Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Daiganji-Temple & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Daiganji-Temple & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 meet up in the lobby of hotel
    • 9:16 bus to Hiroshima Station =9:36 train to Miyajiamaguchi = 10:10 ferry to Miyajima
    • 10:20-12:00 Strolling from pier to Itsukushima Shrine and Itsukushima Shrine
    • 12:00-12:10 Daiganji-Temple
    • 12:20-13:00 Daishoin-Temple
    • 13:10-14:10 Omotesando-shopping district (lunch and cafe)
    • 14:20-15:00 ferry to Miyajimaguchi, train to Yokogawa, and tram to atomic bomb dome
    • 15:00-15:30 Peace Memorial Park
    • 15:30-16:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:40 Break up at the museum

    Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report It rained before departure and even more heavily during the tour. Shoes and clothes were completely soaked and the conditions were far from ideal, yet the guests patiently and with genuine interest explored Miyajima and the Peace Memorial Museum and Park. As this was a memorable family trip, I was delighted to be able to accompany the group as a guide on such a precious page of their journey. At the museum, one of the guests shared that a member of their family had been an Auschwitz survivor who had emigrated from Europe to North America. I felt that the fact that they chose to share something so personal with a guide they happened to be with may have come from the earlier conversation at the shrines and temples about Shinto, Buddhism, and the worldview that people in Japan live by without always being conscious of it. One of the guests was also fondly reminded of memories from an earlier time spent in Europe, and when I, having returned from Europe myself, hummed a European-language song sung during this season, they were very happy and said, "I've heard that before! I know it!" It was a moment when I realized how the small things in life can turn out to be useful in all kinds of situations. When we parted, I received a tip. I am reporting this just to be sure.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 3OtherYokogawa~Atomic Bomb Dome-mae220JPY
    Total970JPY

    I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure.
    As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience.
    Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima.
    I understand that traveling to a new country can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar customs. Please consider me your local resource – not just for the tour itself, but for any questions or concerns you may have during your stay. From dining recommendations to advice on local etiquette, I am more than happy to assist in making your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. Thank you for choosing to explore Hiroshima with me. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer.
    If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

    Warm regards,
    Kay

    Jun 3, 2026
    Y5284SOjeffe
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima Island Walking Tour
    Keiko…

    Apr 21, 2026
    gailk914
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing tour & guide!
    Unforgettable and emotionally moving tour of…

    Jul 10, 2025
    Z4238KUrebeccag
    Amazing day
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This was amazing. Kay was so knowledgeable…

    Jun 13, 2025
    Olga870
    Ahora tenemos nuestro corazón en Japón. La mejor experiencia
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Gion & Karasuma Station

    Kyoto in One Day: Gion & Karasuma Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel
    • 8:20 Gion
    • 9:00 Fushimi Inari
    • 11:00 Kinkaku-ji
    • 12:00 Arashiyama
    • 13:45 Karasuma Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Gion, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania whom I guided through Gion, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama on a private tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Because we visited Gion early in the morning, there were few people around, and the guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery. At Fushimi Inari, they asked about the difference between Shinto and Buddhism and were very interested, and they were also amazed by the sheer number of cultural heritage sites in Kyoto. At Kinkaku-ji, they of course marveled at the beautiful gold, and gazed with fascination at the displayed image of Kinkaku-ji covered in snow. In Arashiyama, they walked briskly from the bamboo grove to the observation deck, enjoying the beauty of the greenery and the spectacular view from the deck. We parted ways without having lunch.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Nishinokyo-Enmachi230JPY
    Section 5TrainEnmachi~Saga-Arashiyama190JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Karasuma240JPY
    Total1,310JPY

    Dear guests,

    I’m Yuko, your guide. I’m happy to guide you!

    I have lived in Osaka since I was born(almost 50 years), so I’m a Osaka master!!
    Osaka has a long history, so of course, we have some historical places, but the best thing of all is …… food!!
    I can take you not only to the castle, shrines, temples, but also to the nice restaurants or food stands where you can enjoy Osaka’s local foods

    And, Kyoto, I don’t need to say anything, but it’s the most famous place in Japan where you can know Japanese culture. Of course, I can show you around Kyoto. I have guided the guests in Kyoto many times, so you also enjoy Kyoto tour with me!

    Let’s enjoy the tour with me and have an unforgettable memory!

