Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up　Keio Plaza
    • 10:50 Tsukiji Market
    • 12:10 Asakusa
    • 13:40 Shibuya
    • 14:00 Dismissal Chiku Chiku Cafe

    What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and More The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. After staying in Tokyo for a while, they planned to continue on to Hokkaido for skiing. They were very friendly and pleasant, and it was a joy to guide them. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed the atmosphere with steamed pork buns, yakitori, and hot sake. They took a great liking to a coffee shop once visited by John Lennon and Seiji Ozawa, taking many photos there. In Asakusa, they were amazed by the busiest crowds of the year and the long line for prayer. When I took them to a hedgehog cafe they had reserved, one of the guests was thrilled and full of excitement. They thanked me warmly, saying they had a wonderful time, and the tour came to an end.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTochomae～Tsukiji Shijo Station280JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa290JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya290JPY
    Total860JPY

    Tour Report by Kris

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Matt_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
    We were so lucky to have Kris-San…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour
    We had such a wonderful…

    Apr 21, 2026
    jacquir581
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We love Kris
    Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Frank_B
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & JR Kyoto Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & JR Kyoto Station

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:08 Kiyomizu-dera
    • 13:42 Lunch @ Shijo Karasuma
    • 15:03 Sanjusangendo
    • 16:00 JR Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Although it rained all day, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sanjusangendo as planned. They toured every site with great interest and asked many questions. In particular, at Sanjusangendo, they seemed quite impressed by the sight of numerous Buddhist statues arranged in neat rows and by the archery competition that began four hundred years ago. At the end, they asked to take a photo together, which I was happy to do. Overall, I believe they enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKiyomizu-michi～Shijo Karasuma230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Karasuma～Higashiyama Shichijo230JPY
    Section 6BusMuseum Sanjusangendo～Kyoto Station230JPY
    Total1,240JPY

    Tour Report by Hiro

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

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

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

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: The STAYME the hotel Tokyo
    • 9:10 Departure: Depart from Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:20 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 10:00 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 10:15 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • Break: Doutor Coffee
    • 11:00 Depart from Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Kamiyacho Station
    • Shiba Tokyo Tower
    • Lunch: Food Court
    • 12:30 Depart from Kamiyacho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • 14:00 Depart from Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:00 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive at Ueno Station
    • 15:30 Dismissal: Ueno Station

    Tokyo Private One-Day Tour Report: What Can You See in a Day from Ueno with a Licensed Guide? The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. Two days earlier, they had arrived at Narita Airport via a connecting flight, then taken the Narita Express to Ueno Station. The previous day, they had strolled around the Ueno area and enjoyed an izakaya tour in the evening. This trip was an approximately two-week visit to Japan. They planned to stay in Tokyo for only three days, then travel around Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. After returning to Tokyo, they planned to head home. They said, "We want to enjoy various kinds of Japanese food." The tour took place under clear skies in pleasant weather. They remarked, "It really is colder here than where we come from." First, we headed to Asakusa. We passed from Kaminarimon through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. It was extremely crowded. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming 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?" After that, we went to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. Here too it was very crowded, and there were questions such as, "Why are there so many people?" and "Who comes here, and what do they buy?" We took a break at a cafe inside Ueno Station. From there, we moved on to Tokyo Tower. I explained about Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. We were able to faintly see Mount Fuji. They said, "Now I really understand that Tokyo is a vast, sprawling metropolis." We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained about the Meiji Restoration, about Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. They said, "It's wonderful that there is such a green place in the heart of the city. It feels so refreshing." After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the scramble crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here as well, there were questions like, "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or are they travelers?" There were also comments such as, "Japanese people are all so polite," "The streets are clean and there is no litter scattered around," "Why are there no trash cans?", "The subway is 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 the guests off at Ueno Station, where we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayUeno Station～Kamiyacho Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayKamiyacho Station～Meiji-jingumae Station178JPY
    Section 5TrainHarajuku Station～Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayShibuya Station～Ueno Station209JPY
    Total1,098JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo: Shibuya & Asakusa/Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo: Shibuya & Asakusa/Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Pick up at the hotel.
    • 9:20 Head to Tsukiji Market by subway and stroll through the outer market.
    • 10:30 Walk from Tsukiji to Ginza
    • 11:20 Guide through the Imperial Palace from Sakuradamon Gate.
    • 12:30 Move to Shibuya.
    • 13:30 Stroll through Meiji Shrine
    • 14:40 Move to Takeshita Street.
    • 15:30 Move to Asakusa/Sensoji Temple.
    • 16:50 Move from Asakusa to Akihabara and end the tour.

