Category: Uncategorized

  • Aomori in One Day: Seiryu-ji Temple arr & Aomori cruise terminal arr

    Aomori in One Day: Seiryu-ji Temple arr & Aomori cruise terminal arr

    Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • Dear John Moore
    • Welcome to Aomori !
    • 【Aomori Tour】 15th October 2024
    • *4-persons
    • 　　～ Itinerary ～
    • 9:00 At the Aomori cruise terminal To the Seiryuji Temple by taxi.
    • 9:30 Seiryu-ji Temple arr. (Admission fee: 400 yen/one-person)
    • 10:30 Seiryuji Temple dept. By taxi
    • 11:00 Apple – picking at Aomori Apple Orchard (Admission fee:500yen/one-person)
    • 　　　　 ⁂You can pick two apples up and drink apple juice tel:017-738-3047
    • 12:00 Lunch @Japanese restaurant “Momoyo” tel:017-776-5820
    • Menu: Japanese traditional full-course meal, price:2,200 yen ～
    • 13:30 Warrase Nebuta Museum (Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person)
    • 14:30 Wearing Kimono experiene at Aspam tourism center.　
    • 　　　　⁂You can buy an economically priced and used Kimono.
    • 15:00 Aomori cruise terminal arr.
    • 　　　　———————————————————————————————-
    • Sayounara (Good By)

    Title: What Is a Private Aomori Cruise Port Tour Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America, arriving on a cruise ship making its first-ever call at the port of Aomori. The ship was a large cruise vessel (82,897 tons, 285 meters in length, with about 2,000 passengers and around 800 crew members). Before reaching Aomori, they had been on an extended cruise itinerary: first, a voyage departing from a North American port heading to Alaska and then on to another Japanese port (with one stop skipped due to poor weather); next, a route calling at numerous ports across Japan and East Asia, including Aomori, Otaru, Hakodate, Akita, Sakaiminato, Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kochi, Osaka, Shimizu, Tokyo, Naha, and Ishigaki, as well as ports in other parts of Asia; and finally continuing onward, for a journey of roughly two months in total. Guiding first-time visitors to Japan on their very first visit to a regional city such as Aomori is truly rewarding! I took the guests to an apple orchard for sightseeing in Aomori. They already knew Fuji apples, but they were amazed to see the trees of many different apple varieties, such as Orin. They enjoyed a first-time apple harvesting experience, tasting, and concentrated apple juice — delicious and wonderful!! The guests presented natural quartz crystals, which they had mined themselves in North America, to the people at the apple orchard, saying that the stones carry Reiki energy. I was quietly told that, incidentally, this trip cost about 100,000 US dollars per person (based on the exchange rate of 149 yen to the dollar in mid-October).

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

    Tour Report by Tomohiko

    My name is Tomohiko Kudo.
    I live in Aomori city.
    I already visited more than 30 nations so far.
    After official retirement from the public officer, I could have the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide overseas tourists all over the world.
    Did you know that the Fuji apple is not from Mt.Fuji…but is actually from Aomori Prefecture’ Fujisaki town. Aomori is proud of the biggest apple product in
    Japan. We provide 40 apple-pie restaurants to guests.
    Let’s enjoy real Japanese culture and history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samuri history, Kimono culture, local traditional festivals, castle,
    Japanese garden, temple, shrine, Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake.
    I often go to the local sea food and vegetable markets and eat fresh foods and would love to show you some secret, hidden restaurants that only Aomori locals know about – let’s go on an adventure together.
    If you like sushi and fresh seafood, let me introduce to Nokkedon ?
    What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you.

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    Jun 2, 2025
    413maryannb
    Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day…

    Apr 30, 2025
    Jacqueline_F
    Great Guide, great tour
    Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which…

    Dec 30, 2024
    Scenic33296385055
    Warm and professional guide
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind…

    Aug 3, 2024
    Monika R
    Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    We were 3…

