Category: Uncategorized

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Toured the Nishi Chaya District Museum

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Toured the Nishi Chaya District Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the hotel, head to Omicho Market and take a stroll.
    • 9:20 Take a route bus toward the Ninja Temple. Made a reservation for 10:00 while on the bus.
    • 9:40 Arrived at the Ninja Temple. While waiting until our name was called at 9:50, I gave guidance outside the Ninja Temple about its history and its relationship with the Maeda family.
    • 10:00 Toured the Ninja Temple. Since the guide inside could not speak English, I accompanied them until the instruction time ended, and after they received a file with English guidance and photos and the tour began, I waited outside.
    • 10:45 At Sakami Tea Shop near the Ninja Temple, they shopped for matcha and sencha.
    • 11:05 Entered Hana no Yado in Nishi Chaya District, enjoyed matcha and local sweets, and toured the tea house. The owner only allows customers brought by local guides to visit.
    • 11:35 Toured the Nishi Chaya District Museum.
    • 11:55 Took the Kanazawa Flat Bus toward the Nagamachi Samurai District.
    • 12:10 Toured the Nomura Family Residence. Afterward, we strolled through the streets behind the Nomura Residence, and the customers purchased Kutani ware and a bag made from obi fabric.
    • 13:05 Took a route bus toward Musashigatsuji.
    • 13:15 Arrived at Omicho Market. At the customers' request, at the place we had seen in the morning, they found and purchased their favorite lunch of sushi and sashimi.
    • 13:30 As the customers headed back from Omicho Market to their hotel near the market, I said goodbye and ended the tour.

    What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kanazawa? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were interested in Japanese history, culture, and food. They had arrived in Kanazawa from Kyoto in the afternoon two days earlier. Staying at a hotel near Omicho Market, they had already visited Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, and the Higashi Chaya District. Today they requested the Ninja Temple, the Nagamachi Samurai District, the Nomura Family Residence, and Omicho Market. Having watched "Shogun" back home, they were very interested in the stories of the Kaga Domain and the Tokugawa family during the Edo period. Since I gave an overview of the Ninja Temple before the visit, they said the tour of the Ninja Temple was very interesting. They were also amazed by the beauty of the garden at the Nomura Family Residence and the splendid koi of various colors, and took many photos. For this afternoon, they said they would eat sashimi and sushi bought at Omicho Market at their hotel near the market, and then head to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKanazawa Station/Hokuriku Railroad Bus~Hirokoji (Kanazawa City)/Hokuriku Railroad Bus800JPY
    Total800JPY

    Hello.
    My name is Masayo Shirai.
    I have been a national licensed tour guide of English since April in 2014.
    I was born. raised, and still living near the Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa.
    I have guided lots of foreign guests in my hometown Kanazawa, Gokayama, Shirakawago, Takaymam, Kaga, Fukui, and Toyama.
    I have guided FIT, highend FIT, group tour, and bus tours.
    I have been learning tea cemoney, flower arrangement, and noh performance of noh chanting and playing the hand drum.
    I can take you to the experience spot of such traditional cultural spots in my hometown, Kanazawa,

    Oct 5, 2025
    L
    LightPacker147788
    Kanazawa visit
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very interesting tour with Masayo. She took us…

    Jun 27, 2025
    H6092PZsuem
    Pleasant and interesting morning
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo was our guide for the morning.…

    Mar 16, 2025
    952bonnieh
    Wonderful!!!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We loved our time with Masayo! Thank you for a…

