Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:30 Meet up @Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
    • 2.9:00 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3.11:00@Kiyomizu-dera
    • 4.12:40 Disband @In front of Kodai-ji

    Can You Do a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Through email correspondence beforehand, they had expressed a wish to sightsee near their hotel, so we started at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and then moved on to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Since Kiyomizu-dera Temple was close to their hotel, I judged that it would be easy for them to return to the hotel if any of the group became tired. However, one of the guests wished to see the Ryozen Kannon that could be seen near Kodai-ji Temple, so I guided them in that direction. In addition, I introduced other nearby sightseeing spots, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Temple, before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeihan Gojo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • 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. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Tsubaki Sapporo
    • 2. 9:30 Nijo Market　
    • 3. 10:10 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 4. 11:30 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 5. 13:00 Lunch @Kineya (Maruyama Class)
    • 6. 14:05 Shiroi Koibito Park
    • 7. 16:00 Disband @Odori Park Station

    What Is a Private Sapporo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very lively and cheerful, responding well to everything they saw and heard, and gave the impression of thoroughly enjoying their trip. The Hotel was located near the Toyohira River, which flows through the center of Sapporo, and as we walked I explained the Toyohira River, the Toyohira Bridge, and the origins of Sapporo, which they listened to attentively, making it very rewarding to share these stories. At the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, we were able to watch athletes practicing, and I think it made for a very enjoyable visit. They also greatly enjoyed the simulation experiences at the adjacent Olympic Museum. At the end, rather than returning to the Hotel, they said they wanted to go shopping in Tanukikoji, so I accompanied them to the nearest station, Odori Park Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station～Maruyama Park Station210JPY
    Section 2BusOdori Park Bus Terminal～Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium240JPY
    Section 3BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium～Maruyama Park Bus Terminal240JPY
    Section 4SubwayMaruyama Park Station～Miyanosawa Station250JPY
    Section 5SubwayMiyanosawa Station～Odori Park Station290JPY
    Total1,230JPY

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Dotonbori / Hozenji Alley

    Osaka in One Day: Kuromon Market & Dotonbori / Hozenji Alley

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet at Swissotel Nankai Osaka
    • 10:50-11:50 Kuromon Market
    • 12:10-13:00 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:00-13:50 Lunch at Okonomiyaki store
    • 13:50-16:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 16:00-17:00 Dotonbori / Hozenji Alley
    • Around 17:00 End of the tour

    Osaka Private Walking Tour Report: What Can You See in One Day at Kuromon Market, Shitennoji, and Osaka Castle? The day before, the guests shared their contact details through a messaging app, so we were able to meet smoothly at the hotel. The guests were visitors from Oceania who were traveling in Japan during the hot summer period. It turned into a fun tour. At Kuromon Market, the guests enjoyed dishes such as pufferfish sashimi and grilled wagyu skewers. At Shitennoji Temple, the Kobo Market was being held, and while there was interest in looking at many things, the guests seemed to prefer keeping a steady pace, so we simply followed along. A small stuffed-animal ornament was purchased. We were lucky that the temple grounds were also open to the public for free. As one of the guests loved animals, there was delight at seeing many turtles in the pond. We had lunch at a nearby okonomiyaki restaurant. It was grilled right in front of us on the iron plate, and the prices were reasonable. We visited Osaka Castle at a time when it was not too crowded, so we were able to get on the elevator right away. On the way back, the illuminations had just begun to light up. After guiding the guests through Hozenji Yokocho in Dotonbori, they decided to spend a little more time exploring on their own, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNippombashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 2SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Namba240JPY
    Total620JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

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

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    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

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

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

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

  • Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour

    Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ The Peninsula Tokyo
    • 2. 10:10 Stay @ The Lobby (restaurant inside the hotel)
    • 3. 10:50 Travel: Subway
    • 4. 11:00 Stay @ Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 5. 12:50 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushiko Shinkan
    • 6. 14:05 Disband @ Tsukiji Outer Market East Street

