Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:35 Meet @Kyoto Station Shinkansen platform
    • 2. 10:10 @Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 3. 11:30 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 4. 12:15 Lunch @Gontaro
    • 5. 13:30 @Ginkaku-ji Temple・Philosopher's Path
    • 6.15:05 Disband @Kyoto Station

    What Can You See on a Rushed Private Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The plan was to meet on the Shinkansen platform, and the arrangement was that the guests would contact me with their train number as soon as they knew it, but when I was standing by at Kyoto Station on the day, I still had not received any word. The driver was also waiting, so it was nerve-wracking. Just after 9:00, I finally got word that they were "still on the Shinkansen." Even at that point they did not tell me the train number, so I stood by in a position from which I could dash to any platform, and simply waited for their message. At 9:20 the train number and car number were finally confirmed, and I immediately moved to the arrival platform and waited. When we successfully met, everyone burst out laughing and was overjoyed that we had finally met. It turned out that the guests were staying in Osaka and had apparently gotten lost at the subway Namba Station, which was why their arrival in Kyoto was delayed. As a result the tour became a bit rushed, but we were able to visit the requested Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Since we had discussed and decided on the lunch spot in advance, the guests were very pleased with the meal and kept saying how delicious it was. When one of the guests picked up a piece of burdock from the mixed rice and asked, "What is this?" I explained, and another guest who had set aside all the burdock then ate it properly too. The tour was apparently mainly for skiing in Niseko, and Kyoto was an add-on. One of the four did not show up, so it was a tour for three. It seemed the guests were fonder of Osaka, as they headed straight back to Osaka after the tour. I guided them to the Shinkansen entrance gate and we parted ways. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherKyoto～Kyoto140JPY
    Total140JPY

    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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    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Umeda (Meet at hotel) – 09:45 Osaka Castle – 12:15 Tenroku (Osaka Museum of Housing and Living ⇒ Closed on Tuesday) –
    • 12:30 – Lunch (Negiyaki Teppan Itsukushima) – 13:40 Tekijuku (Kitahama) – 14:40 Dotonbori (Hozenji Mizukake Fudo – Kuidaore Clown – Below Kani Doraku Main Store – Glico Sign above Ebisu Bridge)
    • – 15:30 Dismissal: Shinsaibashi-suji Entrance

    What's a Private Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Tekijuku, and Dotonbori The guests were a family from Oceania, all visiting Japan for the first time. Some of the guests were big fans of Japan, particularly interested in anime and its rich food culture, while the others had long been drawn to Japan's history, culture, cuisine, and its clean and safe society. They chose to visit at this time, coinciding with a school break and just before Christmas. The guests live in a home set on a large plot of land, where flowers are grown for sale. As some of the guests are involved in construction work, they admired the magnificent stone walls of Osaka Castle and the large merchant-style architecture of the Tekijuku house. Everyone also thoroughly enjoyed the okonomiyaki lunch I recommended as an Osaka specialty, and they finished every bite. As tomorrow's plan, I recommended a day trip to Nara, and I provided guidance with a handwritten note explaining how to transfer between the subway and the Kintetsu line. Due to time constraints, after taking photos in front of the Glico sign in Dotonbori, we exchanged smiles and handshakes at the entrance to Shinsaibashi and said our goodbyes.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassOsaka Metro, Umeda～Tanimachi 4-chome820JPY
    Section 2Free PassOsaka Business Park～Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome0JPY
    Section 3Free PassOgimachi～Namba0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShinsaibashi～Umeda0JPY
    Total820JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

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    Sep 16, 2026
    Getaway43892457305
    Fantastic two days tour in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had exceptional…

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

  • Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Honmachi Shopping Street & Egret Himeji

    Hyogo in Half a Day: Himeji Honmachi Shopping Street & Egret Himeji

    Himeji Castle Half-Day Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:15 @ Himeji Honmachi Shopping Street
    • 10:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 12:45 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 13:30 @ Egret Himeji
    • 13:45 Disband @ Food court inside JR Himeji Station

