Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 0921 Shiomi station
    • 1006 Shibuya Shibuya Crossing Hachiko Statue
    • 1120 Hamarikyu Garden
    • 1210 Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 1300 Tour ends at Uogashi Ichiba Food court

    Can You Do a Private Tour of Tokyo Covering Hamarikyu Gardens and Tsukiji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors in their later years who had arrived from Oceania the previous day. During the pre-tour communication, I received the itinerary preferences directly from the guests. Their first request was to buy Suica cards, so they purchased them at the ticket vending machines. Their credit card was not accepted, which caused some delay. There were fewer pedestrians than usual at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, so they may have been slightly disappointed. At Hamarikyu Gardens, we walked around to see the 300-year-old pine tree, the flower fields, the Falcon Teahouse, the tidal pond, and the Nakajima Teahouse. From Hamarikyu Gardens we walked to the Tsukiji Outer Market. At Tsukiji, the guests wanted to see the fish market, so we looked around inside the buildings along the Tsukiji Uogashi. As they live near the sea and enjoy fishing, they observed the seafood with great interest. After stepping outside the building for a moment, they met up with a Japanese friend they had arranged to meet, and I guided them to the food court within the fish market before ending the tour.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShiomi～Shibuya376JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Shimbashi178JPY
    Total554JPY

    Tour Report by Harry

    Hello there,
    I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.

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    Oct 8, 2025
    Denise_M
    Great tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…

    Jun 30, 2025
    Iguana74
    Customized Tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…

    May 12, 2025
    Tonya_G
    Would do it again.
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
    Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…

    Mar 22, 2025
    Lauren_P
    We had a great time on…
    Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great time…

  • Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour

    Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:30　Meet up＠The Westin Yokohama
    • 2.11:00　＠Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Main Gate, Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 3.11:30　＠Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, KITTE [Post Office])
    • 4.12:30　Lunch＠Asakusa
    • 5.13:30　＠Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 6.15:00　＠Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 7.17:30　Disband＠The Westin Yokohama (a little before)

    Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had been neighbors long ago and had traveled together as the same group for about fifteen years. It was everyone's first visit to Japan. They had originally booked passage on the Diamond Princess, the cruise ship where Japan's first reported cases of the coronavirus occurred, and after that cancellation this trip to Japan came true four years later. They had watched the Emmy Award-winning series "Shogun." The day before, they had joined a tour to Mount Fuji. I heard that the next day they would board a cruise ship and, after Kagoshima, call at ports such as Taipei and Singapore. On the subway, while asking about Japan, they also introduced their own town by showing photos on their smartphones. At Tokyo Station, they wished to visit a post office to buy Japanese stamps to mail postcards from Japan to their grandchildren, so we stopped by KITTE nearby, where they were able to affix ukiyo-e design stamps and mail the postcards. For lunch they requested tempura and enjoyed tendon in Asakusa. One of the guests had recently undergone knee surgery, so there was some strain on the legs and continuous walking seemed difficult. We walked while matching the pace, but at Hamarikyu Gardens the guest decided independently to wait seated at the entrance rather than going inside. Given that situation, we skipped the originally planned Shibuya and Ginza and returned to the hotel. For the return on the Toyoko Line, they preferred a local train where they could be sure of a seat even if it took longer, and we headed for Minatomirai Station. We walked together until the hotel's sign came into view, and, being considerate toward the guide, they said goodbye there.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMinatomirai Line　Minatomirai Station～Toyoko Line　Shibuya Station510JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro　Hanzomon Line　Shibuya Station～Yurakucho Line　Sakuradamon Station600JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro　Tozai Line　Otemachi Station～Ginza Line　Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro　Ginza Line　Asakusa Station～Shimbashi Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro　Ginza Line　Shimbashi Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
    Section 6TrainTokyu Toyoko Line　Shibuya Station～Minatomirai Line　Minatomirai Station510JPY
    Total1,620JPY

