15 Lunch @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4.12:30 @ Fukagawa Edo Museum
    • 5.14:00 @ Nezu Shrine
    • 6.15:00 @ Yanaka Ginza
    • 7.16:00 Dismissal @ Hotel

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Fukagawa, and Yanaka in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. We first visited Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and the Tsukiji Outer Market. They seemed amazed by the number of shops and the crowds of people. After showing them a variety of places, we set aside about an hour for lunch, and everyone enjoyed the food of their choice. After that, we went to the Fukagawa Edo Museum, where the streets of the Edo period are recreated, and they had fun taking photographs. Next, we visited Nezu Shrine, where they admired the beautiful buildings and paid their respects at Otome Inari and other spots. Along Snake Road they enjoyed looking at ordinary residential houses, and the conversation flowed lively. Then we browsed various shops at Yanaka Ginza, took the Yamanote Line from Nippori, and returned to the Hotel. The weather was pleasant and it did not rain. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji Market~Kiyosumi-Shirakawa220JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-Shirakawa~Nezu209JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori~Yurakucho178JPY
    Total785JPY

    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.

    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…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meet at Hotel; hotel check-in 12:00 Departure 12:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum 15:15 Arrive at Togendai 15:50 Board Lake Ashi Pirate Ship 16:30 Motohakone Port 16:50 Amazake Chaya 17:40 Disperse at Odawara Station

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were scheduled to meet at 11:00 after arriving at their hotel in Hakone around 10:00, but they were delayed, so the meeting time was moved to 11:30, and after a further delay the tour began at 12:00. As a result it became a hurried tour, but the guests were in good spirits and enjoyed it throughout. There was no time for lunch, and to save even more time we skipped the visit to Owakudani, but the guests were able to fully enjoy the Lake Ashi pirate ship and the amazake teahouse, so they seemed satisfied. The guests had arrived in Hakone that morning (around midday) and were staying one night before heading to Kyoto the next day, so within this tight schedule I believe we made the most of the limited time available. I am attaching the photo we took at the end, which I think shows a satisfied expression.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusOdawara Station Bus Terminal~Miyanoshita Bus Stop5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
    I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.

    Jun 8, 2025
    T1516LOmarkg
    Tokyo tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Great tour, Shinji was great, they…

    Feb 28, 2025
    LaToya_S
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Shinji is so nice and…

    Feb 27, 2025
    Edward_M
    Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…

    Feb 17, 2025
    Trip29223434750
    Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    For those not wanting to…

  • Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Sunroute Ginza (15-11 Ginza 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:30 Senso-ji Temple Main Hall
    • 3) 11:30 Asakusa West Approach → Okuyama Omairi-michi
    • 4) 12:30 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
    • 5) 13:40 Omotesando & Lunch @ Brown Rice Tokyo Omotesando (5-1-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 6) 15:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 7) 15:40 Meiji Shrine
    • 8) 16:20 Dismiss @ JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a lively group visiting from North America. Through prior contact, they had originally requested Tsukiji, Nishi-Sando, Nezu, and Yanaka. However, the day before the tour, the group's contact person let me know that there had been a mix-up with the content of another tour, and that they wished to skip Tsukiji, Nezu, and Yanaka, and instead focus on Asakusa centered around Nishi-Sando, and Harajuku including Takeshita Street. Since the group had apparently walked quite a lot on their tour the previous day, we kept the pace of this tour on the slower side. We started at the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, where the group was very excited about the omikuji fortunes, with some drawing twice. We then walked through Nishi-Sando, where they took an interest in goldfish scooping and samue work clothes, followed by Okuyama Omairi-michi, where we stopped at a matcha shop. Next we visited Kappabashi, and since there were many in the group with varied tastes, they enjoyed shopping for items such as coffee cups, chopsticks, and shaved bonito flakes. Upon arriving at Omotesando, I called a popular organic restaurant to check availability and waiting times. Even on a Monday it was fully booked, so we waited about 20 minutes, and the guests dined in smaller groups of two to four. Everyone was very satisfied. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the group was fascinated by the crowds, the animal cafes, the fashion, and the crepe shop displays. Although it was not originally on the itinerary, since we had the chance, I guided them to Meiji Shrine just before closing time (16:10). I explained how to get to Tokyo Station for their bullet train reservation, confirmed everything with all of the guests, and we parted ways in front of the JR Harajuku Station ticket gates.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Metro Ginza Line Kyobashi Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 2SubwayTokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Omotesando Station210JPY
    Total420JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 10:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto (hotel changed)
    • ② 10:35 Explanation of the itinerary and Kyoto's history at the hotel
    • ③ 11:30 Nijo Castle
    • ④ 13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑤ 14:30 Disband at Kawaramachi Sanjo / Sanjo-dori Street

