Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:00 Meet up @the Hotel
    • 2. 11:15 @Hiroo Inari Shrine
    • 3. 12:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 12:30 @Tokyo Station
    • 5. 13:00 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya)
    • 6. 13:30 Lunch @Asakusa "Chanko Beya"
    • 7. 14:30 @Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
    • 8. 16:00 Disband @the Hotel

    What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hiroo and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had recently relocated within North America. One of the guests had visited Japan before through family connections, as they had relatives from the Yamaguchi region of Japan, while others were visiting Japan for the first time. The group planned to travel onward to Kyoto, Nagasaki, and other regions, and in Fukuoka they intended to watch the Grand Sumo Kyushu Tournament. On the way from the Hotel toward Hiroo Station, the nearest subway station, the group became interested in an old local shrine they discovered (Hiroo Inari Shrine), so although it was not part of the plan, we stopped by and I explained about shrines and temples there. After completing the day's tour and visiting Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine, one of the guests remarked that their favorite spot of the day was Hiroo Inari Shrine, a quiet and unassuming shrine that has been cherished by the local community. During our conversation, I learned that the group was interested in sumo, so for lunch I introduced them to a "chanko" restaurant in Asakusa. Due to the timing, the chanko set meal was already sold out, but they enjoyed dishes such as ginger pork, chicken menchi cutlet set, and fried chicken set, finding them delicious. Unfortunately, one of the guests developed a blister from wearing new shoes, so we ended the tour a little early and everyone returned to the Hotel together.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hiroo Station~Kasumigaseki Station180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Ginza Line Hiroo Station260JPY
    Total620JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Tenryu-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Tenryu-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto Shijo
    • 8:55-10:10 @ Nijo Castle
    • 10:45-11:40 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 11:45-12:20 Lunch @ Ramen Kazu Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 12:45-13:15 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 13:30-14:15 @ Tenryu-ji
    • 14:20 Disband @ Front Gate of Tenryu-ji

    Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama: A Licensed Guide's Private Kyoto Day Tour Report The guests were visitors from North America. We arrived at Nijo Castle just before opening, and perhaps because of this there was a line at the ticket booth, so we waited a few minutes. When a group of students who had been waiting for the opening all entered at once, it became quite crowded for a while. I was surprised to find that the shogun mannequin usually displayed in the grand hall of the Ninomaru Palace had, for some reason, been removed. We used the city bus from Nijo Castle to Kinkaku-ji, and along the way one of the guests helped an elderly person who was trying to board the bus. At Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion reflected in the Kyoko-chi pond was truly beautiful. One of the guests successfully tossed a coin onto the three sacred statues, which was an exciting moment. Since one of the guests followed a vegetarian diet, we visited a ramen shop near Kinkaku-ji that offers a vegetarian menu. We took a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to the Arashiyama bamboo grove. On the way from the bamboo grove to Tenryu-ji, one of the guests bought a pair of chopsticks at a shop along Nagatsuji-dori. At Tenryu-ji, the autumn leaves were beginning to change color and were beautiful. At the guests' request, we parted ways in front of the main gate of Tenryu-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShijo Horikawa~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Section 2BusNijojo-mae~Kinkaku-ji-mae230JPY
    Total460JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.930 Hotel
    • 2.945 Hie shrine
    • 3.1030 Shibuya crossing Hachi
    • 4.1115 Meiji Shrine & Garden
    • 5.1230 Coffee Time at Meiji Shrine
    • 6.1315 Asakusa
    • 7.1400 Asakusa Lunch
    • 8.1430 Kappa Street
    • 9.1540 Sky Tree entrance and finish
    • 8.1

