Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari by subway and JR train

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi inari by subway and JR train

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Kanra Kyoto
    • 11:00 Fushimi inari (0) by subway and JR train
    • 11:00 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
    • Sannenzaka by walking
    • Yasaka-no-to by walking
    • Ninenzaka by walking
    • Gion by walking
    • Lunch skipped
    • 13:40 Kenninji by walking
    • 15:00 Gioji by taxi
    • Arashiyama Bamboo path by walking
    • Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking
    • Togetsukyo by walking
    • 16:40 Nishiki Market by taxi
    • End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like When the Schedule Gets Mixed Up? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour date had been confirmed for October, but around 9:30 on a day before the scheduled date, I was surprised to receive an email and phone call from the guest saying they were waiting in the lobby. Each of us had evidence supporting our own understanding. The guest had attached a photo of their Tripadvisor ticket in the receipt section. I had confirmed the correct date based on information from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and the email from the travel agency to the guest also listed the same date in the details section. I think it would be a good idea to check why this discrepancy occurred. On that day I had planned to vote in an election and had other errands, but I changed my plans on short notice and drove my private car to the Hotel in Kyoto. Since it was convenient, I drove my private car to the first destination, Fushimi Inari. After that, I guided the guest to each subsequent destination, confirming the next stop as we went, and finally to Nishiki Market. The guest was visiting from Europe, and had come after attending an international business conference held in Tokyo. The guest was very lively, energetic, and walked quickly. Although the start was a bit chaotic, I managed to guide them well, and the guest was very pleased.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…

  • Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • The scheduled meeting place and time set for 11:00 went significantly off track. 12:14 Tobu Shimoimaichi ~ 12:21 Tobu Nikko Station. 12:45 Tobu Nikko Station ~ 14:00 Chuzenji Onsen, lunch, 14:30 Kegon Falls elevator
    • 15:30 Chuzenji Lakefront bus stop ~ 16:10 Nishi-Sando ~ 16:20 Toshogu ~ Nishi-Sando 17:20 ~ Tobu Nikko 17:40. Dismissal.

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toshogu and Kegon Falls The tour began with a plan to meet at an inn in Imaichi at 11:00. Based on our exchanges, the guests said they would come by JR, so I was asked to wait on the platform of JR Imaichi Station, and I walked there from Shimo-Imaichi Station on the Tobu Line. However, I received word that they would not be staying at the inn after all, and that they had boarded a local JR train and would be significantly delayed. I advised them to transfer to an express train, but it turned out they were able to board a Tobu Railway limited express at a station where the JR and Tobu lines connect. I hurried back by taxi to Shimo-Imaichi and, since they were on that same limited express train, we arranged to meet in Nikko instead. In the end, there was a delay of one hour and twelve minutes. During the wait I revised the itinerary at a tea shop, but that revised plan could not be used either. For the time being we went to Kegon Falls, and after lunch we got off at Nishi-Sando. It was a Sunday in high season, so there was traffic congestion and some loss of time, but we still tried to make it to Toshogu Shrine. One of the guests was unable to walk any further, so I had that person wait while I guided the other to Toshogu Shrine. There was heavy traffic. The situation was completely different from what had originally been discussed, and because the arrangements for the trip to Nikko had been made only the day before, it had not been possible to purchase limited express tickets in advance. The guests mentioned that they would visit Japan again and stay overnight in Nikko. As a souvenir, I gave them some Nikko sweets.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTobu Shimoimaichi Station (Limited Express)~Tobu Nikko Station700JPY
    Section 2BusTobu Nikko Station~Chuzenji Onsen-mae1,250JPY
    Section 3BusChuzenji Onsen-mae~Nishi-Sando Entrance1,150JPY
    Section 4BusNishi-Sando Entrance~Tobu Nikko Station220JPY
    Total3,320JPY

    Hello, new friends! I’m Akio Yasui. I was born in Kyoto City and graduated from Doshisha University in Kyoto and moved to Tokyo for working. I used to work for international companies as a marketing advertising specialist. I have been to fourty five different countries until now and been to all prefectures in Japan.
    I have deep knowledge of both traditional and modern culture of Japan based on my experience in Kyoto, Tokyo and their surrounding areas such as Kamakura, Nikko, Nara, Osaka. I can design exclusive and the optinum itineray for you and guide you not only to ordinary tour courses but also casual or hidden locations. My task is making you enjoy Japan and like our culture and people. Let me guide you any where you want to visit and enjoy Japan together.

