Category: Uncategorized

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meet @ In front of Himeji Station Central Gate
    • 2. 09:05 @ Castle View
    • 3. 09:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 11:40 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 5. 12:30 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 6. 12:50 Disband @ In front of Himeji Station Central Gate

    Title: What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had arrived two days earlier, sightseeing in Hiroshima before coming to Himeji. On the tour we visited, in order, the Castle View spot, Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, and the rooftop of Egret Himeji. Himeji was crowded with tourists today, but because the tour started early, we were able to move around smoothly. At Himeji Castle we began with the "Chrysanthemum Exhibition," then proceeded to the great old pillar, the Hishi Gate, and the West Bailey. After telling the full story of Princess Sen, we continued along the usual route past the Shogun Slope and the cross-shaped roof tile. When I explain how deeply the samurai of the time thought about defending the castle and prepared various functions for emergencies at the time of its construction—and how, in fact, there was never once a battle, so these defensive features were never used in actual combat—most guests are delighted. At Koko-en Garden it was enjoyable to come across someone dressed in a beautiful kimono and to encounter a couple having wedding photos taken. After Koko-en, we viewed Himeji Castle from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, and looked at the preparations at Otemae Park for the "National Pottery Fair" starting the next day, before returning to Himeji Station and ending the tour. The guests enjoyed the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Norio

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

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

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

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima: Shukkeien Garden & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet @ Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
    • 9:20-9:30　Travel by foot
    • 9:30-10:15 Shukkeien Garden
    • 10:15-10:25 Travel by foot
    • 10:25-11:15 Hiroshima Castle
    • 11:15-11:30 Travel by foot
    • 11:30-13:00 Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum
    • 13:20 End @ Kura Sushi Hondori Store

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania and South America. Normally I take the Maple Loop bus from the Shinkansen exit to Shukkeien Garden, but since we started from a hotel near the south exit of Hiroshima Station, we walked there instead. At first I wasn't sure of their relationship, and I never ask directly, but after a while I learned they were friends. They didn't seem to need many photos of the two of them together, and they split costs such as admission fees. Both were easy to talk to and friendly, and we chatted about many things as we walked. They mentioned they were watching the TV drama Shogun, so while we were at Hiroshima Castle I talked about samurai. We also talked about how spicy dishes are not traditionally common in some parts of South America, and since they had eaten okonomiyaki in Hiroshima the day before and planned to try it in Osaka the next day, we discussed the similarities and differences in cooking styles. A Kura Sushi had just opened on Hondori, so I helped them take a waiting ticket at Kura Sushi and guided them there to conclude the tour.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima Peace Park Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Tomoyo

    As a Hiroshima government-certified English-speaking guide, I’ve led over 160 heartfelt tours for guests from around the world. I craft each experience with care, blending history, humor, and emotional resonance to help you connect deeply with this beautiful city and its stories. I love sharing insights about Hiroshima and Japan, but I also enjoy chatting with my guests as if we were friends, learning about each other along the way and creating meaningful moments together. Every tour becomes a unique exchange, shaped by the people I meet. I look forward to welcoming you and guiding you in Hiroshima.

    Request Booking

    Sep 24, 2025
    Paige_M
    Lovely and Educational Tour of Hiroshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide for this…

    May 8, 2025
    Smatty68
    Tomoyo was a star guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We really enjoyed our…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Josh_H
    Amazing experience and very grateful for my tour guide Tomoyo
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed…

    Apr 29, 2025
    Chloe_O
    The best day in Japan with Tomoyo!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tomoyo was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Happoen & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Happoen & Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel
    • 9:10-10:00. Travel
    • 10:00-10:50 Stroll through Happoen
    • 10:50-11:40. Travel
    • 11:50-12:40 Stroll through Kiyosumi Garden
    • 12:40-13:10 Travel to Asakusa, disband