  • Miyagi in One Day: Godaido & Shiogama Shrine

    Miyagi in One Day: Godaido & Shiogama Shrine

    Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:04 Meet and greet at JR Matsushimakaigan Station as guests come out from the pickup bus of their accommodation hotel
    • 11:05~ 11:30 Visit Godaido
    • 12:00~12:50 Matsushima sightseeing boat
    • 13:00~13:40 Fukuura Bridge and Fukuura Island
    • 13:50~14:20 Matsushima Foodie (dumplings at Rikyu & freshly baked rice crackers at Matsushima Yukitakeya & grilled bamboo fish cake experience at Matsushima Kamaboko Honpo Monzen branch)
    • 14:25~ 14:40 Visit Entsuin
    • 14:50~15:30 Visit Oshima
    • 15:51~16:05 Move to Honshiogama Station on the Senseki Line
    • 16:15~16:30 Visit Shiogama Shrine
    • 16:46~17:00 Move from Honshiogama Station to Matsushimakaigan Station
    • 17:10 See off the guests as they meet the shuttle bus of their accommodation (Hotel Taikanso) at the same station, then disband

    What Is a Private Matsushima and Shiogama Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested places for a light snack when they got a little hungry during the tour, rather than a full lunch, because some of the guests followed a gluten-free diet. This was my first time guiding gluten-free guests, but thanks to various training sessions I had taken on gluten-free needs, I kept in mind that not only wheat but also soy sauce ingredients should be avoided. I tried to cover as many places as possible, and since the guests asked about other recommendations, I carefully prepared the itinerary in advance together with them — for example, changing the order for weather-dependent spots to after the weather improved, and choosing places we could visit nearby without going all the way to Sendai. Thanks to this preparation, everything went smoothly. I also let them know that if they were staying in Matsushima, each hotel runs a shuttle bus to the station, which we could use as a meeting point. It was a very close-knit group, and the guests responded cheerfully to my explanations, which made the work enjoyable for me as well. Regarding the gluten-free diet, when ordering I further checked at the counter whether wheat or soy sauce was used in the ingredients. At the popular beef tongue restaurant, all of the dango dumplings contained wheat flour, so only those who could eat wheat ordered them, and for the others we had the neighboring senbei rice cracker shop make plain grilled crackers without soy sauce, and everyone seemed satisfied. Also, the sasa-kamaboko (fish cake) grilling experience is often included in other companies' foodie tours, but it was my first time doing it in Matsushima. After confirming the ingredients, the guests enjoyed the grilling experience as an attraction as well. Since we had not set a specific lunch time, I anticipated that the timing would end up a bit awkward, so we visited places reachable with the JR passes everyone held — contrasting the temple town of Matsushima with the shrine town of Shiogama, which worked out well. The latter half was tight on time, but we safely got them onto the hotel shuttle bus, and I ended the tour by wishing them a wonderful sunrise over Matsushima the next day.

    Click here for more details: Sendai & Matsushima Customized Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainMatsushimakaigan Station～Honshiogama Station200JPY
    Total200JPY

    Tour Report by Riko

    Hello! I’m Riko, your local guide. During the week, I work at a local university, but on weekends, I love to guide visitors like you. This year(2024) marks my 6th year as a guide, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing the beauty of Japan with you.
    I’m a certified Sake Navigator, so I have a wealth of knowledge about Japanese sake. Additionally, I’m well-versed in the gourmet scene of Sendai, Shiogama, and Matsushima, allowing me to tailor your tour to your culinary preferences!
    I look forward to creating a memorable tour experience for you, full of fun and lasting memories of Japan. Thanks for choosing me as your guide!

    Request Booking

    May 10, 2026
    Nate_K
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fun Day in the bay!
    Be ready to walk briskly…

    Apr 30, 2026
    Tanakainmaui
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko-san is the best guide!
    I originally booked with TripAdvisor,…

    Mar 31, 2026
    NHDBuilder
    Tripadvisor review: Sendai / Matsushima Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    GO WITH “RIKO” FROM JAPAN GUIDE AGENCY
    This is our…

    Oct 3, 2025
    P
    Peggy_M
    This was a great tour with Riko
    Viator review: Sendai / Matsushima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Riko was…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Westin Miyako Kyoto Gathering & Shogunzuka

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Westin Miyako Kyoto Gathering & Shogunzuka

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 The Westin Miyako Kyoto Gathering
    • 9:00 Gion Hanamikoji
    • 9:50 Shinbashi-dori, Tatsumi Bridge
    • 10:20 Yasaka Pagoda
    • 11:10 Shogunzuka
    • 12:00 The Westin Miyako Kyoto Dismissal

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report Today I guided a group visiting from North America. Since walking was difficult for one of the guests, we arranged a private chartered taxi at the Hotel. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private taxi tour of Kyoto. We first went to Hanamikoji Street, but because it was still early in the morning, there were hardly any tourists, and the quiet streetscape was very beautiful, which the guests loved. At Tatsumi Bridge, there was a pre-wedding photo shoot taking place, which created a lovely atmosphere. After that, since there were still not many people around, the taxi driver kindly took us to Yasaka Pagoda, and I believe the guests were delighted to be able to take photos there. We then enjoyed the view from Shogunzuka. Since the guests mentioned that their knee was starting to hurt, we ended the tour a little earlier than planned. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    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.

