Category: Uncategorized

  • Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Osaka in One Day: Koyasan & Namba

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00     Meet at Hotel S-Presso East
    • 8:00-10:07  Move to Koyasan by train
    • 10:10-10:30 Move to Okunoin by Koyasan bus
    • 10:30-11:50 Okunoin
    • 11:50-12:20 Lunch
    • 12:20-12:30 Move to Senjyuinbashi by Koyasan bus
    • 12:30-13:20 shopping , eat sweets
    • 13:20-14:00 Kongobu-ji Temple
    • 14:00-14:50 Danjo Garan temple complex
    • 15:00-15:20 Move to Koyasan Station by Koyasan bus
    • 15:35-17:22 Move to Namba
    • Around 17:35 Hotel S-Presso East(End of the tour)

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Koyasan from Namba Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Because the train ride was long, I explained many things about Koyasan, and as a break we also chatted about the guest's home region in Oceania and their hobbies. I learned that the guest had practiced aikido for a long time, so I shared that the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was from Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. The snow that had fallen since morning was very beautiful, and because it was fresh snow it was crunchy and not slippery. Since I had anticipated the snowfall, I had contacted the guest in advance. I was glad we were able to walk through Okunoin and the Garan complex without any trouble. The guest bought prayer beads as a souvenir and also purchased a zodiac charm. The guest also seemed to like Japanese sweets and tried a variety of them. Since the guest had plenty of stamina, we were able to efficiently visit the main sites and returned to Namba as planned. The temperature at Koyasan was minus 2 degrees, but because there was no wind, Namba actually felt colder in the evening.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNamba~Koyasan3,540JPY
    Total3,540JPY

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Tsukiji Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:50 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40 Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
    • 14:00 Sensoji Temple
    • 15:00 Tsukiji Market
    • 15:30 Disperse @ Tsukiji

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to go skiing in Hokkaido. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they showed interest in the explanation of the differences between shrines and temples, as well as the many shops along Nakamise-dori. Since the guests said, "We can get back to the hotel on our own, so we would really like to go to Tsukiji Market," I guided them all the way to Tsukiji Market even though we had slightly gone over the tour time, and then we parted ways. As I accommodated the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainEbisu~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji0JPY
    Total920JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet at the hotel
    • 2. 11:00 Arrive at JR Nara Station
    • 3. 11:30 Guide through Kofukuji Temple
    • 4. 12:00 Guide through Tokondo Hall
    • 5. 12:30 Stroll through Nara Park (feeding the deer)
    • 6. 13:00 Guide through Todaiji Nandaimon Gate
    • 7. 13:30 Guide through the Great Buddha Hall
    • 8. 14l30 Guide through Nigatsudo Hall
    • 9. 15:30 Guide through Kasuga Taisha Shrine
    • 10. 16:30 Stroll through the shopping street
    • 11. 16:45 Disband @ Nakatanidou

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Nara Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The group visiting from Asia met me at the Hotel on time, and we discussed the itinerary for sightseeing in Nara. Since the guests preferred to leave the entire itinerary to the guide, I briefly explained a route covering Kofuku-ji, Nara Park, Todai-ji, and Kasuga Taisha, and we started our Nara tour by taking the JR Nara Line. On the train, we chatted, introduced ourselves, and talked about their impressions of Japan as we traveled to Nara. At first the guests seemed a little nervous and the conversation was somewhat awkward, but they gradually opened up, and by the time we arrived in Nara they had begun asking questions. At Kofuku-ji, I guided them around the Jizo Bosatsu, the three-storied pagoda, the North Octagonal Hall, the South Octagonal Hall, and the Eastern Golden Hall. They seemed to have a fair amount of knowledge about the Buddhist statues. After that, we moved to Nara Park in front of Todai-ji so that the young ones in the group could enjoy feeding the deer, which they had been looking forward to. Many deer came asking for "shika senbei" (deer crackers), and everyone was thrilled. I had considered lunch, and recommended "dango" and "takoyaki" at a shop in the bus terminal, where we took a short break together. After refueling, we moved to the Great Buddha Hall. I guided them while explaining the magnificent Great Buddha and the attendant statues. After the Great Buddha Hall, I showed them a replica of the sorin finial and the bell tower, then we moved to Nigatsu-do, where I explained the Omizutori ceremony. From there we walked to Kasuga Taisha. Unfortunately, the shrine was closed in preparation for the New Year, so I guided them from outside the main precinct. As the guests began to feel tired after Kasuga Taisha, we took a bus to the shopping street. There I showed them Nakatanidou, famous for its mochi-pounding demonstration, and they happily ate yomogi mochi. Finally, since the guests wished to go shopping in the shopping street, we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~JR Nara Station720JPY
    Section 2BusIn front of Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine~In front of Kintetsu Nara Station100JPY
    Total820JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1) 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 3) 10:10 Shibuya
    • 4) 11:20 Imperial Palace Main Gate Nijubashi Bridge
    • 5) 12:30 Tsukiji Market
    • 6) 14:00 Tea Ceremony Experience @ Tea Ceremony Utensils Kakinuma (3-21-9 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
    • 7) 15:10 Senso-ji Temple Main Hall
    • 8) 15:20 Dismissal @ Senso-ji Temple Nitenmon Gate