    Private Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour in Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report The original booking was for a group of guests, but on the day some of the guests were unable to attend, so the tour proceeded with the remaining guests. They appeared to be a group of friends, and only some of the guests arrived at the meeting time. I waited for the guests who arrived later at a restaurant inside the Hotel, then met the guests who had gone directly to Tsukiji along the west street of the outer market, and in the end the whole group came together. The guests had remarkably hearty appetites. Since they had contacted me asking to be taken to my recommended shops for fresh oysters, Kobe beef, sea urchin, sushi, and more, I guided them to my favorite shops throughout the outer market. At the first oyster shop, they ordered as many as 20 oysters, and we spent a considerable amount of time enjoying the food at each shop. While they were having dessert at a coffee shop after eating sushi, exactly four hours had passed, and we parted ways inside the outer market.

    Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHibiya Station～Tsukiji Station180JPY
    Total180JPY

    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…

  • Ishikawa in One Day: Samurai Residence Nomura Family & Higashi Chaya

    Ishikawa in One Day: Samurai Residence Nomura Family & Higashi Chaya

    Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30　Meet at Hotel
    • 09:50　Samurai Residence Nomura Family
    • 11:05　Kenrokuen Garden
    • 11:50　Kanazawa Castle Park
    • 13:00　Ichi no Kura at Omicho Market (Lunch)・Omicho Market
    • 14:30　Kazuemachi Chaya District
    • 14:50　Higashi Chaya District (Shima, etc.)
    • 15:30　Disband at Hakuichi in Higashi Chaya District

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group visiting from Oceania. The guests had been to Japan many times and shared that they loved Japanese history, culture, and food. At the samurai residence, the guests were delighted by the beautiful garden and the elevated tatami room. One of the guests also joined in paying respects at the Buddhist altar. On the way from the samurai residence to Korinbo, one of the guests bought a scrub for cleaning burnt pots at a diatomaceous earth shop. The guests seemed to be very fond of the products at this shop. At Kenrokuen Garden, the guests enjoyed the winter scenery, including the yukitsuri rope supports for the trees. They were interested in the mechanism of the masugata gate at the Ishikawa Gate of Kanazawa Castle, as well as the construction methods of buildings such as the Gojukken Nagaya storehouse. One of the guests enjoys DIY, so they had an interest in architecture. For lunch, at Ichi no Kura in Omicho Market, the guests enjoyed a tempura set meal and a January seasonal set meal. In the afternoon, I guided the guests through the Kazuemachi Chaya district and the Shima teahouse in the Higashi Chaya district, and the tour ended after some of the guests enjoyed gold-leaf soft serve ice cream at Hakuichi. The gold-leaf soft serve is very unusual, so everyone was delighted. Although the guests had visited Japan many times, they had a strong interest in the history and traditional crafts of the region.

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

    Tour Report by Sho

    I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

    Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

    I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

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    May 26, 2026
    C4211GUbrittanym
    Tripadvisor review: Toyama 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great time in Toyama!
    Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

    May 14, 2026
    190kariml
    Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time…

    Jul 24, 2025
    Wander60650705961
    Delightful experience um Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had the pleasure of taking a…

    Jul 2, 2025
    nuttineeyav
    Walking day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    The old town was very nice to…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Checkpoint & Owakudani

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Checkpoint & Owakudani

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Ten-yu
    • 9:50 Hakone Checkpoint
    • 10:45 Hakone Shrine
    • 13:40 Owakudani
    • 15:00 Hotel Ten-yu

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the assignment details listed the meeting point as a hotel, so I was waiting in the lobby, an email from the guests revealed that they were actually at a different hotel, so I hurried over to meet them. The weather alternated between sunny and cloudy, so we were not able to see Mount Fuji, but the guests did not seem particularly concerned about it. Based on the guests' wishes, we had a bread-based lunch at a café near Motohakone Port, which turned out to be quite delicious (a bakery-style eatery in Hakone). The guests were interested in history, and there were many questions at the Hakone Checkpoint.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKowakien～Hakonemachi Port660JPY
    Section 2FerryMotohakone Port～Togendai Port1,200JPY
    Section 3OtherTogendai Station～Owakudani Station1,500JPY
    Section 4BusOwakudani～Ten-yu470JPY
    Total3,830JPY