    Mar 30, 2026
    851murraya
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Good time in Hakone
    Akey did a great job setting the…

    Oct 11, 2025
    S
    Stephen_M
    Incredible day in Hakone
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr Akey showed me an amazing…

    May 4, 2025
    AliS7090
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Akito, our private tour leader, was a fabulous…

    Mar 30, 2025
    Mark_B
    You can tailor make this…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    You can tailor make this to anything…

  • Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at Oyado Koto no Yume → 9:10 Miyagawa Morning Market → 10:00 Sanmachi → 11:00 Hida Folk Village → 13:00 Disband at Takayama Bus Center

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Takayama and Hida Folk Village Like? A Licensed Guide's Report To get to Hida Folk Village by bus, I first explained the round-trip bus schedule. The guests were very cooperative in making sure we were on time for the bus. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides are government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides who help visitors navigate local transport such as buses in Takayama. Since there was free time in the afternoon of that day and in the morning of the following day, the main focus this time was on listening to my explanations, with the plan of using the free time to leisurely shop and dine at the Miyagawa Morning Market and the Sanmachi old town district. In this way, the guests enjoyed Takayama at their own pace. Because of this, we were able to spend nearly two hours at Hida Folk Village, allowing for a relaxed sightseeing experience. The autumn foliage had just begun, and the guests enjoyed the scenery and tried out some old traditional toys.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTakayama Bus Center~Hida Folk Village100JPY
    Section 2BusHida Folk Village~Takayama Bus Center100JPY
    Total200JPY

    I am good at factory tours (sake, food, etc.), restaurants and entertainments for adult (pub, karaoke, snack bar, etc.).
    I have been to 91 countrires. And I traveled around the world (14 countrires) for three month in 2023.
    I like travel and I prefer vist islands in Japan. I have been to 232 islands in Japan.
    I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I am also Certified General Travel Services Manager, and Certified Domestic Tour Conductor.
    I had worked 35 years at Japanese beer company until last year. So, I like drinking very much.

    Welcome to Elvis’s guided tours! With a passion for Japan, I offer you an unforgettable experience exploring Japan. As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I ensure you not only see the sights but also understand the stories behind them.

    My guided tours are tailored to suit your interests, whether you’re intrigued by the ancient history of Japan, captivated by its vibrant culture, or simply want to immerse yourself in its natural beauty. With me, you’ll delve deep into the heart of [location], discovering hidden gems and local secrets that most tourists never experience.

    I bring to life the rich history of [location], narrating its tales of triumphs and tribulations with passion and flair. From the ancient ruins that whisper tales of bygone eras to the modern marvels that define its skyline, each tour is a journey through time, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Japan.

    Beyond history, I also showcase the vibrant culture of Japan, introducing you to its arts, cuisine, and traditions. Whether it’s savoring the flavors of local cuisine, exploring traditional crafts, or immersing yourself in festive celebrations, I ensure you experience the true essence of Japan.

    As a guide interpreter fluent in English, I bridge the gap between cultures, ensuring smooth communication and enriching interactions with locals. Whether you’re bargaining at a bustling market or conversing with a local artisan, I’m there to facilitate meaningful connections that enhance your travel experience.

    My guided tours are not just about sightseeing; they’re about creating lasting memories. I strive to make each tour informative, engaging, and, above all, fun! Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, I tailor the experience to suit your preferences, ensuring you leave with a deeper appreciation for Japan.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of discovery, join me on a guided tour that goes beyond the ordinary. Let me show you the wonders of Japan through the eyes of a passionate guide interpreter. Your adventure awaits!

