Category: Uncategorized

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: ANA Crowne Plaza & Omicho Market

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: ANA Crowne Plaza & Omicho Market

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 　 ANA Crowne Plaza
    • 10:00 　Omicho Market
    • 11:00 　Higashi Chaya District & Shima Entry
    • 12:00 　Kanazawa Castle Park & Kenrokuen
    • 13:15 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arrived in Kanazawa the day before and had already visited the Nagamachi district and a former samurai residence, so we decided to include Omicho Market in the itinerary. At Omicho Market, the guests were very curious about the crab, large fish, seaweed, and vegetables. They took their time looking around and took photos where photography was permitted. They were especially surprised by the wide variety of seaweed. After that, we walked to the Higashi Chaya District. The guests took their time exploring inside a traditional teahouse and seemed to like it very much. At Kanazawa Castle Park, we did not enter the Gojukken Nagaya since there was nothing inside, and instead enjoyed a VR video in the warm Tsurunomaru rest area. It was an extremely cold day. One of the guests enjoys gardens as a hobby and had a wonderful time at Kenrokuen Garden as well. We ran slightly over time and ended the tour in front of Kenrokuen Garden. Afterwards, we traveled together partway by bus. The guests mentioned that they would have dinner at a second-floor restaurant in Omicho Market again in the evening.

    Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Tour Report by Jasmine

    Hi, everyone! My name is Toshiko and my nick name is Jasmine. I was born and raised in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture and now live in Toyama city. I also lived in ancient capital Kyoto city. Living near Nijo castle in Kyoto inspired me to become a tour guide. I spent nearly two years working as a tour guide in Kyoto. After that, I moved to Toyama City to continue my career here. I’m happy to show you around Kanazawa, Toyama, Kamakura and my home town Yokohama. I’d love to hear your vision for the perfect tour and make your journey truly memorable. Please feel free to contact me at any time!”
    In my spare time, I like to draw pictures with pastels and Yoga. Actually, I am a yoga therapist. I am interested in mental well-being and mindfulness.
    Hope to see you soon!

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    Apr 24, 2026
    Marcin19872014
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A walking tour of Kanazawa
    Ms. Toshiko, Toshiko-san is a high…

    Apr 14, 2026
    KiwiJenT
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Jasmine was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot.…

    Apr 12, 2026
    359natasjaf
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Fantastische gids in Kanazawa
    Jasmine maakte onze kennismaking met Kanazawa onvergetelijk.…

    Mar 29, 2026
    karineb931
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Visiting the Geisha and Samouraï district and seeing the fabulous garden…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1)8:50 meet Hotel
    • 2)Move (Keihan Sanjo→Nijo, JR Nijo→Saga-Arashiyama)
    • 3)10:00～11:00 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Observation Deck, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 4)Move (Randen Arashiyama→Randen Tenjingawa, Uzumasa Tenjingawa→Higashiyama, Higashiyama Sanjo→Kiyomizu-michi)
    • 5)11:50～12:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannen-zaka, Yasaka Pagoda
    • 6)Move (Around Yasaka-dori→Kyoto National Museum)
    • 7)12:50 Farewell

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera We were able to meet at 8:50, so we set off right away. The guests had researched their trip in advance and were very interested in history and culture. They seemed to really enjoy the bamboo grove and the garden at Tenryu-ji. Next we headed to Kiyomizu-dera, but they were a bit overwhelmed by the large crowds. Even so, they seemed to appreciate the story of the Pure Land at the West Gate and the view from the West Gate; however, because of the crowds at Kiyomizu-dera, we did not go inside. Instead, they said they wanted to visit the Kyoto National Museum, so we made our way to Yasaka-dori via the Yasaka Pagoda. They seemed to like the scenery around the Yasaka Pagoda, and I took some photos for them. From Yasaka-dori we took a taxi to the Kyoto National Museum, and we said our goodbyes there. The guests were friendly and easygoing, which made things very pleasant.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijo220JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Nijo～Saga-Arashiyama200JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama～Randen Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa Tenjingawa～Higashiyama260JPY
    Section 5BusHigashiyama Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Nice to meet you.
    My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
    Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
    I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

    I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
    How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

    By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

    My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
    You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

    I look forward to meeting you.
    Best regard.