    What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing and Tea Ceremony Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Based on detailed correspondence beforehand, they had requested the main sightseeing spots and a tea ceremony experience. After meeting at the hotel and reconfirming the itinerary, the tour began. During the tour, I learned that one of the guests needed to walk with care, so I made an effort to guide them along routes that were as easy to walk as possible. This time, the guests were spending two days in Tokyo while traveling on to Asia. They planned to visit the area around Mount Fuji the next day. Today, I guided them through the sightseeing spots as planned. In Tsukiji, they took a lunch break at a sushi restaurant and got some daifuku mochi to take away. Thanks to the tea ceremony instructor, the guests were able to enjoy the tea ceremony experience smoothly and were very satisfied. Since they were scheduled to join a walking tour starting from Shinjuku at 18:30, I guided them to a spot where it would be easy to call an Uber, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shinjuku-sanchome Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Kitasando Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Tsukiji Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Monkey Park

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Monkey Park

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Meet  Celestine Kyoto Gion
    • 10:00 to 11:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 11:30 to 11:45 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 12:00 to 12:15 Yasaka Shrine
    • 12:15 to 13:00 Gion
    • 13:30 to 14:00 Sagano Bamboo Grove
    • 14:15 to 15:15 Monkey Park
    • 15:30 Dismissal Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gion and Kinkaku-ji Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. After finishing Gion, the final stop of the morning tour, we were talking about heading to lunch when one of the guests mentioned wanting to go to a restaurant with a menu that used no meat or fish. Fortunately, we were in Gion, an area with many restaurants, so I was able to recommend a restaurant with such a menu. If this had come up in an area with fewer restaurants, such as around Kinkaku-ji, it would have been difficult to accommodate.

    Personal data
    Born in : May 1st, 1957
    Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
    historic spots, Japanese
    gardens and old townscape
    Former career : Worked for electric
    company and engaged in
    international sales for
    about 40 years.
    Travel history in the former career :
    Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

    Career as guide interpreter
    Acquisition of guide license : 2016
    Career of guide : 8 years
    Genre of my specialty :
    Japanese historic structures such as
    temple, shrine, castle and garden.
    Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
    Himeji

    Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

    Dec 30, 2024
    shannono1010
    Haru is a Rock Star
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

    Dec 29, 2024
    Ali O
    Amazing!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

    Dec 4, 2024
    D5658ZEjohnr
    Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

    Dec 3, 2024
    Charlie_Jane00
    Kyoto Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Asakusa

    Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & Asakusa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel @ Shinjuku
    • 10:30-11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 11:50-13:00 Shibuya Scramble + Lunch
    • 13:20-13:40 Imperial Palace
    • 14:00-14:50 Ginza
    • 15:10-16:00 Asakusa

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa After meeting the guests at the hotel, we discussed where to go. Since they had already visited the popular spots of Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Tsukiji, I suggested various other places, and we decided to start at Takeshita Street. On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed visiting a Shiba Inu cafe. After that, we saw the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue before having lunch. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed for the New Year holidays, so we only viewed Nijubashi Bridge. In Ginza, the guests enjoyed a cafe latte at a car showroom. In Asakusa, the group enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes together, and they also purchased omamori charms. Since one of the guests found it difficult to walk long distances, we made full use of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, and took frequent breaks while getting around. When I asked for their impressions at the end, it seemed the guests had enjoyed themselves.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku167JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya178JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Sakuradamon178JPY
    Section 4TrainSakuradamon~Ginza-itchome178JPY
    Section 5TrainGinza~Asakusa209JPY
    Total910JPY

    Hello! I’m TAKU.
    Don’t worry I’m NOT TAX!