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Tsukiji to Akihabara 9:00 Pickup at the Hotel. Since this assignment came in suddenly the day before, I was unable to contact the guests directly, but I headed to the Hotel and we were able to meet up without any trouble. The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. 9:20 We took the subway to Tsukiji Market and strolled through the outer market. The guests seemed to love seafood and enjoyed trying many different things at Tsukiji Market. At Namiyoke Shrine within the market, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism and how to worship, and they were very interested. 10:30 We walked from Tsukiji to Ginza. To help the guests get familiar with the area near their Hotel (Hatchobori), we walked from Tsukiji to Ginza. Along the way, I explained about Godzilla Minus One, which they enjoyed. 11:20 I guided them through the Imperial Palace from Sakuradamon. In front of the Imperial Palace, I gave various explanations about the imperial family, and in front of Nijubashi they took many photos and seemed to have a great time. 12:30 We moved to Shibuya. After taking them to Shibuya Crossing, we headed to Meiji Shrine. 13:30 We strolled through Meiji Shrine. There were still many people around, so it took some time to reach the place of worship, but the guests experienced the uniquely Japanese atmosphere. They also purchased several kinds of omamori charms, which pleased them. 14:40 We moved to Takeshita Street. I introduced Takeshita Street as a spot beloved by young people, and after experiencing it themselves, the guests enjoyed the various fashions and animal cafes, saying they would like to come back during their stay in Japan. 15:30 We moved to Asakusa and Sensoji Temple. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the unique atmosphere of Asakusa, and the guests enjoyed the street food from the various stalls. 16:50 We moved from Asakusa to Akihabara, where the tour ended. Since one of the guests was an anime fan who wanted to buy figures, I took them to Akihabara at the end. I introduced the main shops and concluded the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Atsushi

    Hello and welcome to Tokyo!

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

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

    Request Booking

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Meet at Hiiragiya Ryokan
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③　09:50　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④　11:30　Sanjusangendo
    • ⑤　13:00　Lunch on Sanjo/Teramachi Street
    • ⑥　13:50　Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • ⑦　14:30　Pontocho ～ Tatsumi Bridge/Shinbashi
    • ⑧　15:30　Kennin-ji Temple
    • ⑨　16:15　Yasui Konpira Shrine ～ Yasaka Pagoda ～ Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka
    • ⑩　16:45　Yasaka Shrine
    • ⑪　17:00　Disband in front of Yasaka Shrine

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and this was their first time in Japan and Kyoto. They were both very friendly and cheerful, joking around throughout the day, so we had a wonderful and enjoyable time together. As many guests do, they were very keen to ask about the shogun and the emperor, Buddhism and Shinto, and how the coexistence of these actually works. One amusing question they had was about Japanese toilets: some have air jets and some don't, which they said would be almost unthinkable in other countries, so why is that the case here, and don't the locals ever complain? They were full of curiosity. I answered that in Japan, from the first year of elementary school, teachers check every morning at assembly whether students have brought a handkerchief and tissues and whether they have trimmed their nails, so even as adults, Japanese people always carry a handkerchief and tissues. Because of this, most people don't mind even if there is no air jet in the toilet. They were both quite impressed. They also asked why some places have warm water and others only cold water, seemingly at random. I explained that in Japan all tap water is drinkable and of the same quality, and whether or not the water is heated depends on each facility since heating costs money. They said "I see," but still seemed to want to say something more, so I just laughed it off. It was like this the whole day. It was a lot of fun. Also, please note that at Kennin-ji Temple, guides have been charged an admission fee since last year, so I have attached a copy of the receipt.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo～Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari～Shichijo170JPY
    Total390JPY

