Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at JR Akabane Station
    • 2. 10:30 Asakusa
    • 3. 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 13:00 Lunch (Tonkatsu Maruya, Marunouchi Palace Building branch)
    • 5. 14:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 15:15 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 7. 16:00 Disband at Yoyogi Park

    Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Harajuku The guests were visitors from North America. Some of the group had been living in Japan since August and working, and the visit was a good opportunity for the rest of the group to come to Japan. It was their first visit to Japan. Since part of the group was living in Akabane, the guests stayed at an Airbnb nearby, so we met at JR Akabane Station. They also planned to travel together to Kyoto and Osaka later in the week. I guided them through Asakusa, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku (Takeshita Street). Apart from Harajuku, we visited traditional sites, and they enjoyed the atmosphere while listening to the explanations. For lunch, they requested tonkatsu, so we went to a restaurant in Marunouchi. In Harajuku, they were surprised to find cafes featuring micro pigs and otters. After the tour, the guests planned to meet up at Yoyogi Park, so I took them to Yoyogi Park and we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAkabane~Ueno178JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
    Total743JPY

    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…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle & Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama Meet up
    • 13:40~14:45 Osaka Castle
    • 15:15~16:00 Shitennoji Temple
    • 16:20~17:30 Tennoji
    • 17:50~18:45 Namba Yasaka Shrine – Sennichimae – Hozenji Temple – Dotonbori Disband

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Dotonbori This was a private tour in Osaka for guests visiting from North America. The tour was originally scheduled to start with a hotel meeting at 9:30 a.m., but the flight arriving in Tokyo was delayed by 12 hours, and the connecting flight to Osaka was also delayed, so the tour actually started at 1:00 p.m. Although the guests were a little tired, they were first impressed by the outer castle walls and moats at Osaka Castle Park. After going up to the main tower, they could clearly appreciate the modern cityscape and understand that Osaka Castle was strategically located at a key geographical point, which they found convincing. At Shitennoji Temple, I talked about the ancient history of Osaka, the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and the history of the syncretism and later separation of Shinto and Buddhism. At a restaurant in Tennoji, they enjoyed nigiri sushi, tempura, kushikatsu, and beer, which helped them recover from their fatigue, and they were very satisfied. Finally, we moved to Dotonbori, where they were amazed by the neon-lit streets at night and the lively crowds of tourists.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKitahama~Kyobashi170JPY
    Section 2TrainKyobashi~Osakajokoen140JPY
    Section 3SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
    Section 4SubwayTennoji~Namba240JPY
    Total740JPY

    Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
    Shige.

    May 23, 2026
    Sarajean_s
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
    Shige was a…

    May 21, 2026
    828vickeyb
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
    Shige was an excellent…

    Apr 12, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Walking Tour with Shige
    Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Marcus_C
    Osaka tour 2025
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…

  • Tokyo in Half a Day: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden

    Tokyo in Half a Day: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Meet up @Hotel
    • 10:45 Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
    • 11:30 Zojoji Temple, Momijidani, Atago Shrine
    • 13:00 Lunch @Sunaba
    • 14:30 Disband @Uniqlo Ginza Store

    当日のツアールート Meeting point at Hotel Walking tour of Zojoji Temple, Atago Shrine, Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden, and the Shimbashi/Shiodome area Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Garden Atago Shrine Toranomon (Toranomon Yokocho) Subway to Ginza, farewell near UNIQLO

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayToranomon~Ginza180JPY
    Total180JPY

    I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
    I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
    I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

    I live with my husband and one teenage son.
    I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

    Sep 22, 2026
    grenfell69
    Half-day tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    While visiting Tokyo we chose the Customized…

    Jun 2, 2026
    ericahT6840AD
    Awesome!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

    May 20, 2026
    CharKris17
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Walking Tour
    We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…

    May 3, 2026
    jefftK1794VZ
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
    This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…

  • Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Umeda Sky building

    Osaka in One Day: Osaka Castle and stay there & Umeda Sky building

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30   Pick up at Hotel in Nihonbashi
    • 8:30-11:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
    • 11:00-12:00 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 12:00-12:30 Kuromon Market
    • 12:30-14:00 Dotonbori
    • 14:00-14:30 Umeda Sky building
    • Around 14:35 End of the tour

    What Is a Private Family Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky Building This was a private tour for a group visiting Osaka. I asked where they wanted to go and arranged the itinerary so that, even if time ran short toward the end, the whole group could enjoy the Umeda Sky Building. They listened attentively to the history of Osaka Castle. At Tsutenkaku, they were quite focused and did not play around much. At Kuromon Market, they watched takoyaki being made, bought some, and tried various samples, and then had okonomiyaki in Dotonbori. We took photos in front of the Glico sign, and I gave them Glico caramels that I had bought in advance. At the Umeda Sky Building, a Christmas market had been set up, creating a festive atmosphere, so I told them about the basement dining area, the entrance to the Floating Garden Observatory, and the subway for their return trip, and we parted ways there. I took plenty of group photos for them.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNihonbashi~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
    Section 2SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Ebisucho240JPY
    Section 3SubwayEbisucho~Nihonbashi190JPY
    Section 4SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total860JPY

    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.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:55 Meet @ Kyoto Station Shinkansen Central Exit
    • 9:15-10:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:40-11:30 @ Gion
    • 12:25-13.10 @ Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:30-13:40 @ Hokyo-in
    • 14:00-14:20 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 15:00 Dismissal @ Camellia Garden tea house

