Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Meet at the hotel
    • Travel from Nogizaka to Omotesando via the Chiyoda Line
    • Stroll through Omotesando while viewing unique architecture
    • Visit Meiji Shrine
    • Takeshita Street
    • Cat Street
    • Miyashita Park
    • Scramble Crossing
    • Guide you to the elevator to Shibuya Sky and the taxi stand, then finish

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests planned to explore on their own from the following day, so I introduced how to use the subway, how to read maps, and the highlights of each area. Since one of the guests was interested in architecture and gardens, upon request we visited the architectural sites of Omotesando. Having just arrived, the guests seemed a little tired, but they enjoyed walking from Omotesando Station to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya on foot. After experiencing Japanese religion and traditional customs at Meiji Shrine, we strolled through the Harajuku area, where one of the guests, who loves sweets, eagerly enjoyed crepes and chocolate bananas on Takeshita Street. Since the guests planned to revisit Harajuku at a more leisurely pace on the following days, I introduced how to get around Harajuku and Shibuya, and sent them an interactive map with details. They looked around Cat Street and Miyashita Park with great interest and said they would return. As the guests had a reservation at Shibuya Sky after the tour, I guided them to the direct elevator at Shibuya Scramble Square and the taxi stand. They were pleased to have gained a lot of useful information that would make it easier for them to get around in the coming days.

    Hi, this is Rico. Nice to meet you. I specialise in tours around the Greater Tokyo Area, including Nikko, Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, Kamakura, Tsukuba and Narita. Additionally, I serve as an instructor for Japanese cultural experiences (such as Sushi, Bento box lunch, traditional Japanese confectionery-making, Furoshiki wrapping, and Yukata dressing), and as an interpreter for Ninja, Samurai, Japanese drumming, and Kintsugi workshops. I also guide Sumo morning training sessions and Grand Sumo Tournament viewings. Please let me know what interests you. I strive to tailor my guidance to meet your preferences. Together let’s make the tour as enjoyable and unforgettable as possible. Looking forward to seeing you in Tokyo!

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku walk & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Shinjuku walk & Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at hotel
    • 9:00-9:30 Shinjuku walk
    • 9:50-10:20 Sakuradamon, Nijubashi Bridge
    • 10:30-11:15 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:45-12:40 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    • 13:00 Arrive at hotel

    Can You Do a Quiet, Crowd-Free Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. Based on their request to avoid crowds and see quieter places, I planned the itinerary accordingly. Since their Hotel was near Shinjuku West Exit, I guided them toward the Marunouchi Line while showing them the streetscape around the East Exit to avoid the construction site. This was not only their first visit to Japan but their first time leaving their home continent, so everything seemed new and fascinating, and they took so many photos that we were running a little behind from the morning. Since it was Monday, we entered from Sakuradamon Gate and went to Nijubashi Bridge. The stone walls and the pine trees all felt fresh to them, and they kept pointing their cameras at everything. Their love of photography continued at Nezu Shrine, and they took their time photographing the Inari shrine as well. Due to time constraints, I suggested giving up on Yanaka Ginza and heading instead to the next stop, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, which they agreed to. Korakuen had fewer visitors than usual, so we were able to stroll around at a leisurely pace. We then headed to Shinjuku via Suidobashi, and I saw them off at their Hotel to conclude the tour. Because we took our time going around, they seemed highly satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Kasumigaseki (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu~Shin-Ochanomizu180JPY
    Section 4TrainOchanomizu~Suidobashi160JPY
    Section 5TrainSuidobashi~Shinjuku210JPY
    Total910JPY

    Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan!
    I obtained a national tour guide license back in 2001, while I have been busy teaching English full time for many years. Since 2018 I have enjoyed guiding guests from all over the world.

    I live in a western suburb of Tokyo, so I can guide you around the wider Tama area as well as central Tokyo. I love introducing visitors to both the famous highlights and the hidden gems where you can take wonderful photos and experience authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, I enjoy sharing stories about Japanese history, traditions, and daily life.

    I once worked in Australia as a teacher of Japanese language, which gave me many opportunities to communicate with people from different cultures.
    I also enjoy golf — I even traveled alone to the UK for a golf tour.