    Tour Report by Noripy

    Hello, I’m Noripy.
    I am a lively woman in my 60s who loves having fun. My charm lies in my bright and approachable personality. Drawing on over 30 years of international experience, I began working as a tour guide in 2023. I have conducted over 100 tours annually, ensuring that my clients enjoy Tokyo and its surrounding areas. I have received high praise from a wide range of customers, from teenagers to people in their 80s. I cater to solo travelers, couples, newlyweds, families, and groups of up to about 10 people. Living in the heart of the city, I actively guide tours primarily in Tokyo. In addition to being certified in English, one of my strengths is being able to communicate effectively in Spanish as well.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you all in Tokyo!

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    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from Yokohama
    Best Post cruise tour ever
    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely experience. My…
    Lovely experience. My guide was an absolutely adorable lady…

    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Noripy gave a 5/5 tour!…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Daiba Station & Nishi-shinjuku Station

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Departure: Daiba Station & Nishi-shinjuku Station

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    • 9:10 Departure: Daiba Station
    • (Yurikamome)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Nihombashi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
    • 10:00 Arrive at Otemachi Station
    • Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:00 Depart Otemachi Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Kasumigaseki Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 11:30 Arrive at Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 12:00 Depart Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 12:30 Arrive at Nishi-shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
    • 13:00 Depart Shinjuku Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 　 Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Shimbashi Station
    • 13:30 Disband: Shimbashi/Yurikamome Station

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe, and it was their first time in Japan. Their main purpose for coming to Japan was to board a cruise ship departing from Yokohama the following day, sailing via Kagoshima, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam before finishing in Singapore. They had arrived at Haneda the previous afternoon and then went to a digital art museum. Their stay in Japan was only two days. They mentioned that military forces were reportedly gathering around the Taiwan area, and the guests seemed a little anxious about the cruise portion of their trip to come. The sky was overcast, but we managed to avoid the rain, though it was a rather hot and humid day for the tour. First, we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I explained about "the transition from the Edo period to the Meiji period," "the Meiji Restoration," and "the challenges facing the current Imperial family." The guests said, "The pine trees are beautiful and we love the Japanese garden." They also asked questions such as, "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" After this, we moved to Shinjuku Gyoen. I explained the history of Shinjuku Gyoen. The guests commented, "It's impressive that there is such a vast park in the middle of a big city." They seemed especially fond of the Japanese garden. From here, we headed via West Shinjuku to the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck. The guests commented, "It really shows how expansively Tokyo spreads out. It's different from London." They also said, "The city is clean. There's no litter on the ground." "There are no trash cans on the streets." "You don't see any homeless people." "The public toilets are clean and pleasant." "The subway is quiet, clean, and reassuring." I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, at the entrance to the Yurikamome line, and we parted ways.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherDaiba Station～Shimbashi Station325JPY
    Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Otemachi Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae Station～Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station209JPY
    Section 4SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae Station～Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayShinjuku Station～Shimbashi Station209JPY
    Total1,099JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Otaru Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 – Meet guests at Otaru Port Pier 3
    • 2. 9:45 – Stroll along Otaru Canal (Chuo Bridge – Asakusa Bridge – Ryugu Bridge)
    • 3. 10:15 – Visit the Otaru Canal Museum
    • 4. 10:45 – Tour of Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura
    • 5. 11:30 – Lunch at a restaurant in Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street
    • 6. 12:30 – Stroll through Otaru Sakaimachi Shopping Street (including Kitaichi Glass Building No. 3, LeTAO confectionery shop, etc.)
    • 7. 14:30 – See off guests at Otaru Port Pier 3

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Otaru in Hokkaido Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had spent a day sightseeing in Akita the day before arriving in Otaru, and upon reaching Otaru they remarked, "Hokkaido is quite cold." The guide prepared a small booklet containing information about Hokkaido and Otaru and gave it to the guests to help the sightseeing proceed smoothly. When the guide suggested Otaru Kihinkan (@1,300 yen) as one of the places to visit, the guests found it expensive, so instead the guide took them to Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura (free of charge), which they were very happy with. Since it was possible to move between each facility on foot, it was convenient that no transportation costs were incurred.

