Kanagawa: Kami-Gora Station & Hakone Open-Air Museum

Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

9:00 Meet @ Hyatt Regency Hakone
9:14 – 9:17 Kami-Gora Station → Sounzan Station (Transport: Hakone Cable Car) Take photos at Sounzan Station and drop postcards in the mailbox
9:35 – 9:50 Sounzan Station → Owakudani Station (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
9:50 – 10:30 Explore Owakudani (photos, buying black eggs, etc.)
10:30 – 11:00 Owakudani Station → Togendai Station (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
11:25 – 11:50 Togendai → Hakonemachi Port (Transport: Hakone Pirate Ship)
12:00 – 12:40 Lunch @ Cafe Komon
12:55 – 12:58 Hakonemachi Port → Moto-Hakone Port (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
13:00 – 13:20 Moto-Hakone Port → Hakone Shrine (Transport: Walking)
13:20 – 14:20 Explore Hakone Shrine, take photos, etc.
14:20 – 14:40 Hakone Shrine → Moto-Hakone Port (Transport: Walking)
14:58 – 15:13 Moto-Hakone Port → Ninotaira Entrance (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
15:13 – 15:25 Ninotaira Entrance → The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Transport: Walking)
15:30 – 16:40 Explore The Hakone Open-Air Museum
17:00 Disband @ The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Pickup at the museum entrance by the hotel shuttle bus)

Title: What Is a Private Tour in Japan Like for Guests from Central America? A Licensed Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America. One of the guests had begun studying English about nine months ago, mostly through online lessons, and had already become able to speak a little. Seeing how quickly the effort seemed to bear fruit made me think I might take up studying Spanish myself. Another guest spoke English very well, having previously worked for an international organization. This guest mentioned having been shot in the head while in a conflict zone, and that words sometimes do not come out smoothly, but said that being alive today is the most wonderful thing of all. I was truly glad that the group had chosen Japan and traveled all this way. When I asked whether they happened to know a well-known figure from that international organization, they said their times had overlapped and described that person as remarkable. It made me feel how people around the world are connected. Later, through a messaging app, I received a message saying, "It was a very good tour today. I feel as though I have made a friend on the far side of the world." It was a very warm and wonderful tour.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Kami-Gora Station～Sounzan Station	90JPY
Section 2	Train	Sounzan～Togendai	1,500JPY
Section 3	Ferry	Togendai～Hakonemachi Port	1,200JPY
Section 4	Bus	Hakonemachi Port～Moto-Hakone Port	200JPY
Section 5	Bus	Moto-Hakone Port～Ninotaira Entrance	650JPY
Total			3,640JPY

Tour Report by Hide

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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May 31, 2026
Carol_S
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Great way to start a trip
Hidecki reached out a couple of…

May 7, 2026
Alain_V
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Belle visite
Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

Apr 16, 2026
Julia_S
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Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
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Mar 25, 2026
Jeff_M
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Short tour of a huge city
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August, 2026

Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there

Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

9:30 Pick up at Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
9:30-12:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
12:00-12:30 Move to Shitennoji Temple
12:30-13:00 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
13:00-14:00 Kuromon Market
14:00-15:00 Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley
Around 15:00 End of the tour

What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Dotonbori The guests were a friendly group visiting Osaka near the end of their trip in Japan. Everyone was cheerful and enjoyed their time in Osaka. Osaka Castle was very crowded with international tourists, but since the guests had purchased electronic tickets, they were able to enter without waiting in line, for which they were grateful. It was crowded inside as well, so it took some time. The elevator had just finished repairs starting today, but since there was a wait to use it, we took the stairs instead. At Hokoku Shrine, the guests took many photos and enjoyed Japan's old culture. One of the guests was fond of history and listened with interest to stories such as the Siege of Osaka. At Shitennoji Temple, the Kobo Market happened to be taking place, and everyone was delighted to see the turtles basking in the sun. Everyone enjoyed Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Since one of the guests could not eat gluten or soy, we had sushi. We also bought seasonal fruit and shared it, enjoying it while walking together. As the guests wanted to go shopping in Shinsaibashi, I gave them directions for the train so they could return to their Hotel, and we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome	240JPY
Section 2	Train	Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka	190JPY
Section 3	Train	Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi	190JPY
Total			620JPY

Tour Report by Yuki

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.