    I look forward to guiding you and helping your time in Japan both enjoyable and memorable.

    Apr 27, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend!
    This was the first thing we did in Japan, it…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Beverly_S
    Viator review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Amazing walking tour. The guide customizes…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Claudia M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Grosartige Tour mit tollem Guide Masa
    Wir haben diese Tour als…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 8:30 → Fushimi Inari 9:00 → Atago Nenbutsu-ji 11:15 → Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 13:30 → Gion 14:30

    What's a Private Day Tour of Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama's Bamboo Groves Like in Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since they wanted to see bamboo groves, I planned a tour of Fushimi Inari and the Sagano area to introduce them to the bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. At Fushimi Inari, they were interested in the fox statues. Eager to try various things, after lunch they purchased warabi mochi and mitarashi dango. They especially liked the mitarashi dango, saying the aroma of the soy sauce was wonderful. Comparing the bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji with the one behind Tenryu-ji, they were pleased to have taken photos free of crowds at both the Senbon Torii and the bamboo grove at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari240JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo240JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama (Hankyu Line)~Kyoto-Kawaramachi240JPY
    Total960JPY

    Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
    I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
    I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
    There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
    I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
    I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
    Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
    It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
    I look forward to seeing you then.

    Thank you

    Taka Sakai

    May 13, 2026
    Alice_o
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
    We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…

    May 1, 2026
    Don_W
    Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome to explore new countries
    We toured the gardens, temples and the…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Abha_N
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing guide
    We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…

    Mar 30, 2026
    reneferraris2001
    Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
    Nara experience
    We had a great experience on…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Kiyosumi Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Kiyosumi Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
    • 10:20 Asakusa, Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Main Hall, break
    • 12:30 Kiyosumi Garden
    • 14:00 Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station, Scramble Crossing, lunch
    • 15:30 Tour ends in front of a shop on Koen-dori

    What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, a Japanese Garden, and Shibuya The guests were a group of friends visiting from Asia. We first went to Asakusa, where I explained about Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding buildings at the culture and tourism center, then proceeded from Kaminarimon Gate through the Nakamise shopping street and offered prayers at the main hall. After that, the group took a break at a traditional Japanese sweets shop and traveled by subway to Kiyosumi Garden. They enjoyed the scenic views of the pond, stepping stones, and artificial hills, and took many photos throughout. At Shibuya Station, reached by subway, they took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and the scramble crossing. We had a late lunch at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, which they praised highly as delicious. The tour then ended in front of a shop on Koen-dori.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa~Asakusa430JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Kiyosumi-shirakawa180JPY
    Section 3SubwayKiyosumi-shirakawa~Shibuya210JPY
    Total820JPY

    I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
    I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
    Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
    The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
    Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
    Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
    You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
    Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.

    Jul 8, 2026
    Maria H
    Tokyo an amazing city
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    First time in this…

    Jul 4, 2026
    davidsM6670MT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
    Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…

    Jun 14, 2026
    Q3961PBsaraf
    History, Culture and Local Insight
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful half-day tour of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    abhinavg948
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
    Shigeru is…

  • Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Takayama Local Food & Sake Culture Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • Hotel 0800→0815 Hida Kokubunji Temple 0830→0845 Miyagawa Morning Market 0915→0920 Stroll Around Shimoni-no-machi 0930→0940 Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall & Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine 1030→1040 Nobata Chaho (Japanese Tea Shopping) 1050→1110 Sake Brewery Tour 1120→1140 Lunch Time (Ebisu Soba) 1230→1245 Stroll Around the Old Townscape (Around Kamisan-no-machi) (Sake Brewery Tour) 1400 (End at Site)

    What Is a Private Takayama Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of friends visiting from Oceania. Their trip through Japan included stays in Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Since the theme of their journey was to explore the food and cultural experiences of various parts of Japan, I guided them to a carefully selected sake brewery experience and a renowned soba restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, as well as, at the guests' own expense, the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and a local tea shop, where they also enjoyed some shopping. The walk took place during the hottest weather of the year so far, so I included well-timed stops along the way to make sure they did not become too tired.

