Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Ginza & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Departure: Depart from Ginza & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:30 Meeting place: Hotel by GRANBELL
    • 14:40 Departure: Depart from Ginza Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:10 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
    • 16:00 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 16:15 Arrive at Suehirocho Station
    • Akihabara Akihabara Electric Town
    • 16:30 Depart from Suehirocho Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • 16:50 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station
    • Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 17:20 Depart from Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 17:30 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Pokemon Center
    • Nintendo Store
    • Sundrug
    • Shibuya Hikarie
    • 18:30 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 19:00 Arrive at Ginza Station
    • 19:00 Dismissal: Ginza Station

    Title: What Can You Buy on a Private Tokyo Shopping Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Akihabara, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guest was a visitor from the Middle East, on their second trip to Japan. The main purpose of this trip was to attend a work-related conference, with only a four-day stay in Tokyo. The main goal of this tour was primarily to buy souvenirs for family members. The guest planned to stay one more day in Tokyo and return home from Narita Airport the day after. It was a sunny but rather chilly day for the tour. First, we went to Asakusa. We passed through the Nakamise shopping street from Kaminarimon Gate to the main hall. It was extremely crowded. First, the guest exchanged money into Japanese yen at the currency exchange inside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. After that, while walking along the Nakamise shopping street, the guest bought a wallet, T-shirts, and other items. I explained about "Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo," "what a five-story pagoda is," and "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?", "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?", and "How many Muslims are there in Japan?" We then moved to the Akihabara electronics district. For the family, the guest bought a "PS5" (remarking, "I was able to buy it for about half the price it costs in the Middle East.") and a "camera." We moved to Harajuku and strolled along Takeshita Street. Here too, the guest bought magnets, socks, and other items. There was a question: "Why are there so many people here?" After this, we moved to Shibuya, experienced the scramble crossing, and took photos. We also took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. Here too there was a question: "Why are there so many people? Are they mostly Japanese, or mostly travelers?" We moved to the Pokemon Center and the Nintendo Store, where the guest bought a large amount of Pokemon goods (these too, the guest said, were "far cheaper than buying them in the Middle East"). After this, the guest bought cosmetics, matcha, sencha, and other items for the family. There were also comments such as "Japanese people are all so polite," "Why are there no trash cans?", "The subway is very well made, but it is hard to understand until you get used to it," "The public toilets are clean and pleasant," and "There are still many shops that only accept cash. In the Middle East, everything can now be handled with a credit card." The guest mentioned, "I will attend a dinner gathering in Ginza from 08:00 pm," so I saw them off at Ginza Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayGinza Station~Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Suehirocho Station178JPY
    Section 3SubwaySuehirocho Station~Meiji-jingumae Station209JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Section 5SubwayShibuya Station~Ginza Station209JPY
    Total951JPY

    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.

    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…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 14:30 Meet up @ Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Platform
    • 2. 15:00 Kuromon Market
    • 3. 16:00 @ Dotonbori
    • 4. 17:00 @ Midosuji
    • 5. 17:45 @ Umekita
    • 6. 18:45 Disband @ Shin-Osaka

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Food Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kuromon Market and Dotonbori The guests wished only to eat seafood at Kuromon Market and to have takoyaki in Dotonbori. After explaining that meeting up at Shin-Osaka Station can be surprisingly difficult, I had asked for the train number and car number, but before that I suddenly received a message saying, "We managed to catch an earlier train." Without knowing the train number, the guests said only that they were on a "Hikari," so I waited on the Hikari platform indicated on the electronic board, and then received a message via a messaging app saying, "We've arrived." In the end, it was a Hikari that terminated at Shin-Osaka and was not shown on the electronic board, and after receiving a message saying, "We're on platform 24," I was finally able to meet the guests. When we met, we all burst out laughing, saying, "We finally found each other!" It made for a wonderful icebreaker. At Kuromon Market, the guests began enjoying seafood the moment they entered, and in Dotonbori they eagerly bit into piping-hot takoyaki. Despite my repeated warnings that "the inside is very hot, so please be careful," one guest popped a whole piece into their mouth, and with watering eyes and a startled expression, ate it while it was still scalding. As the surroundings gradually grew darker, the guests were moved by the beauty of the neon lights, so I took them to the Umekita area, which has been illuminated starting this year. Being a Sunday, it was extremely crowded, but I guided them to a small-animal shop and took care to ensure they did not get too tired. The guests seemed to really enjoy Osaka, remarking that it was completely different from Kyoto and full of energy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShin-Osaka~Shin-Osaka140JPY
    Section 2SubwayShin-Osaka~Namba290JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinsaibashi~Umeda240JPY
    Section 4SubwayUmeda~Shin-Osaka240JPY
    Total910JPY

