Category: Uncategorized

  • Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.　09:30　Meet at Hiroshima Port
    • 2.　09:55　Itsukushima Shrine
    • 3.　12:15　Ground Zero, Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 4.　13:00　Lunch
    • 5.　13:50　Guide ends at the 10,000-ton berth (I rode along since we were heading the same way back)

    Can You See Miyajima and the Peace Park in 4 Hours from Hiroshima Port? A Licensed Guide's Report I met the guests at Hiroshima Port at 09:00. They wanted to visit Miyajima and the Peace Park within four hours, wanted to eat okonomiyaki, and needed to return to their ship by 14:00 for re-boarding, so we agreed on the following two points: 1. Use high-speed boats for both the outbound and return trips. 2. Use taxis between Ujina Port and Hiroshima Port, and from the Peace Park to Ujina Port. I made these reservations in advance. We walked to Itsukushima Shrine while taking photos at the photo spots, but unfortunately, the main hall was closed to visitors due to high tides. I explained about Itsukushima Shrine while walking around the back of the shrine, and we visited Daiganji Temple. We walked along Machiya-dori and arrived at the pier at 11:20. We took the 11:30 World Heritage Sea Route high-speed boat and arrived at the Motoyasu River pier at 12:15. We visited the Atomic Bomb Dome and the hypocenter. Since they wanted to eat okonomiyaki, I guided them to a restaurant where they could eat quickly. Afterward, they headed to the 10,000-ton berth at Ujina Port by the reserved taxi. Since I was heading in the same direction home, I rode along with them to guide them. The schedule was very tight, but since I had arranged the transportation in advance, everything went smoothly, and I believe the guests enjoyed the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherHiroshima Port～Miyajima Pier1,050JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima Pier～Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total2,150JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello everyone.
    I’m excited to have an opportunity to introduce myself to you.
    This is my third year as a tour guide.
    I enjoy chatting with customers while guiding them.
    I mainly guide tours in the western Hiroshima Prefecture area, including Miyajima, Peace Memorial Park, Shukkei-en Garden, Kure, Etajima, and Takehara.
    I also love visiting temples and shrines.
    And I love sake and fresh seafood such as oysters and sashimi.
    As a motorcycle rider, I know some hidden gems in this area.
    I look forward to providing enjoyable tours, so please feel free to join me.

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    Jun 20, 2026
    Todd_C
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Shopping with Concierge
    Harry was very…
    Harry was very informative. We did the…

    Apr 26, 2026
    Glenn_L
    Viator review: Hiroshima 6hr Private Guided Tour & Food Tasting with Concierge
    Moving tour of Hiroshima
    Our guide, Harry, met us…

    Apr 2, 2026
    Roldan_T
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Harry was an great and informative guide.
    Harry was…

    May 10, 2025
    jonathan_R
    Really great tour. …
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Really great tour. Hisashi or…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Tochigi in One Day: Shinkyo Bridge & Tamozawa Imperial Villa

    Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:10 Meet at Hotel
    • 8:20 Purchase Toshogu tickets at Tobu Nikko Station
    • 8:40 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 9:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 10:10 Taiyuin
    • 10:50 Futarasan Shrine
    • 11:30 Tamozawa Imperial Villa
    • 12:30 Lunch at Maruhide Diner
    • 13:10 Disband at JR Nikko Station

    Title: What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. We met at the hotel and started earlier than scheduled. Perhaps because of the early start, we were able to visit Toshogu Shrine smoothly. At Taiyuin, since one of the guests preferred to avoid the stairs, only part of the group went up to worship. As we had time to spare, we visited Futarasan Shrine, which had not been on the original plan. There, the guests enjoyed a monkey performance by a local monkey troupe. After that, I guided them to the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. For lunch, one of the guests had a preference for tonkatsu, so they ordered katsu curry and said it was delicious. The tour finished earlier than planned, and the guests were glad we were able to complete it before the rain started.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusTobu Nikko～Shinkyo Bridge220JPY
    Section 2BusYasukawacho～JR Nikko Station280JPY
    Total500JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Hello! My name is Mato. I got a National License in 2020.
    Before the coronavirus pandemic, I guided about 20 pairs in Tokyo as volunteer. In 2023 I guided 16times such as Tokyo ,Okinawa, Kochi ,Sendai, and Mt Fuji view cycling tour at Lake Kawaguchi. In Tokyo I guided Shibuya, Shinjyuku, Roppngi, Imperial palace,Ueno, Asakusa. Especially I am good at guiding at Ueno and Asakusa.
    My hobby is running, hiking,eating,drinking Sake,cooking,and travelling by local train. What about eating, I like eating Sushi, and I cook Sushi sometimes. Also I know very nice Sushi restaurant in Tokyo. And what about tour spot in Tokyo, I know Ueno and Asakusa well. So I can show you hidden spot.
    Also I can make Origami cranes, so I can give them for your souvenir. Let’s enjoy Japan tour with me.