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Gora to Owakudani via Sounzan & Hakone Open-Air

    Kanagawa in One Day: Gora to Owakudani via Sounzan & Hakone Open-Air

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet at hotel
    • 09:30-10:00 From Gora to Owakudani via Sounzan
    • 10:00-10:50 Owakudani sightseeing, take the ropeway to Togendai
    • 11:25-12:05 Lake Ashi cruise
    • 12:10-12:45 Lunch at Moto-Hakone
    • 12:45-14:20 Stroll through the Hakone Open-Air Museum
    • 14:20-15:00 Travel from the Open-Air Museum to the hotel

    What Is a Private Hakone Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest participated on their own and was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and cycling. Before arriving in Japan, I tried to make contact several times without a response, and [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) provided support. During the tour, the guest asked to be taken back to the hotel and, since they were departing the next day, requested a simulation, so starting 30 minutes before the end we reviewed the timetable and the route to Odawara. The guest seemed to enjoy the tour itself, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum appeared to open up a "new" world for them, so I felt glad to have taken them there.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassKowakien～Kowakien5,000JPY
    Section 2OtherTogendai～Moto-Hakone700JPY
    Total5,700JPY

    Tour Report by Kappa

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

    Request Booking

    Jul 30, 2025
    Michael_R
    Customized Hakone tour
    Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…

    May 18, 2025
    Leigh_M
    Kappa, our guide met us…
    Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa, our guide met us at the…

    May 4, 2025
    panderhigs
    Kappa A+ Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…

    May 4, 2025
    O9621SBscottp
    Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I were treated…

  • 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 @ Hotel TOKYO STATION (5-3 Yaesu 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
    • 2) 9:20 Ueno Park <Former Kaneiji Five-Story Pagoda, Ueno Toshogu Shrine>
    • 3) 10:30 Yanaka <Former Yoshidaya Liquor Store, Ueno Sakuragi area, Cemetery, Shopping Street>
    • 4) 11:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 5) 12:30 Lunch @ Tsubomi (36-2 Nezu 2-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
    • 6) 14:00 Former Iwasaki Estate Garden
    • 7) 14:40 Ueno Park <Shinobazu Pond, Bentenjima, Bentendo>
    • 8) 15:00 Disband @ JR Keihin-Tohoku Line Ueno Station Platform 3

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania who had been friends for many years. In their advance message, they had requested a visit to the Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu areas. After topping up transit IC cards (Pasmo/Icoca) that they had received from friends in their home region, we headed to Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the former Kaneiji five-story pagoda, as the guests had wished. They were interested in the appearance of the shrine's Karamon gate, the transparent fence, and the stone lanterns. After purchasing amulets as souvenirs for grandchildren and friends, they entered the Botan-en garden to view the ongoing dahlia exhibition (I waited outside). We met again after fifteen minutes and walked from Ueno Park to the former Yoshidaya liquor store (a short rest) and on toward the Ueno Sakuragi area. At Yanaka Cemetery, I also showed them the grave of the last shogun, Yoshinobu. The guests, who enjoy gardening as a hobby, showed great interest in the street trees, the flowers and plants growing in the cemetery and along the roadsides, the plantings around private apartments and buildings, and the butterflies. After I guided them through the Yanaka Ginza shopping street and Yomise Street, the guests seemed a little tired, so (since many shops are closed on Wednesdays) we gave up on walking along Hebi-michi and took the subway to Nezu Shrine. Unlike the lively atmosphere of the "Nezu-Sendagi Festival" held the previous weekend, Nezu Shrine and its rows of vermilion torii gates were in their usual quiet state. The guests admired the sacred tree in the precincts. Afterward, at their request to eat Japanese food, we went to a nearby Japanese restaurant. The guests ordered a simmered fish set meal and a marinated young yellowtail rice bowl set, and were very satisfied. After lunch we visited the former Iwasaki Family Garden. Planning to part ways at JR Ueno Station, I guided them around Shinobazu Pond, Benten Island, and Bentendo in Ueno Park, and as we headed toward the park ticket gate, the guests expressed a wish to issue a JR Pass. We entered the JR Ueno Station premises through the park ticket gate and exited via the central gate (a 150 yen JR Ueno Station entry fee was incurred), then completed the issuance without trouble at the JR EAST Travel Service Center near the Asakusa exit. As we were running out of time, they said they would return to the hotel right away but felt uneasy about traveling by train. We entered the JR Ueno Station premises through the central gate and I guided them to platform 3 of the Keihin-Tohoku Line (a 150 yen JR Ueno Station entry fee was incurred). A train arrived immediately, so I told them to get off at the third station from there, and we parted ways. They said they would spend the next day at a relaxed pace in the city, and would later visit Kyoto, Takayama, and Yamaguchi among other places. They were cheerful and warm-hearted guests.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Ueno-Tokyo Line Tokyo Station～JR Ueno-Tokyo Line Ueno Station170JPY
    Section 2SubwayTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station180JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station～Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station180JPY
    Total530JPY