    Title: What Can You See on a Private 4-Hour Tokyo Garden Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Through a tour company, they had requested to skip the major Tokyo tourist attractions (which meant that there were almost no options that could be covered compactly in four hours), so while considering the time they wished to spend in gardens, we narrowed the choices down to Kiyosumi Garden and Happo-en. The weather that day was not ideal for a leisurely garden stroll, but it was memorable how carefully some of the guests took photographs. Since the guests had plans in Asakusa, we made sure not to miss Kiyosumi Garden, which was their top choice, and although travel between the gardens took some time, I believe their wishes were fulfilled.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku～Shirokanedai209JPY
    Section 2TrainShirokanedai～Kiyosumi-shirakawa328JPY
    Section 3TrainKiyosumi-shirakawa～Asakusa286JPY
    Total823JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Tenryu-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
    • 9:30 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • 10:00 Bamboo Grove Walk ~ Nonomiya Shrine
    • 11:25 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:30 Disband at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Entrance

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of visitors from North America. On the way from the Hotel to Shijo-Omiya Station, which should have been a 10-minute walk, I took a wrong turn and the guests ended up having to walk quite a lot, for which I apologized for the inconvenience. We visited the Arashiyama bamboo grove early, so there were few people and the guests were delighted to be able to take many photos. Afterward, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, which also had considerably fewer people than usual, so they were able to take plenty of photos and were very pleased. I believe they truly enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-Omiya～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 2TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Total490JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Request Booking

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Tokyo: once everyone is gathered & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo: once everyone is gathered & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:20 Depart once everyone is gathered
    • 10:00-10:50 Visit Sensoji Temple
    • 11:20-12:30 Move to Ueno, then National Museum of Western Art, National Museum
    • 12:30-13:30 Lunch
    • 14:30-15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00-16:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:30-15:15 Visit National Stadium, disband

    What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. As requested, we visited Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku Gyoen. Since they wanted to see the work of Kengo Kuma, even though we were running short on time, I took them to the National Stadium. At the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, a World Heritage site, there was little to see and it was crowded with a Monet exhibition, so it was a good decision to move on to the museum. There was little time for relaxed guiding and conversation, but while walking between locations, I received many questions from them. It seemed they still had less knowledge about Japan compared to guests from other regions. Over the course of an 8-hour tour, they had said walking would be fine, but by the time it passed four o'clock, it looked quite demanding for them.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDaimon～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa～Ueno178JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Harajuku208JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shinjuku-gyoemmae178JPY
    Total784JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

    Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
    Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel Amanek Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • 9:10 Departure: Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 11:20 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:00 Depart Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:20 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Break: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 14:30 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:40 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:10 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • 15:30 Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Shinjuku-sanchome Station

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group of friends visiting Japan from Oceania on a holiday trip. It was their first visit to Japan for everyone in the group. Their stay in Japan was planned for about two weeks. After arriving at Narita Airport, they went to Hakone on the same day, then traveled around Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka before returning to Tokyo. After three days in Tokyo, they planned to visit Korea, spend three days there, and then return home. They also mentioned that they would be going to Disneyland the next day. All of them said they love shopping. It was drizzling just after we set off, but the sky cleared afterward, and the tour took place under beautiful sunny weather. First, we went to Asakusa. We walked from Kaminarimon through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. The guests were surprised by the huge crowds. I explained about "the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo," "the five-story pagoda," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?" One of the guests collects goshuin (temple stamps), so we visited Yogodo Hall. They also purchased many souvenirs along the Nakamise shopping street. We moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "the current challenges facing the imperial family." There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" and "Does the Emperor hold any political power?" We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I also explained about "Emperor Meiji." The guests remarked, "It's wonderful that there is such a green space in the middle of the city." We took a short break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. On Takeshita Street as well, they purchased many small items as souvenirs. We moved to Shibuya. They experienced the Scramble Crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There was also a question: "Why are there so many people here? Are they mostly Japanese, or are they mostly tourists?" The guests also commented, "Among Japanese foods, takoyaki and okonomiyaki left the strongest impression," "Japanese people are all so polite," "The city is so clean, with no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans in the city," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant to use." I saw the guests off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station, and 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 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station～Asakusa Station252JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station～Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station178JPY
    Total963JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Request Booking