    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!

    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…

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

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

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 10:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 10:55 Ryoan-ji Temple
    • 12:28 Lunch @ Shijo Karasuma
    • 13:53 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 15:00 Disband @ Kyoto Station

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time. Perhaps due to the season, all of the sites were relatively uncrowded, and although it was chilly, we were blessed with fine weather, so the guests enjoyed the calm and relaxed atmosphere. Since they requested sushi for lunch, I adjusted the original route slightly to find a restaurant that would not be too busy during the midday holiday period, but we were able to have lunch smoothly as planned, which they seemed pleased with as well. They mentioned that they would be enjoying Kyoto for the next three days, so I believe I was able to see them off on a very positive note.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayKyoto~Kitaoji240JPY
    Section 2BusKitaoji Bus Terminal~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Ryoan-ji-mae230JPY
    Section 4BusWaratenjin-mae~Ryoan-ji-mae230JPY
    Section 5BusRyoan-ji-mae~Shijo Omiya230JPY
    Section 6TrainShijo Omiya~Karasuma170JPY
    Section 7SubwayShijo~Kyoto220JPY
    Section 8TrainKyoto~Inari300JPY
    Total1,850JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Shijo-Takakura

    Kyoto in One Day: Yasaka Shrine & Shijo-Takakura

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hotel SOWAKA
    • 9:10-9:20 Yasaka Shrine sightseeing
    • 9:30-10:10 Kodai-ji Temple sightseeing
    • 10:30-12:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple sightseeing
    • 12:20-13:10 Lunch @Gohanya Shinkiro
    • 13:23-13:30 Kiyomizu-Gojo → Fushimi Inari 220 yen Keihan
    • 13:40-14:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine sightseeing
    • 14:37-14:46 Fushimi Inari → Gion-Shijo 220 yen Keihan
    • 15:00-15:30 Nishiki Market stroll
    • 15:38-@15:46 Shijo-Takakura → Gion 230 yen Kyoto City Bus
    • 16:00 Disband @Hotel SOWAKA

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Yasaka, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Kyoto for guests visiting from North America. We visited Yasaka Shrine, Kodai-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, where the guests enjoyed the history and beautiful scenery of each site. At Kiyomizu-dera in particular, one of the guests became absorbed in photography, eagerly capturing the main hall and the surrounding nature. For lunch, the guests savored local flavors at a restaurant. They were very satisfied with the authentic Japanese cuisine that was not geared toward tourists. After Fushimi Inari, we extended the itinerary and headed to Nishiki Market. Strolling through the lively market, the guests especially enjoyed having fresh tiger prawns cooked on the spot, savoring them with great delight.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKiyomizu-Gojo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 3BusShijo-Takakura~Gion230JPY
    Total670JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, Hotel
    • 2. 9:30 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 3. 10:00 @ Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi Side Station Building, Yaesu Side Entrance)
    • 4. 10:30 @ Nihonbashi (Takashimaya Food Section)
    • 5. 11:30 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 6. 12:30 Lunch @ Chanko Room (Asakusa)
    • 7. 14:00 @ Rikugien Garden
    • 8. 15:00 Dismissal @ Korakuen LaQua Entrance