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa The private tour began with a pickup at the guest's Hotel, and we headed to Hie Shrine. From the morning there were several children celebrating Shichi-Go-San, and the sight of them in traditional kimono was truly moving. We passed through the rows of red torii gates behind Hie Shrine and traveled from Akasaka-mitsuke to Shibuya. In Shibuya, I explained the famous scramble crossing and the origin of the Taro Okamoto mural displayed in the Inokashira Line passageway. The guest listened with great interest and was curious, saying, "I'll look into who commissioned this mural." After that, we briefly looked at a Pokémon event at Shibuya 109 and I explained the Hachiko statue, then we headed to Meiji Shrine. At Meiji Shrine as well there were several Shichi-Go-San families and a wedding procession, and we visited the Meiji Jingu Gyoen garden. The guest drew an omikuji fortune and was deeply impressed by its message, treasuring it carefully. We had coffee on the terrace and then headed to Asakusa. The guest enjoyed the completely different yet lively atmosphere. Since the guest wanted to buy chopsticks, we had ramen on the way to Kappabashi, which was also delicious. At Kappabashi the guest bought six sets of chopsticks, and to make it in time for the 16:00 Skytree entry, I took the guest to Skytree and we parted ways for the day. As this is a multi-day tour, I will guide the same guest again tomorrow. The photo posting has not yet been confirmed. In the background there was a bride and groom.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Kanda178JPY
    Section 4SubwayKanda~Asakusa178JPY
    Total680JPY

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Nara Day Trip by Car: Kyoto to Osaka

    Nara Day Trip by Car: Kyoto to Osaka

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Meet at Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 1035 Heijo-kyo
    • 1110 Nara Park
    • 1130 Todai-ji Temple
    • 1245 Nigatsu-do Hall
    • 1300 Lunch at Tokyo-an
    • 1400 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 1500 Nakatanidou, break at cafe
    • 1615 Yakushi-ji Temple
    • 1730 Drop off at Hotel Osaka

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Nara and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour was for a group from Oceania, with a hotel pickup in Kyoto and a drop-off at a hotel in Namba, Osaka. From the beginning, the group had not wished for the full 9-hour itinerary. I had initially planned to visit seven locations in total, but since the guests wanted to arrive in Osaka early, we skipped Toshodaiji Temple and reached the hotel a little after 5:00. The guests enjoyed nature and gardening, so they were very pleased with routes where nature remains, such as the path to and from Nigatsudo Hall and the stroll around Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

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

    Oct 10, 2025
    alijohn48
    Just what we were looking for
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Tomy was…

    Aug 8, 2025
    Katherine_G
    Fantastic day touring Kyoto with private tour guide & driver!
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max…

    Jul 22, 2025
    98patrickn
    early morning tour of Kyoto with guide Tomy
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We did an early…

    Jul 20, 2025
    Mark_S
    Great day in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a great…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel (8-16 Shiomi 2-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:50 Asakusa <Sensoji Temple・Nakamise Shopping Street・Hanayashiki Street・Nishi-Sando・Hoppy Street・Kannon Street>
    • 3) 11:20 Tsukiji Market & Lunch
    • 4) 12:50 Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square (1-22 Akasaka 8-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1F)
    • 5) 13:40 Shibuya <Crossing・Hachiko Statue> & Break @ Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2F Store (21 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 6QFRONT 2F)
    • 6) 15:00 Dismiss @ JR Musashino Line Shin-Kiba Station Ticket Gate

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Oceania, one of whom had visited Japan about 25 years earlier. In advance communication, they mentioned that they had no food allergies and no particular requests regarding destinations. At the meeting point, I went over the precautions for the day and reconfirmed the itinerary together with the guests. After strolling around Asakusa, during the tour of Tsukiji it turned out that one of the guests could not eat seafood, so at the food court of the fish market dining hall they enjoyed a chicken dish instead. The tour continued smoothly afterward, but following a break at a coffee shop in Shibuya, the guests said they were a little tired. We decided to cancel the planned visit to Meiji Shrine and head straight back to the hotel. After arriving at Shin-Kiba Station, I was kindly and unexpectedly given a souvenir from the guests before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Keiyo Line Shiomi Station~JR Keiyo Line Hatchobori Station170JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Hatchobori Station~Toei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station900JPY
    Section 3Free PassToei Subway Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassToei Subway Oedo Line Tsukiji-shijo Station~Toei Subway Oedo Line Aoyama-itchome Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Aoyama-itchome Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Shin-Kiba Station0JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ginza