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and everything went smoothly. They especially wished to explore Himeji Castle at a leisurely pace, and today the castle had few visitors, so we were able to take our time. They seemed highly interested, viewing everything with great enthusiasm and taking many photographs. Before visiting Himeji Castle, we stopped at a shop popular for its handmade lucky-cat figurines, where they took an interest and purchased souvenirs. At Koko-en Garden, they appeared very pleased to see the beautiful autumn foliage. As they were a little hungry, they ordered "Akashi-style takoyaki" (takoyaki eaten with broth) recommended by the guide at the food court inside JR Himeji Station, after which we parted ways. This was my first time guiding guests from Europe, and I heard many stories about their home region, which I found very interesting. Note) One thing I noticed this time: among the places listed in the "What to expect" list, "Egret Himeji" currently seems to have had more than half of its shops close, and the rooftop beer garden is also currently closed. However, the view of Himeji Castle from the rooftop is as splendid as described in the list, and the guests I have shown it to have been 100% delighted.

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

    Tour Report by Yama

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

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    Sep 27, 2026
    Ross_W
    Fun with Hidden Gems
    Viator review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Our guide Yama was so…

    Aug 10, 2026
    Sez042
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Great experience
    Yama was great, he showed us around and explained…

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

  • Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National

    Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. Meet at 10:00 @ Hotel Lobby
    • 2. Travel to Nagoya Castle by private vehicle, use private vehicle for the rest of the day, tour Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace and the area around the castle tower
    • 3. Lunch at Yabaton Kinshachi Yokocho branch
    • 4. Travel to Atsuta Shrine, tour Atsuta Shrine main hall, Kokoro no Komichi, Kusanagi-kan, etc.
    • 5. Travel to Osu Shopping District, tour Osu Kannon and Osu Shopping Arcade
    • 6. Travel to central Nagoya, tour the rooftop of Oasis 21 (Spaceship Aqua)
    • 7. Return to Hotel and disband at 16:00

    What Is a Private One-Day Nagoya Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report On this day, many facilities such as Japanese gardens and art museums were closed, but it was the guests' first sightseeing visit to Nagoya, so we smoothly toured its representative sites in order — Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Osu Shopping Street, and Oasis 21 in Sakae — using a chartered vehicle, which they enjoyed very much. The group were experienced Japan travelers, visiting Japan for sightseeing for the sixth time. I guided them to nationally renowned sites such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine, and they thoroughly enjoyed the eclectic mix of cultures at Osu Shopping Street (pop culture, subculture, and ethnic influences). Finally, they enjoyed the view from the rooftop of Oasis 21, where they could take in the sight of Mirai Tower, a landmark of Nagoya, making for a full and enjoyable one-day guided tour.

    Click here for more details: Nagoya / Aichi Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Todd

    Hello, guests of JGA tours, I’m Takao (Todd) Miura, a national licensed guide of Japan.
    I have experiences as a professional guide over 5 years. The themes in which I’m well versed include castles, Japaneses landscape gardens, museums, festivals, and traditinal Japanese arts and crafts.
    Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, where I live, have many attractive sites to visit. I would like to introduce you to the most popular sites and spots in this area.
    I really wish to have a very nice time with you as a guide of your tour in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture.

