Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple & Harajuku Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 10:40 Zojoji Temple
    • 11:50 Tokyo Station
    • 12:10 Lunch @ Suju Masayuki Raku
    • 12:40 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:10 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 15:40 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 16:30 Dismiss at teamLab Borderless

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Zojoji, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya The weather was cloudy throughout the day, with occasional light misty drizzle, but the tour was completed without any trouble. Unexpectedly, the guests did not have an IC card, so we started after purchasing a PASMO at Keikyu Shinagawa Station. At Zojoji Temple, they were impressed by how well the Sangedatsumon Gate has been preserved, and they enjoyed the contrast between the main hall, Tokyo Tower, and the most modern buildings rising behind it. There were many questions about the Jizo statues and the Tokugawa family. After seeing Tokyo Station, we went to a soba restaurant in the basement of the Shin-Marunouchi Building. Having soba for lunch had been decided in advance, and since the guests had never eaten soba before, they were delighted and said it was a good choice. I was relieved to see them using chopsticks skillfully. We viewed the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at a somewhat quick pace, then went to Meiji Shrine. Because we had waited a little at the lunch restaurant and because I stopped often to explain many things, such as the Meiji Restoration and the postwar occupation forces, we fell behind schedule and had to view the shrine at a brisk pace. Since the guests really wanted to visit the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and wanted to be at teamLab Borderless by 4:30, we skipped Takeshita Street and went to Shibuya. In the end we decided to extend the tour by 30 minutes and returned to Harajuku, walked along Takeshita Street (some of the guests took photos and clearly had a great time), and then I guided them to teamLab Borderless, where we parted ways at 4:30.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Daimon308JPY
    Section 2TrainOnarimon~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae208JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 6TrainMeiji-jingumae~Kamiyacho178JPY
    Total1,164JPY

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:45 Meet at THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
    • 2. 11:00 Light meal (Excelsior Caffé Yoyogi Station East Store)
    • 3. 11:45 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 4. 12:45 Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Betsuin
    • 5. 13:15 Lunch (Tendon Tenya Akasaka-mitsuke Store)
    • 6. 14:30 Asakusa
    • 7. 15:45 Kagurazaka
    • 8. 16:45 Disband at THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku

    Title: What's a 6-Hour Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Famous Sights and Hidden Gems The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour was originally scheduled to meet at 9:00, but around 7:30 I received a message that they would be running late. They had arrived in Japan the day before and stayed at a hotel near Narita, then moved on the morning of the tour to the meeting-point hotel in Shinjuku. That transfer took more time than expected, so the tour ultimately began at 10:45. Some of the guests had visited Japan many times before, while others were visiting for the first time. Their request was to see both the most famous sights and lesser-known but interesting places. For the famous spots, I guided them to Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, and for the more hidden places, I took them to Toyokawa Inari Tokyo Branch and Kagurazaka (including Kakurenbo Yokocho). They had brought an instant camera and, together with their smartphones, enjoyed taking photos in many locations. Their trip was to last about two weeks, staying only in Tokyo and Hakone, and they wanted to explore Tokyo thoroughly. Today, since I received advance notice that they would be late, and since my own schedule allowed it, I conducted a 6-hour tour starting at 10:45. However, when there are plans scheduled after the original tour time, is it acceptable to end the tour at the originally planned finishing time? In such cases, would the guests be likely to express dissatisfaction? My message ends with a question, but I would appreciate your guidance. Thank you very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae~Yoyogi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Akasaka-mitsuke0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Iidabashi0JPY
    Section 5Free PassIidabashi~Tochomae0JPY
    Total900JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ the b Asakusa (16-12 Nishi-Asakusa 3-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:30 Imperial Palace <Sannomaru Shozokan & Ninomaru Garden>
    • 3) 11:20 Shibuya Crossing → Mega Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store (28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) → Shibuya Post Office (1-12-13 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
    • 4) 13:15 Akihabara → (entry at 13:30) at-home cafe AKIBA Cultures ZONE Store (5th floor, 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
    • 5) 15:20 Disband @ Tokyo Skytree Entrance (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Akihabara, and Skytree I guided a lively group of guests visiting from North America. Through detailed advance communication, they requested the Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections), a maid cafe, Nezu or Yanaka, buying Tokyo original postcards and stamps at a post office, and Tokyo Skytree. Since they were departing on a tour around Japan starting November 11, the following were strictly off-limits: Tsukiji, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku. For the facilities requiring reservations (Sannomaru Shozokan, the maid cafe, and Skytree), I informed them of the entry times and left the actual booking to the guests. They wished to walk slowly and did not seem fond of walking. Becoming concerned about whether we could visit everything as planned, with the guests' consent I had them purchase a Tokyo Free Pass. While traveling, it became clear that they wished to buy 100 postcards. Worried about whether they could buy them all in Shibuya, I had them buy about 20 at the souvenir shop in the East Gardens. When I guided them to the Mega Don Quijote Shibuya main store, the postcard-buying party (one guest and myself) went to the 7th floor, while the rest of the group went to the 5th floor to look at figures. After meeting up again, we went to the Yu-Yu counter of the Shibuya Post Office. The request was for 100 stamps to mail to North America, plus four kinds of stamp sheets to purchase (all 110-yen stamps; 10 stamps per sheet). First I had the postal clerk check the stock, and if the various types were available, the guests, the clerk, and I confirmed the number of required sheets three times before the purchase (since it was a card payment, no errors were allowed). Although I had requested a 1:00 PM reservation, we barely made it in time for the 1:30 PM entry reservation at the maid cafe, and the guests enjoyed themselves for one hour (I waited outside). At the meetup I had told them that the tour would involve quite a lot of walking, but since the guests were quite tired, it was good that they could relax and refresh at the maid cafe. However, perhaps having reached their physical limit, they said they wanted to skip the Yanaka/Nezu walking tour, so we went directly from Akihabara to Skytree. Having heard that they were anxious about returning to their hotel in Asakusa on their own, I sent them a Google Maps route to the hotel that I had prepared in advance by email, confirmed it verbally as well, and then we parted ways. A later email said that in the end they used a taxi for the return trip. I was glad they got back safely.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station~Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station~Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station210JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station~JR Yamanote Line Akihabara Station210JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station~Toei Subway Asakusa Line Oshiage Station290JPY
    Total890JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shinsekai

