Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Levant Tokyo (2-2 Kinshi 1-chome, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 10:30 Yanaka <Tennoji Temple → Cemetery → Tsuiji-bei Wall → Yanaka Shopping Street → Yomise-dori>
    • 3) 11:30 Ueno Park <Shinobazu Pond → Bentendo → Gojo Tenjin Shrine → Hanazono Inari Shrine Thousand Torii Gates>
    • 4) 12:30 Akihabara → Lunch @ ABURI Hyakkan (AKIBA_ICHI 3rd floor, 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
    • 5) 14:30 Azabudai Hills
    • 6) 15:00 Tokyo Midtown
    • 7) 16:10 Disband @ Roppongi Hills (6-10 Roppongi 6-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like from Ueno to Roppongi? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. In their advance message, they had requested "places that are not too crowded, such as Ueno." When I reconfirmed the itinerary at the hotel meeting point, it turned out they had already visited Odaiba, so I suggested Akihabara instead. One of the guests had visited Japan before, but the others were visiting for the first time. In Yanaka, they shopped at an accessory store, and at the Bentendo hall by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno they bought many charms and explored with great interest. Although the guests were not particularly anime fans, they showed curiosity for the sake of relatives. They also seemed to enjoy a hearty lunch at a sushi restaurant. Since we had extra time before Roppongi, I also guided them around Azabudai Hills. At Tokyo Midtown, they took photos in front of the Suntory Museum of Art and stopped by a Cool Japan select shop, enjoying some shopping. Finally, I guided them to the Mori Garden at Roppongi Hills, and after taking commemorative photos, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Sobu Line Kinshicho Station~JR Yamanote Line Nippori Station180JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station600JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station0JPY
    Total780JPY

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Sep 6, 2026
    Paullyb
    Highly professional and relaxed tour exceeding our expectations
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tachi…

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet up @Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
    • 2.10:30 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 3.11:20 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, JR Cafe, Yaesu Exit)
    • 4.12:40 @Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Food Floor)
    • 5.13:15 Lunch @Sansada (Asakusa)
    • 6.14:00 @Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 7.15:30 @Akihabara (Yodobashi Akiba)
    • 8.16:00 @Roppongi (National Art Center, Tokyo [exterior only], Tokyo Midtown Roppongi)
    • 9.16:20 Disband @In front of the underground eat-in area at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi

    Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Akihabara, and Roppongi The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Some of their relatives had stayed in Japan before, so they already had a lot of information about the country. Before this tour began, they had already visited the tuna auction at Toyosu Market and enjoyed a sushi breakfast. After visiting the Imperial Palace, while we were exploring Tokyo Station, I helped them arrange their Shinkansen tickets to Kyoto for the following day, as they had not yet purchased them. We did this at the least crowded JR cafe near the Yaesu exit, but including the waiting time, it took more than an hour. However, we were able to secure Shinkansen seats even during the busy year-end period, so they were very pleased. For lunch, they had expressed interest in trying curry rice or udon, but when I introduced Asakusa as being famous for tempura, they decided they would love to try it, so I guided them to Sansada, a long-established restaurant. They enjoyed tempura soba and a tempura set meal. On Nakamise Street near Sensoji Temple, they also tried ningyo-yaki and mitarashi dango. At Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, they obtained several souvenirs from the capsule toy machines. For our final stop in Roppongi, they already had information about Roppongi Hills, but this time I guided them to Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, where they could enjoy a new type of illumination. There, they were very happy when I introduced several shops, including a specialty cutlery store, the Itoya stationery shop, the Kayanoya dashi store, a pet-related shop, and an eat-in corner offering ochazuke and tempura udon.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Hanzomon~Yurakucho Line Sakuradamon Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Suehirocho Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station~Roppongi Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

  • Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto: Monkey Park Iwatayama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 9:45-10:45 Monkey Park Iwatayama
    • 11:00-12:00 Tenryu-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path sightseeing
    • 12:30-13:10 Lunch @ Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
    • 13:20-14:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple sightseeing (soft serve ice cream)
    • 15:00 Drop off at Gion Hanamikoji
    • 15:15 After strolling Hanamikoji, disband

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Gion Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The group of guests from North America visited Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and the Gion area on a private one-day tour of Kyoto. In Arashiyama, they strolled through Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Grove path, thoroughly enjoying the beautiful scenery, though the uphill climb to the Monkey Park was a bit challenging for one of the guests. Even so, they walked all the way to the end, and the whole group felt a great sense of accomplishment. For lunch, they enjoyed udon, soba, and a tempura set at a restaurant near Kinkaku-ji, and one of the guests especially liked drinking the sobayu (the water used to boil soba). Because of the time this took, we decided to skip the planned visit to Nijo Castle and instead added the Gion area. In Gion, they walked along Hanamikoji Street and seemed to enjoy the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto.