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    Feb 16, 2026
    B9190RXcolleenm
    The Nagoya walking tour was great!
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    Todd was the perfect…

    Oct 2, 2025
    Jeffrey_B
    Nagoya with Todd Miura
    Viator review: Nagoya / Aichi Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    A great 4 hour…

    Sep 17, 2025
    sjhppy
    Todd Was A Fabulous Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Full-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    I highly recommend Todd! He…

    Jul 22, 2025
    guelphturfgrassinstu
    Tripadvisor review: Nagoya Half-day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide
    We enjoyed this tour with a knowledgeable guide. Todd shared…

  • Tokyo: Arakura Fuji Sengen Park

    Tokyo: Arakura Fuji Sengen Park

    Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet@Hotel
    • 10:30 – 12:00 Arakura Fuji Sengen Park
    • 12:45 – 14:00 Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lunch@Gogoen Rest House
    • 14:45 – 16:00 Ide Brewery Tour, Tasting
    • 18:40 Dismissal@Hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Mount Fuji Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America, and this was a private Mount Fuji sightseeing tour. Both had Nikon SLR cameras and enjoyed photographing Mount Fuji throughout the day. At Arakurayama Sengen Park, we avoided the roughly 400 steps and climbed slowly via a detour route, and the guests took many photos of the Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji. We also walked up the promenade behind the pagoda, and thanks to the fine weather, they enjoyed a beautiful morning. Although early-morning reports said the Subaru Line was only open as far as the 4th station due to icy road conditions, it fully reopened after 10:30, so the guests were able to enjoy the spectacular view from the observation deck at the 5th station. The sake brewery visit, which I had reserved for 15:00, was also well received, and after the tasting the guests purchased a large amount of sake as souvenirs. One unfortunate point was that a large multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Chuo Expressway on the way back, so we returned to the Hotel more than an hour later than scheduled. Since the sake brewery visit that the guests had wished for was scheduled right up to the limit of the available time, they had already agreed in advance that additional charges would apply if overtime occurred, so they paid on-site for the one hour of hire-car overtime. Of course this was with their consent, and the guests enjoyed the tour and were very pleased.

    Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car with Licensed Guide

    Tour Report by Seky

    Hi friends, I’m Seky, a tour guide in Tokyo, but I cover all over Japan, namely from Hokkaido to Kyushu. I have lived overseas for more than 15 years in total, such as US, UK, Singapore and others, and enjoyed local culture there. Back in Japan, I wish I could help travelers to Japan enjoy Japanese culture, and this is why I became a tour guide.
    In Tokyo, my favorite places are Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, and if you are interested in fish market, I’d love to take you to the world largest Tuna auction and/or if you are sports lovers, I’ll go to ball games (baseball) too.

    Request Booking

    May 8, 2025
    J
    jeanne_c
    Sell was very…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sell was very knowledgeable and willing to talk…

    Mar 2, 2025
    Joe_F
    Excellent Custom Tokyo Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour, customized to my interests, Edo period…

    Mar 1, 2025
    R2911ISjoef
    Excellent Custom Tours, Great Guides, Reasonable Prices.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a friendly…

    Oct 27, 2024
    Jennifer_G
    Great day touring Tokyo !
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons)
    We had…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 00 @ Yakiniku Restaurant Kin no Ie & 20 @ Meiji

    Tokyo in One Day: 00 @ Yakiniku Restaurant Kin no Ie & 20 @ Meiji

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.9:00 Meet @ Hotel Fontaine
    • 2:9:30 @ Asakusa
    • 3.11:00 @ Shinjuku, Kabukicho area
    • 4:12:00 @ Yakiniku Restaurant Kin no Ie
    • 5:13:20 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 6.14:20 @ Takeshita Street
    • 7.15:00 Disband @ Takeshita Street

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report After meeting the group at the Hotel, we learned that one Suica card had not been purchased, so we went to the ticket office and first bought a Suica card. After that, we headed to Asakusa. On Nakamise Street, the guests enjoyed strawberry daifuku and monaka ice cream. They mentioned that they would like to visit Asakusa again on another day. Next, in Shinjuku, we viewed the 3D cat, the Godzilla head, and Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, and then went to a yakiniku restaurant we had reserved. There were many different course options, so it took a little time to choose, but the guests seemed very satisfied and said the meat was delicious. After that, at Meiji Shrine, some autumn foliage still remained, so we took photos and made our visit. Then, since the guests wanted to go shopping and visit a cat cafe on Takeshita Street, I showed them the way and ended the tour. It was a very enjoyable group.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinbashi～Asakusa220JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Kanda178JPY
    Section 3TrainKanda～Shinjuku178JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku～Harajuku146JPY
    Total722JPY