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

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    Feb 7, 2025
    Stay38335184325
    A very frosty day in a very interesting little seaside town
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our…

    Dec 27, 2024
    G
    G5102BEannied
    Sapporo, Hokaido Winter Escapade
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We had an experienced tour guide…

    Oct 30, 2024
    Clarice W
    A Day of Joy at Otaru Canal, Half-day Walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Otaru 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Katsuko-san…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:50　Meet up @ Hotel
    • 10:30　Meiji Shrine
    • 11:40 Imperial Palace
    • 12:40　Uotsuki (Tsukiji)
    • 13:20　Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 14:20　Sensoji Temple
    • 16:05　Disband @ Hotel

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, and one of them had visited Japan many times before, while the tour was a repeat visit for the group. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to depart the next day on an 11-day cruise from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. At Meiji Shrine, the guests appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. In Tsukiji, they enjoyed a Japanese lunch. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiba Park～Meiji-jingumae900JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae0JPY
    Section 3SubwayHibiya～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Shiba Park0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Osaka in One Day: pick you up in front of Tenpozan port

    Osaka in One Day: pick you up in front of Tenpozan port

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 pick you up in front of Tenpozan port
    • 9:30 Osakako Sta.
    • 10:30 Kyoto Sta.
    • 11:15 Nijojo Castle
    • 12:00 (leave)
    • 12:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
    • 13:30 Tenryuji Temple
    • 14:10 Lunch
    • 15:06 (leave)
    • 15:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 16:40 (leave)
    • 17:15 Kyoto Sta.
    • 18:15 Osakako Sta.

    Title: What Happens on a Private Osaka-to-Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The private tour, arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), began with picking up the guests and heading to Osaka-ko subway station to buy tickets. There was a very long line of foreign cruise ship passengers, and it took nearly 20 minutes to purchase tickets, which caused us to miss the intended rapid train at Osaka Station. Since the guests said they absolutely had to return by 19:00, I judged that we would need to skip one destination and discussed this with the guests. In the end, we decided to skip Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The guests asked whether we could go to Gion instead of Kinkaku-ji, but I explained that there would not be enough time to visit Gion after lunch, and they understood. For lunch, the guests wanted to eat sushi, and they enjoyed tuna, rolled sushi, and other dishes. The guests had wanted to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha from the very beginning, and they were deeply moved by the Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates).

    Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port～Bentencho240JPY
    Section 2TrainBentencho～Kyoto820JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 4TrainRanden Tenjingawa～Arashiyama]250JPY
    Section 5TrainArashiyama～Inari240JPY
    Section 6TrainInari～Bentencho990JPY
    Section 7SubwayBentencho～Osaka Port240JPY
    Total3,040JPY

    Tour Report by HIDEYOSHI

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Request Booking

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet @Rhiga Royal Kyoto
    • 2. 8:45 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 3. 10:00 @Yasaka Shrine
    • 4. 10:30 @Tofuku-ji Temple
    • 5. 12:30 @Nijo Castle
    • 6. 13:30 Disband @Nishiki Market

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests included one who had studied Japanese for a year and another who did not understand Japanese but was very interested in Japanese culture. They had gathered a lot of information online and planned to visit the crowded Fushimi Inari Taisha on their own after the tour. Their requests were Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji. Because of the opening hours, we went from Kiyomizu-dera to Tofuku-ji via Gion-Shijo, and then on to Nijo Castle. Since they had not yet been to the Gion area, I also guided them to Yasaka Shrine and Gion Shirakawa along the way. Unfortunately, at Tofuku-ji the Hojo Garden was closed due to a Buddhist memorial service, but they were fully satisfied with the garden around Tsutenkyo Bridge. Because they had watched The Shogun, we were able to talk about various aspects of Japanese culture and history, which I think was wonderful.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKyoto～Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo～Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 3TrainTofukuji～Kyoto150JPY
    Section 4SubwayKyoto～Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae～Shijo220JPY
    Total1,030JPY

