Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Asakusa Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Station & Asakusa Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel Groove Shinjuku
    • 9:15 Shinjuku Station
    • 9:25 Harajuku Station
    • Meiji Shrine
    • 10:45 Yoyogi Station
    • 11:05 Tsukiji Market Station
    • Fish market, outer market, lunch
    • 13:00 Tsukiji Station
    • 13:20 Sendagi Station
    • 13:50 Nippori Station
    • 14:15 Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Tourist Center, Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:00 Disband @Asakusa Station

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan. Since they wanted to see as many places as possible, we visited Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, Yanaka, and Asakusa. Their accommodation was located within a tower in Shinjuku Kabukicho, so I explained how to get to JR Shinjuku Station and the subway before we set off. As one of the guests enjoyed eggs, they savored freshly made tamagoyaki at Tsukiji. They were not particularly interested in shopping, and since they were full after lunch, we explored Yanaka and Asakusa relatively lightly while I explained their history.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku Station~Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 2SubwayYoyogi Station~Tsukiji Market Station220JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Station~Sendagi Station210JPY
    Section 4TrainNippori Station~Ueno Station150JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno Station~Asakusa Station180JPY
    Total910JPY

    Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
    I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
    I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

    I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

    I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

    I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
    I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

    I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
    The following is my contact information:
    lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

    I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

    Sep 17, 2025
    785hongc
    Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a…

    Sep 16, 2025
    H
    Hong_C
    A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Best relaxed educational…

    Jul 18, 2025
    Venture26940872209
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…

    Jul 1, 2025
    michaellG938KC
    Lily is the best. Highly recommended
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lily is an amazing guide and…

  • Kyoto: Kintetsu Nara Station & Naramachi

    Kyoto: Kintetsu Nara Station & Naramachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @Hotel the Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 9:30 @ Kintetsu Nara Station
    • 10:00 @ Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Main Hall, Wakamiya, Meoto Daikokusha)
    • 11:30 @ Todai-ji Temple
    • 12:30 Lunch @Restaurant at Yumekaze Hiroba
    • 13:00 @ Isuien Garden
    • 14:15 @ Kofuku-ji Temple
    • 15:00 @ Naramachi
    • 16:00 Disband @Kintetsu Nara Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan. Some of them had visited Japan several times before and were quite familiar with the country. Watching the deer cross at the pedestrian crossings while the cars stopped for them, the guests found it charming and were impressed by the coexistence of deer and people. One mistake was that I had not informed them in advance that the five-story pagoda at Kofuku-ji Temple was currently under restoration, as it is a landmark of Nara and they had apparently been looking forward to seeing it. They had requested Isuien Garden, and I believe their reaction there was positive. The tour ended 30 minutes earlier than scheduled, so I explained that there would be no refund and we parted ways at Kintetsu Nara Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo Station~Tambabashi Station280JPY
    Section 2TrainKintetsu Tambabashi Station~Kintetsu Nara Station680JPY
    Section 3BusKintetsu Nara~Kasuga Taisha Main Hall250JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    I’m Yuri Takeda, a goverment lisenced English tour guide. I’ve been working as a tour guide for about two years. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been in Nara for about 40 years. I can guide you Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. I like visiting historical sites, eating and cooking. I also like meeting people from different backgrounds. In Japanese, we have a wonderful phrase “Ichigo Ichie”. It means we have to treasure every encounter is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This word came from the spirit of tea ceremony. I’d like to help you discover, enjoy, experience and feel Japanese culture with the heart of Japanese hospitarity, “omotenashi”.

    Jun 6, 2026
    Jason_B
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent, well rounded…
    Excellent, well rounded itinerary with pertinent facts and answers…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Dunka591
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend.
    Yuri is an incredible woman! What an amazing experience, we…

    Jul 28, 2025
    C
    Cedric_S
    Incredible Kyoto Adventure with Yuri
    Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yuri was the heartbeat…

    Jun 25, 2025
    983whitneym
    Beautiful Kyoto Guided Tour With Yuri
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We loved…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:05 Meet @ Hyatt Regency Kyoto 10:50 @ Kasuga Taisha Shrine 11:45 @ Todai-ji Temple 12:40 @ Isuien Garden, Neiraku Art Museum 13:30 Lunch @ Starbucks Coffee Nara Park Bus Terminal 14:50 @ Souvenir Shop Kochikuya (Goldfish Scooping) 16:25 @ Sanjusangendo Temple 17:00 Dismissal @ Hyatt Regency Kyoto

    Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report When we arrived at Shichijo Station, the next train was a Keihan limited express, so we took the limited express to Tanbabashi, then transferred to an express train to Saidaiji, and changed again to reach Kintetsu Nara Station. To save time and because uphill walking can be tiring, we took a taxi to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. At Kasuga Taisha, the guests paid for the special worship area and were impressed by the hanging lanterns and the 1,000-year-old cedar tree. We then walked to Todaiji Temple, Isuien Garden, and the Nara Park Bus Terminal, and the guests seemed to be quite tired by then. They were also very impressed by the Great Buddha at Todaiji. Two days earlier, when I guided the group around Kyoto city, one of the guests mentioned having been good at goldfish scooping while living in Japan as a child, and asked whether there were still places where you could do goldfish scooping today. I remembered that Yamatokoriyama City in Nara is a goldfish production area, and since the guests said they did not want to walk much in the afternoon, I suggested a goldfish scooping experience. We went to a goldfish shop in Yamatokoriyama City for the experience. The guests scooped very skillfully, catching as many as two goldfish at once, and enjoyed it very much. Since we were able to return a little earlier than planned, I guided the guests around Sanjusangendo Temple near the Hotel before ending the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Tambabashi220JPY
    Section 2TrainTambabashi~Kintetsu Nara680JPY
    Section 3BusKenchomae~Kintetsu Nara250JPY
    Section 4TrainKintetsu Nara~Yamato-Koriyama300JPY
    Section 5TrainYamato-Koriyama~Tambabashi680JPY
    Section 6TrainTambabashi~Shichijo220JPY
    Total2,350JPY

    I am Keiko Ibuki, Goverment-Licensed Guide. I passed National Guide examination and registered in 2015. I started guiding job in 2016. I mainly guide Kansai area, especially Kyoto. From 2016 to 2019, I guided visitors from overseas about 50 days. In 2023, I guided visitors from overseas about 50 days. I passed 2nd grade of Kyoto Tourism and Culture examination in 2020. I passed National Examination for Certified Travel Supervisors in 1997. I can tailor my guided tour to meet your requirements. I would like to make your visit to Japan enjoyable and memorable.

    May 15, 2025
    Christine_M
    There are SO many choices…
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    There are SO…

    Dec 25, 2024
    Kerri_D
    World Heritage Sites in Kyoto
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    Well- planned, strong…

    Jul 31, 2024
    whyisthisneededthiss
    Kyoto tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    Our tour guide Keiko was great.…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:30 Meet up @Tempozan
    • 2. 9:15 @Osaka Castle Keep
    • 3. 11:00 @Tea Ceremony Experience
    • 4. 12:30 Disband @Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Tour with a Tea Ceremony Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests wished to experience a tea ceremony in Osaka. I researched the options, shared the information with them, and they booked spots including one for the guide. Since they mentioned they wanted to learn not only about the etiquette but also about the history of the tea ceremony, I had them apply to a place I felt was ideal. As it was my first time there as well, I covered my own participation fee, and the experience took place outside of my guiding hours. The content of the experience was wonderful, and the guests were very satisfied. Afterward, I showed them around Dotonbori, and while I had planned to guide them to other places until 13:30, they seemed to really love Dotonbori. They repeatedly exclaimed "amazing!" and said they wanted to enjoy Dotonbori a bit more, so I explained how to get back to Tempozan and we parted ways at Dotonbori.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Total820JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Osaka Port
    • 10:10-11:15 @ Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
    • 12:00-12:40 @ Shitennoji Temple
    • 13:00-13:15 @ Harukas Garden
    • 13:45-14:05 Dotonbori
    • 14:05 Disband @ Dotonbori

    Can You Do a Private Osaka Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Osaka from Oceania, arriving on a cruise ship traveling from Singapore around various Southeast Asian countries. They were active and cheerful, enjoying skiing during their travels, and they were delighted wherever I took them, showing great interest and asking many questions, which made for a very pleasant tour. They found it curious that, compared to other Asian countries, Japan requires cash in many situations, such as buying tickets and paying admission fees. I explained that while digitalization will surely progress in the near future, Japan still has customs involving giving cash, such as New Year's monetary gifts.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 3SubwayTennoji~Namba240JPY
    Total720JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Jul 30, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We spent half…