    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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    Sep 29, 2026
    W9834MZdavidn
    First Visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had an absolutely wonderful day…

    Sep 12, 2026
    Don_G
    Tokyo 6 hour Tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    We had a great time on…

    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…

  • Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour

    Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:30 Meet @ In front of Himeji Station Central Ticket Gate
    • 2. 09:40 @ Castle View
    • 3. 10:15 @ Himeji Castle
    • 4. 12:15 @ Koko-en Garden
    • 5. 13:50 @ Mount Shosha Engyo-ji Temple (Maniden Hall, Daikodo Hall, Jogyodo Hall, Jikido Dining Hall)
    • 6. 15:00 Lunch @ Hazuki Chaya
    • 7. 16:40 Disband @ Himeji Station Local Line Platform

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Himeji Castle from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They traveled from Osaka to Himeji on a Special Rapid Service train (in fact, the same train as the guide). Since the guests had not yet had breakfast, we started the tour after they ate on a nearby bench. First, at Castle View, I explained the layout and historical background of Himeji Castle. Then we purchased discounted round-trip tickets for the bus and ropeway between Himeji Station and the mountaintop station of the Shosha Ropeway, and headed to Himeji Castle. It was a very cold day, and the interior of the main keep of Himeji Castle was quiet and uncrowded. After Himeji Castle, we visited Koko-en Garden and Engyo-ji Temple on Mount Shosha, and every site was quiet with few tourists. However, at the Maniden Hall and the Daikodo Hall of Engyo-ji, pilgrims were chanting goeika hymns and the Heart Sutra, which the guests greatly enjoyed. Even after the tour ended, the guests and I shared the same train partway as they returned to Osaka, and they appeared to be very satisfied with today's tour.

    Click here for more details: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Bus[Shinki Bus Koko-en-mae] Station～[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station320JPY
    Section 2Bus[Engyo-ji Microbus Round Trip (Shinosho Ropeway Mountaintop Station～Below Maniden Hall)]500JPY
    Section 3Bus[Shinki Bus Shosha] Station～[Shinki Bus Himeji Ekimae] Station320JPY
    Total1,140JPY

    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

    Sep 29, 2026
    X
    X1794ZGstevew
    Kobe 4hr guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Norio pickup us up ontime &…

    Sep 17, 2026
    jacquelinecI8863UY
    No rush beautiful walking tour.
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a wonderful time. Norio…

    Sep 15, 2026
    niy679
    Kobe day trip
    Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had an amazing tour with Norio. He…

    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…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotombori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Dotombori

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Pick up at hotel
    • 10:30-12:30 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 13:00-14:00 Kuromon Market
    • 14:00-14:30 Dotombori
    • Around 14:30 End of the tour

    Title: What's a Private Kuromon Market and Osaka Castle Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide had been informed that some of the guests followed a gluten-free diet. I had thought they would be able to eat sushi at Kuromon Market (soy sauce sometimes contains wheat, but I had confirmed that this small amount was acceptable), but it turned out raw items were also not possible for them. So they tried samples of wagyu beef, sweet potato chips, strawberries, dango, and other Japanese sweets. Since that did not fill them up, we returned to the sushi corner at the back of a fish shop we had seen earlier and chose non-raw sushi such as rolled sushi, egg, conger eel, and inari sushi. These were inexpensive, so I also bought one for myself, gave the guests the ones they could eat, and took the ones they could not. One of the guests seemed able to eat anything. It was rewarding to explain items like kanpyo in English, though in the end the kanpyo was left uneaten, so I happily took it (laughs). At Osaka Castle, the guests enjoyed the history, and after Dotonbori, since they love shopping, I recommended Shinsaibashi-suji and also Amerikamura. I marked places on the map from the tourist information center, wrote down the location of their accommodation, handed it to them, and we parted ways after telling them to check the rest on Google Maps.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNagahoribashi～Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome～Nippombashi190JPY
    Total380JPY