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji & Ginza

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet (Hotel Shintomicho Ekimae Kita)
    • 10:15 Tsukiji
    • 11:15 Nijubashi
    • 11:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 12:45 Shibuya
    • 13:30 Ginza
    • 14:00 Disband @ Ginza Station

    What Can You See on a Fast-Paced Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting from North America and traveling solo, keeping in touch with a friend who happened to be in Japan around the same time. Since the guest wanted to see as many sightseeing spots as possible, we skipped lunch and moved quickly through the major attractions. As shopping was planned for another day, I simply pointed out the locations and we kept a brisk pace, which left extra time for a bonus stroll through Ginza. The guest did not shop during the tour but mentioned that there were so many cute things that it would be easy to end up buying a lot. Since the guest enjoyed taking photos, I made sure to take as many photos of the guest as possible. So that the guest could get around independently from the next day, I explained how to use the trains and how to worship at both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The guest had been studying Japanese for about half a year and was able to read hiragana. Although this was the first day of the trip, the guest already seemed to have fallen in love with Japan. I believe Japan is a reassuring country for solo travelers.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShintomicho~Tsukiji600JPY
    Section 2Free PassShintomicho~Sakuradamon0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 5Free PassShibuya~Ginza0JPY
    Total750JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • taxi
    • 8:50-9:40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 9:50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hil
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:10-10:40 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 10:50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:00-40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:10-40 Isuien Garden
    • 12:40-13:10 Yoshikien Garden + Himurojinnja Shrine
    • 13:15-13:45 Lunch: Kasuga Chaya
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 14:00-16:00 Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town)
    • walk for 10 minutes
    • 16:30 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station

    What Is a Private Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Through messaging app communication, I learned that the guests would arrive 20 minutes earlier than planned, at 8:40, leaving too much time before Isuien Garden, our first destination, opened at 9:30, so I quickly adjusted the schedule. Thanks to the guests' questions, I was able to explain a great deal about how Shinto and Buddhism have changed over the eras. Starting from the story that Buddha said, "Do not believe in supernatural powers, miracles, magic, or prophecies; believe only what you can accept through your own reason," the conversation expanded to talk of the U.S. president, the causes behind the shooting death of a former Japanese prime minister, the hereditary succession of Japanese politicians, and much more—why things have become so troubling, and how they might be improved. Because of this, the tour ran nearly two hours over, but the weather was wonderful and the day was full of laughter, making it a truly delightful day of guiding.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Local Tour

    Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Local Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet up @ In front of the central ticket gate at JR Sannomiya Station
    • 2. 10:10 @ Kikumasamune Sake Brewing Museum
    • 3. 12:00 Lunch @ Sakuramasamune Museum Ouen
    • 4. 13:20 @ Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Workshop
    • 5. 14:20 @ Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Museum
    • 6. 16:00 Dismissal @ Sannomiya Kitanozaka