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shinsekai

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Osaka
    • 9:33-9:43 Yodoyabashi – Dobutsuen-mae, Osaka Metro, 240 yen
    • 9:50-11:30 Shinsekai sightseeing (Tsutenkaku, etc.)
    • 11:43-12:05 Dobutsuen-mae – Morinomiya, Osaka Metro, 240 yen
    • Osaka Castle Park sightseeing (turn back without doing it)
    • 12:18-12:26 Morinomiya – Shinsaibashi, Osaka Metro, 240 yen
    • 13:00-13:30 Lunch @ McDonald's
    • 13:40 Disband @ Ebisubashi

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour of Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Asia. The destinations were Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku, and the guests were very particular about photography, enjoying taking pictures from various angles while discussing among themselves. They were especially pleased with the view from the Tsutenkaku observation deck and spent a long time taking in the scenery. The originally planned visit to Osaka Castle was cancelled, perhaps because the guests were feeling a little tired, and instead they chose to stroll around the Dotonbori area. There, they were able to purchase a Japanese doll that they had been asked to bring back for family, at a reasonable price, and were very pleased. The atmosphere remained pleasant throughout, and I was glad they seemed to enjoy the sightseeing.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayYodoyabashi~Dobutsuen-mae620JPY
    Section 2SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Morinomiya0JPY
    Section 3SubwayMorinomiya~Shinsaibashi0JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Saga-Arashiyama

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Saga-Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • 9:10-11:00 Nijo Castle sightseeing
    • 11:34-11:44 Nijo → Saga-Arashiyama
    • Tenryu-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path stroll
    • 13:10-13:50 Tenryu Ramen
    • 14:00-14:20 Togetsukyo Bridge & Kimono Forest stroll
    • 14:31-14:45 Saga-Arashiyama → Umekoji-Kyotonishi 200 yen JR
    • 15:00-16:20 Railway Museum admission 1,500 yen
    • 16:00 Disband @ inside Umekoji Park

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, and the Railway Museum I guided a group visiting from Oceania around Kyoto. At first they were unsure about which sites to visit, but in the end they seemed very satisfied, which was a relief. At Nijo Castle they not only enjoyed the historic architecture but also happened to catch a monkey performance show, which delighted them. In Arashiyama we strolled through the Bamboo Grove Path and Tenryu-ji Temple, and they also took in the scenery of the Togetsukyo Bridge. At the Railway Museum, the guests looked at the exhibits with great enthusiasm, and they were very pleased with the juggling show at Umekoji Park as well. They were a wonderful group who smiled throughout the entire day. At the end we took photos together, and they treated me as if I were one of the group, making it a heartwarming day. I am truly grateful for this encounter.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNijo~Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Umekoji-Kyotonishi200JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port & Morinomiya