    Tour Report by Tachi

    Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

    Request Booking

    Jun 19, 2026
    Daniel_O
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    10/10 would do again!
    Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

    May 24, 2026
    Meander63637687943
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tour guide Tachi is the best!
    A most enjoyable and…

    May 19, 2026
    Jai_K
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I would definitely…
    I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

    May 5, 2026
    Gary33556
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
    Tachi was our guide. What…

  • Ishikawa in Half a Day: Mitsui Garden & Nagamachi area

    Ishikawa in Half a Day: Mitsui Garden & Nagamachi area

    Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Mitsui Garden
    • 10:00 Higashi Chaya District stroll & Shima admission
    • 11:00 Kanazawa Castle Park & Kenrokuen
    • 12:30 Nagamachi area
    • 13:00 Dismissal

    What Is a Private Guided Tour of Kanazawa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were traveling around various parts of Japan. They took photographs of a teahouse with great interest and spent time observing it carefully. In Shima, after admiring the interior, they enjoyed drinking matcha in the tea room and were very pleased with it. At Kanazawa Castle Park, they enjoyed the exterior of the Gojukken Nagaya (Fifty-Ken Storehouse), and at the Tsuru-no-Maru Rest House they watched a VR presentation that deepened their understanding of Kanazawa Castle. They seemed to really like Kenrokuen Garden and took their time enjoying its highlights. They said they are interested in gardens, and commented, "I can see why it is one of the three great gardens of Japan." Because we had spent so much time up to this point, our time ended in front of the Nomura Family Residence, where we said our goodbyes. I am glad that the guests seemed to have enjoyed the tour.

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

    Tour Report by Jasmine

    Hi, everyone! My name is Toshiko and my nick name is Jasmine. I was born and raised in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture and now live in Toyama city. I also lived in ancient capital Kyoto city. Living near Nijo castle in Kyoto inspired me to become a tour guide. I spent nearly two years working as a tour guide in Kyoto. After that, I moved to Toyama City to continue my career here. I’m happy to show you around Kanazawa, Toyama, Kamakura and my home town Yokohama. I’d love to hear your vision for the perfect tour and make your journey truly memorable. Please feel free to contact me at any time!”
    In my spare time, I like to draw pictures with pastels and Yoga. Actually, I am a yoga therapist. I am interested in mental well-being and mindfulness.
    Hope to see you soon!

    Request Booking

    Apr 24, 2026
    Marcin19872014
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    A walking tour of Kanazawa
    Ms. Toshiko, Toshiko-san is a high…

    Apr 14, 2026
    KiwiJenT
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Highly recommend
    Jasmine was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot.…

    Apr 12, 2026
    359natasjaf
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Fantastische gids in Kanazawa
    Jasmine maakte onze kennismaking met Kanazawa onvergetelijk.…

    Mar 29, 2026
    karineb931
    Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Visiting the Geisha and Samouraï district and seeing the fabulous garden…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto Station & Motohakone Port