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Jun 23, 2026
Shelley_E
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Duncan_R
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May 28, 2026
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August, 2026

Ishikawa in One Day: Myoryu-ji Temple & Korinbo Atrio

Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

11:00　Meet at the lobby of Yuya Ruru Saisai
11:30　Myoryu-ji Temple
12:45　Lunch at Omicho Market
14:15　Kenrokuen Garden
15:15　Kanazawa Castle
16:00　Nagamachi Samurai District
16:30　Korinbo Atrio
17:00　Disband at Korinbo Atrio

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Kanazawa for guests visiting from Europe. At Myoryuji Temple, since guiding is not permitted inside, I only provided support with the payment. At Omicho Market, the guests fully enjoyed a seafood rice bowl and did some sightseeing around the market. Some of the guests wanted to try strawberry daifuku, but it was out of season and not available. At Kenrokuen Garden, the guests enjoyed the beautiful Japanese garden. They were particularly interested in the carp in Hisago Pond. At Kanazawa Castle, the guests showed great interest in the various wooden architectural techniques. At the Nagamachi Samurai District, the Nomura Family Residence was on winter hours and required entry by 16:00, so we were unable to go inside. The guests enjoyed the scenery of the earthen walls and the Onosho Canal. At Korinbo Atrio, I explained the atmosphere of a department store food basement, and we parted ways there. The guests had mentioned that they wanted to fully enjoy fresh seafood in Kanazawa. Some of the guests had learned a little Japanese through anime and games.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Bus	Hirokoji～Omicho	210JPY
Section 2	Bus	Omicho～Kenrokuen-shita	210JPY
Section 3	Bus	Kenrokuen-shita～Korinbo	210JPY
Total			630JPY

Tour Report by Sho

I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. I have also guided foreign people around Ishikawa Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Fukui Prefecture as an international activity of an English circle. I was a volunteer interpreter at the training camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021.

Hokuriku region has a lot of sightseeing spots as follows, beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing, Takaoka copperware, and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism such as Kurobe dam and industrial tourism.

I also work as a translator. I translated the Japanese firefly squid tourism pamphlet into English in 2020.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoten-sasaki/

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May 26, 2026
C4211GUbrittanym
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Nice tour, guide was very nice and…

May 14, 2026
190kariml
Great tour in Kanazawa with Sho
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Jul 24, 2025
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Delightful experience um Kanazawa
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Jul 2, 2025
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Walking day in Kanazawa
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August, 2026

Kanagawa: Hakone-Yumoto Moto-Hakone Port

Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

9:00: Meet at the hotel. Take the shuttle bus to Hakone-Yumoto Station
9:00~10:30: Exchange the Hakone Free Pass voucher for a pass (Hakone-Yumoto ~ Odawara Tourist Center ~ Hakone-Yumoto) by Hakone Tozan Railway
10:30~11:00: Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone Tozan Bus) Moto-Hakone Port
11:00~12:00: Narukawa Art Museum
12:10~12:35: Moto-Hakone Port (Lake Ashi cruise on the pirate ship) Togendai
12:40~13:00: Togendai (Ropeway) Owakudani
13:00~13:30: Owakudani sightseeing (including: Geo Museum tour)
13:20~14:40: Owakudani (Ropeway) Sounzan (Cable Car) Gora (Hakone Tozan Train) Chokoku-no-Mori (Open Air Museum)
14:40~15:20: Skip the Open Air Museum tour. Chokoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Train) Hakone-Yumoto
15:20~16:30: Return to the hotel and chat
16:30: Disband at the hotel