    Since I completely retired from my position at a railway company and started being involved in the tour guide interpreter business, I have experienced almost all types of guiding through FIT, Long Group Tours, Cruises (Shore Excursions), Incentive Tours, Special Interest Tours (Railway Travel, Pilgrimages), Familiarization Tours (Sales Promotion Tours) etc.
    However, I noticed that I am not fully satisfied to only be a general guide who just manages a tour itinerary provided by tour agents/clients.
    High-end guests have sometimes requested me to answer some enquiries that are actually challenging to answer for Japanese nationals. However, I appreciated those because they provided such a challenge and I felt that they wanted to understand my sense of beauty/values as a guide concerning a new culture for them.
    Every time I host my guest I do my best to prepare the most appropriate information based on three travel elements (appetite, logistics, accommodation). Nevertheless, I decided to aim for higher guiding skills after I was motivated by senior guides whose guiding strategies and gestures were particularly impressive.

    Jul 5, 2026
    788amarpals
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Top 7 Sights Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    Private tour Guide in Kyoto- Mr Yoshi
    Mr.…

    Mar 17, 2026
    jodonr2026
    Amazing. Go with Yoshi!
    Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    We had a fantastic…

    Jan 2, 2026
    Fearless67262385503
    Memorable experience
    Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide, Yoshi-san, a sweet and gentle elderly…

    Oct 17, 2025
    Laura_C
    Amazing experience…
    Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Amazing experience getting to see sites outside of…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at hotel
    • 10:10-11:20 Asakusa
    • 12:00-13:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 13:00-14:00 Lunch break in Marunouchi
    • 14:30-15:30 Meiji Shrine
    • Disperse at Meiji-jingumae Station

    What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe who had been friends since their school days, and this was the first day of their vacation. They had already booked Skytree for the evening. It was the final day of the Sanja Matsuri, so there had been some concern about crowds in Asakusa, but during the time we visited it was not too busy, and we were able to proceed almost as usual. The guests both drew a "kyo" (bad fortune) omikuji, which made for a lively moment. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were tough on a midsummer day, but by seeking out shade whenever possible and walking underground in Marunouchi to escape the heat, we completed the planned itinerary. At Meiji Shrine we also made our way through shaded paths, and partway through we were able to watch a bridal procession, which the guests greatly enjoyed. We confirmed the route back to the Hotel at Meiji-Jingumae Station and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTameike-Sanno~Asakusa700JPY
    Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Takebashi0JPY
    Section 3Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Total700JPY

    Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan!
    I obtained a national tour guide license back in 2001, while I have been busy teaching English full time for many years. Since 2018 I have enjoyed guiding guests from all over the world.

    I live in a western suburb of Tokyo, so I can guide you around the wider Tama area as well as central Tokyo. I love introducing visitors to both the famous highlights and the hidden gems where you can take wonderful photos and experience authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, I enjoy sharing stories about Japanese history, traditions, and daily life.

    I once worked in Australia as a teacher of Japanese language, which gave me many opportunities to communicate with people from different cultures.
    I also enjoy golf — I even traveled alone to the UK for a golf tour.

    I look forward to guiding you and helping your time in Japan both enjoyable and memorable.

    Apr 27, 2026
    Matthew_T
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend!
    This was the first thing we did in Japan, it…

    Apr 13, 2026
    Beverly_S
    Viator review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Amazing walking tour. The guide customizes…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Claudia M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Grosartige Tour mit tollem Guide Masa
    Wir haben diese Tour als…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Port & Hakone Shrine

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone Port & Hakone Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Yoshiike Ryokan
    • 9:25 Board the mountain railway @ Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • 10:15 Cable car → Ropeway @ Gora Station
    • 10:50 Arrive at Owakudani, stroll around
    • 11:45 Board the ropeway @ Owakudani Station
    • 12:40 Board the pirate ship @ Togendai
    • 13:10 Arrive at Hakone Port
    • 14:00 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 14:30 Board the bus @ Moto-Hakone Port
    • 15:00 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station → Disband

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. As it happened, all forms of transportation were relatively uncrowded, which allowed us to progress through the itinerary very smoothly. Thanks to clear, cloudless skies throughout the entire day, Mount Fuji was beautifully visible, and I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed the walks along the way in such pleasant conditions. Since the ryokan provides generous meals both in the morning and evening, the guests kindly mentioned that they did not need a substantial lunch, so we were able to grab something quick at a convenience store by the shore of Lake Ashi, which was another factor that helped keep our schedule running smoothly.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHakone-Yumoto~Moto-Hakone Port6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
    I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.

