Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 08:55 Meet@Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza
    • 2. 09:00 Travel∶Subway
    • 3. 09:25 Visit@East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 10:30 Travel∶Subway
    • 5. 11:00 Visit@Asakusa
    • 6. 12:05 Lunch@Aoi Marushin
    • 7. 12:40 Travel∶Subway
    • 8. 12:55 Visit@Ueno Park
    • 9. 13:20 Travel∶Subway
    • 10 13:30 Disband@Azumabashi

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's East Gardens and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they did not have a Suica or similar transit card, they purchased a one-day Tokyo Metro pass at Higashi-Ginza Station, which was the nearest station to their accommodation. As the guests had requested in advance, I guided them through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa, where we took a lunch break. Since their accommodation was in Higashi-Ginza and travel time was short, we had quite a bit of extra time in the latter half of the tour. One of the guests was interested in Ueno Zoo, so I took them to Ueno Park once, but since the pandas were likely to be sleeping, we decided not to enter the zoo. Instead, we headed back to Asakusa toward Tokyo Skytree, which was their next point of interest, and I ended the tour after explaining the walking route around Azumabashi Bridge.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHigashi-Ginza Station~Otemachi Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station~Ueno Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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.

    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 in Half a Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Gion

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meeting @ Westin Miyako Kyoto
    • 8:50-9:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 10:20-11:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:50-12:20 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:25-12:55 @ Higashiyama Area, Hokan-ji
    • 13:00-14:10 @ Gion
    • 14:10 Dismissal @ In front of Wagashi Shop Ninigi Kyoto Gion Main Store

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like on a National Holiday? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, and they came to Kyoto after staying in Tokyo for about three days. They planned to stay in Kyoto for a total of about five days. Since the tour day happened to fall on the Coming-of-Age Day national holiday, they mentioned that the day felt somehow special. At the guests' last-minute request, we moved the tour up by one hour. Perhaps because of the earlier start, the Arashiyama bamboo grove was less crowded than expected, and we were able to stroll comfortably. On the other hand, Fushimi Inari Taisha was extremely crowded. Perhaps because many people were visiting in connection with the Coming-of-Age celebrations, there seemed to be many young Japanese worshippers. There was also a long line at the fortune-slip (omikuji) area. Kiyomizu-dera was also very crowded, and there was a long line at Otowa Waterfall as well. While strolling around the Higashiyama area, the guests each purchased and enjoyed a skewer of grilled beef. I was surprised that a wagyu skewer cost ¥1,000, while a Kobe beef skewer cost ¥4,000. While walking through Gion, we passed by several formally dressed geiko and maiko, which delighted the guests greatly. After exploring Gion, they said they wanted to go to a cafe, so I guided them to the front of a Japanese sweets shop in the Gion Higashi area and we parted ways there. The two hours of extension fees were paid by the guests in cash.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKeage Station~Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station260JPY
    Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa Station~Arashiyama Station250JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama Station~Inari Station240JPY
    Section 4TrainInari Station~Tofukuji Station150JPY
    Section 5BusTofukuji~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
    • 2. 9:45 @Zojoji Temple
    • 3. 10:30 @Tokyo Tower
    • 4. 11:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 5. 11:30 @Tokyo Station
    • 6. 12:00 @Nezu Shrine
    • 7. 12:30 Lunch@Yanaka
    • 8. 13:15 @Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 9. 13:40 @Yanaka Cemetery
    • 10. 14:30 Disband@Ginza Line Kanda Station Platform