    What Is a Private Sake Brewery Tour in Nada, Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from North America. For one of them it was their second visit to Japan, and for the other it was their first. The tour planned to include visits to four sake breweries, and a restaurant had been reserved for lunch. Later, however, it turned out that one of the guests could not eat gluten and could not have soy sauce either. When I contacted the restaurant, the head chef said, "We cannot accommodate dishes made without soy sauce, so please bring something you can eat." I relayed this to the guests, and they brought food they could eat (we also stopped by a nearby supermarket, but there was nothing they could safely eat). The tour began at the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, where we visited the Barrel Sake Meister Factory and the Kiku-Masamune Sake Cup Exhibition Hall. I explained the characteristics of the Nada Gogo district and the sake-brewing process. Only the guest who could not eat gluten did the tasting, while the other guest only shopped. For lunch we ate at the Sakuramasamune Memorial Hall "Sakuraen," where one guest enjoyed junmai daiginjo sake while the other enjoyed the food. It was quite an unusual scene, but both of them enjoyed themselves in their own way. At the Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Kobo, we learned about both traditional and modern methods of sake production. One guest enjoyed the tasting, while the other enjoyed shopping. The visit to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum was similar in content to the other facilities, but it felt like a complete review of sake-making as we went through all the steps. After this, the guests said they wanted to go to Sannomiya to eat Kobe beef steak, so we returned to Sannomiya. We tried several famous restaurants, but they were already fully booked. I also told them the location of Ikuta Shrine, but the guests said they would search for more restaurants before visiting Ikuta Shrine, so we ended the tour at Kitano-zaka, where we were at the time. The guests enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Train[Hanshin Electric Railway Kobe-Sannomiya] Station~[Hanshin Electric Railway Uozaki] Station200JPY
    Section 2Train[Hanshin Electric Railway Sumiyoshi] Station~[Hanshin Electric Railway Kobe-Sannomiya] Station200JPY
    Total400JPY

    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
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Shibuya crossing

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Shibuya crossing

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:10 Meeting up
    • 9:30-10:40 Tsukiji Fish Market
    • 11:00-11:35 the Imperial Palace
    • 11:50-12:10 Omotesando
    • 12:10-12:45 Lunch @Oreno Shio ramen
    • 12:50-13:15 Takeshita Street
    • 13:25-14:10 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:25-14:50 Meiji Jingu shrine
    • 15:00-15:15 Shibuya crossing

    Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report At Tsukiji, the guests listened with great interest to explanations about Japanese food culture and enjoyed browsing the various shops. They tasted tuna and Japanese fruits, repeatedly exclaiming how delicious everything was. At the Imperial Palace, they listened attentively to stories about the history of Tokyo and the Imperial family, asked questions, and were deeply impressed by the beauty of the palace grounds. On Omotesando, they strolled through the back streets and enjoyed a bowl of ramen, and on Takeshita Street they had fun visiting an animal cafe and looking at the unique and eye-catching clothing. Since we had more time than expected, I took the guests to Shinjuku Gyoen on short notice, where they were delighted by the Japanese garden, took many photos, and enjoyed the chrysanthemum festival. At Meiji Shrine, they smiled warmly at the charming sight of children dressed up for Shichi-Go-San. At Shibuya Crossing, the guests were amazed by the sheer number of people, and I also took them to Nonbei Yokocho. As they planned to continue exploring after the tour, we finished in Shibuya. This full-day private walking 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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTsukiji~Sakuradamon210JPY
    Section 2TrainNijubashimae~Omotesando180JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Sendagaya150JPY
    Section 4TrainSendagaya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total840JPY

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Apr 25, 2026
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  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:25 Meet at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Luggage delivery. Support for purchasing the Hakone Free Pass. By train to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. After a light meal at the museum buffet, by train to Gora Station. Cable car and ropeway to Sounzan. Photograph the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and purchase black eggs. By ropeway to Togendai. 14:30 Pirate ship. Disembark at Moto-Hakone. Photograph the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, Mt. Fuji, and the pirate ship in the background. At the same time, taste black eggs by the lakeside. By bus via the new road to Hakone-Yumoto. Request the hotel shuttle car, load up, and finish at 16:30.

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Owakudani and Lake Ashi The guests were visitors from Europe traveling in Japan, exploring the nature-rich area of Hakone after spending time in Tokyo. They had hoped to see Mount Fuji, but I explained that the morning looked cloudy and it would likely not be visible. Instead, I guided them to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and toward the afternoon we moved to an area with views of Mount Fuji. The strategy worked, and they were able to see the entire mountain from Owakudani and the lakeside at Moto-Hakone Port, which delighted them. Sitting together by the lake and eating the famous black eggs also became a wonderful memory for them, and we enjoyed taking photos together, myself included. From the following day they planned to visit Himeji, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto, and were looking forward to it.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
    dummy

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