    Apr 2, 2026
    Paul_M
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fascinating Tour of historic Trail
    We recently completed this…

    Sep 28, 2025
    Colleen_E
    Totally worth the cost! Thanks Elvis!
    Viator review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Elvis was so great!…

    Apr 21, 2025
    E9436SKdrews
    great tour with Elvis
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Local Cuisine, Food & Sake Cultural Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I…

    Apr 13, 2025
    cecilia_c
    This was such a beautiful…
    Viator review: Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
    This was such a…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Stay at Sounzan & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Stay at Sounzan & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:45. Meet at the hotel
    • 10:00-10:10 Stay at Sounzan
    • 10:25-11:00 Owakudani sightseeing
    • 11:25-12:05 Lake Ashi cruise
    • 12:10-13:10 Hakone Shrine visit
    • 13:10-14:30 Lunch
    • 14:38-15:15 Bus ride
    • 15:15-15:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum, dismissal

    I'm happy to help with the translation and anonymization. Here is the result: The guests were visitors from Europe with a strong interest in Japan, and they could even manage simple greetings in Japanese. One of the guests had an interest in art. They mentioned that their home region also has many forests, and that there were many similarities to Japan, such as the cedar trees, the mist, and the slightly chilly air of Hakone. They told me that their homeland also has nature deities, similar to Japan's Shinto beliefs. They shared many insights, such as how the coexistence of Buddhism and native beliefs after Buddhism arrived in Japan parallels the way older regional deities were integrated into Christianity in their home region. This time as well, both Sounzan and Owakudani were completely shrouded in mist, but it seems this evoked something of the atmosphere of their hometown.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora~Gora5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    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!

    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…

  • Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:24 箱根湯本
    • 09:37 箱根湯本 登山鉄道
    • 11:15 強羅
    • 11:30 早雲山
    • 11:46 大涌谷
    • 12:30 桃源台 昼食
    • 14:20 仙石高原
    • 15:18 宮ノ下
    • 15:45 箱根湯本

    Title: What Is a Private Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Questions from Overseas Guests Body: 1. What are these? (braille marks) In our region we have accessibility laws such as the ADA, where even for just two steps you need an escalator or something similar. 2. Why don't you have two drivers, instead of one driver and one conductor, so that you don't have to change their positions three times? (Hakone Tozan switchback) 3. Voter turnout of 52% is about the same as in our region. 4. You are lucky that the election campaign period is only two weeks, while in our region it lasts a month. 5. The voting age is 18 and the smoking age is 21. 6. We were glad to have skipped the open-air museum, as the schedule was tight.

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

    May 20, 2026
    olgalA154QQ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with an excellent guide
    Great experience! Our guide WADA Hideaki…

    Apr 19, 2026
    Sightseer57474900023
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hideaki’s perfect first day in Tokyo!
    Hideaki was an incredible guide and…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North. 10:30 Move to Okachimachi. Look at and purchase the Japanese-patterned fabric that GM wants at Yoshiike Yuzawaya. 11:30 Move to Tokyo Station and eat gluten-free ramen and such at Tokyo Ramen Street. 12:40 Move to Nihonbashi Takashimaya and view and purchase the Pokemon the boy wants. 1:40pm Move to Ginza and view and purchase the Kitty Land items the girl wants. 2:30pm Stop by a used kimono shop for GM and purchase fabric remnants. Meanwhile, at the tea shop next door, after tasting, the father purchased tea for his own parents. 3:10pm Next, move to Ito-ya that the mother wants, where the mother and GM look at and purchase stationery, while the other members take a break drinking lemonade outside.
    • Returned to Ueno, showed the way to the hotel, and since they said they could return on their own from here, the tour ended. 4:10pm

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan, including younger members. The group mentioned that they host young people doing homestays for language study. They were very friendly, and one of the younger guests spoke with adults readily and asked many questions, while another was a little shy but seemed very sincere. From the start, their requests were clear: Hello Kitty goods, Pokémon goods, Japanese-patterned fabric scraps for handicrafts, and a gluten-free lunch. To be honest, aside from gluten-free options, I was not very familiar with most of these, but since they had shared their wishes in advance, I had time to research them, which was a valuable learning experience for me as a guide. One of the guests said this handicraft was a hobby from a young age. At each location, those who had a particular wish seemed satisfied, and my impression was that for some of the group, seeing the rest of the guests happy was what made it a good trip.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainUeno~Okachimachi150JPY
    Section 2TrainOkachimachi~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 3SubwayNihonbashi~Ginza180JPY
    Section 4SubwayGinza~Ueno150JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hi, everyone!
    My name is Ryoji Takeuchi. Please call me Take.
    I am really glad to have an opportunity to guide you.
    I would like to tell you why I became a tour guide. About 10 years ago I traveled mountain area. On the same day I arrived there, Tyhoon hit the area too. A river was raging and maddy but at noon of the next day, the river became transparent, I could see the garvel at the bottom of the river, so clear. I just thought it was because Typhoon had passed, but the guide walking with me said water soaked into the mountain ground, then filtered. That pure water sprang up from the bottom of the river, so it became clear so quickly. Without a guide, I could not notice that natural mechanism. And I want to be like her, then I am a guide now.
    BY the way I would like to introduce my career and myself, briefly.
    I was born in the suburbs of Tokyo. I grew up there in nature, so I like nature very much. I worked at a construction company for 26years, a massage practice and an architect’s office for about 15 to20 years, and retired. I started to work as a tour guide in 2019. I like sports, such as swimming, scuba diving, Japanese martial arts(Judo, karate, sumo etc.), soft ball and so on, now walking and watching rugby.
    I often guide Tsukiji market, sumo watching ,Ninja and Samurai experience, and one day tour of Tokyo or old city Kamakura and so on.
    I often travel in Tokyo here and there with my wife. Tokyo has various faces, high technology, traditional culture, historical building, fish market, subculture spot and so on.