    Kanagawa in One Day: Hakone-Yumoto Station & Motohakone Port

    Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel Hatsuhana
    • 9:30 – 9:40 Hotel Hatsuhana → Hakone-Yumoto (Transport: Shuttle bus from hotel to Hakone-Yumoto Station)
    • 9:42 – 10:16 Hakone-Yumoto Station → Gora Station (Transport: Hakone Tozan Line)
    • 10:23 – 10:34 Gora Station → Sounzan (Transport: Hakone Cable Car) (Photo taking at Sounzan Terrace, etc.)
    • 10:50 – 11:05 Sounzan → Owakudani (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:05 – 11:35 Stay at Owakudani (Photo taking, buying black eggs, etc.)
    • 11:35 – 12:05 Owakudani → Togendai (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 12:40 – 13:20 Togendai → Motohakone Port (Transport: Hakone Pirate Ship)
    • 13:30 – 14:00 Lunch @ Fukao Soba
    • 14:00 – 14:15 Fukao Soba → Hakone Shrine (Transport: Walking)
    • 14:15 – 15:15 Stroll around Hakone Shrine (Photo taking at the Torii of Peace, etc.)
    • 15:35 – 15:53 Motohakone Port → In front of Hotel Hatsuhana (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 16:15 Dismissal @ Hotel Hatsuhana

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were experienced travelers from overseas, having visited more than 50 countries. However, they had never been to Japan before; a trip they had planned before the pandemic had finally come to pass. They said their travel philosophy was to keep expectations low and simply enjoy whatever they encountered, and they were delighted to find that the food in Japan was wonderful. As noted in the pre-trip information, both preferred a diet centered on seafood, so I had planned to take them to a soba restaurant near Motohakone Port. We enjoyed a pleasant time with warm tempura soba, an additional assorted tempura platter, and some sake and beer. At Hakone Shrine, rather than making a formal visit, they wanted to take photos for social media at the "Peace Torii" gate. Undeterred by the long line, they waited their turn, and they seemed very satisfied with the photos they took, which was wonderful to see. This private day tour of Hakone was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHakone-Yumoto～Gora460JPY
    Section 2TrainGora～Sounzan430JPY
    Section 3TrainSounzan～Owakudani1,500JPY
    Section 4FerryTogendai～Motohakone Port2,000JPY
    Section 5BusMotohakone Port～In front of Hotel Hatsuhana730JPY
    Total5,120JPY

    Tour Report by Hide

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    Request Booking

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

    Mar 25, 2026
    Jeff_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Short tour of a huge city
    Hideiki obviously wanted to give us…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Guide to Tempura Restaurant

    Hiroshima in One Day: Peace Park & Guide to Tempura Restaurant

    Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet at Hotel
    • 09:00 Peace Park
    • 09:45 Miyajima
    • 11:30 Mt. Misen Summit
    • 13:00 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 14:30 Shopping Street
    • 16:10 Miyajima Pier
    • 16:50 Peace Park
    • 17:15 Guide to Tempura Restaurant
    • 17:20 Dismissal at Hotel

    What Is a Private Miyajima Tour from Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. Having spent about a month traveling throughout Japan, they arrived in Hiroshima as their final destination. Since they had already sightseen in Hiroshima city the previous day, they requested a tour focused solely on Miyajima for the day. I was a little concerned about the climb up Mount Misen on foot, but some of the guests walked all the way to the summit without any difficulty. The others took the ropeway up, and everyone came down together by ropeway. I only showed them the location of a tempura restaurant for dinner, and the next day they contacted me to say it had been delicious and to thank me.

    Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherPeace Park～Miyajima1,100JPY
    Section 2OtherMiyajima～Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total2,200JPY

    Tour Report by Sumio

    Hi,
    I am Sumio, a licenced regional guide of Hiroshima. I have been doing the guiding since I retired in 2018.
    I was born in Hiroshima and have spent most of my life here in Hiroshima except for eight years in Tokyo and for two years in U.K.
    I like guiding and feel always happy to meet people coming from abroad. Perhaps you might visit Hiroshima to know what Hiroshima has been like since the atomic bombing for the first time in human history in 1945. I guide not only to the historical architecture and monuments but also to the situation and feeling of ordinary people suffered. I believe that knowing Hiroshima could contribute to world peace for the future even at grass-roots level.
    After visiting Peace Memorial Park, I would like to guide you to Miyajima, the sacred island from ancient time. The island is abundant not only in
    history but in natural beauties with a panoramic view if you go up to the top of the island.
    I would be pleased to guide as many sightseeing spots as possible and share fun and joy with you!
    Looking forward to meeting you in Hiroshima.
    Regards,
    Sumio

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  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Guide around Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Guide around Tsukiji Outer Market

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00　Meet the guests at Hotel Kaminarimon by HULIC
    • 9:10~　Guide around Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Underground Shopping Street, and the water bus terminal area
    • 10:30　Move from Asakusa to Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 11:00~　Guide around Tsukiji Outer Market
    • 12:40　Lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi
    • 13:00　Dismissal on-site