    Tour Report by Yuki

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

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    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
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    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

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    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Atomic Bomb Dome

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

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Depart from Hotel
    • 10:10-12:30 Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 12:00-13:20 Lunch (Okonomiyaki)
    • 13:30-14:15 Travel via World Heritage Sea Route (Atomic Bomb Dome ~ Miyajima)
    • 14:15-16:40 Miyajima sightseeing (Saiwai Shrine ~ Toyokuni Shrine ~ Itsukushima Shrine ~ near the Torii Gate ~ Daiganji Temple ~ Daishoin Temple ~ Omotesando)
    • 17:00-17:45 Arrive at Atomic Bomb Dome
    • 　　　　　Disband

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had informed me in advance that they would arrive at their Hotel that day, so I arrived early (9:50) and was able to meet them right on time. We went straight into the Peace Memorial Museum and toured it. Afterward, we visited the Summit Memorial Hall, the Cenotaph, the Rest House (former fuel storage building), the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Bell, the Children's Peace Monument, the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound, the Korean Cenotaph, and other sites, then had lunch. We crossed over to Miyajima and were able to see most of the major sightseeing spots. It was truly wonderful that, because it was low tide, we could walk right up close to the Great Torii Gate. The guests were very happy to have finally been able to come to Japan from Oceania, having been unable to travel during the COVID period. They had come through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, and were heading to Hakuba the next day to ski, so I felt I truly wanted them to fully enjoy Japan. I also had a very interesting conversation and learned a lot, including about politics, education, and the ban on social media use by young people in Oceania.

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

    Tour Report by Hiro

    I was an English teacher of a high school in Hiroshima.
    I retired early from my job in March in 2024.
    I might be of use to you if you’d like to get to know the present educational situation in Hiroshima.
    I had many opportunities to introduce Japanese culture when I taught Japanese in high school in America for two years.
    I can take you to the place where you can listen to music because I used to be a member of a music band.
    I like Japanese chess, fishing, skiing.
    I’m willing to do some activities with you.
    I would be most happy to help you know culture in Hiroshima.

    license, qualification
    Certified Administrative Scrivener
    English Proficiency Test Grade1
    a health(sanitation) manager license
    small boat operating license
    large size vehicle license
    standard motorcycle license
    amateur radio operator license

    Request Booking

    Jul 9, 2024
    kimberlyhY8158UZ
    Amazing
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    This tour was amazing! Our guide Hiro was…

    Jun 30, 2024
    lindarE6785KM
    Hiroshima 4hrs
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We had such a wonderful tour. Can’t recommend…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel – 10:20 Meiji Shrine – 11:20 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 12:30 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 14:00 Ginza Lunch – 15:00 Ginza Dismissal

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo History and Culture Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from a large city in North America. After Tokyo, they planned to go skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido, and wished to learn about Japanese history and culture beforehand. In the hotel lobby, I gave an overview of Tokyo along with a lecture on Japanese history and culture, particularly the history of the emperors and the samurai, before starting the tour at Meiji Shrine. Perhaps because it was an auspicious day, we came across three wedding processions with couples and their relatives. When I explained the tsunokakushi headdress worn by the brides, the guests responded that it made things very clear. After enjoying the lively crowds of Takeshita Street, the guests fully enjoyed a stroll through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which were quiet and peaceful even on a Sunday, and the day concluded with a delicious sushi lunch in Ginza.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusShibuya Station～Sangubashi Station230JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi209JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi～Ginza178JPY
    Total617JPY

    Tour Report by Michio

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Request Booking

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
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    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…