    Enjoy Tokyo with me!

    May 8, 2025
    Jennifer_K
    Great way to start our 2 week trip!
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Take was a wonderful…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Cable car to Sounzan

    Kanagawa in One Day: Cable car to Sounzan

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Gora Station
    • 10:15 Cable car to Sounzan
    • 11:00 Ropeway to Owakudani
    • 12:00 Board the pirate ship
    • 13:00 Lunch at Kinuhiki no Sato
    • 14:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 15:30 Get off the bus at the Kowakudani bus stop (the bus stop closest to the inn)
    • 16:00 Call a taxi using the GO app and have you return to the inn "Ajisai Onsen Ryokan".
    • Part ways with the guide at the bus stop.

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report From the moment we met at Gora Station, the guests were very friendly and kind. This trip to Japan was a birthday present for a member of the group. Unfortunately, due to the weather, nothing could be seen at Owakudani, but the guests enjoyed eating the black eggs and buying souvenirs. By the time we boarded the pirate ship, the mist had cleared a little and we were able to see the surrounding mountains. Some of the guests shared many stories about the various countries they had visited and about social conditions around the world, so there was never a shortage of conversation. For lunch they ordered soba and katsudon and ate everything. Since it was not so crowded, we were able to proceed with the tour as planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara~Odawara5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Tokyo: Toyosu tuna auction & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo: Toyosu tuna auction & Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 hotel
    • 5:30-6:30 Toyosu tuna auction
    • 6:30-7:10 breakfast
    • 7:30-8:00 Tsukiji Outer Market

    What Is a Private Tsukiji Market and Sushi Breakfast Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were big fans of Japan, even using Japanese during our communication before the tour. They were traveling together as longtime friends. They looked happy throughout the tour. During the tuna auction, the guests seemed a bit unsatisfied that the people in front would not make space, but once we found a spot with a clear view, they happily took videos. At the sushi breakfast, they also enjoyed some Japanese sake, and I believe it turned out to be a wonderful breakfast. Afterward we moved to Tsukiji, but as usual there was not much opportunity for street-food snacking. We made a full loop around the area and then parted ways.

    Hello , my name is Isao.
    I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
    I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
    Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
    I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
    I am looking forward to meeting you soon.

    May 21, 2026
    Anne_A
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…

    May 18, 2026
    Olivia_H
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…

    May 7, 2026
    Susan C
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Highly recommended tuna auction tour
    Iseo…

    Oct 25, 2025
    TravelYes8
    Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…

  • Morioka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Morioka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Morioka Station 10:20 Kaiun Bridge 10:40 Arrive at Morioka Castle Koshikuruwa→Honmaru ruins→Tenshukaku (castle keep) ruins→Nanbu Lieutenant Statue pedestal→Corridor bridge "Toun Bridge"→Nakanomaru Palace ruins→Nitobe Inazo Memorial Monument→Ishikawa Takuboku Poem Monument→Sannomaru ruins→Eboshi Rock→Ninomaru East Side Stone Wall→Inner moat ruins (Tsuruga Pond) 11:50 Depart Morioka Castle 11:52 Victoria Road (Nitobe Inazo) 11:55 In front of the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building 12:00 Arrive in front of the commercial complex "monaka" Rest & Lunch 12:15 Depart 12:25 Yonai Mitsumasa Former Residence Site 12:30 Arrive at Morioka Hachimangu Shrine Torii gate→Chozuya (purification fountain)→Hocho-zuka (knife mound) (Takamai Shrine)→Main hall 13:00 Depart Morioka Hachimangu Shrine 13:30 World Alpine (1993) Commemorative Monument 13:35 Sakurayama Shrine Watch Kagura performance by the Sawame Shishi Preservation Society 13:55 Arrive at Kawatoku Department Store Shopping 14:20 Depart 14:40 Arrive at Morioka Station & End of Guide