    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

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    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.…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & SHIBUYA Pokemon Center

    Tokyo in Half a Day: MEIJI JINGU SHRINE & SHIBUYA Pokemon Center

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:50 meet at the Hotel
    • 10:00 1. THE IMPERIAL PALACE & the Tokyo Station
    • 11:00 2. MEIJI JINGU SHRINE
    • 11:45 3. TAKESHITA STREET
    • 12:55 4. SHIBUYA Pokemon Center
    • 13:00 see off at Shibuya PARCO

    Title: What Happens If a Guest Is Late for a Private Tour Meetup at Tokyo Station? A Licensed Guide's Report I thought it might be a no-show, but the guest and I were able to meet 50 minutes after the scheduled time. The guest had designated the Hotel as the meeting point rather than their own accommodation, and had gotten lost because they could not find the location. The guest apologized for being late, and we started with an explanation of the itinerary.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayChiyoda Line Hibiya~Meiji-jingumae178JPY
    Section 2SubwayFukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae~Shibuya178JPY
    Total356JPY

    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.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Nara in One Day: Nara Park & Kofuku-ji

    Nara in One Day: Nara Park & Kofuku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Nara Station
    • 10:15 Nara Park
    • 10:30 Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall
    • 11:30 Nigatsu-do
    • 12:20 Kasuga Taisha
    • 13:02 Shin-Yakushi-ji
    • 13:50 Naramachi + Lunch
    • 14:40 Kofuku-ji
    • 16:00 Disband @ JR Nara Station

    Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Nara from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They traveled from Kyoto in the morning, and we met on time at JR Nara Station to begin the tour. Some of the guests were very interested in history and culture, asking many questions at every place we visited. Others were more interested in the deer, other animals, and sweets, so I tried to manage the schedule carefully to accommodate everyone's interests as much as possible. On this day they were moving to a hotel in Osaka and had a dinner reservation, so I was able to see them off at Nara Station before 16:00 as planned.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusJR Nara Station~In front of Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall & Kasuga Taisha250JPY
    Section 2BusTamukeyama & Nigatsu-do~Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine100JPY
    Section 3BusIn front of the Prefectural Office~JR Nara Station250JPY
    Total600JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Building 8:10 – Tokyo Tower 9:10~9:50 – Asakusa Sightseeing + Meal 10:10~12:00 – Meiji Shrine 12:30~13:15 – Shibuya 13:35~14:10 – Haneda Airport 14:30

    Title: What Can You See on a Half-Day Private Layover Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was a solo traveler visiting Japan for a short half-day layover tour with no overnight stay, stopping in Tokyo while in transit. The flight had arrived at Haneda Airport at 5:40, and since the cafés had not yet opened, the guest kindly passed the time on the rooftop observation deck. The tour was scheduled to start at 8:30, but because roads can get congested at the end of the year, we left the airport shortly after 8:00. On the way to Tokyo Tower, the guest treated me and the driver to coffee at a Starbucks. The guest was very active and mentioned having traveled to 30 countries. Since we traveled by taxi, I was able to explain the destinations in advance during the ride, and our conversation ranged widely over the scenery outside, Japanese culture, the declining birthrate issue, wedding customs in Asia, and a recent aviation accident. The guest was intelligent, kind, considerate, and very pleasant to guide.

    I have been working as a tour guide once a week since 2024.
    I grew up in Osaka and studied in Kyoto,
    I have been working for the lvestock division of the national organization of agricultural cooperatives.
    Japan depends on imports for most of its livestock feed ingredients.
    I visited 10 countries on business and stayed in New Orleans working for a subsidiary company for 3 years.
    I visited 10 other countries with my wife for sightseeing.
    I also started writing Haiku, Japanese traditional poem, after retiring.
    One of my favorite is ” Bundled up, you are like a Matryoshka.”
    Looking forward to see you!

    Sep 24, 2026
    benoitlJ9021HN
    Perfect guide tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was very nice…

    Sep 19, 2026
    H1282JBkarinas
    Great tour with Lance from Japan Guide Agency!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Lance our tour…

    Sep 10, 2026
    Silver_F
    amazing 8-hour walking tour with Lance!
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Lance was our…

    Jul 4, 2026
    317roxaneh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great time in Tokyo!
    We had a great day with Lance! He…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel meeting. Due to a mistake in the luggage transport arrangements, the guests had to travel to the hotel in Kyoto carrying their own suitcases each
    • 10:45 Arrived at Hyatt Place Kyoto, where they will be staying starting today 11:00 Short break at a matcha cafe near the hotel 12:00 Kinkaku-ji 13:45 Light meal (lunch) in Arashiyama
    • 14:35 Bamboo Grove 16:00 Fushimi Inari 17:25 Guided them to the hotel and the tour ended