    Jan 3, 2025
    U5110ZKjades
    A day in Kanazawa with Masayo!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Masayo Shirai was an excellent…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:12 Meet at the Shinkansen platform (the customer had booked the wrong ticket and arrived in Kyoto 12 minutes late for the 9:00 meeting time)
    • 9:12-10:00 Travel (subway; Kyoto Station → Shijo, Hankyu train; Karasuma → Arashiyama)
    • 10:00-11:30 Arashiyama walk & sightseeing (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Garden [Sogenchi Garden, Hyakka-en], Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Kimono Forest)
    • 11:30-12:10 Travel (Keifuku train; Arashiyama → Kitano-Hakubaicho, city bus; Kitano-Hakubaicho → Wara-Tenjin-mae)
    • 12:10-12:50 Lunch (@ Washoku Joy)
    • 13:00-13:50 Kinkaku-ji sightseeing
    • 13:50-15:00 Travel (city bus; Kinkaku-ji-michi → Ginkaku-ji-michi)
    • 15:00-16:00 Ginkaku-ji sightseeing (including 10 minutes at the Philosopher's Path)
    • 16:00-17:00 Travel (city bus; Ginkaku-ji-michi → Kyoto Station)
    • 17:00 Tour ended in front of the Shinkansen ticket office at Kyoto Station
    • Said goodbye to the customer at Kyoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private 8-Hour Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the group had been to Japan many times and had also visited Kyoto on several occasions, while this was a first visit to Japan and Kyoto for others in the group. We had arranged to meet at the Shinkansen platform at 9:00, but the guests had mistakenly bought the wrong ticket and arrived in Kyoto 12 minutes late. In addition, one of the guests had lost their Shinkansen ticket, so I explained the situation at the ticket gate, and we were fortunately able to exit without any additional payment. It was truly a stroke of luck. Since it was an 8-hour tour, we made up for this lost time during the rest of the itinerary. I took them to Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Ginkaku-ji. As some of the group had visited Japan many times, they wished to see both Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, hoping to compare the historical background and cultural significance of each temple. After the visits, opinions within the group were divided, with some preferring Ginkaku-ji and others preferring Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)220JPY
    Section 2TrainKarasuma~Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Wara-Tenjin-mae / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus~Ginkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto Municipal Bus230JPY
    Section 6BusGinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto Bus~Kyoto Station / Keihan Bus230JPY
    Total1,400JPY

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:12 Meet at the Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform
    • 13:50 Nijo Castle
    • 15:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 16:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 17:30 Disband at Kyoto Station

    What's a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They came from Tokyo by bullet train. Although it was a lightly rainy day, nowhere was very crowded, so we were able to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace. Even at Nijo Castle, which is usually crowded with tour groups, I was able to give explanations without rushing. Kinkaku-ji was also not very crowded, and the guests were happy to take photos from good spots. The lotus flowers were also very beautiful. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha. On rainy days the Senbon Torii can become congested and come to a standstill, but today the flow of people was smooth and the guests enjoyed it very much. At Kyoto Station, they confirmed the bullet train platform, and since they wanted to do some shopping, I introduced them to a department store before we parted ways. I believe they enjoyed the day very much.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto~Kyoto150JPY
    Section 2SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 3BusNijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Kinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi/Kyoto City Bus~Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji~Kyoto260JPY
    Section 6TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 7TrainInari~Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,430JPY

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
    elizabethtW414DU
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Private Tour
    Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…

    Jul 12, 2026
    johnkE8649IH
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
    We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…

  • Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Jinya Enter and & Hida Folk Village

    Gifu in Half a Day: Takayama Jinya Enter and & Hida Folk Village

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 @Hotel Meet up with guests
    • 9:00-10:00 @Takayama Jinya Enter and tour
    • 10:15-10:30 @Sanmachi-suji Tour the old townscape
    • 11:00-12:10 @Hida Folk Village Tour
    • 12:30 @Return to Takayama Station and end the tour

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Takayama and Hida Folk Village Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group of guests. One of the guests in particular had a strong interest in Japan and asked many questions about history, religion, craftsmanship, and industry. The rest of the group also listened with great interest, and we were able to complete the tour very smoothly. In the latter half of the tour at Hida Folk Village, one of the guests seemed tired and went to a rest area for a while, but returned when it was time to head back. I checked with the group about whether it was fine to continue the tour before proceeding. Regarding meals, one guest was vegetarian. The guests mentioned that they would be visiting Sapporo toward the end of their trip, and said they were considering joining a tour there as well.

    Hello! I am Mizuka Mori, a Local Government-certified guide in Takayama. You can call me MIZU.

    I grew up in Tokyo but fell in love with Takayama and decided to be a tour guide in 2025.
    Join my tour to discover the history, culture and the beautiful nature of Hida region, including Takayama old town district and one of the World Heritage Site Shirakawa-Go. I will make sure that you have unique and authentic experience during your stay in Japan. Plan your own tour itinerary up to your preferences with me to make your day an unforgettable one!