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    Jun 4, 2026
    123Susan321
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great day out
    Great day spent exploring Tokyo with our guide Mato.…

    Apr 17, 2026
    Wendy_J
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Tokyo
    Great tour of Tokyo with Mato. Saw many sights…

    Mar 31, 2026
    U1583SAgregt
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mato is the best!
    Mato was one of the best tour guides…

    Oct 27, 2025
    Drakhignazzo
    Wonderful day in Nikko
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had a lovely day with Mato with Nikko.…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Daishoin Temple

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Daishoin Temple

    Miyajima Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00. Hotel Meet
    • 10:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:30 Daishoin Temple
    • 13:00 Miyajima Dismissal

    What Is a Private Miyajima and Daisho-in Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. It was unfortunately rainy, with the temperature around 25 degrees and quite humid. The guests had arrived two weeks earlier and had traveled to various places, including Nagano. When I asked if they had visited a Buddhist temple there, they said they had done the kaidan-meguri (pilgrimage through a dark underground passage). Compared with Zenkoji Temple, the stairway pilgrimage at Daisho-in Temple on Miyajima is smaller in scale, so I passed through the dark staircase chanting the Heart Sutra with an even deeper, more resonant voice than usual. The guests said it felt like a haunted house, but it seemed they enjoyed it.

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

    Tour Report by Yuji

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

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

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

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

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

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:10 Meet up @ Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    • 2. 09:15 Travel: Yurikamome, subway
    • 3. 10:10 Stay @ Asakusa
    • 4. 11:45 Travel: subway
    • 5. 12:15 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 6. 13:10 Stay @ Wadakura Fountain Park
    • 7. 13:30 Travel: subway
    • 8. 13:40 Disband @ In front of Yurakucho Marion

    A Private Tokyo Day Tour: Asakusa, the East Gardens, and Ginza — A Licensed Guide's Report Because the hotel had a spacious lobby, I waited for the guests near the elevators, but there seemed to be many other guests also departing at 9:00, so the elevators were crowded and the guests arrived about 10 minutes late. The guests were a group visiting from a French-speaking region of North America. Their requested spots were Asakusa, the East Gardens, and Shibuya. At the East Gardens, I skipped the main keep area to save time, but during the first half in Asakusa, one of the guests became very absorbed in shopping, which used up more time than expected, making it difficult to include Shibuya. When I asked again about their interests, I learned that they were interested in Ginza, so after guiding them through the East Gardens, I took them from the Kikyo-bori moat to Tokyo Station, and at Ginza Station I explained how to take the Yurikamome line back to the hotel before we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station330JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Asakusa Station210JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo Station～Ginza Station180JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Sam

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Waiting at Hotel (Around 09:15, received contact from the guest saying "I'll be 30 minutes late." After consulting with the guest, changed the meeting place to "Kyoto Station Central Gate")
    • 10:00 Meeting: JR Kyoto Station, Central Gate (Originally scheduled to meet at 09:00, but delayed about 1 hour due to train trouble)
    • 11:00 Sightseeing ①: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:00 Sightseeing ②: Arashiyama (Bamboo Path ⇒ Katsura River ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 14:20 Sightseeing ③: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Dismissal: JR Kyoto Station (Shinkansen platform)