    Tour Report by YUKA

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

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    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Guide through Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Guide through Shibuya

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet the guest at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo lobby
    • 9:10 Hotel
    • 9:45 Arrive at Asakusa
    • 9:50 – 11:00 Guide through Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street
    • (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8F observation deck, Kaminarimon, Nakamise Street, Hozomon, giant straw sandals, five-story pagoda,
    • omikuji fortune, incense burner, purification fountain, main hall, Asakusa Shrine)
    • 11:35 – 12:15 Imperial Palace Plaza
    • 12:45 – 13:15 Lunch (Harajuku Takeshita Street soba & tempura)
    • 13:15 – 13:45 Stroll through Harajuku Takeshita Street & Omotesando
    • 13:45 – 14:50 Guide through Meiji Shrine (including restroom and tea break)
    • 14:55 – 15:15 Guide through Shibuya (Hachiko, Shibuya Scramble Crossing)
    • 15:15 Disband at Shibuya

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from North America, who had arrived in Japan three days earlier. On this day they said it was the best and most enjoyable day of their trip, and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. They were very pleased with the history of Sensoji Temple, the history of Meiji Shrine along with its vast grounds and tranquility, and the lively atmosphere of Takeshita Street in Harajuku and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. They enjoyed plenty of shopping at the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple and on Takeshita Street in Harajuku. At Sensoji Temple, they also drew an omikuji fortune (which read "good luck"). They mastered the differences between temples and shrines, the different ways of worshipping at each, and how to pass through a torii gate, and they took many photos at each location. They also seemed to greatly enjoy the soba noodles and tempura for lunch.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkabanebashi Station – Asakusa Station – Hibiya Station, Nijubashimae Station – Meiji-jingumae Station～Harajuku Station – Shibuya Station870JPY
    Total870JPY

    Tour Report by Nobby

    Hello and how do you do?
    My name is Nobuo Kokure, and please call me Nobby for short, if you want.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born in Hayama, a beach resort area, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. And I’m now living in Saginuma, Kawasaki city.
    When I was a university student, I had the opportunities of doing a home stay with a family In U.S.A., Australia, and England, as a youth exchange student.
    After graduation from the university, I started working at American Life Insurance Company, Japan (Alico, Japan), which is a group member company of AIG, now MetLife Insurance Company. I could have a chance to visit the head office and the field offices of U.S.A., Wilmington in Delaware, New York, Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Los Angeles, while I was working for Alico, Japan (Now, MetLife Insurance company).
    I had been working for MetLife Insurance Company for about 38 years, in total.
    After retiring from the life insurance company, I started working as a tour guide, because I wanted to become a tour guide to introduce culture, history, and manners and customs of Japan in English. It’s so different between my previous job and the guide business, but I like guide business a lot.
    I can meet so many people from all over the world and the guide business has been thriving after the pandemic.
    I have implemented the tour over 240 times, introduced Japan to more than 4300 tourists from 53 countries.

    Not only Tokyo, but I have experienced touring around Nikko, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji & Hakone area, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima, etc. which are all very famous as a tourist spot in Japan.
    If you go on a tour in Tokyo, you must see and visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple which is the oldest Buddhist Temple in Tokyo with histories and Nakamise Shopping Street where you can buy the souvenirs and try to taste Japanese sweets, such as doll cake which is the sponge cake in various shapes filled with red bean paste and Japanese powdered tea ice cream. Another my recommendation in Tokyo to visit is Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. Meiji Shrine is one of the biggest shrines in Japan with quiet and peaceful atmosphere and magnificent site.
    Harajuku and Shibuya are both fun to visit for shopping and experience the Shibuya Crossing.
    I usually propose my tentative itinerary and ask if my plan is all right with the customer or not. My hobby is traveling around Japan and foreign countries and going to the gym for exercise.
    I would like to work as a guide as long as possible if I’m in good health and my legs are strong, because I love this job.
    I put my importance on the mind of OMOTENASHI which means sincere hospitality, though safety during the tour takes precedence, number one priority, before anything else.