    Request Booking

    Nov 27, 2024
    Julianne_A
    Book it
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour

    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Kyoto
    • 2. 10:30 Guide through Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch @Randen Arashiyama Station premises
    • 4. 13:30 Stroll around the Arashiyama area
    • 5. 14:00 Guide through the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 6. 14:30 Guide through the bamboo grove
    • 7. 15:30 Guide through Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 8. 16: 15 Disband @Kinkaku-ji taxi drop-off area

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji I met the group of guests visiting from Oceania at their Hotel at the scheduled time and discussed the day's itinerary with them. According to their wishes, we decided to first visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and the bamboo grove, and to decide the rest as we went along, so we set off toward the Inari shrine first. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests already knew that it was a shrine glowing in vermilion, so I explained the relationship between Shinto and the "fox" of the Inari shrine while showing them around the precincts. Within the grounds, we offered prayers at the worship hall, and then they passed through the famous Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates) before heading back down. After Fushimi Inari, I recommended Arashiyama and we decided to go there. Since the guests wanted to have just a light bite rather than a full restaurant lunch, we had a free lunch near the Randen station area. After lunch, I guided them across Togetsukyo Bridge, and from there we made our way to Tenryu-ji Temple, where they enjoyed the wonderful garden. From Tenryu-ji we entered the bamboo grove and they took photos in the bamboo tunnel. Finally, we traveled from Randen Arashiyama Station by city bus, transferring along the way, to Kinkaku-ji, where they enjoyed the magnificent view of the golden Shariden (Golden Pavilion), bringing today's sightseeing to a close.

    Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Kyoto Station～JR Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Inari Station～JR Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama Station～Randen Kitano-Hakubaicho Station250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho Station～Kinkakuji-michi Station230JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Toshi

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

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

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

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

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

  • Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour

    Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour

    Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel→ 　　 Matsue Castle→　　　　　Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence→　　Samurai Residence→　　Matsue History Museum→　　Kenmin Kaikan bus stop　→　Arrive at Matsue Station
    • 9:00 Bus→　9:21～10：43 Bus　→　　　10:48~11:25 Walk　　　Walk　　　　　Walk　　　　Walk　　12:45 Bus→　　Arrive 13:00
    • 　　　　　　　　　Stay time　　　　　　　　　　　Stay time

    Despite the unfortunate rain, the guests enjoyed the tour very much. The guests showed great interest in everything. The scheduled four hours passed in the blink of an eye, and it was hard to say goodbye at the end. The guests wished to keep in touch through a messaging app, but I did not know how to share that with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and with no time to spare, I declined. Since guests who visit Japan several times may sometimes wish to use a messaging app, I would like a method for this to be developed. Also, the initial communication with the guests did not go smoothly, which left me a little flustered.

    Click here for more details: Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHotel～Matsue Castle170JPY
    Section 2BusMatsue Castle～Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum210JPY
    Section 3BusKenmin Kaikan bus stop～Matsue Station170JPY
    Total550JPY

    Tour Report by Ogi

    I have been a licensed guide for nealy ten years. I love to travel myself and have met many great guides so far. Thanks to them, I have wonderful memories. Now I would like to help you have an enjoyable trip. Let me introduce you to several recommended sightseeing spots in the Sanin region where I live.
    Tottori Hanakairo is one of the largest flower parks in Japan. Here, you can enjoy it all year round without worrying about the weather.
    Mizuki Shigeru road and Aoyama Gosho Manga Factory have been chosen as sacred places for anime and are very popular.
    Motoike Museum of Leather Art has many elaborate figures of people and animals made of leather.
    Adachi Museum of Art is a world famous garden and is composed as if you were looking at a painting.
    Matsue Castle, a national treasure, stands in its original form.
    I would kike you to see these with your own eyes.
    Let me briefly introduce myself.
    As a school teacher,I taught English, math and calligraphy. I do YOGA and bowling every week. I have a certification for tea ceremony and also have a home care giver’s license. I can assit wheelchair users in their travels.
    I hope you will visit the Sanin region.