    What's a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Kyoto Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests this time were a group visiting Japan on a cruise ship from Europe. Communication and coordination regarding the meeting point and itinerary were handled through one of the guests, but as it was difficult to reach them, the specific details remained undecided until just before the tour. In the end, since frequent contact was hard to maintain by regular email, we communicated through a messaging app. It was only the day before the tour that we finally confirmed the meeting point and the destinations (Kinkaku-ji ⇒ Arashiyama ⇒ Fushimi Inari ⇒ Kiyomizu-dera), and prepared for the tour the following day. Getting to the start on the day itself was also quite a challenge. I usually arrive at the meeting point and wait at least 30 minutes before the scheduled meeting time to welcome my guests. However, in this case, even while waiting in the lobby of the Hotel, which was the meeting point, the guests did not appear. While waiting, I exchanged several confirmation messages with the guests, and shortly after 9:00 I received a message saying they had taken the wrong train and would be about 30 minutes late. Anticipating a considerable delay, I judged that changing the meeting point to the front of Kyoto Station (Central Gate) would save time, and after getting the guests' agreement, I moved to the Central Gate of Kyoto Station and waited. In the end, I was able to meet up with the guests around 10:00 a.m., an hour later than planned. We greeted each other on the spot and discussed how to restructure a tour that was now running an hour behind. It was only at this point that I realized this group was doing a "day trip to Kyoto" using the time their cruise ship was docked at Osaka's Nanko port. Therefore, they were not staying at the Hotel, and had come from Osaka by Shinkansen that morning. I explained that completing the planned itinerary would require at least a one-hour extension, and that a guide surcharge would apply in that case. The guests said that since the cruise ship departed at 7:00 p.m., they wanted to be back on board by around 5:00 p.m., so an extension was not possible. In the end, we confirmed with the guests that we would cancel the final destination, Kiyomizu-dera. As for lunch, the guests said they had eaten a large, late breakfast on the cruise ship and did not need lunch, so we finalized the plan as a "5-hour tour" covering three locations without lunch. On the day of the tour, although it was a little hot and humid, the guests thoroughly enjoyed each destination. There were various troubles, such as the delay at the start, but once the tour got underway, they were a very warm and close group who listened attentively to my explanations, and it was a pleasant experience to guide them. In any case, I wonder if there is some way to address the lack of information that comes with guests arriving by cruise ship.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto～Kitaoji260JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitano-Hakubaicho230JPY
    Section 4TrainKitano-Hakubaicho～Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 5TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 6TrainInari～Kyoto150JPY
    Total1,360JPY

    Tour Report by Nori

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Request Booking

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We saw so much in the…
    We saw so much in the…

    Mar 24, 2026
    zackn719
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…

    Oct 16, 2025
    Michael_H
    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
    Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet up @Airbnb Otsuka
    • 2.9:40 @Asakusa
    • 3.11:00 Lunch @Nishi-Asakusa Monja Shichigosan
    • 4.12:00 @Kappabashi
    • 5.13:00 @Shibuya
    • 6.13:20 @Cat Street
    • 7.13:40 @Meiji Shrine
    • 8.14:30 @Takeshita Street (entrance only)
    • 9:15:00 Disband @Otsuka Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had chosen this season because the cherry blossom period tends to be crowded. The weather forecast called for rain, but during the tour there was no need to use an umbrella, which was fortunate. They said one could easily spend an entire day in Asakusa, and they took photos of Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori shopping street. One of the guests seemed to love flowers and plants, looking up the English name for the fragrant olive (kinmokusei), and taking photos of the fresh flower displays at Meiji Shrine. They also enjoyed Kappabashi and said they would like to visit it again on their own. They remarked that Meiji Shrine was beautiful as well. We went as far as the entrance of Takeshita Street, but seeing how extremely crowded it was, they purchased a pair of sneakers before we returned to Otsuka and parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainOtsuka～Ueno178JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Shibuya252JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku～Otsuka178JPY
    Total786JPY

    Tour Report by FUMIKO

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

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    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Asakusa

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Imperial Palace & Asakusa

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Hotel The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
    • 10:30 Shiodome, Nippon TV Big Clock
    • 11:00 Imperial Palace (East Gardens)
    • 13:30 Asakusa (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 14:00 Disband at Akabanebashi Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided the guests, who had arrived in Japan for the first time the previous day from Oceania, to the Imperial Palace (East Gardens) and Asakusa. The Imperial Palace was a requested destination. We entered through the Otemon Gate and passed the Doshin Bansho, Hyakunin Bansho, and Omban Bansho guardhouses on the way to the Fujimi-yagura Keep. The guests were impressed by how beautiful and magnificent it was. From the observation area, they enjoyed a wonderful view. At the site of the former main keep, there are many kinds of cherry trees, and the winter cherry blossoms were in bloom. They also enjoyed the view from the site of the former castle tower. In the pond of the Ninomaru Garden, many yellow flowers of kohone, a relative of the water lily, were blooming beautifully. The East Gardens were a requested destination, and they are wonderfully peaceful and green, so I was very happy when the guests told me how much they enjoyed it. In Asakusa, they enjoyed the view from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, and while guiding them through the many shops of Nakamise, I showed them Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and other sites, explaining shrines and temples and the etiquette for worship. It was a fulfilling and enjoyable tour with the guests, who were very cheerful and friendly.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi Station～Shiodome Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi Station～Tokyo Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Station～Ueno Station170JPY
    Section 4SubwayUeno Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa Station～Shimbashi Station210JPY
    Section 6SubwayShiodome Station～Akabanebashi Station180JPY
    Total1,070JPY