    May 9, 2025
    373gauravm
    Day well spent in Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko San is one of the best…

    Apr 21, 2025
    marianacJ7585VZ
    Fun, convenient, friendly guide around Osaka
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yuko was great at guiding us…

    Apr 4, 2025
    K8311RNlaurak
    Great sightseeing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoku was a wonderful guide showing us osaka castle…

    Apr 3, 2025
    andrewfM955FU
    Amazing Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The tour was a great way to see some of…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meet up @Courtyard by Marriott
    • 11:30 Takeshita Street, Omotesando
    • 13:00 Shibuya
    • 13:30 Lunch @Pepper Parlor
    • 15:30 Break up @Akihabara

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like from a Tokyo Bay Hotel to Akihabara? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group from South America who came to Japan through the support of a volunteer organization. All communication before the day was handled through the organization as the point of contact, so I met them without a clear idea of how they were doing. When I actually met them, they were doing very well. According to one of the guests, they had decided to make the trip to Japan now. Their hotel was inside a resort area, and they came out to meet me at Kyobashi. One of the guests had looked up routes on a map app and they were able to travel on their own using Suica without any trouble. When I asked, they said they had no plans to visit the amusement park, and since the location was inconvenient for sightseeing in central Tokyo, I suggested changing hotels if possible. Since the schedule was tight, I discussed it with the guests and we decided to skip Meiji Shrine, which had originally been planned, and I saw them off at Akihabara to end the tour. The guests were very open and were genuinely delighted and moved by everything, which made guiding them truly rewarding. I can only hope for a swift recovery and good health. For lunch, I asked the organization about their preferences and chose a particular restaurant, but the guests seemed to have preferred Japanese cuisine. I felt that, in cases where I cannot communicate directly with the guests, it is better not to decide on lunch in advance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyobashi~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Akihabara210JPY
    Total570JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Kumamoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kumamoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel 10:15 Luffy Statue, 10:30 Chopper Statue, 11:10 Sanji Statue, 11:40 Nami Statue, 12:40 Franky Statue, 13:20 Usopp Statue, 13:50 Zoro Statue
    • 15:15 Disband at Torichosuji Station

    What Is a Private One Piece Statue Tour in Kumamoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report This was a One Piece tour visiting the Luffy statue, Chopper statue, Sanji statue, Nami statue, Franky statue, Usopp statue, and Zoro statue. The group had a light lunch at the Tawarayama products hall near the Nami statue. Along the way, crossing the Aso mountain pass involved a long stretch of winding roads, so the guests may have been a little tired. Using the full four hours, we chartered a taxi to reach the final Zoro statue, then took the JR train and streetcar to a point near the Hotel before parting ways. It was a gift tour for the guests, and the group happily took photos together and collected commemorative cards at each spot.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHigo-Ozu Station~Shin-Suizenji Station380JPY
    Section 2TrainShin-Suizenji Station~Torichosuji Station180JPY
    Total560JPY

    In 2016, I obtained the National Guide Certification and have been guiding mainly tours in Kumamoto City, but also in neighboring areas such as Aso, Takachiho, and Unzen. I have learned a lot from guiding and have had the invaluable experience of interacting with guests from many different countries. I love being a guide and also I think guiding job is physically wonderful because it is based on walking. I am interested in history, especially samurai culture. In Kumamoto, you can see the footprints of the castle lords, the Kato and the Hosokawa families. The Kato family is famous as strong warlords, while the Hosokawa family is famous as intellectuals who developed the culture of the samurai. Also, Kumamoto is one of the few cities in the world where all water is supplied by groundwater. Please enjoy Kumamoto’s history, culture, and water.

    Mar 27, 2025
    AnaBelenGP11
    Wonderful MEIKO!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We have the best time with MIEKO at Kumamoto. She…

    Mar 5, 2025
    lsmilburn2019
    Such a knowledgeable guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mieko was an incredible guide. I feel very…

    Nov 25, 2024
    L
    Lori_T
    Mieko is Ichiban! The best guide for Kumamoto<3<3 Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide Mieko was such a wonderful guide! She took our interests into consideration and showed us a special Shinto temple and let us drink from the "long life" spring. She also explained how to do a Shinto prayer and took us for a walk where the gods lived. We had lunch at the perfect place–we wanted to eat good seafood–the seafood was fresh and the service fast and friendly. The fresh grilled scallops were the best I've tasted. Also, we got to try horse sashimi which is a specialty of Fukuoka I think. It was very good. We also toured Kumamoto Castle and the surrounding areas. We ended the tour at a restaurant that served the Kumamoto Wagyu special beef–from black cows! I'd highly recommend having Mieko guide you!