    What Is a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Rikugien Garden Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest was visiting Japan from North America and had been in Japan before for travel. However, they had only explored Tokyo a little on their own and had never had the chance to listen carefully to a guide's explanations. They mentioned that they wished to revisit Senso-ji Temple, which they had seen before, and hear more about its history and details this time. To add value to a place they were revisiting, I provided a little more information than usual, covering the Culture and Tourism Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Hozomon Gate, and the five-story pagoda. The guest actively took part in everything, including drawing an omikuji fortune, purifying themselves at the water pavilion, and experiencing both styles of prayer at a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine. On the way to Sumida Park, as we passed a matcha shop, since they had already had a matcha experience in Kyoto, I simply introduced the stone mill used to make matcha powder. They were also deeply moved by Rikugien Garden, which we visited in the afternoon. The autumn foliage was at its peak, and they took many photos of the foliage and the garden scenery. For lunch, I guided them to a chanko restaurant in Asakusa as an inexpensive and delicious local spot. They ordered its specialty chanko-nabe set meal, and once they started eating, they said, "I never realized how hungry I was until now," and ate with great appetite. At the food floor of a department store in Nihonbashi, they were captivated by the many beautiful and adorable sweets and tried to buy some as a gift for a business contact. However, since the item was chocolate and required refrigeration, they decided to return and buy it before their business meeting. During the tour, we had lively conversations on a variety of topics as we walked. On the way from the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Station, while looking at the National Diet Building and the Nijubashi Bridge, we talked about the relationship between the Emperor and politics, who the next Emperor might be, and I introduced a hotel where a prominent political figure had stayed, which led the guest to share their own views on various social issues. After the tour, I guided them to the entrance of an entertainment complex where they had their own plans. Before we parted, they told me, "I had a truly wonderful time today," and it seemed they thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Nagatacho Station~Sakuradamon Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Kanda Station0JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Kanda Station~Komagome Station180JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Namboku Line Komagome Station~Korakuen Station0JPY
    Total780JPY

    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!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Zojo-ji Temple & SHIBUYA CROSSING and Hachi

    Tokyo in One Day: Zojo-ji Temple & SHIBUYA CROSSING and Hachi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Starting from the Haneda Airport Terminal 3
    • 11:45 1. Zojo-ji Temple
    • 12:30 2. Tokyo Tower
    • 13:15 3. Lunch, TSUKIJI Outer Market
    • 14:15 4. THE IMPERIAL PALACE
    • 15:30 5. HIE SHRINE
    • 16:20 6. SHIBUYA CROSSING and Hachi
    • 17:00 End of the tour at Aoyama 1chome Station

    Title: What Can You See on a 6-Hour Haneda Stopover Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report I was waiting anxiously at the Terminal 3 Arrival Exit, worried it might be a no-show. The guests were a little late because one of them had left a phone on the plane and had to retrieve it at the airline counter, but after their apology, the tour got off to a smooth start. After greetings and a briefing, we found common ground right away, and a friendly conversation and pleasant atmosphere continued with the group from our first stop at Zojoji Temple. The guests had been looking forward to lunch at the Tsukiji Outer Market, and everyone enjoyed a luxurious seafood rice bowl with a free large serving of rice. They strolled around the outer market in high spirits, taking lots of photos. This time, since Haneda was a stopover on a journey from Europe to Oceania, the guests had booked a 6-hour Tokyo tour. They were very satisfied, saying it was a tour packed with scenery, history, and culture for their Tokyo stopover, and then headed off to Haneda Airport. I saw them off happily and set out on my way home.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHaneda Airport Terminal 3 (Keikyu)~Daimon505JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro 24-hour ticket, Kamiyacho~Tsukiji600JPY
    Section 3Free PassShintomicho – Sakuradamon/Nijubashi – Kokkai-gijidomae – Shibuya~Aoyama-itchome0JPY
    Total1,105JPY

    Welcome to Japan. I hope you are going to enjoy your stay.

    Who am I?
    I am a Licensed Guide Interpreter at an age of 61.
    I got an early retirement from 36 yrs of the employment in a Japanese financial sector.
    I hope I can attend to you with the Japanese politeness, hospitality and smile.