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Port & Morinomiya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Tempozan Ferry Terminal
    • 8:43-9:04 Osaka Port → Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka 290 yen
    • 9:10-10:10 Shitennoji Temple sightseeing
    • 10:20-11:50 Shinsekai area sightseeing
    • 12:04-12:08 Dobutsuen-mae → Namba Osaka Metro
    • 12:30-13:20 Lunch @ Bonkuraya
    • 13:48-13:58 Shinsaibashi → OBP 240 yen Osaka Metro
    • 14:10-15:00 Osaka Castle sightseeing
    • 15:29-15:46 Morinomiya → Osaka Port 240 yen Osaka Metro
    • 16:00 Disband @ Tempozan Ferry Terminal

    What Is a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Despite a heavy rain warning, we managed to visit Shitennoji Temple, the Dotonbori area, and Osaka Castle on this private walking tour of Osaka. Below is the review comment from the guests. Walking in the rain but enjoying every minute, thanks to our guide. Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide Despite the most torrential rain we have experienced, our guide made it such a pleasurable and memorable experience. The explanations and insights, and the personality, were great, and it was a pleasure to walk in the rain together. We were taken on a fabulous journey through Osaka that we will always remember. We cannot recommend this guide highly enough. A wonderful person and guide. This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), 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 1SubwayOsaka Port~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka620JPY
    Section 2SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Namba0JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinsaibashi~Morinomiya0JPY
    Section 4SubwayMorinomiya~Osaka Port0JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:30 Meet up @Hotel inthergate Hiroshima
    • 2. 08:55 @Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, National Peace Memorial Hall
    • 3. 11:25 @Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin Temple)
    • 4. 13:45 Cafe @Tenshinkaku
    • 5. 15:30 @Shukkeien Garden
    • 6: 16:00 Disband @In front of Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum

    Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were curious and kind. They took an interest in many things and asked a lot of questions. Because it was a Sunday, both the museum and Miyajima were extremely crowded. After enjoying lemon cake and other treats at a café, the guests also had nigiri-ten and similar snacks, so lunch was postponed until later. I recommended Ekinishi as an option for the evening, and then we visited Shukkeien Garden. The guests asked a wide range of questions, from Hiroshima's industry to its history, culture, and the postwar situation. They walked a great deal and were very active sightseers. [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 1OtherHatchobori~Peace Park-mae220JPY
    Section 2OtherPeace Park~Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 3FerryMiyajima~Miyajimaguchi200JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima Station420JPY
    Total1,940JPY

    Hi, I’m Kahori, a nationally licensed tour guide, and delighted to show people around this area. For the past almost 10 years, I have mainly guided foreign medical professionals around Hiroshima City and Miyajima, gaining a deep understanding of the effects of radiation and the support for A-bomb survivors.
    Hiroshima is a city of rivers and the sea. Along the rivers Cherry trees line, and the calm Seto Inland Sea, dotted with islands, creates a stunning landscape. Also, the sea has many islands called “art islands” which have fantastic arts relating to the art festival “Setouchi Triennale”. In addition to our two World Heritage Sites, this area is rich in attractive resources. I hope many of you will come and experience this fascinating land. Personally, I am very passionate about modern art and enjoy sports like stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) on our rivers.
    I look forward to meeting you, interacting with you, and also, learning from you!

    Oct 6, 2025
    DJ C
    We visited the atomic bomb museum, Hiroshima castle, a beautiful garden, and shrines and Torrey Gate.
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima /…

    Sep 23, 2025
    lorrainel669
    Awesome Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The tour was fantastic. It covered everything…

    Jul 26, 2025
    T
    Tracy_P
    Outstanding Tour of Hiroshima with Kahori…
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our tour of…

    Jun 28, 2025
    Fernando A
    We knew the best of Hiroshima in 8 hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:10 Meet @ Himeji Station North Exit
    • 2. 09:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 11:30 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 13:20 Lunch @ Hazuki Chaya
    • 6. 14:00 @ Shosha-zan Engyo-ji Temple (Maniden, Daikodo, Jogyodo, Jikido)
    • 7. 16:05 Dismissal @ In front of Himeji Station Shinkansen ticket gate