    I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.

    With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
    Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!

    Jul 30, 2026
    BrianBurnette
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great Memories
    We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…

    Jul 24, 2026
    893cydneyh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best Tour Guide
    We had an incredible 6-hour tour…

    May 25, 2026
    llindgren0604
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A seamless experience
    Leo was a great tour guide. We got…

    May 21, 2026
    lyndapI1304ZZ
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking guide in Hakone
    Unfortunately the weather restricted some of our…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station
    • 9:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:15 Tenryu-ji Temple
    • 12:00 Bamboo Grove
    • 12:30 Lunch
    • 13:20 Togetsukyo Bridge
    •    (By taxi)
    • 14:00 Gion
    •    (By taxi)
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers Arriving at Osaka Port? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were traveling by cruise ship and arriving from Osaka Port, so I provided transfer directions to Kyoto Station in advance. At Kyoto Station, I also gave them guidance about their return train. The original plan was to end the tour in Gion so they could explore the area on their own afterward, but since their time to return to the ship became earlier than initially expected, at the guests' request we skipped Kiyomizu-dera and I guided them around Gion instead. All of the guests were very friendly, and we shared some common topics, so we were able to talk a great deal. They seemed interested in Zen, and at Tenryu-ji they asked many questions. They were also moved by the bamboo grove. For lunch they enjoyed a wagyu sukiyaki rice bowl and were very pleased with it. After lunch, I took them to Togetsukyo Bridge and from there we headed to Gion by taxi. The area around Gion Shirakawa had few people, so we were able to walk at a leisurely pace. After parting at Kyoto Station, they mentioned they wanted to do a little shopping, so I informed them of their return train time. I was a bit worried about whether they would make it back to the cruise ship in time, but they kindly contacted me to let me know they had returned safely, which was a great relief.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
    I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
    I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!

    May 17, 2026
    Barry_L
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
    Mickey was great. We put together an…

    Apr 29, 2026
    Dream20497216370
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience in Kobe
    We had a great time with Micky, our…

  • Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Ujina Port → Walk to Hiroshima Port → Board the ferry to Miyajima → 10:00 Arrive at Miyajima → From 10:30, Itsukushima Shrine, Daigan-ji Temple → 13:00 Okonomiyaki restaurant "Kurawanka" on Omotesando Shopping Street → 14:00 Ferry from Miyajima Pier, then streetcar to Peace Memorial Park → 15:10 Guided tour within Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome, Memorial Monument for Mobilized Students, Rest House, Children's Peace Monument, Flame of Peace, Memorial Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims) → 16:30 Conclude inside the Peace Memorial Museum

    What Is a Private Hiroshima Peace Memorial Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Since they were arriving via cruise ship, they seemed to enjoy comparing Hiroshima with other cities and countries they had visited. Their first impression was, "It's compact but well developed, with good public transportation, and looks like a very livable city." The Children's Peace Monument appeared to be the highlight for them, and they mentioned that, having a grandchild of elementary school age, they were deeply moved by the story of Sadako. When I gave them a gift of folded paper cranes, they were extremely pleased, and I felt reassured that I had been able to convey the importance of reflecting on peace for future generations here in Hiroshima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Port~Miyajima Pier1,250JPY
    Section 2TrainHiroden Miyajimaguchi~Genbaku Dome-mae240JPY
    Total1,490JPY

    Hi there! Let’s Discover True Hiroshima Together!

    Hey! I’m HAYATO, and I’m super excited to be your guide in Hiroshima! With about 20 years of living in this amazing place, I can’t wait to share all its hidden treasures, fun stories, and unique culture with you.