    I’m very looking forward to seeing you and touring with you in Japan soon.
    Thank you!

    Best regards,

    Nobuo Kokure (Nobby)

    Request Booking

    Jul 20, 2026
    JEFF_D
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tokyo In A Day Tour with Nobuo
    The excursion…

    Apr 18, 2026
    Traveler10250323486
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great day with a Japanese guide who seemed like…

    Sep 23, 2025
    johnsL7185LE
    Brilliant family day trip with Nobuo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobuo Kokure is a wonderful guide.…

    Aug 4, 2025
    leslie_w
    Nobby was an awesome tour…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobby was an awesome tour guide. Very…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Hotel(The Celestine Kyoto) Meet
    • 10:30-11:20 Travel (on foot & Hankyu Railway; Kawaramachi-Shijo → Arashiyama)
    • 11:20- 12:20 Arashiyama walk (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple & Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 12:20-13:20 Lunch (Japanese restaurant Ajiu)
    • 13:20-14:00 Travel (Randen; Arashiyama → Ryoan-ji Temple)
    • 14:00-15:00 Ryoan-ji Temple visit
    • 15:00-15:30 Travel (city bus; Ryoan-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji-michi)
    • 15:30-16:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 16:30 Farewell after Kinkaku-ji Temple visit
    • 　　　(The guests returned to the hotel by taxi)

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group from North America and Asia. They visited Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji. The bamboo grove and Kinkaku-ji were especially crowded, so I paid close attention to make sure no one got separated from the group. The walking seemed to be a bit demanding for some of the guests. Although they walked slowly, I had arranged the schedule with some extra time to spare, so we were able to finish almost exactly on time. There were no negative comments about the tour from the guests, though some would have liked to walk at an even slower pace. (I did make a conscious effort to walk quite slowly.) The guests seemed to enjoy the Japanese lunch very much.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKawaramachi-Shijo～Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama～Ryoan-ji Temple250JPY
    Section 3BusRyoan-ji Temple～Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Total720JPY

    Tour Report by Michi

    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 !

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    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.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Kyoto: Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto: Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central & Fushimi Inari

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
    • 10:30 Kinkakuji(500)
    • 11:30 Ryoanji (600)
    • 12:50 Bamboo grove
    • 13:00 Tenryuji (500+300)
    • Togetsukyo bridge
    • Lunch (Kura Sushi Nishioji Shichijo Store)
    • 15:30 Fushimi Inari
    • 16:20 Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
    • End of the tour

    Title: What Is a Private Charter Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Body: The guests were visiting from North America, on a 10-day trip through Japan. Their itinerary was quite busy: arriving at Narita and staying in Shinjuku, then Osaka, then Kyoto since yesterday, with a return to Tokyo tomorrow to visit Shibuya. Three days before the tour, a list of desired destinations arrived by email, so I created and sent an itinerary based on it, though the guests did not seem to be very familiar with the contents. It appeared that the list had been put together by someone else in the group. After we met, the guests said they wanted something light for breakfast, so they got takeout from a coffee shop near the Hotel and ate it in the chartered car. For lunch, I had planned to go to a family restaurant on the way from Sagano to Fushimi Inari, but since the guests preferred sushi, we went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant on the way to Fushimi Inari instead. They enjoyed the sushi and udon. Although we had a chartered taxi, we walked quite a lot, so the guests were tired in the latter half of the day. It was also very hot today, with a high of 29 degrees, so I encouraged them to stay hydrated. At the end, I asked whether they wanted to return to the Hotel or go somewhere else, and they chose to return to the Hotel, so I extended the taxi by 30 minutes and we parted ways at the Hotel.

    Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Kazz

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

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    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

    Jun 5, 2026
    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…