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo & Kanmangafuchi Abyss

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet at Tobu Nikko Station (tour start delayed by 1 hour 20 minutes due to guest's late arrival)
    • 11:10 Move to Shinkyo by bus
    • 11:15 Visit Shinkyo
    • 11:45 Visit Takinoo Shrine
    • 12:30 Visit Toshogu
    • 13:45 Lunch (Cafe Suiran)
    • 14:45 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 16:15 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 17:20 Tour ends at Tobu Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had contacted me in advance with the arrival time of the limited express train along with a requested meeting time of 9:40, so I had no particular concerns about meeting them. However, they had not purchased train tickets in advance, and because the train they had planned to take was sold out, their arrival in Nikko was delayed, and the tour began at 11:00 a.m. Although the start was delayed, we then followed the planned itinerary and visited all the sites, and the guests appeared very satisfied. They wished to visit Takinoo Shrine, which was not on the tour list, and although it required a longer walk, I guided them there as requested. The guests were especially delighted, as the scenery within the traditional tranquility met their expectations.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko Station～Shinkyo220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Hit

    My name is Hit Suzuki. I am a male National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter for English tours. I have been living in Tokyo for more than 30 years and worked at a company in the Shinjuku area, which is the western core active area of downtown Tokyo, for more than 20 years. Therefore, I am very familiar with Tokyo City. I am happy to guide you to wherever you want to visit, eat, and experience in Tokyo. In addition to Tokyo, I am also very familiar with Hakone and Nikko, which are wonderful excursion areas from Tokyo where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and Japanese history. If you are interested, I would be glad to guide you in those areas as well.

    Request Booking

    Aug 1, 2025
    A
    Alessandro_G
    Our guide was called Hit…
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide was called Hit Suzuki…

    Oct 21, 2024
    619yukik
    日光プライベートツアー6時間
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    ガイド鈴木さまのおかげで素晴らしい日光観光になりました。
    もともと予定していたゴールデンルートがありましたが、天気の兼ね合いと私たちがハイキングしたいという要望に応えてくださり、直前にも関わらず臨機応変に対応してくださいました。豊富な知識と私たちの要望に応えてくださったお陰でとても充実した1日になりました。大大大満足です。本当にありがとうございました。

    Oct 16, 2024
    Erica_E
    Awesome tour! Definitely recommend
    Viator review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an awesome time on our private…

    Oct 13, 2024
    H2475JJdavids
    A wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hit was a fantastic guide. He was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 12:00　Meet up @ Hotel Takanawa
    • 2. 12:45　@ Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 3. 14:30　@ Lunch @ Asakusa Ramen
    • 4. 16:00　@ Rikugien Garden
    • 5. 17:30　@ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, FUKURAS)
    • 6. 18:30　Disband @ Hotel Takanawa

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Rikugien Garden in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Continuing from the previous day, this was the second day of guiding for the guests. In the morning, the guests contacted me to request a later start, as some fatigue remained and the weather was rainy, so we departed two hours later than originally planned, at noon. Just around that time the skies cleared, creating ideal conditions for a walking tour. When I asked how the guests were feeling, they told me that after consulting their doctor overnight, they had learned that the pain was a side effect of a newly prescribed medication, and that once they stopped taking it the pain had subsided. When I confirmed their wishes about visiting Asakusa and Rikugien Garden, they wished to proceed, so we did. At both locations the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and took many photos. Along Shin-Nakamise Street in Asakusa, since their travel bag was small, the guests found and purchased a slightly larger backpack. For lunch we had ramen and gyoza, and the guests enjoyed a light and delicious meal.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Asakusa Line Takanawadai Station～Asakusa Station1,600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station～Kanda Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainJR Yamanote Line Kanda Station～Komagome Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Komagome Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 5TrainJR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station～Shinagawa Station0JPY
    Total1,600JPY

    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!

    Request Booking

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
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  • Kanagawa: Odawara Station & Shiunso

    Kanagawa: Odawara Station & Shiunso

    Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:12 Meeting place: Odakyu / Odawara Station
    • 8:24 Depart Odawara Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Train)
    • Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Train)
    • 9:20 Arrive Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • Chokoku-no-Mori The Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 10:20 Depart Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Train)
    • 10:30 Gora Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
    • Sounzan Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:00 Arrive Owakudani Station
    • Owakudani Kurotamago-kan (Black Egg Hall)
    • Hakone Geomuseum
    • 13:00 Depart Owakudani Station
    • (Hakone Ropeway)
    • 13:30 Arrive Togendai Station
    • Togendai
    • 13:55 Depart Togendai Port
    • (Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 14:35 Arrive Moto-Hakone Port
    • Moto-Hakone Hakone Shrine
    • Lunch: Bakery & Table Hakone
    • 15:35 Moto-Hakone Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 16:00 Arrive Amazake-chaya Station
    • Amazake-chaya Break
    • 16:40 Depart Amazake-chaya Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 17:00 Arrive Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 17:24 Depart Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • (Hakone Tozan Train)
    • 17:30 Arrive Tonosawa Station
    • (On foot)
    • 17:40 Shiunso
    • 17:40 Disband: Shiunso