    Tour Report by SHO

    In February 2017, I registered with Kanagawa prefecture as a National Interpreter Guide in English. Since then, I have guided mainly in Tokyo and Kamakura and Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, except during the corona virus epidemic. In addition, in February 2022, I became a Hakone Adventure Travel Guide certified by the Hakone DMO. I am especially good at walking and hiking tours. Here are my recommendations for Tokyo and Hakone.

    Tokyo – Imperial Palace
    The Imperial Palace is formally known as the Edo castle, the stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This place has been the residence of emperor of Japan since after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The palace with a compound of 1.15 million square metere consists of the main palace where ceremonies and functions are held, the resindence of the Emperor and Empress, and the East Garden containing the ruins of Tensyukaku Donjon. The Chowadn Hall, located in the main Imperial Palace, is noted for the New Year’s visit by the general public to the Imperial Palace.

    Tokyo – Asakusa
    Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo, which is reminiscent of the Edo period. This district has been flourishing as a temple town of Senso-ji, the oldest and the largest temple in Tokyo, Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” the outer gate of the temple is very famous as a landmark of Asakusa for its huge red lantern. Both domestinc and foreign tourists flock to thie venerable temple and the shopping arcade called “Nakamise” in the compound, the best place to buy traditional Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo.

    Hakone – Owakudani Valley
    One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hakone. There are exploded craters, which were formed by the last phreatic eruption of Hakone Volcano about 3,000 years ago, and activer sulfur and hot stream vents. White smoke envelops the desolate ground to this day, and you can feel the intensity of a active volcano. This place is also a popular viewing spot for Mt. Fuji.

    Hakone – Jinja Shrine
    Hakone Jinja Shrine is famous for its Shinto shrine archway of Peace, which was founded in its current location in 757 based on a revelation of the priest Mangan. Manga was famous priest who trained in strict ascetic practices and pacified the nen-headed dragon that lived at the bootm of Lake Ashi, and history is still handed down to people today.

    Hakone – Check Point
    Tokugawa shogun placed 53 sekisy (facility of inspection) on major roads across the nation to defend Edo (current Tokyo). Hakone Sekisho was one of the largest and was thought to be important among them. Hakone Sekisyo was placed on the current location in 1619, during an early period of Edo Era. One of the main roles of sekisho was to control “incoming guns and outgoing women”, which means to prevent wapons from being brought into Edo and wives and children of feudal lords from fleeing from Edo. However, Hakone Sekisho did not inspect “incoming guns” andseverely inspected “outgoing women”. Sekisho which operatef for about 260 years furing Edo Era, was dissoloved in the next years of 1868, when government changed.

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    May 21, 2025
    aileenhs1739
    Great day!
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Mt Fuji with low stress!…

    Apr 5, 2025
    aradhnaa
    Perfect day
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sho was absolutely wonderful. He arrived early at our…

    Nov 9, 2024
    jennifergW1707MI
    Great way to see all the beauty Hakone had to offer
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide…

  • 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. 10:00　Meet up＠Hilton Tokyo
    • 2. 10:45　＠Akihabara（Warhammer store）
    • 3. 12:00 　＠Asakusa（Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park）
    • 4. 13:30　＠Nihonbashi
    • 5. 14:00　Lunch＠Tokyo Station
    • 6. 14:40　＠Imperial Palace（Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate）
    • 7. 15:20　＠Meiji Shrine
    • 8. 15:45　＠Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 9. 16:30　Disband＠Shinjuku Isetan Underground Entrance