    What can I be expected?
    I would like to introduce the photogenic sites, the indigenous experiences
    and good Japanese local food around Tokyo, Hakone/Mt Fuji.
    I might be able to show you the features of shrine and temple with a religious manner if you’d like.
    As a matter of fact, I don’t have a specific religion to believe, though.
    I love Japan and that’s why I started a new career as a guide.

    What do I love?
    Most of all, my family. I have a wife 56 yrs old, a son 28 yrs old and a daughter 25 yrs old.
    I like eating raw fish and sushi, buckwheat noodles and curry rice.

    How do I spend my spare time?
    I run for 5 km in the morning listening to my favorite music.
    I might have a chance to go to a studio program in the fitness club nearby once a week.

    I look forward to meeting you soon.
    Thank you.

    Sep 21, 2026
    judygU2038FZ
    A wonderful time in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had such a…

    Jul 21, 2026
    Sandra_U
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Individualized Tour!
    Our tour guide, Masa, was wonderful. The tour…

    Apr 3, 2026
    Celal_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour even…
    We had a great tour even…

    Mar 30, 2026
    Johanna H
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6 hour Guided Tour of Tokyo
    We booked the 6…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel – 13:30 Shimbashi Station – 14:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 15:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple – 17:20 Fukagawa Fudodo – 18:00 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 18:30 Dinner – 19:20 Disband at Monzen-Nakacho

    Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Tokyo Before Heading to Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Having arrived in Tokyo a few days earlier for a roughly two-week tour of Japan, they planned to move on to Osaka the next day and visit Nara and Kyoto. To help their trip go smoothly, we first obtained a SUICA card at Shimbashi Station and then headed to Tokyo Station. They were enchanted by the beauty of the Tokyo Station building bathed in the afternoon sunlight and the autumn colors of the ginkgo and other trees. They enjoyed a leisurely stroll, taking in the contrast between the greenery of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and the modern skyscrapers of Otemachi and Marunouchi. They were amazed to draw a "Daian" (great good luck) fortune at Senso-ji Temple, and thoroughly savored a delicious meal at a fish restaurant in Fukagawa.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Tokyo Station146JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa286JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Monzen-Nakacho209JPY
    Total641JPY

    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!

    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!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet at Shangri-La Tokyo
    • 2. 9:45 Tsukiji
    • 3. 11:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 4. 12:00 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 5. 12:45 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue)
    • 6. 13:00 Disband at Shibuya Parco 6F

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting from North America, traveling in Japan for about a week to see Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with plans to continue to other destinations in Asia afterward. The meeting point was at a Hotel, but there was a mix-up at the location. Regarding the itinerary, I had been in contact beforehand with the guests' travel agency and had communicated that I would wait in the lobby near the front desk on the 28th floor. However, the guests did not appear at the appointed time, and a few minutes later they contacted me via messaging app to say they were on the first floor. I was able to meet them right away on the first floor, but it seemed they had not been told to wait on the 28th floor. It also appeared they had not been informed of the destinations by the travel agency, so a re-confirmation was necessary after meeting. Fortunately, the places matched my planned itinerary without any issue, so I guided them to Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. This reminded me that extra caution is needed when a travel agency is acting as an intermediary. The tour itself proceeded smoothly. At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed dishes such as tuna and crab, at Meiji Shrine they dedicated an ema votive plaque, and in Harajuku one of the guests visited a mipig cafe. One of the guests had a professional camera and enjoyed taking photographs. Since one of the guests was fond of anime, I finished by guiding them to the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco, where the Pokemon Center and Nintendo Store are located, and we parted ways there. Since I received a tip, I believe the guests were satisfied with the tour.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOtemachi~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya178JPY
    Total565JPY

    Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
    I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
    I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

    Sep 29, 2026
    S77OGjoyh
    Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…

    Sep 16, 2026
    Kerry_M
    10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…

    Jul 13, 2026
    529gregj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
    Haru (Haruhiko…