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, experiencing Japan and Kyoto for the first time, traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa and then on to Kyoto. Something many guests have been telling me first thing in the morning lately is that they have already seen so many temples, shrines, and gardens in Tokyo and elsewhere that they are tired of them, and they ask whether there is anything else interesting to do. I was asked the same thing today. Of course, I have plenty of alternative suggestions, but instead I quietly offer this thought: understanding why so many shrines and temples of all sizes are packed into the small basin of Kyoto, and the messages behind stroll-style pond gardens and dry landscape gardens, is truly deep, as is the history of the coexistence of Buddhism and Shinto — meanings that also connect to the way of tea. Understanding these things more deeply, I tell them, is a shortcut to understanding Japan. Since guests have many different interests — some are here for photography, others for food — I never push my recommendations, but lately I have come to enjoy listening directly to each guest first thing in the morning and reconsidering our destinations together.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 15:00 Meet at the central ticket gate of Osaka Station
    • 15:00-17:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 17:00-18:00 Dotonbori
    • Around 18:00 End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Body: Communication had been on and off right up until the day, and the meeting point had changed from "Osaka" to "Shin-Osaka," which was a bit worrying, but we managed to meet at the station right on time. This was a day trip for sightseeing from Kyoto to Osaka. The guests were a cheerful group, and there had also been a mix-up in the booking, which was listed differently from the actual party. Osaka Castle seemed to be a place they had really wanted to visit, and since they had bought tickets online in advance, we were able to enter smoothly. They listened well to my historical explanations, but on the way to Osaka Castle one can of beer was enjoyed, another on the way back, and after arriving in Dotonbori and taking photos in front of the Glico sign, it seemed all they had in mind was finding somewhere to keep drinking. In the evening the area sparkled with lights, offering a charm quite different from the daytime. Although it was an hour early, the group said they would have some beer and a meal, take the subway to Umeda if they could, and probably grab a taxi back to Osaka Station after drinking, so we parted ways in Dotonbori.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOsaka~Osaka Castle Park170JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Namba240JPY
    Total410JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

    May 23, 2026
    189mirjamf
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
    Sehr nette und…

  • Osaka: Osaka Castle & GrandFront Osaka south building

    Osaka: Osaka Castle & GrandFront Osaka south building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 pick you up at the lobby of your hotel
    • 9:50 Osaka Castle
    • 10:40 Main tower
    • 11:30 (take road train and subway)
    • 12;20 Shinsekai
    • We have lunch (popular Osaka local food (Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu)
    • 13:10 (leave)
    • 13:20 Dotonbori
    • 14:00 Doguya-suji
    • 14:40 (leave)
    • 15;10 Umeda Sky Building
    • 16:30 (leave)
    • 16:50 GrandFront Osaka south building