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    Nov 7, 2024
    288burtl
    Our visit to Matsue-Jo
    Tripadvisor review: Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Etsuko, our guide was very professional…

  • Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 10:00 Start in front of Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, move to Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 10:15 Stroll around Kazuemachi and Higashi Chaya District
    • AM 10:50 Move to 21st Century Museum
    • AM 11:10 Visit 21st Century Museum
    • AM 11:50 Visit Kenrokuen Garden
    • PM 12:30 Visit Kanazawa Castle Park
    • PM 12:50 Move to Omicho Market
    • PM 13:20 Stroll around Omicho, lunch at a seafood restaurant
    • PM 14:50 Move to Korinbo
    • PM 15:15 Stroll around Nagamachi Samurai District
    • PM 16:00 Move to Kanazawa Station
    • PM 16:15 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour began with the guests, and there were no particular issues, so we started as planned. As some of the guests wished to see as many places as possible, but movement needed to be slow and gentle, I planned the tour to minimize walking as much as possible. Along the way, the guests enjoyed shopping in the teahouse district and Nagamachi, and had a pleasant time over lunch at Omicho with a few glasses of beer. However, the guests became quite downcast upon learning that a particular outcome in an overseas election was becoming almost certain, which they saw as unfortunate.

    Click here for more details: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKanazawa city～Kanazawa city800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Tour Report by YOSHI

    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!

    Request Booking

    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 Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Machiya Ebisuya
    • 2. 9:40 @Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple・Bamboo Grove)
    • 3. 12:00 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 13:40 Lunch @Katsukura
    • 5. 15:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 6. 16:45 Disband @Shijo

    Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Even though it was 30 minutes before our scheduled meeting time, I spotted the guests who appeared to match in the hotel lobby, so I approached them. They were indeed the right people, and they were pleased that I had been standing by so early. Since they came to trust me completely, the tour proceeded smoothly throughout. To avoid the crowded lunch hour and due to the itinerary, I had received their consent to have a late lunch, but as it was already past 13:30, they seemed quite hungry. Thanks to the delayed timing, we did not have to wait, and the guests were delighted with the delicious meal as well as with my strategy. One of the guests enjoyed patchwork as a hobby and wished to purchase materials, so I took them to a handicraft shop in the Shijo area before we parted ways. After returning home, one of the guests sent me photos of the items they had purchased, and they seemed very pleased.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3BusKitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi～Kawaramachi Sanjo230JPY
    Section 5TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 6TrainFushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total1,390JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Kyoto Premier
    • 2.10:35 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3.11:45 @Tofukuji Temple
    • 4.13:15 Lunch @「Dragon Burger」in front of Tofukuji Station
    • 5.14:15@Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo
    • 6.14: 25 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 7. 15:30 @Hanamikoji
    • 8. 15:50 Disband @Gion Shirakawa

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto East Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. In our correspondence beforehand, I proposed touring the eastern part of Kyoto, and they agreed. We visited both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Tofukuji, and next on the plan was Kiyomizudera, but since the Kiyomizudera area was crowded and it would be difficult to have a relaxed lunch there, I suggested having lunch around Tofukuji Station. The guests found a shop serving handmade Japanese-style burgers and said they wanted to try it, so we had lunch there. Around Kiyomizudera, we walked together past Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka, and everyone went together as far as the ticket office of Kiyomizudera. However, some of the guests chose not to visit the Kiyomizu stage and waited outside instead, perhaps out of caution. As everyone seemed tired, we took the bus from Kiyomizudera to Gion. After guiding them through Hanamikoji and Gion Shirakawa, the guests said they could return to their accommodation on their own, so we parted ways. They were satisfied with the tour.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto City Hall～Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKiyomizu-michi～Gion230JPY
    Total1,020JPY