    Jul 12, 2026
    Felice R
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

  • Kumamoto in Half a Day: Kumamoto Castle & Miso Tenjin Shrine

    Kumamoto in Half a Day: Kumamoto Castle & Miso Tenjin Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet at Kumamoto Station
    • 10:20 Kumamoto City Hall 14th Floor Observation Deck
    • 10:40 Kumamoto Castle Tour
    • 11:50 Hosokawa Gyobu Residence
    • 12:30 Suizenji Jojuen Garden Tour
    • 13:40 Miso Tenjin Shrine (the only shrine dedicated to miso)
    • 14:20 Disband at Kumamoto Station

    Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kumamoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests and I met at the Shinkansen exit, but we did not connect smoothly and it took about five minutes to find each other. The Hosokawa Gyobu Residence was under construction and closed to the interior, and although I had told the guests it could be viewed from the outside, the enclosure was quite strict and only a small portion was visible, which I felt sorry about. We walked more than 5 km, but the guests said walking was no problem at all and showed no signs of tiredness. We had planned to see the Shimotori Arcade as well, but since the guests were returning to another city, I accompanied them to Kumamoto Station. I explained things using handwritten materials, so I believe they were able to understand.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKumamoto Station~Suizenji Park500JPY
    Total500JPY

    I worked for KUMAMOTO Prefecture as a local government officer. Most of my work was tourism promotion in Kumamoto. Now I retired, I love Kumamoto and I wish you also love Kumamoto after the tour.
    I like sports activities, running, trekking, cycling and hiking. If you are interested in such activities, you’ll know another face of Japan.
    Of course, I am good at history and geography in Japan. I can explain why the events were occurred as an interesting story.
    I traveled not only Japan, but many oversea countries. I know what international visitors want and worry. I guarantee your happy trip in Japan. And I hope you’ll like Japan more and more.

    Oct 15, 2024
    betsy_b
    Great guide
    Viator review: Kumamoto Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Jun was an excellent guide. Very well prepared. Showed us…

    Aug 25, 2024
    Maxine_B
    Phenomenal Tour Guide
    Viator review: Kumamoto Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Jun was very informative. He had…

    Jun 14, 2024
    GylM
    Jun-san was very accommodating and super helpful. Best way to see as much of Kumamoto city as possible in a day.…

  • Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:30 Meet up @Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
    • 2. 10:10 @Rikugien Garden
    • 3. 11:20 @Yanaka Shopping Street
    • 4. 12:10 @Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 13:20 Lunch @Tsujita (inside FUKURAS)
    • 6. 14:00 Disband @Shibuya Station (Hanzomon Line ticket gate)

    What Is a Private Tokyo Garden and Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Rikugien and Meiji Shrine The guest was a visitor from North America making a second trip to Japan. Their first visit to Japan had happened by chance, when a flight to another destination in Asia was diverted to Osaka due to bad weather, and having enjoyed Japan, they returned for this second visit. This tour took place the day before their departure from Japan, and they had already experienced sightseeing in Tokyo once before. As they wished to visit a Japanese garden and a shrine, I guided them to Rikugien Garden and Meiji Shrine. At Rikugien, the autumn foliage was extremely beautiful, and they were very pleased, including with my explanations about the rocks around the pond. They were a very quiet type of person, and perhaps the atmosphere of the Japanese garden suited them well. I explained features of Japanese gardens, such as how walking around the central pond reveals a different landscape at each point, and they took many photographs of the garden scenery from various angles with a professional camera, including views from atop a small hill. They seemed very satisfied to be able to capture the beautiful autumn foliage in their photos. For lunch, they requested either ramen or curry with tonkatsu, so I guided them to a ramen restaurant in Shibuya. They enjoyed a bowl of ramen with pulled chashu.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Yamanote Line Kinshicho Station~Komagome Station230JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Komagome Station~Nippori Station150JPY
    Section 3SubwayTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station260JPY
    Section 4TrainJR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station~Shibuya Station150JPY
    Total790JPY

    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!

    Sep 10, 2026
    Sonal_G
    Noripy is just the best
    Viator review: Tokyo Vegetarian and Halal Food Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Noripy is such a…

    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…