    Select a guide: enter the WordPress Guide post ID or Guide ID in the block settings.

    Request Booking

    Apr 14, 2025
    618phillipa
    Wonderful tour of Tokyo on foot and metro
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Emiko was a wonderful…

    Oct 17, 2024
    Shane_N
    Great guide and experience
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour giving a great taste of Tokyo.…

  • Kanagawa in Half a Day: Yokohama Osanbashi Pier & Hasedera Temple

    Kanagawa in Half a Day: Yokohama Osanbashi Pier & Hasedera Temple

    Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:30 Yokohama Osanbashi Pier
    • 　　　Meet at the meeting place
    • 12:30〜13:30 Travel
    • By taxi to Yokohama Station East Exit, from Yokohama Station take the Yokosuka Line → Kamakura Station → by taxi to Kotoku-in Temple
    • 13:30〜14:20 Kotoku-in Temple, Great Buddha
    • Travel on foot
    • 14:30〜15:30 Hasedera Temple
    • 15:30〜16:20 Travel
    • By taxi from Hasedera Temple → Kamakura Station West Exit, from Kamakura Station take the Yokosuka Line → Yokohama Station → by taxi to Osanbashi Pier
    • 16:20 Put into a taxi at Yokohama Station and disband

    Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour from Yokohama to Kamakura Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests arrived from a cruise ship. Since Yokohama Osanbashi Pier is very large, I was worried about whether we would be able to meet, but there was a sign reading "meeting point," so we met without any trouble. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private half-day tours from Yokohama to Kamakura for cruise ship visitors. Because walking was difficult for one of the guests, we took a taxi to Yokohama Station and used escalators and elevators to reach the platform. The guests wanted to try riding a train, so we took the Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station. They watched the other passengers and the scenery with great interest. At Kamakura Station, it was easier to catch a taxi at the west exit than at the east exit. At Kotoku-in, they were overwhelmed by the size and dignity of the Great Buddha and let out sounds of admiration. Some of the guests also went inside. Since it is only about a ten-minute walk to Hasedera, the group walked there. As climbing the stairs was too difficult, we did not go up to the main hall, and instead limited our visit to the lower garden, the Benten cave, and the study hall. When I called a taxi by phone, it came all the way to the Hasedera parking lot, which was very helpful. On the way back, we were able to sit in a box seat, so we had a lively conversation about family and travel. I saw the guests into a taxi at Yokohama Station and we parted ways. Since walking was difficult, I was very careful about whether things would go smoothly, but the guests were very pleased with this half-day tour, which was a great relief.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama～Kamakura720JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by YUMI

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

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    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Off the tourist track in Tokyo
    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learned and enjoyed every minut
    Yumi was a fanty…

    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
    Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
    Yumi is…

  • Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 11:50 Meet up @ Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 12:00 @ Castle View
    • 3. 12:30 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 14:50 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 15:40 @ Egret Himeji Rooftop
    • 6. 15:50 Disband @ Egret Himeji Rooftop

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan. They had arrived three weeks earlier and had toured Tokyo, Kyoto, and the Kumano Kodo. After sightseeing in Himeji today, they planned to do a little sightseeing in Osaka tomorrow before heading home. On today's tour, we met slightly earlier than scheduled at Himeji Station and visited Castle View, Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and the rooftop of Egret Himeji, ending the tour at the Egret Himeji rooftop. The humidity was somewhat high today and it felt a little warm, but the guests took many photos at Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden. They also seemed to love the view from the rooftop of Egret Himeji, our final stop, and were delighted with the tour as a whole.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Norio

    Hello, my name is Norio Oki, a Government-Certified Tour Guide in Japan.
    I specialize in guiding visitors through the beautiful and historic regions of Himeji and Kobe.