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akihabara, Asakusa, and Shinjuku The guests joined this one-day Tokyo tour after spending about a week in Okinawa, before continuing to Tokyo, and were scheduled to return to North America the day after. They participated as friends, and one of them had visited Japan about four years earlier, at which time they had gone to Tokyo Disneyland. There was a request to stop by a shop selling Warhammer-related goods, so we first headed to the Warhammer Store & Cafe in Akihabara, timing our visit for the quieter morning hours. They were very pleased to be able to shop just as they had hoped. They immediately sent photos and videos taken in front of the shop online, which was greatly appreciated by the recipient. The other guest was not particularly interested in that shop, but at Asakusa, which we visited right afterward, they were delighted to find beautiful, craft-quality chopsticks along the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple and purchased several. They also fully enjoyed mitarashi dango and anko dango at a dango shop on a back street. For lunch, they wished to have ramen, so I guided them to Ramen Street in the basement of Tokyo Station, but as it was Saturday, every shop had long lines. To avoid using up sightseeing time waiting, I looked for another option and found an udon restaurant we could enter without waiting. They ordered kitsune udon and niku udon, and although it was a first-time taste for them, they commented that it was "delicious." Throughout the walk, they said several times how much fun they were having, and took many photos everywhere we went. When we finally parted at the basement entrance of the Isetan department store in Shinjuku, they seemed tired but very satisfied with the time we had spent together.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station～Hibiya Line Akihabara Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Nihonbashi Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    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!

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    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    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…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Hanamachi Art Museum

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Hanamachi Art Museum

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 11:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30 Toji Kobo Market
    • 13:20 Nishiki Market + Lunch
    • 14:50 Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda
    • 15:35 Pontocho ~ Gion Hanamikoji
    • 16:20 Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
    • 17:00 Hotel Kyoto

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. I arranged an itinerary that followed almost all of their wishes and proceeded accordingly. Because breaks took a fair amount of time, we discussed the situation and decided to skip part of the itinerary, but I believe everyone was satisfied. In particular, the Kobo-ichi market, which had been scheduled to coincide with our visit, along with the streetscape of Gion and the Kaburenjo art museum of the geisha district, deeply moved everyone. They were also grateful that I was able to see them back to their hotel exactly on schedule.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour 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…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:20 Pick-up at Narita Airport
    • 12:30 After arriving at Tokyo Station, start the tour after temporarily storing the luggage.
    • 13:00 Guide from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace.
    • 13:50 Move to Meiji Shrine.
    • 15:40 Guide to Takeshita Street
    • 16:20 Move to Shibuya.
    • 16:50 After moving to Ginza, guide through the main areas.
    • 17:30 Return to Tokyo Station and end the tour

    Can You Do a Half-Day Private Tokyo Tour After Landing at Narita? A Licensed Guide's Report During the pre-tour discussion, the guests had hoped to arrive at Narita at 10:30 and start a four-hour tour at 12:00, but I judged this to be impossible time-wise, so we arranged a pickup at Narita Airport on the condition that the guests would cover the transportation costs. The guests were staying in Japan for a few days before returning to North America after visiting Asia, so this became a half-day sightseeing tour of central Tokyo. After arriving at Tokyo Station by bus, we left the luggage in temporary storage and began the tour. From there, I guided the group from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace. I explained the origins of the Imperial family and the history of Edo Castle, and since the guests had just watched the film "Shogun," they toured the area with deep appreciation. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and between shrines and temples, and the guests seemed very pleased. On the way back, they received an amulet and a goshuin stamp in the goshuin book they had brought, which delighted them greatly. On Takeshita Street, the guests seemed amazed by Japan's unique pop culture and enjoyed seeing an animal cafe. In Shibuya, I took the group to the Hachiko statue and the Shibuya Crossing, where they eagerly took many photos. Since the accommodation was in Higashi-Ginza, I then guided the group around central Ginza and recommended a visit either that evening or on another day. We returned to Tokyo Station, and after picking up the luggage, I guided the group to the taxi stand and concluded the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

    I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.

    I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
    Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
    Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.