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests today were visitors currently living and working in Japan, and they came from Hiroshima for the tour. They have lived in Japan for a total of nine years, though not continuously. We had arranged to meet at 9:15 at the Shinkansen ticket gate, but they did not appear. When I contacted them, they had already gone outside the station. In any case, we were able to meet safely, so we began the tour. I gave a brief explanation of Himeji Castle at Castle View, then bought discounted round-trip tickets for the bus and ropeway at the bus center, and we visited Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha. There were many tourists at every site today. However, because we had lunch at Engyo-ji rather than at Koko-en, we were able to move around relatively smoothly. At the end of the tour, the guests wanted to buy souvenirs for colleagues and also wanted to try akashiyaki, so we bought many items such as tamatsubaki sweets at Iseya near Himeji Station, purchased takeaway akashiyaki at another shop, and returned to Himeji Station to end the tour. The guests appeared to be satisfied with today's tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Kokoen-mae] Station~[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station320JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyo-ji Microbus round trip (Shinandokoro Ropeway mountaintop station~below Maniden)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station~[Shinki Bus Himeji Station-mae] Station320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Higashiyama Area

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Higashiyama Area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 8:20-9:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 9:15-10:15 @ Ryoanji Temple
    • 10:25-11:15 @ Kinkakuji Temple
    • 11:45-12:30 @ Ginkakuji Temple
    • 13:15-14:15 @ Kiyomizu Temple
    • 14:15-14:40 @ Higashiyama Area
    • 14:45 Dismissal @ Near Kodaiji Temple Parking

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour with a Chartered Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of longtime friends visiting from North America. During the pre-tour communication there were some complications regarding changes to the meeting time and arranging a car charter, and in the end the meeting time was set for 8:00 am. Since the guests had chartered a vehicle themselves, it became a tour with a private hire car for the day. They were very photogenic, and everyone took plenty of photos at each location. At the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, we climbed up to the top of Kameyama Park so they could enjoy the view of the Hozugawa River Gorge. Some of the guests were collecting goshuin (temple seal stamps), so they received goshuin at each temple. At Ryoanji Temple, they each purchased various items at the temple office, such as shikishi boards, mini folding screens, and hanging scrolls. At Kinkakuji, there was no wind, and the reflection of the Golden Pavilion in Kyokochi Pond was magnificent. While some of the guests were lining up for goshuin, the others sampled yatsuhashi and bought several packs. At the bottom of the stairs near the exit, they also sampled and purchased wasabi peanuts. On the way from Ginkakuji to Kiyomizudera, one of the guests said they wanted to buy a Buddhist statue, so we stopped by a few shops that sold them, but in the end they did not make a purchase. At Kiyomizudera, everyone lined up at Otowa Waterfall, and I took photos of each person at the moment they drank the water. After that, we strolled through the Higashiyama area, including Sannenzaka and the Yasaka Pagoda, and finally saw the guests off into the private hire car near the Kodaiji parking area, where we parted ways.

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hokokuji Temple & Great Buddha of Kamakura

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hokokuji Temple & Great Buddha of Kamakura

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kamakura Station
    • 10:20 Hokokuji Temple
    • 11:20 Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 12:10 Lunch
    • 14:00 Hasedera Temple
    • 15:00 Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • 16:00 Disband at Fujisawa Station

    What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report We met at Kamakura Station and I was able to guide the guests almost exactly as scheduled. The guests appeared relaxed throughout and enjoyed conversation with the guide while sightseeing. As it was Kamakura on a holiday, there was a considerable wait for lunch, but even during that time we had a lively conversation about the menu and about each other's families. Since I had explained that the Great Buddha Hall had been washed away by a tsunami, leaving the Great Buddha in the open air, I mentioned the tsunami hazard map on the way back from the Great Buddha, which the guests found very interesting, and we talked about what to do if a tsunami were to come. Although we had originally planned to return to Kamakura Station and part ways there, the guests expressed a wish to ride the Enoden while looking at the coast on the way back, so we took the Enoden to Fujisawa and parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKamakura~Jomyoji220JPY
    Section 2BusJomyoji~Daigakumae220JPY
    Section 3TrainKamakura~Hase200JPY
    Section 4TrainHase~Fujisawa310JPY
    Total950JPY

    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…