Title: What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Using a Free Pass The guests were visitors from Oceania. They had a strong interest in Japan and asked a wide range of questions — about administration, religion, daily customs, the education system, housing prices, and, going further back in time, the feudal domain system, the daimyo, the shogun, and much more. Whenever something caught their eye while I was answering, they would become absorbed in taking photos, so our conversation was often interrupted midway. Using a free pass, they enjoyed the various forms of transportation, and things went well through the Narukawa Art Museum and Owakudani, but a problem arose at the last stop, the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Even with the free pass discount, they balked at the admission fee of 1,900 yen per person and turned back at the gate. They even said, "The admission fee should be included in the tour price. You, as the guide, must be holding the money," which briefly created a tense atmosphere. Afterward we returned to the hotel and spent about an hour chatting, which allowed us to warm up to each other, and the tour ended without further issue. Regarding this matter, the guests said they would file a complaint with their agency, and I replied that I would report it to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) through this report.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Free Pass	Hakone-Yumoto～Moto-Hakone Port	5,000JPY
Total			5,000JPY

Tour Report by Mike

I have worked in the automotive industry for 44 years including 30 years with sales responsibility for the global car manufacturers. And I have lived in the U.S. for 20 years as permanent resident. I am quite familiar with communication in English with foreigners. I am confident not only to satisfy you but also to exceed your expectation with deep knowledge of Japan, especially for its culture based on the long history. There are many sightseers musts in Japan and I look forward to guiding you for beautiful sights, historic relics, and modern day-to-day life of the people here.

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Sep 28, 2024
Peta_G
Efficient and Comfortable way to Tour the Shizuoka Area
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Shizuoka Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
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Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Fish Market & Harajuku/Takeshita

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

10:00 Meet in front of Aloft Tokyo Ginza
10:15-11:15 Tsukiji Fish Market
11:40-13:10 Tokyo Sky Tree (including lunch)
13:40-14:30 Imperial Palace
15:00 -15:30 Meiji Jingu Shrine
15:30-15:50 Harajuku/Takeshita
16:00-16:30 Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Dog

What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Skytree, and More The guests were visitors from North America. They were cheerful and warm, which made guiding them easy. They enjoyed beer at the Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning and at lunch near Tokyo Skytree, and they clearly loved beer. They also seemed to love Japanese food, enjoying sushi, tempura, satsuma-age, matcha latte, and more, and they highly praised Japanese cuisine as delicious. The tour that day covered six locations in total, so it involved a lot of walking, but the guests were used to walking regularly and cheerfully kept a fast pace without finding it difficult.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Tsukiji～Oshiage	317JPY
Section 2	Subway	Oshiage～Nijubashimae	209JPY
Section 3	Subway	Takebashi～Meiji-jingumae	209JPY
Section 4	Train	Harajuku～Shibuya	146JPY
Total			881JPY

Tour Report by Fummy

I’m Fumihiko Terada. Please call me Fummy.
I like trip so much and have visited all prefectures in Japan.
Because I know Japanese geography, history and culture very well, I will be able to explain anything about Japan.
I am confident in my brightness, hospitality, and flexibility in responding to customer requests.
As a guide for FIT, I have guided Asakusa, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Hama rikyu, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Outer Market, Sumo morning practice, etc. I have much guide experience for foreign tourists.
I would like to make you very happy through our tour.
I will help you create the best memories of your trip to Japan.