    Title: What Is a Private Asakusa and Tsukiji Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a curious and close-knit group. At Senso-ji Temple, they asked a constant stream of questions about religion, history, Japanese views on faith, and the differences in how to worship at Buddhist temples versus Shinto shrines. One of the guests drew "dai-kichi" (great blessing) at the omikuji fortune stall, and the people around us cheered "Oh!" which made for a lively moment. Since it was their first day in Japan and the schedule was relaxed, we headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. After looking at shops selling knives, ceramics, and chopsticks, they bought fresh nigiri sushi from a tuna wholesaler at the fish market and enjoyed it as lunch on the rooftop. I explained the transportation options to the places they planned to visit in the afternoon, and we parted ways on site.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAsakusa～Tsukiji290JPY
    Total290JPY

    Tour Report by Jimmy

    Registered as a National Interpreter Guide (Tokyo) in 2019, I have mainly been guiding FIT at major sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Tsukiji spot tours, sushi nigiri experience courses, and one-day bus tours of Mt. Fuji. From this year. I also started long tours of 10 days to two weeks using public transportation. With my experience of studying abroad and working in customer service functions at foreign companies, I provide calm and attentive guiding. I will make every effort to ensure that our guests have an unforgettable and memorable trip to Japan, and I will respect the culture of the places we visit, and the thoughts of the people who live in the culture.My specialties are Japanese gardens, architecture, history, and sports.

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    Sep 12, 2024
    MONIGPL
    Awesome walking tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome, Jimmy our guide was very knowledgeable and informative,…

  • Tokyo: Akechidaira & Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    Tokyo: Akechidaira & Nikko Toshogu Shrine

    Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    October, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA
    • 11:30 -12:00 Akechidaira
    • 12:30-13:00　Kegon Falls
    • 13:00-14:30　Lake Chuzenji　＆ Lunch (Ritz Carlton Nikko)
    • 15:30–16:30　Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    • 19:00　Hotel THE CELESTINE GINZA

    What Is a Private Day Tour from Tokyo to Nikko Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the natural area (Akechidaira Ropeway, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji), visited the World Heritage area (Nikko Toshogu Shrine), and were very satisfied. The tour took 10 hours from departure at the Hotel to return. There was some traffic congestion near Toshogu Shrine, but no major congestion on routes such as the Tohoku Expressway. This tour is set for 8 hours, but it is not possible to cover both the natural area and the World Heritage area within 8 hours. I handled the same course in October, and it took over 9 hours. When traveling by car, it would be a shame to visit only the natural area or only the World Heritage area, and the guests would not be satisfied either. I had to negotiate the driver's overtime fee with the guests myself, and the guests paid it. It was not an atmosphere in which I could charge for my own extension fee, so I did not. When confirming the meeting place by email in advance, I hinted at the possibility of an extension, but the actual time depends on the situation on the day, and emphasizing from the initial exchange that the extension fee would be a certain amount also carries the risk of upsetting the guests (and the extension fee differs depending on the driver, and is not clearly known until the day). I did mention it during the tour as well. I believe the tour's initial setting needs to be changed to a minimum of 9 hours or so. On weekends, congestion would be even worse, and further time overruns are expected.

    Click here for more details: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo by Private Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Steve

    Hello, Welcome to Japan! I would like to guide your journey in Japan which will be wonderful and fantastic.
    I was born at Tokyo, have lived 60 years. There are many traditional and modern spots in Tokyo , You can enjoy and feel the contrast between them,
    Please let me know which spots you are interested in, or would you like me to recommend popular spots?
    Japanese food tastes great too. I am also a Sake Sommelier, Sake is Japanese alcohol made from rice with a refined and mild taste.
    Sake tasting would be a fun for you.

    I am sharing self introduction and scenery in Japan(incl outside of Tokyo) by my web site & Instagram,
    Please look at, when you have a time.
    https://stevejpntour.wixsite.com/japan-tour
    Instagram :steve.jpguide
    Thank you very much and looking forward to seeing you ! Steve

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    Jun 11, 2026
    Melissa_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    All the hits in in six short hours in Tokyo
    Lots of…

    Jun 7, 2026
    lornew449
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    4 hour tour in Tokyo with Steve!
    Steve was a great tour…

    May 20, 2026
    KateGolo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour of Tokyo
    We had a wonderful tour of Tokyo, and…

    May 19, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    I very interesting tour and also the shopping street.
    Steve was an…