    Request Booking

    Aug 18, 2026
    Heather_C
    Private tour for 4 in Tokyo – highly recommend
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…

    Aug 8, 2026
    victoriahD2588SK
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    An action packed visit to Hakone!
    Atsushi was an…

    Jul 26, 2026
    Kevin_B
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Highly recommend this tour for first time…

    Jun 22, 2026
    Ashish_L
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best Tour for a Short Visit
    Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…

  • Miyagi in One Day: Oshima & Urakasumi Brewery Saura

    Miyagi in One Day: Oshima & Urakasumi Brewery Saura

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Sendai Kotodai Koen
    • 10:00~11:08 Travel (walk ~ Sendai City Subway Kotodai Koen Station ~ Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station ~ Matsushimakaigan Station)
    • 11:10~12:00 @ Oshima
    • 12:00~12:10 @ Godaido (viewing from the quay as the Sukashibashi bridge is under construction)
    • 12:10~13:40 @ Fukuurabashi Bridge ~ Fukuura Island
    • 13:40~14:20 @ Zuiganji Temple approach ~ Sanshodo ~ Ibuki ~ Tenrin-in (Mausoleum of Date Iroha-hime)
    • 14:32~14:42 Travel (Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station ~ Hon-Shiogama Station)
    • 14:50~15:30 @ Urakasumi Brewery Saura
    • 15:59~16:29 Travel (Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station ~ Aoba-dori Station)
    • 16:30~16:45 Guide to dinner venue (Marumatsu Ichibancho branch)
    • 16:45 Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Matsushima and Sendai Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Through prior email correspondence, we learned that the originally requested Kirin Beer Sendai Factory is closed on Mondays, so as an alternative I proposed a visit to the Urakasumi sake brewery in Shiogama, located midway between Sendai and Matsushima. Just before the tour, we discovered that the Sukashibashi bridge leading to Godaido in Matsushima was closed for repair work until the end of March, so we decided to view it from the quay side and to keep the later part of the itinerary relaxed. The guest accepted this, as it was their first visit to a sake brewery. Since meals were provided only in the morning and evening, no lunch was needed, so we decided to take our time and explore thoroughly (I got very hungry, which was tough for me). Instead, they asked me to recommend an affordable place for dinner, so I picked out several options accessible from around the Hotel. The guest was very energetic, and although Oshima and Fukuurajima islands are usually visited only at key points, they said "since we're here, let's go as far as we can," so we explored every corner of both islands. To make up for not being able to cross to Godaido, we added the approach path to Zuiganji Temple and the Iroha-hime mausoleum at Tenrin-in, and by stopping off at Urakasumi in Shiogama on the way back to Sendai, I kept the long travel time between Matsushima and Sendai from feeling long. During the tour we chatted constantly. At Urakasumi they showed us an English video about sake brewing in addition to the tasting, and while the guest enjoyed sampling at the counter I gave a mini lecture on sake making. My experience last year guiding international students on a sake brewing tour for the National Tax Agency came in handy. The tasting service for the guest was even given as a bonus, which delighted them greatly. I asked "Is it okay to have alcohol on an empty stomach?" and they said "This much is fine." On the way back, when I offered to take them to a family restaurant near the Hotel, they surprised me by saying "Actually, my real accommodation is the Hotel. I chose the Hotel in Kotodai Park as the meeting point because I thought an easy-to-find place would be better." I said "You could have told me when we confirmed," but they explained they had come to the meeting point while exploring the city. I gave them a Sendai city map I had on hand, suggesting they use it for the next day's travels. On the way back, instead of taking the subway, I took them to a Japanese-style family restaurant, Marumatsu, and since they were going to eat there, we parted ways at that point.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSendai City Subway Namboku Line Kotodai Koen Station～Sendai City Subway Namboku Line Sendai Station210JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station～JR Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station420JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station～JR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station200JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Senseki Line Hon-Shiogama Station～JR Senseki Line Aoba-dori Station330JPY
    Total1,160JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…