    My expertise includes Japanese history, traditional culture, castles, and sake. I enjoy sharing not only facts, but also the stories and spirit behind each place.

    In Himeji, I offer guided tours of Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, and Nadagiku Sake Brewery.
    In Kobe, I guide guests through the Nada Sake Breweries area, Mt. Rokko, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, Harborland, Meriken Park, the Kitano District, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and the lively Motomachi Shopping Street.

    Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or local experiences, I will create a personalized tour tailored to your interests.

    If you’re planning to visit Himeji or Kobe, I would be delighted to be your guide.
    I look forward to meeting you soon!

    Request Booking

    Jul 7, 2026
    77guye
    The best way to experience Himeji Castle
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    What a great way to…

    May 30, 2026
    karenpG5549XU
    Loved our tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour with Norio, would highly…

    May 28, 2026
    TrailBlazer741528
    Kobe Variety.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our delightful guide, Norio, was knowledgeable and a master at…

    May 23, 2026
    sarahpR5911DJ
    Himeji castle with Norio
    Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We learnt lots about Himeji castle and it…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0930 Hotel Ryogoku（1 min from Ryogoku Station on Toei Oedo Line）
    • 0945 Ueno-okachimachi ~ Ameyoko ~ Ueno Park（Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Saigo Takamori Statue）
    • 1110 Nippori ~ Yanaka Ginza ~ Nezu Shrine
    • 1325 Imperial Palace Outer Garden（Tatsumi Yagura ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue）~ Marunouchi Building ~ Tokyo Station
    • 1500 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
    • 1520 Shinjuku, 3D Cat Display, Godzilla Road
    • 1550 Guide the way to Oedo Line Shinjuku West Exit, and disband at Omoide Yokocho

    Title: What's a Private Old Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Yanaka, Nezu, and Shinjuku The tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) for guests visiting Japan. Originally the tour was planned for one group only, but the night before, word came that another group they had become friendly with at their Hotel wished to join, and after confirming with [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/), I agreed. Part of the group came from North America and part from Europe. It was the first visit to Japan for all but one of the guests. One of the guests had spent childhood years living in Japan around the mid-20th century, reportedly near the Akasaka-mitsuke area, though the details were unclear. By the previous day, the guests had already visited Asakusa and Meiji Shrine with an earlier guide, and during our pre-tour coordination they expressed a wish to visit places where the atmosphere of old Tokyo could be felt, such as the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area and the Imperial Palace. Although the weather was unfortunate, with occasional rain, the itinerary progressed almost smoothly. In Nezu, the guests enjoyed dango dumplings and kusa-mochi rice cakes. I had planned to travel from Tokyo Station via Ginza to Shibuya, but since one of the guests was curious about Akasaka-mitsuke, we transferred there from the Marunouchi Line to the Ginza Line without going up to street level, and took a commemorative photo on the platform. In Shinjuku, the guests seemed to want to enjoy an izakaya at Omoide Yokocho, so I showed them the way to Shinjuku West Exit Station and we parted ways. (When planning the route, I had arranged it so that the guests could return to Ryogoku on a single Oedo Line train.)

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayRyogoku～Ueno-okachimachi178JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno～Nippori146JPY
    Section 3SubwayNezu～Nijubashimae178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTokyo ~ Akasaka-mitsuke～Shibuya209JPY
    Section 5TrainShibuya～Shinjuku167JPY
    Total878JPY

    Tour Report by Ted

    I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
    After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

    My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
    My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
    – Senso ji Temple
    – Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
    – Tokyo Skytree
    – Ueno Park
    – Nezu Shrine
    – Imperial Palace outer park
    – Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
    – Tsukiji Fish Market
    – Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
    – Ginza
    – Odaiba
    – Hama Rikyu Garden
    – Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
    – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    – Roppongi
    – Meiji Shrine
    – Harajuku & Takeshita Street
    – Shibuya
    – and Any of your interest.

    I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
    Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
    Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

    I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

    Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
    Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

    A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

    In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

    Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
    These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
    Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
    Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
    The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
    Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
    Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

    I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

    Request Booking

    Jul 2, 2026
    Susan M
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Family fun in Tokyo.
    A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

    Jun 26, 2026
    ann r
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Educational with kind, generous guide
    My teenage sons and I learned…

    Jun 14, 2026
    141yunb
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
    We…

    May 18, 2026
    B
    Beth56646
    Great tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…