    Aug 15, 2024
    Kris_F
    Kumamoto with guide Mieko is a must!
    Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My family had the most…

  • Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Fukuoka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Cruise ship terminal (9:30) → (10:00) Tocho-ji Temple (10:50) → (10:50) Mochikichi/Shimamoto (Mentai) (11:15) → (11:30) Hakata Machiya Folk Museum (12:00) → (12:00) Kawabata Shopping Arcade (12:30) → (12:30) Hakata Ramen (13:00) → (13:10) Kushida Shrine (14:00) → (14:10) Cafe de Crie (14:40) → (15:00) Hakata Station Hankyu Department Store (15:40) → (15:40) Hakata Station taxi stand

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Fukuoka's Old Town and Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour focused on Fukuoka's old town, centering on visits to temples and shrines. The guests were visiting from the Middle East and asked many questions about how Japanese people view religion. They also watched a video of the Hakata Yamakasa summer festival, and they were very pleased, saying it was easy to understand and enjoyable. After a meal of ramen, we had coffee at a café and then went to a department store. After purchasing Shiseido cosmetics, they looked at pearls and then headed to the food floor. They had a great time sampling sake, and finally purchased ramen as a souvenir.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHakata International Terminal~Gion210JPY
    Total210JPY

    Hello, I’m guide May. I was born and raised in Fukuoka. I spent two years of university in Missouri, USA. After graduating, I worked in Tokyo for five years, but Tokyo was too busy for me, so I returned to Kyushu. I lived in Nagasaki for a while, and now I reside in Fukuoka. During this time, I got married and have two sons. They’re already independent, so it’s just my husband and me now.
    I became a guide five years ago. I used to host homestay students about 20 years ago, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become a guide. It’s really fun helping travelers from overseas.
    Fukuoka is a compact city with the sea and mountains nearby, offering fresh and delicious food. It has two downtown areas, the old town and the new town, making it a charming city rich in history. There are also plenty of places to enjoy shopping, and you can even take a train ride to the countryside.
    I can be flexible to accommodate your preferences. Please feel free to let me know your wishes. Thank you very much.

    Oct 22, 2024
    yyardeni
    An wonderful day tour with an excellent guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Fukuoka Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had a…

  • Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0900 Port ー 0915 ASPAM (13th floor observation deck) ー 0950 Warasse (Nebuta experience) ー1050 Lovina & Lovina (including lunch) ー 1300 Aomori shopping district (traditional craft shops, etc.) 一 1335 Utou Shrine ー 1350 ASPAM (including 3D movie viewing) ー 1520 Port

    The weather was excellent. It was neither too hot nor too cold, making it a perfect day for a walking tour. We met for the first time just outside the port customs area, but since it was crowded and noisy, we confirmed the day's plans at a patio between the port and the ASPAM building after handing over the schedule. We then set off from ASPAM, but the guests became absorbed in shopping (at a drugstore, a shoe store, and other shops) at LOVINA and the newly built station building, which put us slightly behind schedule. Still, by 3:20 PM, all of the guiding was completed without any problems. I have attached a photo taken just before lunch, and I think you can see how much they were enjoying themselves.

    I was born and raised in Aomori Prefecture. I graduated from Hirosaki University (a state university in Aomori Prefecture)
    Speaking of Aomori, remember me, please.
    My hobbies:
    Skiing, Japanese chess, overseas travel (I have visited more than 30 countries so far.), domestic travel (I have been to all prefectures except for Tottori and Shimane.), visiting hot springs, gardening,
    Dutch oven cooking, and walking.
    Guide career;
    I contract with several travel agencies and most of my clients are the ones from cruise ships. Recently I worked at Hakodate in Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Sakata in Yamagata Prefecture, Niigata, Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyako in Iwate Prefecture.
    I try my best if you ask me to be your guide. I am waiting for your offer.

    Oct 15, 2024
    Yarden_Y
    Our experience in Aamori was lovely and educating.
    Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 9:30 @ Lobby of Hotel
    • 2. Nagoya Castle: View the interior of Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower
    • 3. Lunch @ Yabaton Kinshachi Yokocho branch
    • 4. View Tokugawa Garden and Tokugawa Art Museum
    • 5. View Oasis 21, then depending on the guest's requests, guide them through the Sakae shopping area and disband on-site at 15:15