    Nice to meet you and I am pretty much looking forward to seeing you in person.
    Mizuka

    Jul 2, 2026
    Jared_P
    Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Outstanding!
    Mizu met us at our hotel and then gave us…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho & Tour Finished

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho & Tour Finished

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
    • 10:15 Imperial Palace
    • 11:10 Otemachi, Purchasing Pasmos
    • 11:37 Nihombashi
    • 12:15 Asakusa
    • 13:15 Lunch Bristol-Myers
    • 13:50 Tour Finished

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Nakamise Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association. During the private tour, we had a wide-ranging conversation on a variety of topics. We talked about minimum wages, noting that the national minimum is $7.25, while it is higher in certain cities and regions, and that the amounts depend on the location. The guests mentioned that they had previously traveled to other destinations in Asia and were planning to visit another destination in Asia the following year. We discussed how there are very few trash cans on the streets, and the guests remarked that this helped them understand why everywhere is so clean. We also talked about family names, and how names can be passed down through generations, with certain surnames being especially common in Europe. One of the guests asked me a thoughtful question about Japan's concerns regarding its declining birthrate, which led to an interesting exchange. We touched on the guests' interests and backgrounds, and I shared explanations about Japanese culture in response to their curiosity. We also talked about cooking and food, as well as wine, including imported wine from Europe. The guests also noted that stone quarries, including limestone, can be found in their home region as well. The guests kindly invited me to have lunch together. Afterward, they expressed a wish to return and explore the Nakamise shopping street once more, so we headed back and then said our goodbyes.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
    Total360JPY

    Hello, welcome to Japan you all.

    I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
    I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.

    I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.

    I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
    I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
    I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.

    My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
    Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?

    Sep 27, 2026
    Jan_v
    City tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Very kind and knowledgeable guide. Taylor made…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Yolanda_S
    Tokyo walking tour with Hideaki
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Hideaki was our guide today and…

    Jul 16, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Private guide – a very good experience
    We spent a half…

    Jun 21, 2026
    CJW324
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Guided Tour & Tablet Guided Origami Experience
    Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with…

  • Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour

    Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM 09:00 Tour starts from the hotel
    • Travel by foot to Kenrokuen, passing through the 21st Century Museum on the way
    • AM 09:45 -10:15 Tea experience at Shigure-tei
    • AM 10:15-10:45 Kenrokuen tour
    • Travel by foot to Morihachi main store
    • AM 11:00-11:30 Kanazawa Kashi Kigata Museum tour and shopping
    • Travel by foot to Higashi Chaya District, passing through Kazuemachi Chaya District
    • PM 12:00- 13:15 Higashi Chaya District, Shima and Hakuichi gold leaf ice cream, Utasu Shrine tour
    • Travel by foot to Omicho Market
    • PM 13:30-14:00 Rock oysters at Omicho Market
    • Travel by foot to Oyama Shrine and Gyokusen-in Garden, then guide to the lunch spot at Korinbo Daiwa and end the tour PM 14:40

    Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Kanazawa Food and Tea Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. This was a Kanazawa Food & Tea Culture Full-Day Private Tour, and I conducted it following the planned course. Although the guests had visited Kenrokuen Garden a few days earlier, we walked through the garden again after tea, and I explained the key highlights along the way, which they enjoyed even more. As the guests were not particularly interested in the Ohi Pottery Museum, we skipped it and went straight to the tea house district. At Hakuichi, they purchased gold-leaf ice cream and Kutani ware. At Omicho Market, most shops were closed as it was a Wednesday, but at a few shops that were open, the guests enjoyed rock oysters.

    Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
    I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
    Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
    Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
    ” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

    Sep 29, 2026
    matthewsY2654UC
    Highly recommended!
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…

    Sep 28, 2026
    751juergend
    Perfect day in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…

    Sep 27, 2026
    karen_f
    YOSHI san was incredible!
    Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    YOSHI met us at our…

    Sep 19, 2026
    Plumb72
    A morning in Kanazawa
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a fab tour with Yoshi…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Shirakawa

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion Shirakawa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Hotel The M's Kyoto
    • 10:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 11:35 @Sannenzaka
    • 11:45@Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 13:10@Yasaka Shrine
    • 13:20@Hanamikoji
    • 13:45@Gion Shirakawa
    • 14:00 Disband @Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop

    Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion — A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Their requests were Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, so I guided them to those two places first. Afterwards, I asked whether they would like to visit Sanjusangendo or Gion, and they chose Gion. I guided them in order along Sannenzaka, Nene-no-Michi, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji, and Gion Shirakawa on foot. After the tour ended, since they were returning to their Hotel, I saw them off at the bus stop where the JR Kyoto-bound bus departs from Shijo Kawaramachi, and we parted ways. Although there was light rain, the guests were very satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Tofukuji150JPY
    Section 3BusTofukuji/Kyoto City Bus~Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total530JPY

    I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.

    Mar 31, 2026
    Michael A
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Perfectly customized tour
    Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…

    Mar 29, 2026
    judyl582
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shoko was great
    Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…

    Oct 8, 2025
    441gayh
    World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…

    Oct 3, 2025
    Judi H
    Introduction to Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
    She…

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Pick-up at hotel on Miyajima Island
    • Itsukushima Shrine, the Great Torii Gate, historical buildings, traditional culture experience, Omotesando Shopping Street,
    • Lunch
    • JR Ferry Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
    • 14:00
    • Drop-off at JR Miyajima Station

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania. After arriving in Japan, they spent a few days in Tokyo, then traveled to Hiroshima, and planned to continue on to Osaka, Kyoto, and other places before returning to Tokyo. In Tokyo they had mainly spent time in busy districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku, so this was their first opportunity to experience Japanese shrines, temples, and traditional culture. At Miyajima they showed interest in everything, and we ended up spending more time than usual at Itsukushima Shrine. Although it was raining heavily during the rainy season, perhaps because of this there were few other visitors, and the shrine wrapped in mist with Mount Misen in the background looked truly mystical, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed its beauty.

    Welcome to Hiroshima.
    My name is Hiroshi Tsuji, a licensed guide based in Hiroshima and Miyajima. My family has been connected to Miyajima for more than 300 years, and I am pleased to share the history, culture, and daily life of this unique island with visitors from around the world. Please feel free to call me Hiroshi.
    With a background in outdoor sports—including rock climbing, scuba diving, and long-distance triathlons—I have completed several Ironman races abroad. I studied in Kyoto and later worked in management at a publicly listed company, which allowed me to live in many different regions of Japan and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture and history.
    In Hiroshima, I guide guests through the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and share perspectives on the history of Hiroshima and modern Japan.
    In Miyajima, I introduce Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, the island’s beautiful scenery, and its local cuisine. As someone whose family has been connected to Miyajima for generations, I also enjoy sharing local insights and experiences that offer a more personal connection to the island’s culture and way of life.
    I look forward to welcoming you to Hiroshima and Miyajima.
    Hiroshi

    Sep 25, 2026
    philiprA2432ZA
    Hiroshima & Miyajima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Hiroshi picked us up…

    Sep 23, 2026
    Sygeplejersken78
    The best guide – Thank you 🙏🇯🇵🇩🇰
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
    We had…

    Sep 21, 2026
    Pioneer19650761736
    You Won’t Regret Booking with Hiroshi
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had the most amazing…

    Sep 11, 2026
    stephanie782022
    Fantastic tour experience
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had such a fantastic day with Hiroshi,…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion area

    Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle & Gion area

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Hotel meeting
    • 8:50 Nijo Castle
    • 11:00 Sanjusangendo
    • 12:20 Kiyomizu-dera (exterior only)
    • 12:40 Higashiyama area
    • 13:20 Gion area
    • 14:00 Tour ends at Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo and Nishiki Market The booking was made through a travel agency. I guided a group visiting from Oceania. There were moments when their accent made it a little difficult for me to catch everything. Among the places we visited, Sanjusangendo left a particularly strong impression on the guests. They were struggling with fatigue from several days of sightseeing and with the high humidity. We slowed our pace as we walked, and I made sure they stayed hydrated. Along the way I suggested taking a break at a cafe, but since the guests wished to have lunch at Nishiki Market, I arranged things to accommodate that request. Although it was before the scheduled end of the tour, we parted ways at the entrance.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShijo (Kyoto Municipal)~Nijojomae220JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijojomae~Shichijo400JPY
    Section 3BusShichijo~Gojozaka / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Total850JPY

