Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet up @Narita Airport (We ended up meeting at 9:00)
    • 10:40 Breakfast @Kabukiza Tower
    • 11:00 Tsukiji
    • 12:10 Imperial Palace East Gardens, then a light meal at 7-Eleven
    • 13:40 Akihabara
    • 14:30 Asakusa
    • 15:30 Disband @Asakusa Station

    Title: What Is a Layover Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Asakusa Body: The flight was scheduled to arrive at 7:40, and since the guest had no luggage, we had arranged to meet at the airport at 8:00, but due to a flight delay we were finally able to meet just before 9:00. We got off at Higashi-Ginza, and since the guest wanted a coffee before heading to Tsukiji, we stopped at a coffee shop in the Kabukiza building before starting. As the guest was interested in cooking, even though we were running quite late, I took time to show them around Tsukiji. The guest was very interested in the fresh seafood, and also spent quite a lot of time browsing at a kitchenware and cooking utensil shop. After guiding them through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, entering from Takebashi, we were short on time, so I had them buy a light meal at a convenience store to eat along the way. Because of the limited time, we could not go into many shops in Akihabara, but the guest understood, since it was a layover tour. We were able to spend a little time in Asakusa, though it was very crowded, and I managed to get them onto the airport rapid train from Asakusa to the airport.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNarita Airport Terminal 1～Higashi-Ginza1,219JPY
    Section 2TrainTsukiji～Takebashi178JPY
    Section 3TrainOtemachi～Shin-Ochanomizu178JPY
    Section 4TrainSuehirocho～Asakusa178JPY
    Total1,753JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    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.

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    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

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • １．９：００ Meet at Ikebukuro Fire Station
    • ２．９：２０ Disaster prevention experience
    • ３．１１：００ Above ends
    • ４．１１：３０ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • ５．１２：３０ Lunch at Sushisei
    • ６．１４：００ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • ７．１５：００ Disband at Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Title: What Can a Family-Friendly Private Tour of Tokyo Include? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ikebukuro Disaster Preparedness, Tsukiji, and the East Gardens The guests had tried to book a disaster preparedness experience at the Ikebukuro Fire Station on their own, but did not receive a clear response, which led them to request a tour guide. As a resident, I made the reservation on their behalf. Although the experience is offered to international visitors, the fire station places great emphasis on safety, so it is understandable that they were cautious. The guests took part in a fire extinguishing activity, watched a video, experienced smoke (a harmless version for the experience), and tried an earthquake simulation, all of which they found convincing. They initially purchased Tokyo Fire Department caps, but one was too small, so it was exchanged for a larger one. At Tsukiji, at the food court, some of the guests had ramen while others had sashimi and oysters. After helping them place their order at a sushi restaurant, I stepped back and did not join them at the table. We then strolled through the East Gardens before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassIkebukuro～Shintomicho600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji～Kayabacho0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKayabacho～Takebashi0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Kei

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Kimono Forest

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 11:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:35 Sanjusangendo
    • 13:15 Lunch @ Shichijo
    • 14:32 Nijo Castle Ninomaru Area
    • 16:02 Kimono Forest
    • 17:00　Disband @ Shijo Kawaramachi

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Arashiyama The guests were visiting from Oceania. Some of the guests had been to Japan before, while it was a first visit to Japan for others. From the start, the guests specifically requested Fushimi Inari Taisha, and left the rest of the itinerary to my recommendations, so I took them to Sanjusangendo and Nijo Castle, and they were very impressed by both. Afterward, at their request, I took them to the Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, and since we had time to spare, I guided them through the bamboo grove. As they were going to join a short evening tour of Gion later that day, I took them to the meeting point at Shijo Kawaramachi, where the tour concluded. I believe they were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo170JPY
    Section 3TrainShichijo～Sanjo170JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa220JPY
    Section 6TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 7TrainArashiyama～Shijo Omiya250JPY
    Section 8TrainOmiya～Kyoto Kawaramachi170JPY
    Total1,600JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajimaguchi & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50　Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:00　Take the train to Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:30　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 10:50　Arrive at Miyajima
    • 　　　　Shrine, Senjokaku, Omotesando
    • 13:00　Finish sightseeing at Miyajima
    • 13:20　Arrive at Miyajimaguchi
    • 　　　　Lunch at Okonomiyaki Chinchikurin
    • 14:20　Finish lunch
    • 14:34　Take the train from Miyajimaguchi to Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:52　Arrive at Nishi-Hiroshima Station
    • 14:56　Take the bus to the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:15　Arrive at the Peace Memorial Museum
    • 　　　　Museum, monument tour
    • 17:00　Finish monument tour, take the bus to Hiroshima Station
    • 17:30　Arrive at Hiroshima Station　
    • 17:40　Dismiss

    What Is a Private Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group of guests from Oceania. They came to Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Hokkaido after visiting Hiroshima. They were very friendly and asked a variety of questions, ranging from personal topics to the history of Hiroshima. They especially enjoyed shopping on Miyajima. When I asked whether they would prefer to visit Daishoin Temple or enjoy shopping on Miyajima, they chose shopping and spent about an hour enjoying it. At the museum, I explained the exhibits using photographs before we entered the main building. The guests listened very attentively.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station～Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station～Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima～Peace Memorial Museum220JPY
    Section 4BusAtomic Bomb Dome-mae～Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