    Whether you’re into beautiful sights, tasty local food, or fascinating history, I’m here to make sure you have a great time. Together, we’ll uncover both the well-known spots and the little secrets that make Hiroshima truly special.

    Let’s make some unforgettable memories while having lots of fun! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to chat about what we can do together.

    Can’t wait to meet you!

    Apr 13, 2026
    Robin_S
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great educational tour!
    Hayato to was a terrific guide.…

    Apr 9, 2026
    bonoc2026
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Thank you Hayato!
    The tour was amazing, or tour…

    Mar 9, 2026
    stuartgiese_g
    Great tour
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Had a great day with Hayato his knowledge…

    Oct 7, 2025
    april_m
    Hiroshima with Hayato!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Hayato was a great tour guide.…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Nanzen-ji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 8:30~9:00  Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 9:30~10:10 Chion-in Temple
    • 10:20~11:20 Shoren-in Temple
    • 12:00~12:20 Heian Shrine
    • 12:40~13:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
    • 13:30 Disband @ Nanzen-ji Temple

    Title: What's a Private Walking and Taxi Tour of Kyoto's Temples, Gardens, and Bamboo Grove Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. In advance, they had told me they wanted to see gardens and visit Nishiki Market, so I had proposed and they had agreed to a walking course from their hotel, passing through the quiet Miyagawacho area, then Yasaka Shrine → Chion-in → Shoren-in → the Okazaki area → Nanzen-ji → Shirakawa → Nishiki Market. However, when I met them and confirmed whether this itinerary was acceptable, they said they wanted to go to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove instead. When I explained that it would take some time to travel to the bamboo grove, they said they would arrange a taxi, which made the transportation very easy. Both of them enjoyed the scenery of the bamboo grove. One of the guests asked me, "What do you think about foreigners who settle down and live in Japan?" It was an engaging conversation. I also wanted to introduce the moss garden of Nonomiya Shrine, so we went in. As I expected, they both liked it very much and took photographs. Next I asked where they would like to go, and they said "a garden," so we again took a taxi to Shoren-in. Since the Sanmon gate of Chion-in is also worth seeing, we got off in front of the Chion-in Sanmon. They also wished to tour the temple grounds, so we climbed up via the Otoko-zaka slope. Although a memorial service was being held in the Miedo hall by worshippers, we were able to go inside. Here I explained why the hall is so large. Next we headed to the great bell tower. One of the guests was very interested in how the bell tower was built and how such a heavy bell is suspended. On the way down, we passed a group of junior high school students on a school trip, and one of the guests noted that the students' skirts were rather long. I explained that in Japan, diligent students wear their skirts long without alteration, while others roll up the belt to shorten them, and the guest replied that it was the same in North America and that it had been so during their own high school days. In North America, uniforms are found at private schools, while public schools allow ordinary clothing. Next we went to the neighboring Shoren-in. As I expected, they liked the garden attributed to Soami. Afterward we strolled through the garden, and the guests also rang the bell at the exit. Next we moved to Heian Shrine. Since we had already talked about the Ukon tachibana orange and the Sakon cherry at Shoren-in, I was able to explain the meaning of the shrine's crest and that there are similarly a cherry tree and an orange tree in front of the main hall. Next I asked whether they wanted to enter the shrine garden or go to Nanzen-ji, and they said they wanted to visit a Zen temple, so we walked toward Nanzen-ji. Since I had shown them the Sanmon of Chion-in first, they were not so surprised by its scale, but they were astonished by how unusually high the threshold was. We then toured the Hatto and the Hojo in order. They particularly liked the first stone garden. Next we visited the Suirokaku aqueduct, and since we had roughly completed the itinerary (they had already visited the geisha district on a separate tour the previous day), I asked what they would like to do. They said they would go to Nishiki Market for lunch and that we could end the tour there, so I told the taxi driver their destination and ended the tour. The photographs were taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Since we traveled by taxi and on foot, no transportation costs were incurred.

    I am a 53-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
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    Highly recommend
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    Steve J
    A relaxing, enjoyable visit to Arashiyama.
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    Satori was very kind and…