    Hello, my name is Mizuho Yoshikawa. Please call me Mizu and my name means rice and water in Japanese.
    I’ve been a tour guide more than 200 times since the spring of 2023 in Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama and Kochi. My tour is always original and new, depending on the guest’s preferences, encounters, seasons and weather.
    In Kyoto, one of my tours is to climb Mt. Kurama. It is about 1 hour from the city of Kyoto by train, it is a very quiet and beautiful mountain.
    In Osaka, which is called the kitchen of Japan, I am also in charge of food tour.
    In Nara, in addition to the Great Budda Hall, I guide guests to the temple with a really great view and Japanese wine, sake tasting.
    Every city has a unique charming point.
    The motto of my guiding is ” Ichigo Ichie” Once in a lifetime or seize the day. I learn this concept that the moment will never be the same again through tea ceremonies.
    I like a tea ceremony that is part of the traditional Japanese culture and embodies the spirit of “omotenashi” or hospitality. Through the tea ceremony, we can feel the spirit of “omotenashi” that has been passed down to us from ancient times.
    And I like to travel abroad and domestically, and I have been to 13 overseas countries and most of the prefectures in Japan. Traveling always gives me a new perspective, which is exciting and thrilling. Nowadays, we can learn a lot from the Internet, but traveling teaches us that it is important to have direct experience. When I travel, I feel that my five senses are infinitely expanded, and through my tour, I help all guests to have the same feeling in Japan.
    I was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is next to Tokyo Prefecture in eastern Japan. When I was little, I could see Mount Fuji from my backyard. There was also a rice field nearby, and I grew up listening to the croaking of frogs. Listening to the frogs and seeing the mountains made me feel very calm.
    I moved to the city of Kobe, one of the Kansai areas in western Japan, which includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and so on. I’m not from the Kansai area of western Japan, but I think that makes me sensitive to the differences between that area and the Kanto area, Tokyo, where I grew up.
    Speaking of Kobe, you might be thinking of Kobe beef. Of course you do. There are also other sake breweries in Nada in Kobe. You can also go from Kobe city to Himeji Castle, also known as the White Egret Castle, which was the first in Japan to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
    Let’s meet and enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 13, 2026
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  • Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Hakone in 1 Day by Private Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00meet after that travel by car 10:30 Hakone Open-Air Museum after strolling depart at 11:40 12:00 Hakone Shrine
    • 12:30 departure Hakone Checkpoint Ruins Donburi Chaya lunch
    • 13:25 from Motohakone Port pirate ship 13:50 arrive at Togendai by ropeway to Owakudani, by ropeway arrive at Sounzan Station 15:15
    • depart by car at 15:25, 15:45 arrive at hotel and disband

    What Is a Private One-Day Hakone Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Hakone on the final day of their trip in Japan, departing the country the following day. We set off after discussing the itinerary. At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the guests tried a foot bath for the first time. At Hakone Shrine, which they had been looking forward to, we reviewed the differences between a shrine and a Buddhist temple before paying our respects, and took photographs at the red torii gate. At a local restaurant, the guests tried soba, and on the pirate ship they enjoyed the scenery from the deck. The ropeway was unexpectedly uncrowded, so we arrived at Owakudani quite smoothly. I introduced the black eggs, but unfortunately the guests were a little hesitant about them. Judging from the state of the clouds, I sensed that Mount Fuji might possibly appear, so we adopted a strategy of waiting at Owakudani for a while. Miraculously, though faintly, Mount Fuji revealed itself, allowing me to offer a wonderful final memory.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOdawara Station~Odawara Station6,000JPY
    Total6,000JPY

    I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
    I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
    I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
    First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
    Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
    Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
    For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
    Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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    Aug 24, 2026
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