    【当日のツアールート】 10:00 Meeting point: Hotel — Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Temples and Shrines? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, using an extended holiday for their trip. After Tokyo, they planned to continue to other destinations to relax at a beach resort. Today was their final sightseeing day in Japan, and they had already visited Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Disneyland. They had also experienced Shinjuku Golden Gai and a dinner accompanied by a sumo show. For this tour, the guests expressed a wish to "see red gates," so I guided them to include the Sangedatsumon Gate of Zojoji Temple and the thousand torii gates of Nezu Shrine. They were especially delighted at the thousand torii gates, which seemed to be exactly the "place they had wanted to visit." Afterward, while strolling through the Yanaka shopping street, they purchased chopsticks and cat-shaped chopstick rests as souvenirs. At Yanaka Cemetery, they visited the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, and upon spotting the hollyhock crest they had seen earlier at Zojoji Temple in the morning, they nodded along to my explanations about the Edo period and the shoguns. At every stop, the guests took many photos of themselves together with the scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassToei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station~Daimon Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Kasumigaseki Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station~Chiyoda Line Nezu Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Nippori Station~Kanda Station170JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:40 Meet at hotel 10:07 Board JR train bound for Nara 10:53 Arrive at JR Nara Station 11:15 Nara Park 11:30 Todai-ji Temple 12:30 Nakatanidou (mochi pounding performance) 12:45 Lunch 13:50 Nigiwai no Ie 14:30 Harushika Sake Brewery (sake tasting) 15:20 Kofuku-ji Temple Treasure Hall 16:07 Board JR train bound for Kyoto 16:53 Arrive at JR Kyoto Station 
    • 17:05 Tour ends at Kyoto Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I had been unable to reach the guests easily beforehand, so I felt some concern, but with support from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we managed to meet at the hotel and started the tour without any trouble. The weather was clear and sunny that day, so the cold was a little more bearable. The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They mentioned that where they came from was colder than Kyoto and Nara. The guests were very interested in everything they saw and heard, and they listened attentively to my explanations. Although it was a public holiday, the trains and the various sightseeing spots were not very crowded. The mochi-pounding performance at "Nakatanidou" luckily started the very moment we arrived. We were also able to catch buses and trains at good timing, making it an efficient tour. The sake tasting at Harushika Brewery had gone up by 100 yen to 700 yen. Compared to before the pandemic, when it was 500 yen and came with a souvenir glass, this is quite an increase. I took a photo during the sake tasting.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Oike~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Nara720JPY
    Section 3Free PassJR Nara Station~JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 4TrainNara~Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,260JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel Meet (Rinn Shiki Juraku)
    • 8:30-9:20 Travel (Hotel → Fushimi Inari; Karasuma Line & Tozai Line; Karasuma Marutamachi → Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo → Fushimi Inari)
    • 9:20-10:10 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 10:10-10:40 Travel (Fushimi Inari → Nijo Castle; Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, Tozai Line; Sanjo Keihan → Nijo Castle)
    • 10:40-11:30 Visit Nijo Castle
    • 11:30-12:00 Travel (Nijo Castle → Kinkaku-ji; City Bus; Nijojo-mae → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 12:00-12:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:30 Tour ends at Kinkaku-ji.
    • On the way back, we will take you to Shinkyogoku and say goodbye

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. A few days before the tour, the date was changed, and on the night before the tour at 23:00 a request came in to start the tour one hour later than the scheduled time. I noticed this before arriving at the hotel, so I sent an email confirming the one-hour delay and waited at a fast-food restaurant. Thirty minutes later, a phone call came in saying they were ready and would like to start the tour right away, so in the end we began the tour at 8:30. During the tour I took them to Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji. They also requested a tour guide for the next day, but since my schedule did not allow it, I politely declined. Instead, I shared some candidate destinations to visit, and since they had requested some shopping on the way back, I took them to Shinkyogoku before saying goodbye.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKarasuma Marutamachi~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 2TrainKeihan Sanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 4SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 5BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total1,110JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Ueno & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Ueno & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting point: Hotel & hostel
    • 10:40 Departure: Depart from Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Senso-ji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 12:00 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 13:30 Depart from Nijubashimae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 14:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • Omotesando
    • 15:30 Depart from Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:45 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Magnet Building Rooftop
    • (Late) Lunch: Hidakaya
    • 17:00 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • 17:30 Disband: Ueno 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 visiting from Oceania. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. Two days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport on a direct flight and traveled by chauffeured car to a hotel in Ueno. This time, they were on a roughly two-week trip to Japan. The main purpose was a ski trip in Myoko Kogen. After that, they planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka, and then return home after coming back to Tokyo. Everyone loved Japanese food, and one of the guests had a fish allergy. They said they wanted to enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes together. It was overcast, but it did not rain, so we had a tour under pleasant weather. First, we went to Asakusa. We passed through the Nakamise shopping street from the Kaminarimon Gate to the main hall. It was very crowded. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," 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?" At the food stalls in the temple grounds, they bought and tasted takoyaki and chocolate-covered bananas. We moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," "why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace," and "an overview of the current Imperial family." They said, "The pine trees are beautiful." There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?", "Who is the next Emperor?", and "What are the characteristics of a Japanese garden?" We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about "the Meiji Restoration," "Emperor Meiji," and "why wine barrels are displayed there." Along the approach path, there was a display of ice sculptures, so we proceeded slowly while taking photographs. They said, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the city center. It feels refreshing." Furthermore, we strolled slowly through the crowded Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Omotesando. After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the Scramble Crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. We then went up to the rooftop of MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 and viewed the Scramble Crossing. Here too, there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are there many Japanese, or many tourists?" At their request to have a late lunch since they were hungry, we went to a casual restaurant. There were also comments such as "All Japanese people are polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter," "Why are there no trash cans around?", "The subway seems very well made, but it's hard to understand until you get used to it," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant." I saw them off at Ueno Station, ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno Station~Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayOmotesando Station~Shibuya Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya Station~Ueno Station209JPY
    Total952JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ritz Carlton Kyoto

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Ritz Carlton Kyoto

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • 9:52 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:11 Daigo-ji Temple
    • 12:38 Lunch @Shijo Karasuma
    • 13:47 Walk: Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannenzaka ~ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 14:17 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 15:02 Walk: Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Ninenzaka ~ Ishibei-koji ~ Yasaka Shrine
    • 15:27 Yasaka Shrine
    • 15:52 Walk: Yasaka Shrine ~ Gion
    • 17:00 The Ritz Carlton Kyoto