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Jul 26, 2026
400mattz
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Wonderful guided experience!
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geweldig leuke en leerzame tour gehad van…

Jul 4, 2026
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Fummy was AMAZING. He was…

Jun 21, 2026
B6513URpauls
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Wonderful day in Tokyo
We had an excellent day in Tokyo with…

August, 2026

Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Namba Yasaka Shrine

Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

10:00 Hotel pickup
11:10 Osaka Castle
12:30 Shinsekai
14:00 Namba Yasaka Shrine
15:00 Namba

Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided guests visiting from North America who were traveling together as friends. They had just arrived in Japan, coming to Osaka from Hiroshima, and after a long flight and jet lag they appeared quite tired, so I guided them while keeping an eye on how they were feeling. When I asked why they were interested in rare spots such as Katsuo-ji Temple, which they had requested, they said it had a good reputation online — perhaps it is becoming a newly popular destination. At Namba Yasaka Shrine as well, many inbound visitors had come to see the humorous lion-head stage. When we arrived in Namba, thinking that spicy food might suit guests from North America, I brought up Korean cuisine, and since there was a yakiniku restaurant right in front of us, and perhaps because they had skipped breakfast, they decided they wanted to eat. At the guests' request, the tour ended here. The Dotonbori stroll was left unfinished, but they said they would be fine going on their own. From the moment I met them they seemed tired — whether from the long journey or the unfamiliar environment I cannot say — so I respected the guests' wishes. Since they had eaten Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki earlier in Hiroshima, they did not particularly feel like having flour-based dishes, so in Shinsekai we only took a quick look at the shops. This month, whether meals are taken during the tour varies, and depending on the situation the guests sometimes prefer to have meals on their own, so the ending time may shift somewhat earlier or later. I had made an error, so I have corrected the time.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Nakazakicho～Tanimachi 4-chome	240JPY
Section 2	Subway	Tanimachi 4-chome～Dobutsuen-mae	240JPY
Section 3	Subway	Ebisucho～Daikokucho	190JPY
Total			670JPY

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Oct 23, 2025
536terryw
Great day out in Kyoto.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Noriko was a great guide. She had…

Oct 22, 2025
pascalpJ9601TX
Bamboo forest, Monkeys, and Temples in North-West Kyoto.
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903tammyw
Amazing!
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A great introduction to Kyoto
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August, 2026

Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

09:00　Meet up @ Chashitsu Ryokan Asakusa
09:50　Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
10:20　Meiji Shrine
11:40　JR East Travel Service Center (Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit)
12:50　Lunch @ Aoyuzu Tora (Marunouchi Building)
13:50　Imperial Palace
15:00　Senso-ji Temple
15:40　Disband @ Chashitsu Ryokan Asakusa

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like, Including Japan Rail Pass Help? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were friends visiting from Oceania, and it was their first time in Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Okayama. The guests asked for help obtaining a Japan Rail Pass, so I guided them to the travel service center at Tokyo Station. The center was quite crowded with visitors from overseas, and they had to wait for a long time, but they were pleased to be able to get the JR Pass. At Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between a shrine and a temple, and they seemed impressed by the solemn atmosphere and the buildings. At the Imperial Palace, they showed interest in the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. I responded to all of the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Asakusa～Shibuya	600JPY
Section 2	Train	Shibuya～Harajuku	150JPY
Section 3	Subway	Meiji-jingumae～Tokyo	0JPY
Section 4	Subway	Yurakucho～Asakusa	0JPY
Total			750JPY

Tour Report by Seizo

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

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Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
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Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
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Jun 9, 2026
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
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Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
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Tokyo Tour
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May 20, 2026
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Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

9:00 Meeting point　Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
9:40 Shinjuku　Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai
10:40 Meiji Shrine
12:00 Harajuku　Takeshita Street, Omotesando
13:00 Lunch　Soup Stock Omotesando basement
14:00 Shibuya　Tokyu Plaza Fukuras 17th floor, Scramble Crossing, Parco

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Omotesando to Shibuya PARCO The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. I had not found the accent particularly hard to follow before, but this time the accent was challenging, and there were several occasions when I had to ask them to repeat themselves. They were very friendly, so I was able to guide them in a cheerful atmosphere. They had said it would be fine to skip lunch, but partway through they suddenly mentioned they were hungry, so we quickly stopped at a soup shop in Omotesando and resolved the situation. I received two heartfelt souvenirs from them, and we said our goodbyes in front of the Nintendo store at PARCO.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Shinjuku-gyoemmae～Shinjuku	178JPY
Section 2	Subway	Shinjuku-sanchome～Harajuku	178JPY
Section 3	Subway	Omotesando～Shibuya	178JPY
Total			534JPY

Tour Report by Kris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you in Japan!