    What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori The guests were a group from North America. Since they mentioned that they had enjoyed visiting the Sakai City Museum the previous day, I introduced how Oda Nobunaga purchased firearms from Sakai, and how warfare during the Warring States period shifted from cavalry battles to gun-based combat. The elevator renovation at Osaka Castle had finally been completed, so from the observation floor (8F) I pointed out Abeno Harukas, and explained that the area over there was actually the site of the Summer Siege of Osaka, where the Tokugawa and Toyotomi forces fought. For lunch, we enjoyed Osaka specialties in Shinsekai — okonomiyaki and kushikatsu. After Dotonbori, the guests showed me a shop on their smartphone where they wanted to buy a kitchen knife. The shop was in Doguyasuji, and since I had been there before, I guided them to it, and the guests purchased a knife. After the Umeda Sky Building, when we discussed dinner, I introduced Grand Front Osaka, explaining that both the South and North buildings have many restaurants on the 7th and 8th floors. I gave an explanation while looking at the panel in front of the South building, and then the tour concluded.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGokurakubashi Station~Morinomiya Station400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 9:30  Hotel Tour start
    • AM 9:40   Move to Kubomachi Otsurugi Shrine Stroll around Kazuemachi, Higashi Chaya District Visit Shima
    • AM10:50  Kinpaku Sakuda Watch the final gold leaf process  Kinjo Reitaku Move to Kenrokuen 
    • AM 11:00  Visit Kenrokuen  Kanazawa Castle Park (Visit Hishi Yagura 50-ken Nagaya Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura) Gyokusen-in
    • PM 12:50 PICK UP in front of Oyama Shrine Lunch To Ono near Kanazawa Port
    • PM 13:20 Local sushi restaurant  Lunch at Hosho Sushi 
    • PM 14:30 Ono Soy sauce brewery Shopping at Nao-gen Soy Sauce Store
    • PM 14:50 To Uchinada Coast
    • PM 15:45 Tour ends in front of the hotel

    Title: What's a Private Kanazawa Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Seafood, Kenrokuen, and the Coast In the morning, one of the guests said they wanted to eat crab, which left me wondering what to do (normally a reservation is required at least two days in advance, and outside of that only pre-season crab is available), but they were very satisfied at a local sushi restaurant near Kanazawa Port. The guests were also interested in soy sauce, and at a soy sauce brewery they tasted the different varieties and purchased every type available. Since they were staying another night in Kanazawa and the weather was fine, with an unseasonably warm temperature of 21°C, they wanted to see the coast, so we stopped by Uchinada Beach. After visiting Kenrokuen Garden, the teahouse districts, and Kanazawa Castle, they enjoyed taking in the vast expanse of Uchinada Beach. I introduced some recommended places to visit the next day, and the tour came to an end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto: ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto: ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto & Fushimi Inari

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
    • 9:10-9:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
    • 10:00-10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:45-11:15 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 11:45-12:10 Ginkaku-ji Temple
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch (Yoshikura)
    • 13:50-14:20 Fushimi Inari
    • 14:50-15:00 Guide to Shinkyogoku and disband

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were visitors from North America. The original itinerary was Hotel → the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → Ginkaku-ji → lunch → Shimogamo Shrine → Hotel. However, on the morning of the tour, the guests requested that we add Fushimi Inari, mentioned they needed to buy a new suitcase, and expressed a wish to see many Kyoto-style souvenirs. As a result, the itinerary was changed to Hotel → the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → Ginkaku-ji → lunch (Yoshikura) → Fushimi Inari (end of vehicle use) → (moving by Keihan train) a guided visit to Shinkyogoku, where we concluded. At the sightseeing spots, they took many photos framing the temples together with the autumn leaves that had begun to turn color. For lunch, there was a request for "something Kyoto locals eat on a daily basis," so, taking the route into account, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant. There, they savored the simmered vegetable assortment served as an appetizer, and the main dishes of miso-marinated grilled black cod and pike conger tempura. Along the way, I received a variety of questions. They asked about the political system such as the parliamentary cabinet system and direct election of the prime minister, the current state of electric vehicle adoption, Japanese views on religion, the school education system, the current state of foreign language education, natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and the effects of climate change. At the end, since there were shopping needs, we extended the tour time a little, moved by Keihan train, and I guided them to Iwai-Iwai and a bag shop in Shinkyogoku, as well as to nearby Tako-Yakushi. During the train ride, some cheerful young schoolchildren who were on their way home were riding happily, and one of the guests watched the scene with a gentle smile, while another of the guests seemed somewhat surprised that young children were able to commute to and from school on their own without adult supervision.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total220JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:45 Meet up @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
    • 2. 12:50 Travel: Train
    • 3. 13:40 Stay @ Gotokuji
    • 4. 14:25 Travel: Train, Subway
    • 5. 15:30 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 6. 16:40 Travel: Subway, Train
    • 7. 17:20 Disband @ JR Shinjuku Station East Exit