    What Can You See on a Private Osaka-to-Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had arranged to have their luggage transported in advance to their Kyoto hotel for that night's stay, but due to some error the luggage could not be transported, so they had no choice but to carry it themselves to the Kyoto hotel. The tour began with all of us moving while carrying the luggage, using the Osaka subway, JR, and the Kyoto city subway. I searched for elevators wherever possible and moved with care to minimize the burden on the guests. We spent the first two hours or so just traveling, so in the end we only visited three places: Kinkaku-ji, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and Fushimi Inari. The group was very close-knit, and everyone carried their luggage without a single complaint. I did not even ask why the transport had failed, as everyone was focused solely on solving the problem in front of us. Moving while carrying the luggage was tough, so after arriving at the Kyoto hotel and checking in, we rested for a while at a nearby matcha café before heading to Kinkaku-ji. At the end I saw them back to the hotel, and the tour concluded. The photo was taken in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka~Kyoto580JPY
    Section 3SubwayKyoto~Marutamachi1,100JPY
    Section 4SubwayMarutamachi~Kitaoji0JPY
    Section 5BusKitaoji Bus Terminal~Kinkaku-ji-michi0JPY
    Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Kitano-Hakubaicho0JPY
    Section 7TrainKitano-Hakubaicho~Randen Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 8TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
    Section 9TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 10SubwayKyoto~Marutamachi0JPY
    Total2,560JPY

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Hotel Genji Kyoto ➡ By train and subway 9:40 Nijo Castle (garden only) ➡ By bus 11:30 Kinkaku-ji ➡ By taxi 13:00 Kyoto Station (lunch) ➡ By train 14:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha ➡ By train to Kyoto Station, dismissal (15:20)

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had visited Gion and Nishiki Market the day before, and planned to visit the Arashiyama area the next day, so we went to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. The group was impressed by the beauty of the gardens at Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji. For lunch, they wanted to eat okonomiyaki, so we went to a restaurant near Kyoto Station. At a souvenir shop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the group showed interest in daruma dolls, maneki-neko (beckoning cats), and Shigaraki-ware tanuki figures, and when I explained them, they said they would make good souvenirs. They were also interested in the kadomatsu New Year decorations displayed at Kyoto Station.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Sanjo170JPY
    Section 2SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 4TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 5BusNijojo-mae~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total920JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.8:30 Meet at Hotel Indigo Shibuya
    • 2.9:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
    • 3.11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 4.11:45 Lunch at Sushisei
    • 5.13:00 Meiji Shrine
    • 6.14:30 Takeshita Street
    • 7.15:00 Omotesando
    • 8.15:30 Disband at Omotesando

    Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from Oceania during the summer. Since the group was running a little late at the meeting time, I was concerned and suggested items such as heat packs to help with the cold. We first traveled to Asakusa so they could experience the atmosphere of old Tokyo. On the way to Kuramae, the guests enjoyed taking photos with character figures from a well-known entertainment brand. As we were running slightly behind schedule, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market first for lunch, and while I waited at a sushi restaurant, the guests took a short time to explore freely. We were lucky to secure a table sooner than expected and were seated right away. After helping with the ordering, I stepped away for a while. When I returned to check on them fifteen minutes later, they seemed very satisfied with the fresh ingredients and flavors and were taking their time. Because we were pressed for time, we skipped Hamarikyu and instead visited Meiji Shrine, then enjoyed strolling along Takeshita Street and Omotesando before parting ways. The weather was fine, and overall the guests seemed very satisfied. They mentioned they could make their own way to teamLab afterward, so I left that to them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 2TrainKuramae~Tsukiji Market220JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKitasando~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total820JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
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  • Kyoto: Arashiyama & Tanaka Doll Shop

    Kyoto: Arashiyama & Tanaka Doll Shop

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet (@The Westin Miyako Kyoto)
    • 8:30-9:30 Travel (chartered car; Hotel→Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 9:30-10:30 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple & Sogenchi Garden visit, Bamboo Grove)
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel (chartered car; Tenryu-ji Temple→Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 11:00-11:50 Ryoan-ji Temple visit
    • 11:50-12:00 Travel (chartered car; Ryoan-ji Temple→Restaurant/Egao Gohan)
    • 12:00-12:50 Lunch (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana)
    • 12:50-13:00 Travel (chartered car; Restaurant→Kinkaku-ji Temple)
    • 13:00-13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 13:50-14:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple→Kawaramachi Shijo (Tanaka Doll Shop)
    • 14:20-14:30 Visit Tanaka Doll Shop
    • 14:30 Farewell at Shinkyogoku

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Ryoanji, and Kinkakuji The guests were a group visiting from North America. After visiting Hiroshima and Osaka, they arrived in Kyoto the previous evening. It was their first visit to Kyoto, so I took them to Arashiyama (the Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple and its Sogenchi Garden, and the bamboo grove), Ryoanji Temple, and Kinkakuji Temple. On the way back, the group expressed a wish to purchase a Japanese doll, so with advice from the driver, I took them to a doll shop, and we said goodbye at Shinkyogoku. They seemed very satisfied, especially because they were able to purchase the Japanese doll they had long wanted at the end of the tour. Among the group, some favored Kinkakuji Temple, while another favored Ryoanji Temple.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHotel(The Westin Miyako Kyoto)~Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 2OtherTenryu-ji Temple~Ryoan-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 3OtherRyoan-ji Temple~Restaurant (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana) [near Kinkaku-ji Temple]0JPY
    Section 4OtherRestaurant (Egao Gohan CoCo Hana)~Kinkaku-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 5OtherKinkaku-ji Temple~Kawaramachi Shijo (Tanaka Doll Shop)0JPY
    Total0JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
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    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…