    What Is a Private Rainy-Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from Asia. One of the guests had visited Japan several times before, while the others were visiting for the first time. One of the guests runs a travel-related business, and this time the purpose was to stay in Japan for an extended period to explore travel tour opportunities from their home country to Japan, planning to carefully visit various areas west of Tokyo, while the rest of the group would be staying for a shorter period. Tonight they would stay one night in Hakone, and the next day travel from Odawara to Kyoto by Shinkansen. The route this time was arranged according to the guests' wishes. Unfortunately, it rained all day during the tour, so we were unable to see Mount Fuji. I met the guests at Odawara Station, where they had arrived by Romancecar. First, we took the Hakone Tozan Railway via Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Although one of the guests mentioned not being particularly interested in art, they said they wanted to see it just once, so we made a quick loop around the grounds. After that, we transferred from the mountain railway to the cable car and then the ropeway to reach Owakudani. There was a question about whether it was an active volcano. The guests commented that the main purpose of this Hakone trip had been to view Mount Fuji, so it was extremely disappointing. They took many photos of various spots with a mirrorless camera. They mentioned having heard about the black eggs before, so we sampled them at a café in the valley. We descended by ropeway to Togendai and boarded the pirate ship. Despite the rain, they took photos from the deck. After arriving at Moto-Hakone Port, we walked to Hakone Shrine. As they collect goshuin (temple/shrine seals), they received a commemorative seal in their goshuin book. We had a light lunch at a bakery and café in Hakone. After this, at the guests' strong request, we took the Hakone Tozan Bus to Amazake Chaya. Despite the rain, the shop was full of visitors from overseas. They sampled amazake, miso konnyaku, and tokoroten. They said they really liked the complimentary warm barley tea. From here, we took the Hakone Tozan Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto, then rode the Hakone Tozan Railway one stop to Tonosawa Station. From there we walked to tonight's accommodation. After confirming the check-in at the hotel, we parted ways. The guests commented that the town was orderly and clean with no litter on the ground, that everyone was polite, that everywhere felt safe, and that the trains were quiet with no one making noise. They also said that Tokyo's public transportation is extremely well developed and wonderful, that it runs on time, and that they would feel confident sending travelers here.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOdawara Station～Hakone-Yumoto Station5,000JPY
    Section 2TrainHakone-Yumoto Station～Chokoku-no-Mori Station0JPY
    Section 3TrainChokoku-no-Mori Station～Gora Station0JPY
    Section 4OtherGora Station～Sounzan Station0JPY
    Section 5OtherSounzan Station～Owakudani Station0JPY
    Section 6OtherOwakudani Station～Togendai Station0JPY
    Section 7OtherTogendai Port～Moto-Hakone Port0JPY
    Section 8BusMoto-Hakone Station～Amazake-chaya Station0JPY
    Section 9BusAmazake-chaya Station～Hakone-Yumoto Station0JPY
    Section 10TrainHakone-Yumoto Station～Tonosawa Station0JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00　Meet at the hotel
    • 11:45　Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:10　Nijo Castle
    • 14:15　Nishiki Market, lunch
    • 15:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 16:50　Gion, Hanamikoji Street
    • 17:25　End of guide

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Guests Who Prefer Gentle Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since some of the guests found walking a little difficult, I adjusted the guiding route to suit them. At Kinkaku-ji, where the path normally goes one way up and down the hill by stairs, I asked a staff member and, rather than climbing the hill, we returned along the original path. At Nijo Castle, since walking around the entire garden would be a long distance, we returned to the car after viewing it. At Nishiki Market, the guests enjoyed dishes such as tofu and yuba, tempura, and kitsune udon. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they experienced walking through the torii gates, which they enjoyed. Kiyomizu-dera had been planned for the end, but since the slopes and stairs would be demanding, I suggested a stroll through Gion instead. They agreed that this would be better, and they enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Shuji

    My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
    After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
    The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
    During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
    I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
    I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
    My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
    My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
    By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

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    Jul 16, 2026
    salomons666
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