    With an extensive knowledge of history and love for this amazing city, I am dedicated to giving unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of Tokyo and surrounding area. Tokyo offers such a variety of attractions and beautiful places such as historical and cultural places, parks, museums and modern buildings & towers.

    I have deep knowledge to guide from the historical point of view, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, off-the-beaten-tracks and many other spots in Tokyo. In addition, I have specialized skills to explain Sumo, viewing tournaments or stable practice tour because I have been a fan of Sumo more than 50 years.

    Beyond my tour guiding expertise, I hold a master’s degree in Medical administration and financial planning, and I had worked for health insurance societies and pension fund, I can explain Japanese Social Security system while my guiding.

    Tokyo has convenient public transportation system, but it is still difficult for visitors to use without any difficulties because of using Japanese signs. That is when you need a guide, too.

    Apr 5, 2025
    michaelcD221JN
    Perfect City Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We were in Tokyo as…

    Mar 20, 2025
    Lisa_H
    The BEST Tokyo Tour!
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Touring Tokyo with our guide, Taku,…

    Mar 14, 2025
    michelle_r
    Tokyo tour from cruise ship
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Communication with guide was exceptional…

    Feb 22, 2025
    Jia_R
    Yokohama walking tour
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My tour guide is Taku-san who is a great…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gio-ji Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Gio-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet up @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station
    • 14:12 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 14:57 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 15:42 Gio-ji Temple
    • 17:03 Disband @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Tour of Okusaga in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time. It was their fourth day in Kyoto, but until then they had only visited Osaka and Hiroshima, so it was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto. Even so, they requested a tour of Okusaga, and I took them there. They said they wanted to avoid places that were too crowded, so we visited three temples along the old road, and I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the calm atmosphere and the beautiful views. Some of the guests asked many questions, and I was pleased to hear them say that they found it "interesting."

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama480JPY
    Section 2BusSaga Shogakko-mae~Otagidera-mae230JPY
    Total710JPY

    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…

  • Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: JR Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:07 Meet up on the train at JR Horyuji Station.
    • 10:18 JR Nara Station (taxi)
    • 10:30-50 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 11:00-40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:00-20 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
    • former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • (walk 10 minutes)
    • 12:30- Todaiji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
    • lunch at Emado-chaya?
    • 12:30-13:00 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 13:10 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • (walk 10 minutes) Lunch at Umoto Shoten
    • 13:20-50 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • (walk 5 minutes)
    • 14:00-10 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • (taxi)
    • 14:40- Nara-machi (Old merchant quarters)
    •     Nigiwai-no-ie, Naramachi sword shop, etc.
    • (walk 15 minutes)
    • 16:20 JR Nara
    • 16:46 (End of Tour) back at JR Horyuji Station

    Title: What Is a Private History-Focused Tour in Japan Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Africa. Based on their name, as I had anticipated, they were descendants of people who had lived in the region for generations, likely since around the 16th or 17th century, before the area became a British colony, and their mother tongue was a language that had branched off from another European language. One of the guests spoke at length and eloquently about history — how, in 1900, Britain invaded the region and was repelled, but two years later invaded again and conquered the area, which marked the beginning of a colonial period infamous for racial discrimination, and so on. I had read a fair amount about this history myself and found it fascinating at the time, but somehow I had forgotten much of it, so it was wonderful to relearn it directly from a guest who was, in a sense, a living witness to history. The guest also offered to recommend, after returning home, a clear and substantial book on the history of the region. During the Edo period, the Dutch were the only Westerners permitted to enter and leave Japan, and around the same period, it seems that in the guests' home region, Dutch settlers lived on relatively friendly terms with the indigenous African population. One of the guests spoke very quickly, which made it a little difficult to follow, but they were a very pleasant person overall.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHoryuji~Nara230JPY
    Section 2TrainNara~Horyuji230JPY
    Total460JPY