    Jul 12, 2026
    angiegI1120DY
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great tour! Great guide!
    Sachi was a great guide. She customized…

    Jul 8, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    We Miss Osaka Already
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Sachiko O. was our guide…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Relax64382499520
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A memorable experience!
    Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel
    • 10:10 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Okonomiyaki lunch
    • 13:40 Peace Park (first half)
    • 14:40 Atomic Bomb Museum
    • 15:20 Peace Park (second half)
    • 16:10 Disband @Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very relaxed throughout the day. On Miyajima, they enjoyed oysters, lemonade, ice cream, and more. They also had a great time taking photos. They were delighted by the okonomiyaki and both finished their plates completely. During our travels, the enjoyable conversation never ran out. At the Peace Park, they listened intently to my explanations. The Atomic Bomb Museum was more crowded than ever before, and the guests were frustrated that the museum seemed unable to manage the congestion at all. I managed to guide them through the highlights, and they shed tears when they saw the display of Sadako's paper cranes. They thanked me and said it had been a truly fulfilling day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa~Genbaku Dome-mae220JPY
    Section 4TrainGenbaku Dome-mae~Hiroshima220JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Hello! My name is Yuko, and I am delighted to be your guide.

    I currently work as a tour guide in both Tokyo and Hiroshima, two cities that represent very different yet equally fascinating sides of Japan. This unique perspective allows me to share not only famous landmarks, but also the culture, history, and everyday life that make each place special.

    I truly believe that guiding is my calling. For every tour, I focus on creating a personal, authentic, and memorable experience tailored to your interests. Whether we explore Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods or Hiroshima’s rich history and warm local culture, I want you to leave with a deeper understanding of Japan and meaningful memories of your journey.

    I enjoy meeting travelers from around the world and helping them discover hidden stories and local perspectives that are often missed in guidebooks.

    Once you have booked a tour with me, please feel free to reach out via email or WhatsApp so I can send you a suggested itinerary. I look forward to meeting you!

    May 31, 2026
    Rajen14
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Moving and informative day in a historic city with a…

    May 14, 2026
    Natasa_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima with Yuko 🙂
    Yuko was a fantastic guide, outstanding…

    Apr 20, 2026
    Victoria R
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Wonderful personal tour with Yuko
    Yuko is very…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima/Miyajima tour
    Yuko guided us in Hiroshima and Miyajima…

  • Hokkaido in Half a Day: Nijo Market & Hokkaido Shrine

    Hokkaido in Half a Day: Nijo Market & Hokkaido Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50 Meet in front of Hotel
    • 10:00 Odori Park, Clock Tower, TV Tower
    • 11:00 Nijo Market
    • 11:45 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Jikidenya Ramen
    • 13:50 Disband in front of hotel

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Sapporo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first visit to Hokkaido, and they had thoroughly researched various sightseeing spots and restaurants online before the tour. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private tours of Sapporo and across all 47 prefectures of Japan. We started with a city tour, and I showed them the nearby Tanukikoji Shopping Street and the large discount store close to their hotel. Odori Park was beautiful with its autumn foliage, and the fine weather made it a pleasant walk. We took photos at the Clock Tower, and when the guests learned that it was originally the martial arts hall of Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), they were delighted to share that the predecessor of their own university had also been an agricultural college. From the TV Tower we could see the Olympic ski jump, and we walked along the Sosei River to visit Nijo Market to look at the seafood. We then took the subway to Hokkaido Shrine, where we were able to see children dressed up for the Shichi-Go-San celebration, and the guests bought protective charms. The guests wanted to eat ramen, so for lunch we had miso ramen, which they seemed to enjoy very much. I advised them on how to reach their next destination before we parted ways. They said they would love to return to Sapporo again soon.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori~Maruyama Koen250JPY
    Section 2SubwayMaruyama Koen~Odori250JPY
    Total500JPY

    Hello I’m Hiroko.
    I started tour guide in 2017. I work not only in Hokkaido but also in Honshu area.
    Last year
    Freelance tour guide-operates over 120 days of operation.
    8 times of long -term escort tour in Hokkaido. 4 times of 8-10days in Honshu.
    12 times of Cruise guests’ one day excursions in Hokkaido and Tohoku. I love my job.
    Until then I’ve worked as a short-term study abroad coordinator of an English language School in Japan and Canada.
    I was born and brought up in Sapporo, I’m good at skiing.
    I majored Japanese history at college in Tokyo. I like Calligraphy.
    Let’s enjoy the tour together!