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

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    Sep 25, 2025
    pedropM3071GD
    Amazing day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was an amazing experience to…

    Jul 25, 2025
    ourtravelingt
    Great personalized tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour was fabulous and our…

    Jul 13, 2025
    katherinepE2305IO
    Hiroshima Tour 4hr Walking
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an amazing guide. He…

    Jul 7, 2025
    Preston_H
    Great tour guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was an incredible guide who…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Castle & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at JR Himeji Station
    • 11:00 at Himeji Castle
    • 13:15 at Kokoen Garden
    • 14:00 at Egret Himeji
    • 14:30 Disband at JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. The originally confirmed meeting time was 09:00, but the tour started about 30 minutes late as the guests appear to have taken the wrong Shinkansen in Kyoto. The guests showed a strong interest in Japan and spoke some simple Japanese. At Himeji Castle, they explored very attentively, and I received many questions from the group. Also at Himeji Castle, they happened to see a white heron in the pond near the entrance gate — the bird that inspired the castle's nickname "White Heron Castle" — and they seemed very pleased. Although it was not part of the itinerary, I took them to Egret Himeji, which offers a wonderful panoramic view of Himeji Castle, and they were delighted. Originally the guests had hoped to visit Mount Shosha and Engyoji Temple, but unfortunately we had to give up on this because the ropeway was closed for maintenance, which was regrettable. Before returning to Kyoto, the guests wished to have a meal, so I guided them to a dining area near the station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:25 Meet up @Hotel Sapporo
    • 2. 9:35 Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
    • 3. 9:45 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 4. 10:15 Nijo Market
    • 5. 10:40 Odori Park
    • 6. 11:15 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 7. 13:30 Lunch @Aburiya (Odori BISSE)
    • 8. 14:30 JR Tower
    • 9. 15:25 Disband @Hotel Sapporo

    What Is a Private Sapporo Walking Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Hokkaido for the first time. This year Sapporo had remarkably little snow, and temperatures had been higher than usual for several days. On this day the temperature rose to +5 degrees, the streets in the city had no snow, and it was very easy to walk. The guests exercised regularly, so the walking tour was no burden to them at all. Perhaps for this reason, we were able to move between destinations quickly and progress through the tour in considerably less time than with other guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOne Day Ticket (Donichika Ticket)～One DAY Ticket (Donichika Ticket)520JPY
    Total520JPY

    Tour Report by Tom

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

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    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Met in front of Starbucks at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and departed for the route confirmed through prior email correspondence. Shibuya – Meiji Shrine – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory – Imperial Palace – Sensoji Temple.
    • 09:40-10:50 Guided them to the Shibuya Hachiko statue, then took the Yamanote Line to Harajuku. Guided them through Meiji Shrine. By chance, we came across a fire drill at Meiji Shrine, and the fire brigade arrived and sprayed water toward the main hall roof as part of firefighting activities. Since there were also 6 children with us, they were delighted by this unexpected event.
    • 11:10-12:10 Moved to Shinjuku via the Yamanote Line, and explained Tokyo from the south observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
    • 12:40-13:50 Got off the subway in front of the National Diet Building, and guided them from the National Diet Building main gate ⇒ Sakuradamon ⇒ Nijubashi ⇒ Nijubashimae Station.
    • 14:50-15:10 Guided them through Sensoji Temple. When I asked if I should accompany them back to Shibuya Station, they said, "We'll walk a bit more on our own from here," so we parted ways at 15:10.

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace I guided a group visiting from North America. During the tour, we encountered two unexpected events that delighted the guests. The first occurred when we visited Meiji Shrine, which happened to be holding a fire drill that day. Many of the shrine priests, along with a fire brigade, were mobilized, and we were able to watch an actual firefighting exercise being carried out as part of the drill. Water was sprayed from about six hoses all the way up to the roof of the main hall, and the younger members of the group were absolutely thrilled. They were even able to take commemorative photos with the fire trucks. The second unexpected event happened when we got off the subway in front of the National Diet Building and walked up to the surface toward the front of the building, where we came across a large number of police officers and plainclothes officers. Thinking that perhaps a state guest was arriving at the Diet, I asked an officer, and was told, "The Emperor will be arriving at the Diet shortly, so we apologize, but we are restricting traffic. Please wait on the left side of the road in front of the building until His Majesty arrives." There were nearly 100 people there holding Japanese flags in both hands, and we joined them to wait for the Emperor's limousine to pass. About five minutes later, the limousine carrying His Majesty, who was waving toward us, passed right in front of us and headed to the Diet. The guests were overjoyed by this. After that, I guided the group from Sakuradamon toward the area in front of Nijubashi Bridge. Remarkably, as we were taking photos there, a police officer again approached us and said they would be restricting traffic and asked us to move to the other side of the fence. We were told that the Emperor, who had made his greetings at the Diet, would soon be returning. We waited about ten minutes here, and once again were able to see the Emperor waving toward us as his limousine returned from the Diet and headed to the main gate. One of the guests captured a perfect video and was delighted. It was the first time in my guiding experience that I happened to encounter His Majesty while he was on the move, so I was surprised as well, but incredibly it happened twice. Combined with the encounter with the fire brigade, the guests were extremely happy. All sorts of things can happen on a walking tour, but in any case I was glad the guests were so delighted. They also planned to explore Tokyo on their own over the following two days, so I explained how to get to various places they might find interesting, even ones we did not visit, and they were satisfied with that as well.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya～Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku～Shinjuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku～National Diet Building600JPY
    Section 4SubwayNational Diet Building～Asakusa0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by MINORUASAI