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    • 2. 10:45 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 3. 12:30 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4. 13:40 @Kiyomizu-zaka & Sannei-zaka
    • 5. 13:55 @Higashiyama Area
    • 6. 14:00 Disband @Yasaka Pagoda

    What Is a Family-Friendly Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The guests were a family with children. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera were extremely crowded, so I proceeded with the tour while keeping an eye on how the children were doing. Since it was a fairly long walking itinerary, at one point the children complained that they couldn't walk anymore, but the essential item of an Osaka auntie — candy — worked wonders! The moment they popped the candy into their mouths, the children were full of energy again, and we somehow managed to complete the entire itinerary as requested. Since it was cold and they mentioned they'd like ramen for lunch, I introduced two ramen shops located along Kiyomizu-zaka and Sannenzaka, and after taking commemorative photos near Yasaka Pagoda, we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Fushimi Inari170JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total390JPY

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

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
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    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Hanamikoji

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Hanamikoji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:30 Meeting @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Transfer Gate
    • Travel JR Kyoto→Inari
    • 12:00~12:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 12:50~Travel
    • Keihan Train Fushimi Inari→Kiyomizu-Gojo
    • 13:20~13:45 Break @ Kameya
    • 14:00~14:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • Travel On foot Kiyomizu-zaka→Sannen-zaka→Yasaka Hokanto→Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
    • 15:00~15:30 Strolling around Hanamikoji
    • Travel  On foot 
    • 16:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Municipal Subway Shijo

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera The meeting was scheduled for 11:00, but the guests contacted me to say they were coming from Tokyo Station by bullet train and that the train had been delayed due to a fire along the line. As a result, we decided to start the tour at 11:30. They said not to worry about lunch, and they walked at quite a brisk pace. I learned that they had also arranged a guide in Tokyo the previous day, and apparently that guide had been surprised at how fast-paced they were. At Fushimi Inari, the guests listened attentively to my explanations, and they washed their hands and offered prayers themselves. Perhaps because they had only seen Meiji Shrine, which has plain wooden torii gates, they were very impressed by the vividly colored torii gates of Fushimi Inari. On the way to Kiyomizu-dera, they said they would like to try Japanese sweets, so they stopped at a Japanese confectionery shop called Kameya partway up Gojozaka. It was the first time a guest had eaten Japanese sweets during one of my tours, so I took some photos. At Kiyomizu-dera, they were impressed by the historic architecture, but since they did not go up into the main hall, I felt it was a little bit of a missed opportunity. We then walked from Sannenzaka to Yasaka Hokanji Temple, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Hanamikoji. Since it was still only 15:30 at this point and we had time, I asked whether they would like to visit Yasaka Shrine or Shinbashi, but they said they were fine, so as planned, we headed toward Kyoto Station, passing Minamiza and Shijo Ohashi Bridge together to Shijo Station. Along the way, one of the guests said they wanted to stay in the Shijo area, so I guided them to Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway, from where they could return to Kyoto Station on a single train, and we parted ways. They were a very easygoing group to talk with, and I truly enjoyed guiding them. Since their main destination was skiing in Hokkaido, they did not seem to have researched much about Kyoto, and even at the planning stage they said, "Anywhere the guide finds interesting is fine." Because we had a late start, I put quite a lot of thought into choosing the locations, and considering that they might have lunch along the way, I planned a relaxed itinerary, but I thought I could perhaps have added one more stop. Overall, it was an enjoyable tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo220JPY
    Total370JPY

    I am a 54-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!

    May 18, 2026
    WENDY_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent day out
    The trip was really well planned and organised, it…

    Sep 21, 2025
    joshsJ915FC
    Super tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Really wonderful tour of markets and geisha district.…

    Jun 16, 2025
    Chanyl C
    Highly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My husband and I really enjoyed the Kyoto tour.…

    May 18, 2025
    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Satori was very kind and…