    Title: What's a Private Nagoya City Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nagoya Castle, Tokugawa Garden, and Osu The guests showed strong interest in the Honmaru Palace, the main tower of Nagoya Castle, and Tokugawa Garden, so I carefully explained and guided them through the highlights of each site. There was also a special exhibition related to The Tale of Genji at the Tokugawa Art Museum, which the guests found very interesting. At the Oasis 21 shopping area, they enjoyed the view of central Nagoya from the rooftop Spaceship-Aqua. Since the weather turned cloudy in the afternoon, we skipped the planned visit to the observation deck of the Mirai Tower, and instead, at the guests' request, I guided them to Otsu-dori, lined with department stores and shops. As they wished to explore freely, we parted ways at the site 15 minutes earlier than planned. Because I explained the direction back to the Hotel and how to catch a taxi, I believe the guests were able to enjoy strolling around the city freely and with peace of mind.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagoya Station~Nagoyajo Station240JPY
    Total240JPY

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel Meet
    • 11:30 Miyajima
    • 14:30 Lunch
    • 16:00 Hiroshima Peace Park
    • 17:30 Atomic Bomb Dome – Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Miyajima and Hiroshima Peace Park Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania on a family trip. Right from the start, we had a lively conversation comparing the population and the number of sheep in their home region, which got everyone in great spirits. Since some of the guests appeared to be less comfortable with English, I handed them an information file with plenty of photos to enjoy while we were on the train. The tour took place in October, visiting Miyajima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park under cloudy skies with occasional rain. Highlights included the "Kaidan-meguri" experience at Daisho-in and a stroll along Maple Road. This private tour was led by a government-licensed guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

    Transportation cost per person

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:50 Meet @ Hotel
    • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:30 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 11:50 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:15 Stay @ Tsukiji
    • 6. 13:05 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
    • 7. 14:00 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 14:35 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 9. 15:40 Travel: Subway
    • 10. 16:15 Disband @ JR Shibuya Station

    Title: Can You Visit the East Gardens, Tsukiji, and Asakusa in One Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group with roots in Japan on both sides, which is why they were interested in historically significant spots. The requested destinations were four places: the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, Sensoji Temple, and Meiji Shrine. Since visiting all of them seemed difficult, I decided to save Meiji Shrine, which was close to the hotel, for later and guide them through the remaining three spots first. I had been informed that one of the guests had a nut allergy, so I was a little nervous, but once I learned that everyone loved sushi, I was able to confidently take them to a restaurant I regularly use in Tsukiji. By the time we finished strolling around Asakusa, the guests said they were already tired, so at the end I explained how to get to Meiji Shrine from Shibuya Station using the JR line, and then we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya Station~Otemachi Station900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTsukiji Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kamigora & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kamigora & Hakone Open-Air Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @ Hyatt Regency Hakone
    • 9:44 – 9:47 Kamigora → Sounzan Station (Transport: Hakone Cable Car)
    • 10:00 – 10:15 Sounzan Station → Owakudani Station (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 10:15 – 10:45 Stay at Owakudani (photos, black eggs, etc.)
    • 10:45 – 11:10 Owakudani Station → Togendai Station (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:25 – 11:50 Togendai Port → Hakonemachi Port (Transport: Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch @ Cafe Komon
    • 12:30 – 12:40 @ Yosegi Zaiku Uchihara
    • 12:45 – 13:10 Uchihara → Moto-Hakone Port (Transport: On foot. Passing through the old Tokaido cedar avenue on the way)
    • 13:35 – 13:40 Moto-Hakone Port → Amazake Chaya (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 13:40 – 14:00 @ Amazake Chaya
    • 14:03 – 14:15 Amazake Chaya → Moto-Hakone Port (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 14:18 – 14:33 Moto-Hakone Port → Ninotaira Entrance (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 14:40 – 15:40 @ Strolling around the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 15:50 Disband @ Hakone Open-Air Museum (Call the hotel shuttle bus and disband)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was difficult to reach them in advance, but they finally replied two days before the tour, so I had to put together an itinerary at short notice. Since I already knew their accommodation, a rough itinerary was in place, so it was not much trouble. By the day of the tour, they had already traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and were surprised at how crowded everywhere was. They had only just arrived in Hakone, but they liked it because it was not so crowded and had plenty of nature. After retirement, they had settled in a new home in North America and seemed to be enjoying life to the fullest, having also purchased a condominium on an island in the region. They had been unable to travel during the pandemic, but were finally able to visit Japan, a destination they had long wanted to see. They are currently creating a garden and planting Japanese maple trees, and they clearly love Japan very much. It was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of Hakone.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamigora Station~Sounzan Station90JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan Station~Togendai1,500JPY
    Section 3FerryTogendai Port~Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Section 4BusMoto-Hakone Port~Amazake Chaya320JPY
    Section 5BusAmazake Chaya~Moto-Hakone Port320JPY
    Section 6BusMoto-Hakone Port~Ninotaira Entrance650JPY
    Total4,080JPY

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

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