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from South America. They had requested a considerable number of destinations, but everything had been left entirely to an agency. Since one of the guests was interested in the geisha districts, and Miyagawacho had initially been listed, I consulted with the guest and took the group to the Gion geisha arts museum, which they were very pleased with. The guests also viewed the other spots with great enthusiasm, and I believe they enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayMarutamachi~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 3TrainInari~Rokujizo200JPY
    Section 4SubwayRokujizo~Daigo220JPY
    Section 5BusDaigo Station~Daigo-ji Temple Front420JPY
    Section 6SubwayDaigo~Shijo330JPY
    Section 7BusShijo Karasuma~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 8TrainGion-Shijo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 9SubwaySanjo Keihan~Marutamachi260JPY
    Total2,240JPY

    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!

    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: Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Meet at Kawagoe Station
    • 12:35 By bus to Kitain Temple ~ Naritasan ~ Amazake at the teahouse
    • 14:04 By bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
    • 15:00 By bus to Fudanotsuji ~ Osawa Family Residence ~ Bell of Time ~ Sweet potato sweets at the teahouse ~ Chamber of Commerce and Industry
    • 16:30 Free dispersal on the Showa-era street

    Title: What Is a Private Kawagoe Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Asia who had been to Japan several times and were well acquainted with its history. When I explained that Kawagoe had once been a domain of the Tokugawa family and that it retained the atmosphere of a town that flourished in the past, having escaped earthquakes and air raids, the guests were impressed. We took a bus from Kawagoe Station to Kitain Temple, where we paid our respects in the main hall and then enjoyed the surviving structures of Edo Castle, the room of Kasuga no Tsubone, and the five hundred rakan statues. After that, we took a bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It was still crowded with people making their first shrine visit of the New Year, and many had formed a long line toward the main hall to pray. The guests found this scene unusual and took photographs of it. Here they enjoyed a style of omikuji fortune-telling in which you fish for sea bream-shaped figures. We then took a bus to Fudanotsuji and strolled from there through the historic townscape district, shopping along the way. The guests thoroughly enjoyed the streetscape that has continued since the Edo period, and since they planned to stay for dinner, I told them where the bus stop was for their return and we parted ways on site. I believe it was a good tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShibuya~Kawagoe617JPY
    Section 2BusKawagoe Station~Kawagoe City400JPY
    Section 3TrainKawagoe~Shibuya617JPY
    Total1,634JPY

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Imperial Palace East Gardens

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 08:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:20 Tokyo Tower
    • 11:15 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:15 Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge
    • 12:50 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 14:00 Meet @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

    What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. Some of them were visiting Japan for the first time, while others had been to Japan before. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they were scheduled to depart on a cruise tour this evening. The group had originally been expected to include more guests, but some were unable to join due to their circumstances. This tour was conducted using a private chartered vehicle. At Meiji Shrine, likely due to the high volume of vehicles related to the New Year's first shrine visit, the parking area had been moved far from the usual location, which took an unexpected amount of time. I strongly felt that visiting Meiji Shrine by vehicle in January should be avoided. At Tokyo Tower, the guests seemed deeply impressed by the magnificent views of Tokyo. The weather was also fine today, and they were delighted to see Mount Fuji clearly. At Shinjuku Gyoen and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, they enjoyed strolling through the beautiful Japanese gardens. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, they were satisfied.

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Station, Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour to Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on January 13, 2025, on a sunny day. The tour included exploring the underground path at the temple and a walk along Maple Road. The guests were a group visiting from Oceania on a family trip. One of the guests was studying Japanese, so I showed my homemade simple Japanese memorization chart, and it drew a few laughs because of how rough and casual the content was. 💦 Since one of the guests needed to avoid certain foods, I looked into shops on Miyajima again after a while and discovered a place that serves set meals such as fried chicken made with rice flour. You may already know it, but I am noting it here just in case. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PNBEDG9tDNFu2cGt6?g_st=ic

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 3BusNishi-Hiroshima~Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Section 4BusAtomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome-mae)~Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Originally, I’m a cycling guide doing cycling tours all over Japan.
    But, already done Hiroshima & Miyajima tour more than 400 times.
    I traveled many countries in my younger days. I traveled Europe, US, China, India, US, Mexico, Peru Australia, NZ, and so on.
    I decided to use this experience to become a guide.
    I’m afraid but no tipping required, because cycling guides are not allowed to have tipping in my association. And you do not need to pay for my lunch, because my lunch is prepared by our group.
    Please do not hesitate to ask me anything, I’ll change the plan according to your requests.
    Thank you for your understanding and please stay connected.

    Jun 1, 2026
    John_W
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A top day with a top guide
    My wife…

    May 27, 2026
    Annabelle_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima in a day
    Yuji was a great communicator…

    May 12, 2026
    satishp656
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    HIROSHIMA HALF DAY TOUR
    Yuji is a warm, knowledgeble…

    May 10, 2026
    StephanieB6076
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Incredible Experience
    We had an incredible experience visiting Hiroshima…