    Tour Report by Shoko

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

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    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Hotel Shinagawa Shimbamba (Meeting Point) *See note below
    • 1005 Asakusa　Nakamise　Sensoji Temple　Asakusa Shrine
    • 1200 Akihabara
    • 1330 Meiji Shrine　Takeshita Street
    • 1520 Shibuya　Hachiko Statue　Scramble Crossing　Dismissal here

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. In the morning, when I emailed the group at the Hotel to let them know I had arrived, they replied that they were "waiting outside," but I could not find them. When I replied that I was waiting at the Hotel, they said, "I didn't tell you. We're on our way now," and appeared a few minutes later. Looking back at the emails, one address had been written, which I had understood to be this Hotel, and I had created the itinerary using this Hotel as the meeting point, with their agreement. They were staying at a private lodging, and I had set this easy-to-spot Hotel as the meeting point, but it seemed they had assumed we would meet at the lodging. Some of the group had been expected to join partway through, as their arrival had been delayed the previous day due to missing baggage. Because I expected them to join en route, I had not informed [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) of a change in the number of participants, but in the end they did not join at all. I did not ask in detail about the relationships within the group. Afterward, they planned to visit another destination in Shiga Prefecture, and then to travel on to Seoul in Asia. At the strong request of the group, Akihabara was included, and we had planned to finish and part ways in Shibuya, where there is a Nintendo Store. They did plenty of shopping at Nakamise, Akihabara, the shop at the Meiji Jingu Forest Terrace, and Takeshita Street. In the end they skipped meals, and since they said they would eat something later in Shibuya, I introduced them to the food court at Mark City and nearby restaurants before we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbamba～Sengakuji150JPY
    Section 2SubwaySengakuji～Asakusa272JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Suehirocho178JPY
    Section 4SubwayAkihabara～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku～Shibuya146JPY
    Total955JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…

  • Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Osaka in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 pick you up in the lobby of your hotel "Hotel Osaka"
    • (we take subway, JR train)
    • 11:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • 11:40 Tenryuji Temple
    • 12:10 (leave)
    • 13:00 Nishiki Food Market
    • (lunch)
    • 14:20 (taxi)
    • 14:30 Gion district
    • 15:00 Yasui Shrine
    • 15:10 (taxi)
    • 15:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 16:30 (taxi)
    • 18:00 return to your hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Cruise Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, arriving today at the Port of Osaka aboard a cruise ship. Since the cruise ship stayed overnight at the Port of Osaka, the guests moved to a hotel to stay the night, and the tour started from the hotel. At Tenryu-ji Temple, the autumn foliage was finally beginning to change color. For lunch, the guests had wanted sashimi the day before and beef today, so we went to a restaurant near Nishiki Market and had beef, along with okonomiyaki and yakisoba. The guests wanted to buy matcha utensils, so they purchased them at Nishiki Market. Since one of the guests had trouble with their knee, we used the elevator at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to reach the Thousand Torii Gates. Everyone felt that Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine was truly wonderful. We set out planning to arrive earlier than 18:00, but there was an accident along the way causing traffic congestion, and in the end we arrived exactly at 18:00.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

    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 !!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    November, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 7:00 Meet up @Matsushimaya
    • 2. 7:30 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 8:10 @Starbucks
    • 4. 9:10 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 5. 11:30 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 6. 13:10 Disband @Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group, some of whom live in Asia and others who came from North America. They were very cheerful people who laughed heartily even at my silly jokes, and I enjoyed myself as well. Each of the guests asked all sorts of questions. As we headed from Kiyomizu-zaka toward Kiyomizu-dera, I mentioned Starbucks, and some of the guests who had joined the tour without eating breakfast were getting a bit grumpy, so they said they really wanted to visit Starbucks. Inside, there were no seats available and there was a line to order, but they said it wasn't much of a wait and joined the queue. Although it wasn't part of the planned itinerary, the guests already knew about this Starbucks, and they were very pleased when I took them there. They said they plan to come to the Kansai region again in the future, and that they would like me to guide them then as well.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 2TrainKiyomizu-Gojo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainInari～Enmachi200JPY
    Section 4BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Total1,370JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…