    Aug 11, 2024
    M
    Miller A
    Good intro to Sapporo
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our guide was very knowledgeable…

    May 24, 2024
    Brian_K
    Sapporo with guide
    Viator review: Sapporo Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Views from Sapporo TV Tower and visiting and…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Hotel meetup
    • 09:00 Miyajima
    • 12:00 Lunch
    • 13:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 15:00 Atomic Bomb Dome, dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Tour Report Date: October 2024 Places visited: Miyajima, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Guests: the guests, from North America Weather: Sunny with occasional clouds Experiences: Kaidan-meguri (underground passage), stroll along Maple Road The guests were on a trip to Japan, and today was the final day of their journey. The guests are from North America, and when I brought up the movie Home Alone, the conversation became lively and enjoyable. The guests preferred not to eat at a restaurant if possible, so I took them to a convenience store where they were able to have lunch with suitable items.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusIn front of the Broadcasting Hall~Nishi-Hiroshima Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainNishi-Hiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 3TrainMiyajimaguchi Station~Nishi-Hiroshima Station330JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Hiroshima Station~Hiroshima Peace Park220JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Granvia Kyoto
    • 9:10-9:15 Kyoto→Inari JR 150 yen
    • 9:20-10:00 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:08-10:44 Inari→Saga-Arashiyama JR 240 yen 
    • 11:00-12:10 Sightseeing at Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path, and Kimono Forest
    • 12:15-12:50 Lunch @ Arashiyama Wagyu Rokujutei
    • 13:31-13:38 Saga-Arashiyama→Enmachi JR 200 yen
    • 13:44-13:53 Enmachi-Kinkaku-ji-michi Bus 230 yen
    • 14:00-14:30 Sightseeing at Kinkaku-ji
    • 14:35 Travel by taxi (3,800 yen)
    • 15:10 Disband @ JR Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Ticket Gate

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were visitors from North America. We began at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where they enjoyed the Thousand Torii Gates, and then moved on to Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama. Some of the guests had been especially looking forward to the bamboo grove, and were delighted to see the scenery in person. For lunch, we enjoyed hitsumabushi at a wagyu restaurant in Arashiyama. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests took in the beautiful garden and appreciated the traditional and natural beauty of Kyoto. The guests enjoyed conversation, and their fast-paced English was excellent listening practice for me, making it a very rewarding day.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 4BusEnmachi~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hotel Takanawa
    • 2. 10:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 3. 11:30 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building)
    • 4. 12:00 Lunch @Suju Dining (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 5. 13:30 @Ginza (including shopping at Tokyu Plaza, Kyukyodo, Ginza Mitsukoshi)
    • 6. 15:00 @Meiji Shrine
    • 7. 16:30 Dismissal @Hotel Takanawa

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Meiji Shrine The guest was visiting Japan for the first time, traveling in connection with a business trip by a member of the group who works for a healthcare-related company. On the way to the Sakuradamon Gate of the Imperial Palace, while I was explaining the National Diet Building that came into view, the conversation turned to a recent national election, and the guest mentioned, "I voted before coming to Japan," which led to a talk about a presidential election overseas. Afterward, we walked toward Tokyo Station, and since it was just around noon, the guest enjoyed a Japanese-style lunch at a nearby restaurant. The hayashi rice that was ordered was enjoyed with the comment, "This is delicious!" The guest wanted to bring family members here next time and repeatedly checked the name of the restaurant. In the afternoon, the guest wished to purchase Shiseido cosmetics, so at Ginza Mitsukoshi a specialist staff member performed a skin analysis using the latest equipment. Based on those results, the guest purchased a tax-free set of basic skincare products suited to their own skin. Also, because it started to rain in the afternoon, we changed the original plan and decided to visit Rikugien Garden the next day, heading instead to Meiji Shrine. At the souvenir shop there, the guest bought a kabuto (samurai helmet) doll for a grandchild, and at Ginza Kyukyodo they purchased Japanese-style postcards for another grandchild, making it a day of buying many souvenirs. For the member of the group traveling together, the guest bought Taiwanese castella cake at Ginza Tokyu Plaza.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinagawa Station~Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station350JPY
    Section 2TrainTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station~Ginza Station180JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station~Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~Shinagawa Station180JPY
    Total890JPY

    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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