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Morioka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a family group, and throughout the tour they enjoyed themselves while chatting cheerfully. They appeared moved by the view of Mount Iwate and the Kitakami River seen to the north from Kaiun Bridge. There was a question about why the equestrian statue that once stood on the pedestal of the Nambu lieutenant's bronze statue at the honmaru of Morioka Castle is no longer there. They took commemorative photos in front of the bridge over the inner moat that was featured in The New York Times. At Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, most of the guests worshipped with the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow ritual, and they also bought amulets for their zodiac signs and for traffic safety. Some took commemorative photos in front of a takoyaki shop. On the way back along the approach, they looked with interest at the shops (such as a furniture store) and the exteriors of the houses. There was also a question about how much land prices are in this area. In the precincts of Sakurayama Shrine, a local group was dedicating a kagura performance (Sawame Shishi), which the guests found interesting and watched all the way to the end. Originally we had planned to visit the Five Hundred Rakan at Hoonji Temple in Kitayama, but after discussing it together, the plan was changed to shopping at a long-established department store. When I asked one of the guests about the secret to good health, I was surprised to hear the answer was playing golf once a week. That day the weather forecast was off and no rain fell, and the guests appeared to fully enjoy the autumn scenery with the advancing fall foliage.

    My name is Hitoshi Ohata. I’ve been an interpreter and guide for about six years since I retired. I live in Takizawa City which is at the foot of Mt. Iwate, the highest mountain in Iwate Prefecture. My hobby is playing table tennis once a week. I’m not a competitive player, I’m just having fun. I also play go, a board game. The main guides are a guide to Hiraizumi’s cultural heritage and a guide to cruise ship tours in Aomori and Iwate Prefecture. I’ve experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I can talk about things like that. I try to convey Japanese culture and society to people overseas in an easy-to-understand way as much as possible.

    Jul 19, 2025
    Michael_B
    Morioka Marathon
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Hiitoshi. He is from…

    Jun 24, 2025
    Matthew_M
    Half Day Morioka Tour
    Viator review: Morioka Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hitoshi was a pleasure to be with and…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Johannes S
    Hitoshi Ohata hat uns eine interessante Führung gegeben. Er hat viel Erfahrung und geht auf individuelle Wünsche ein.
    Tripadvisor review:…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market and Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market and Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30  Hotel meeting point
    • 9:00 Osaka Castle
    • 10:45 Shitennoji Temple
    • 11:45 Kuromon Market and Dotonbori
    • 12:30 Disband at Namba Subway Station

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Castle and City Tour Like on a Busy Sunday? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the second time, with their previous visit having been around fifteen years earlier, and it was their first time in Osaka. Even though they had arrived in Japan only the day before, all of them were energetic and walked briskly throughout the tour. On the subway, they mostly remained standing, saying they were fine even when seats were available. As the day happened to be a Sunday, every site we visited was crowded with people. At Osaka Castle, the ticket counter had a line of more than thirty minutes, and after our visit the line had grown even longer. I was truly glad that we had purchased electronic tickets before arriving at Osaka Castle. The guests knew quite a lot about Japan and could even understand a little Japanese. (Some of the guests had studied Japanese for a short time.) As a result, inside Osaka Castle they viewed the exhibits with great interest and asked questions about the Toyotomi and Tokugawa forces.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShin-Osaka~Tanimachi 4-chome620JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka0JPY
    Section 3SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Nippombashi0JPY
    Total620JPY

    I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
    Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!

    May 29, 2025
    Dana_K
    Get ready to climb and explore
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    There is a lot of climbing…

    Aug 16, 2024
    Dylan_N
    Yoshi was a great tour guide
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great experience with…

    Jun 9, 2024
    Tour39164063770
    Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…