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Kokoen Garden & Sosha Shrine

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 13:30 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 14:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 16:00 @ Egret Himeji
    • 16:15 @ Sosha Shrine
    • 16:45 Disband @ JR Himeji Station

    # What Is a Private Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and I felt they already had considerable knowledge about Japan. Some of the guests took photos and videos enthusiastically everywhere we went. One of the guests loved Shiba Inu dogs, and we happened to be able to take a photo with a Shiba Inu that was out for a walk in front of Himeji Castle, which made them very happy. They also mentioned wanting to try a matcha drink, so they enjoyed one at a shop in the shopping arcade near the castle and seemed very satisfied. Today was during the New Year period, so at both Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden many staff members in samurai costumes were happily posing for photos. After this tour, the guests were heading to Hiroshima, so we parted at the Shinkansen ticket gate of JR Himeji Station. The tour was scheduled to end at 17:00, but for some reason they had reserved a Shinkansen departing at 16:46.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Tokyo in One Day: TAKESHITA STREET & TSUKIJI Outer Market

    Tokyo in One Day: TAKESHITA STREET & TSUKIJI Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 meet at MONday Apart Premium Akihabara Asakusabashi
    • 10:00 1. TAKESHITA STREET
    • 11:45 2. SHIBUYA CROSSING and the Pokemon Center
    • 13:30 3. Ginza, the Mitsukoshi
    • 15:00 4. TSUKIJI Outer Market

    What Is a Non-Temple, Family-Friendly Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was an itinerary unlike any I had experienced before. In advance, I received an email suggesting "fun for kids" as a theme for the destinations, so I responded with an itinerary that included no shrines or temples at all. In the end, this proved to be a great success. On Takeshita Street, the guests shopped and enjoyed street food as they pleased, spending nearly two unexpected hours having a great time. In Shibuya as well, after the famous crossing, we went straight to the Pokémon Center, where they leisurely explored the various floors, including the sixth floor. In Ginza, when I guided them to the basement food hall of the Mitsukoshi department store, they happily purchased a variety of prepared dishes and enjoyed them at the tables and chairs along the pedestrian paradise on Chuo-dori. When a group of Japanese guests seated nearby kindly offered their unused chairs, I truly felt the goodness of Japan as a guide. At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I guided them on a full loop and recommended some spots before taking my leave.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Toei One-Day Pass_Toei Asakusabashi Station～Meiji-jingumae Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Toei One-Day Pass_Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya～Ginza～Tsukiji0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Request Booking

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
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  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: cup of Coffee at the restaurant

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: cup of Coffee at the restaurant

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meeting at the Hotel Vista
    • 11:10 Taking a Jet Ferry to Miyajima Island from Peace Memorial Park
    • 11:55 Arriving at the Miyajima Island and visiting the Shrine, Daiganji temple, Five-
    • storied Pagoda, and Senjyo Kaku Pavilion
    • 13:55 A cup of Coffee at the restaurant
    • 14:10 Goodbye at the free bus station to the ropeway

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests first said they wanted to go to Miyajima as early as possible to see the shrine and the five-story pagoda, and to ride the ropeway up Mount Misen. So we headed to Miyajima on the 11:10 jet ferry. While waiting for the ferry to Miyajima, I talked about the Atomic Bomb Dome in Peace Memorial Park and about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. At the shrine, questions came up about weddings and about the boats that pass under the torii gate. As for the five-story pagoda, the re-roofing work on its cypress-bark roof was set to begin on the 18th. Saying "You were lucky," I explained the five-story pagoda. Inside Senjokaku, the guests also enjoyed the votive tablets (ema). In Hiroshima, they said they wanted to head back early because they also wanted to visit the castle. For reference, I informed them of the return times for the jet ferry. However, after 4 p.m. it showed "fully booked." I suspect they may not have been able to board. I hope they were able to enjoy the illuminations at Hiroshima Castle.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHatchobori～Atomic Bomb Dome220JPY
    Section 2FerryPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