Kris

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

Apr 29, 2026
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Excellent tour
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Apr 21, 2026
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We love Kris
Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…

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

August, 2026

Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza

Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

09:00. Meet at hotel
09:30-10:30 Visit Meiji Shrine
11:00-11:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
12:00-13:30 Asakusa sightseeing, lunch
14:00-14:30 Ginza sightseeing
14:30-15:10 Move to Kamiyacho, show Tokyo Tower and disband

What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, and Tokyo Tower? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from North America and were scheduled to board a cruise ship two days later. Since Tsukiji and the Imperial Palace were part of a separate tour, they asked to exclude those from the itinerary, so I took them to Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple instead. Some of the guests read the information materials carefully and, I could tell, asked questions from a well-informed perspective. Some of the guests enjoyed photography and took pictures at each location. At Meiji Shrine, chrysanthemums were being prepared for a chrysanthemum exhibition, and one of the guests eagerly took many photographs. The forested grounds of the shrine felt very pleasant, and the guests appeared to enjoy the experience. Since they had a teamLab reservation at 4:30, they requested that the tour end near there, so with the remaining time I took them to Tokyo Tower before we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Train	Higashi-Shinjuku～Meiji-jingumae	178JPY
Section 2	Train	Harajuku～Shibuya	146JPY
Section 3	Train	Shibuya～Asakusa	252JPY
Section 4	Train	Asakusa～Ginza	209JPY
Section 5	Train	Ginza～Kamiyacho	178JPY
Total			963JPY

Tour Report by Kappa

Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!

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Jul 30, 2025
Michael_R
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Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

October, 2024

Tour Itinerary

10:00 Meet up @ The Flag Shinsaibashi
10:45 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
12:15 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
13:30 @ Namba, Doguyasuji
14:15 @ Kuromon Market
15:00 Disband @ Kuromon Market

What Is a 5-Hour Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were part of a group that requested a slower pace, so the tour included rest breaks. Originally planned as a 4-hour tour, one hour was added at the guests' request to allow for a more relaxed pace, making it a 5-hour tour. At each spot, the guests listened attentively to the guide's explanations and took many photographs. Osaka Castle was viewed only from the outside, but the guests were impressed by the grandeur of its exterior. At the nearest station, they enjoyed sweet buns from a bakery recommended by the guide. At the adjacent "Miraiza," they purchased chopsticks as a souvenir. At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, they offered prayers, picked up the popular "Go-Dai-Riki" pebbles, and purchased a charm pouch. After that, the originally planned visit to Shitennoji Temple was cut, taking into account the guests' preference for a slower pace. Instead, at the guests' request to see kitchen knives, we visited "Doguyasuji," a street used by professional chefs, and I introduced several shops. The guests said they would like to return another day. At the final stop, Kuromon Market, the guests enjoyed various samples and tastings, and were especially pleased with pufferfish, sea urchin, scallops, and eel at a takoyaki and seafood shop. As the tour came to a close, the guests expressed a wish to visit the "Umeda Sky Building" afterward, so I explained the route, handed over a discount ticket I had on hand, and we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Subway	Shinsaibashi～Morinomiya	240JPY
Section 2	Subway	Morinomiya～Namba	240JPY
Section 3	Train	Namba～Sumiyoshi Taisha	240JPY
Section 4	Train	Sumiyoshi Taisha～Namba	240JPY
Total			960JPY

Tour Report by Yama

Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Jul 25, 2026
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