    What Is a Private Tour of Gotokuji and Sensoji in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I received an email just after noon letting me know that the guests had joined a Tsukiji tour run by another company in the morning and might be a little late returning to the hotel, around 12:45. Receiving advance notice like this makes it much easier to adjust, and it was greatly appreciated. The guests were visitors from North America and were very friendly. I had been told that the place they most wanted to visit was Gotokuji Temple, followed by Sensoji Temple, so I let them know in advance by email that it would take about an hour to travel from Gotokuji to Asakusa. Although I had visited Gotokuji Temple privately before, this was my first time guiding there. I wasn't sure whether it would be better to take the Tokyu Setagaya Line from Yamashita Station, but after walking from Gotokuji Station, I felt this was the right choice. There was a shop selling cat-themed goods in the shopping street, so cat lovers could not only take photos with the beckoning cats at the temple but also enjoy some shopping. After the guided tour in Asakusa, I saw the guests off at Shinjuku Station, the nearest station, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station~Gotokuji Station200JPY
    Section 2TrainGotokuji Station~Yoyogi-Uehara Station170JPY
    Section 3SubwayYoyogi-Uehara Station~Asakusa Station260JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa Station~Kanda Station180JPY
    Section 5TrainKanda Station~Shinjuku Station180JPY
    Total990JPY

    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
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    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
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  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13.00 Hotel-13.10~14.10 Imperial Palace East Gardens-14:40~15.45 Asakusa-16.15 Meiji Shrine-17.00 Meiji Jingu Gaien

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors currently based in the Middle East. Ahead of the tour they had expressed a wish to eat sushi in Shibuya after finishing at Meiji Shrine, so I made a reservation at a sushi restaurant in advance. At the Hyakunin-bansho (Hundred Guards' Barracks) in the East Gardens, I explained that "20 of the guards were ninja," which prompted the question, "Who was stronger, the samurai or the ninja?" In Asakusa, I was also asked a difficult question: "Why is Daikokuten black in color?" On the spot I answered that "it cannot be said in one way" and that "it originally came from India, where the color was black from the beginning." After the tour, based on what I researched online, I replied by email: "In the Edo period ninja were not permitted to carry swords, so in a one-on-one fight I think the samurai would have won, but a ninja using the art of creating duplicates of oneself might have been able to overwhelm a samurai." I also explained, "Daikokuten means 'the great black deity,' and in ancient India black represented 'greatness' and 'protection against evil.'" I received a reply saying "Great thanks." In the East Gardens we went from the Otemon Gate to the castle keep base, then from Shiomizaka slope through the Ninomaru Garden and out via the Hirakawamon Gate. By that point the guests seemed quite tired. The Ninomaru Garden and Asakusa appeared to be very much enjoyed, but at the final stop, Meiji Shrine, there was a pitfall (due to my insufficient checking). Starting this month, the closing time was moved 30 minutes earlier, and the shrine closed at 16:10, five minutes before our arrival. We hurried back to the Meiji Jingu Gaien area and switched to a stroll along the ginkgo tree-lined avenue. When I said, "I'm sorry it's just a walking path," the guests warmly replied, "The atmosphere is very nice." An illumination event called "Tokyo Lights" was about to be held at the Gaien, but the guests did not go in. While sharing a taxi to Shibuya, the guests mentioned that they would revisit Meiji Shrine on their own on Thursday, so I decided to guide them free of charge on Thursday. I will be very careful from now on.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakebashi~Asakusa209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Total461JPY

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since the autumein 2024. I got 5 star ratings from 32 individuals or groups succesively.
    Previously, I have been working with grain business for 43 years. I was sent to a subsidiary office in New Orleans for three years.
    I love Japanese history, culture and nature and want as many viaitors as possible to know the good and beautiful things about Japan. There’s a Zen teaching that I hold dear. That is ‘Ichi-go ichie’, which means ’Treasure every encounter as it may not come again’. Looking forward to see you!

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Voyager795644
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    Our family of 5 (kids age 8, 10,…

    Jun 26, 2026
    Leslie_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Market, temples, Nature, and a great guide
    This tour is amazing and…

    Jun 17, 2026
    JKing275
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo
    Our guide, Lance was exceptional! He immediately contacted me…