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    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
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    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
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    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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  • Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Zojoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    January, 2025

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
    • 11:00 Zojoji Temple
    • 11:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 13:10 Lunch @Ichikakuya
    • 14:00 Ueno Toshogu Shrine
    • 15:00 From Harajuku through Cat Street to Shibuya
    • 15:40 Disband in front of Hachiko

    What Is a Private Tour from Shinagawa to Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors who had been to Japan many times before, so it was difficult to suggest new sightseeing spots, and adjusting the itinerary took time even with correspondence beforehand. The route — from Shinagawa to Zojoji Temple, Hamarikyu Gardens, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Shinobazu Pond, and then from Harajuku through Cat Street to Shibuya — was only settled after discussing it on the morning of the tour itself. Since we did not spend much time at each place, we finished a little early in Shibuya. The weather was very nice that day, and the guests took many photos. On the Toei subway from Shinagawa to Daimon, we had to wait quite a while at Shinagawa Station due to the effects of a Keikyu line accident. At Zojoji Temple, we entered the Tokugawa family mausoleum, and there were questions such as why Kazunomiya's tomb was so lavish. At Ueno Toshogu Shrine, there was a very long line to go inside, so we gave up on entering. The intersection at Harajuku and Omotesando were also extremely crowded. There was not much interest shown in Cat Street. Finally, I explained the history of Hachiko and Shibuya, and we finished about 20 minutes early.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Daimon308JPY
    Section 2TrainDaimon～Shiodome178JPY
    Section 3TrainShimbashi～Ueno167JPY
    Section 4TrainYushima～Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total862JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
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    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Ariake Station & Shimbashi Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Ariake Station & Shimbashi Station

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

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Meeting place: Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Ariake
    • 12:15 Depart Ariake Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Toyosu Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line)
    • Tsukishima Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive Tsukijishijo Station
    • Tsukiji Tsukiji Outer Market
    • Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 14:00 Depart Tsukiji Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
    • 15:00 Depart Ueno Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:15 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 16:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive Shimbashi Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • 17:00 Arrive Ariake Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Yurikamome Ariake Station

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Ueno, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting Japan from Oceania. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They were on a two-week holiday trip. They had arrived at Narita the previous night and traveled to their hotel by hired car. They planned to stay in Tokyo for four days, then travel around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima before returning home from Kansai Airport. They mentioned that they planned to visit Disneyland the next day and the day after. It was a tour under clear skies. We met at the hotel at 12:00. We took the Yurikamome line via Toyosu Station to the Tsukiji Outer Market. I explained "the history of fish markets since the Edo period" and "the difference between Toyosu Market and the Tsukiji Outer Market." First, we went to "Tsukiji Uogashi." Here too they took photos here and there. After that, we went to the outer market. We looked around various shops, and the guests bought and sampled grilled crab and shrimp as well as matcha ice cream. There were questions such as "Why are there so many people here?" and "Are these people who live in Tokyo, or are there many travelers from overseas?" For some reason, the "white strawberries" were very popular. After that, we went to the Ameyoko shopping street in Ueno. This place was also very crowded, and there were questions such as "Why are there so many people?" and "Who comes here, and what do they buy?" From here, we moved on to Asakusa. We passed from Kaminarimon through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. It was extremely crowded. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and of Edo becoming 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?", "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?", and "How many Christians are there in Japan?" There was a comment: "Tokyo is so clean everywhere. There is no litter on the ground." There were also comments and questions such as "I don't see any homeless people" and "There are no trash cans on the streets. Why is that?" As the guests wished to be taken back to the hotel, I saw them off at Ariake Station on the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherAriake Station～Toyosu Station251JPY
    Section 2SubwayToyosu Station～Tsukishima Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukishima Station～Tsukijishijo Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji Station～Ueno Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station178JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa Station～Shimbashi Station209JPY
    Section 7OtherShimbashi Station～Ariake Station388JPY
    Total1,560JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
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    Excellent tour guide
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    Jul 1, 2026
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