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:50 Meet up@ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Shinjuku
    • 2. 07:55 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 08:50 Stay@Tsukiji
    • 4. 10:10 Breakfast@Tsukiji Sushisei Tsukiji Main Store
    • 5. 11:10 Stay@Kabukiza Theatre
    • 6. 11:20 Travel∶Subway
    • 7. 11:50 Stay@Tokyo Tower
    • 8. 12:30 Travel∶Subway
    • 9. 13:00 Stay@Meiji Shrine
    • 10. 13:45 Stay@Takeshita Street
    • 11. 14:15 Travel∶Subway
    • 12. 14:30 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 13. 14:45 Travel∶Train, Subway
    • 14. 15:10 Disband@Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Observatory

    What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Tokyo. Everyone in the group had plenty of energy, so we decided to visit a slightly larger number of spots than usual. Since the tour started at 8:00 and the guests had barely eaten breakfast, we had an early lunch first at Tsukiji. As the guests also did some shopping, we ended up spending quite a long time at Tsukiji. Because the Kabukiza Theatre was one of the requested spots, we walked from Tsukiji to Higashi-Ginza and then headed from Higashi-Ginza Station toward the Harajuku area. Since I had also received a booking for the following day, I had decided to focus on the western part of the city on this day and cover the eastern part on the second day. By the time we reached the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, it was almost the end time, but we extended a little and finished the tour after visiting the South Observation Deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which was near the guests' accommodation, before parting ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShinjuku-sanchome Station～Tsukiji Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassHigashi-ginza Station～Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassKamiyacho Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya Station～Yoyogi Station150JPY
    Section 6Free PassYoyogi Station～Tochomae Station0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Kyoto: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Nara-machi

    Kyoto: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Nara-machi

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Start of Tour) (car 60-90 minutes)
    • Hyatt Regency Kyoto　　　　　 by car
    • 10:10-30 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park Nara Park Ukigumo-enchi
    • 10:40-11:10 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate) Nandaimon
    • (walk 5 minutes) on foot
    • 11:20-50 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall (walk 10 minutes) on foot
    • 12:00 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower Shoro (walk 5 minutes) on foot
    • 12:10-13:10 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall Nigatsudo
    • lunch at Emado-chaya Lunch at Emado-chaya
    • (walk 10 minutes) on foot
    • 13:20-50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: Below Wakakusayama
    • Kobaien and Kikuichimonju Shiro Kanenaga (walk 5 minutes) on foot
    • 14:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage) Kasuga-taisha
    • (car 5 minutes ) by car
    • 14:50-15:50 Nara-machi (Old Merchants' Quarters of the town):
    • sake tasting, traditional merchant house, private katana gallery etc.
    • 　　　　 (car 60-90 minutes)　by car to the hotel
    • 17:00 (End of Tour) Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    What Is a Private History Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Curious Guests from Europe The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Most of them spoke very natural English, and although one person's English had a slight accent that was occasionally hard to catch, communication was smooth overall. What made me happiest was that the guests asked so many, many questions. They listened with great interest even to the story of the bullet marks and their connection to European merchants. I would have loved to hear even more from them — such as how their home region was the last European nation to hold on to its overseas colonies, how it is the only European nation whose state religion has remained unchanged for centuries, and how rice is a staple food there. I truly wished the conversation could have gone on longer.

    Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Junichi

    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.

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    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…

  • Osaka: Kongobuji Temple

    Osaka: Kongobuji Temple

    Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Dormy inn Osaka Tanimachi
    • 12:00 Danjo Garan: Konpon Daito~Kondo
    • 13:00 Lunch: Chuo Shokudo Sanbo
    • 13:50 Kongobuji Temple
    • 14:40 Okunoin Approach~Okunoin
    • 18:00 Disband @Dormy inn Osaka Tanimachi

    What Is a Private Koyasan Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Japan Guide Agency The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had visited Japan before, but this was their first time doing serious sightseeing. They chose Koyasan because it had been recommended by someone they met while traveling in the past. The weather was clear that day but quite cold, and in the grounds of the Danjo Garan compound there was still hardened snow from two weeks earlier. However, since it was the off-season there were few visitors, and the guests were pleased to be able to sightsee at a relaxed pace.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…