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This was the first visit to Japan for one, while the other had visited once about three decades earlier. As soon as we met, they said, "We are the type who move fast," explaining that they had arrived in Tokyo two days before, explored Tokyo the previous day, and planned to finish exploring Kyoto today before returning to Tokyo the same day and heading home the next day. They did not take many photos, and rather than simply enjoying the scenery, they were the type who listened carefully to the historical background of each place. When I explained inari sushi along the approach to Fushimi Inari Taisha, both of the guests bought some and enjoyed eating it while walking. I had intended to take the Keihan train from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Gion, but the entire line was suspended due to an accident, so we took a taxi to Gion instead. After exploring Gion, we had originally planned to visit Nijo Castle, but partway through I realized that the Ninomaru Palace was closed because it was Tuesday, so we decided to head to Kinkaku-ji instead. At Kinkaku-ji, they sampled yatsuhashi and bought a bag. We also took a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama. At Hokyo-in, the autumn foliage could still be enjoyed nicely. After exploring the Arashiyama bamboo grove, they had a light snack at the terminal of the Randen Arashiyama Station. Since the guests had booked a tea ceremony experience at Camellia Garden tea house after the tour, I saw them off there, and we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Inari Station150JPY
    Section 2BusGion~Kinkaku-ji-michi230JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama Station~Ryoan-ji250JPY
    Total630JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Sapporo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:56 Meet up @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection
    • 2. 10:10 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 3. 10:30 Nijo Market
    • 4. 11:00 Sapporo Clock Tower
    • 5. 12:00 Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium
    • 6. 13:50 Lunch @Maruyama Class
    • 7. 14:35 Hokkaido Shrine
    • 8. 15:25 Factory
    • 9. 15:50 Disband @Hotel Sosei Sapporo MGallery Collection

    Sapporo Private Tour Report: What Can a Licensed Guide Show You at Okurayama Ski Jump and the Olympic Museum? The original plan was to visit Mount Moiwa, but after learning that the guests had a background in sports and had previously done winter sports, I proposed visiting the Sapporo Olympic Museum together with the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. The guests happily accepted the change. The weather was fine, and the cityscape of Sapporo could be seen clearly, and they were very satisfied with the view. Although they were not very familiar with the athletes from the era of the Sapporo Olympics, their interest in the sports meant they explored the museum with great enthusiasm.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOdori Park Station~Maruyama Koen Station210JPY
    Section 2BusOkurayama Ski Jump Stadium~Maruyama Koen Station240JPY
    Section 3SubwayMaruyama Koen Station~Bus Terminal Station250JPY
    Total700JPY

    I was born and raised in Hokkaido and have been a resident of Sapporo for over 30 years. I have been actively involved in guiding tourists around the scenic spots of Hokkaido, primarily focusing on Sapporo. Even before becoming a licensed interpreter guide, I engaged in volunteer activities to assist and guide foreigners, providing me with valuable opportunities to delve into the rich culture and history of Hokkaido.
    Hokkaido is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, and I am well-versed in gourmet information. I believe I can offer an excellent experience by guiding individuals through the highly acclaimed food experiences that Hokkaido has to offer.

    Aug 15, 2026
    I654RPsandib
    Great experience
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hours touring Sapporo with…

    Apr 22, 2026
    Agent PT A
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Super Sapporo in April with Tom.
    Tom was kind…

    Feb 10, 2026
    Alan_C
    Very enjoyable and well…
    Viator review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Very enjoyable and well worth it. Our…

    Sep 24, 2025
    saratW9816BN
    Tour up to the Moiwa mountain and lots more
    Tripadvisor review: Sapporo 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    We’ve had…

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima: Hiroshima Castle & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting at the lobby in the Hotel
    • 11:10 Hiroshima Castle
    • 13:10 Lunch at the Noodle Restaurant
    • 13:40 Peace Memorial Park including the A-Bomb Dome
    • 14:30 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 15:10 Goodbye near the Peace Bridge

    What Is a Private History Tour of Hiroshima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report At the garden of Hiroshima Castle, I spoke in detail about the historical events leading up to the Meiji Restoration, the modernization that followed and Hiroshima's connection to it, the history from the First Sino-Japanese War through the Pacific War, and especially the circumstances leading to the Pacific War, the atomic bombing, and the reality of the atomic bomb. One of the guests from Asia listened attentively and responded that they understood very well. When I asked afterward, they said they loved history and were learning similar things at school. It made me think that, unlike in Western countries, this part of Asia teaches Japanese history in great detail. Perhaps because of this, at the Atomic Bomb Museum, they quickly remarked that it was all things they had already learned at school. I accompanied the guests partway, and I was impressed by how skillfully they used a mobile app, paying for everything such as admission fees and taxi fares by phone. They mentioned that this part of the group would join the rest of the group in Kyoto.

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

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mariana_M
    Viator review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Hiroshima Tour with Yoshi
    Yoshi was truly one of the…

    Apr 11, 2026
    Liesbet N
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Boeiende reis door geschiedenis
    Een boeiende rondleiding van Yoshiko…

    Oct 26, 2025
    COYS100
    Great Hiroshima experience
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    A great tour with a very informed…

    Jun 25, 2025
    O1135UVraymondp
    Highly recommended to everyone to this tour
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Joshi is…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera & Kinkaku-ji

    Tour Itinerary

    • 7:00 Hotel Meet (Hilton Garden inn Kyoto, Shijo)
    • 7:00-7:30 Travel (City Bus: Gojo Station → Gojozaka)
    • 7:30-8:40 Visit Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do)
    • 8:40-9:10 Travel (Keihan Train: Gion-Shijo → Fushimi Inari Taisha)
    • 9:10-10:00 Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 10:00-10:30 Travel (Keihan Train: Fushimi Inari → Tofukuji, JR: Tofukuji → Kyoto Station)
    • 10:30-11:00 Travel (Taxi: Kyoto Station → Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 11:00-11:50 Visit Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji & Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove, Kimono Forest)
    • 11:50-12:30 Travel (Keifuku Train: Arashiyama → Kitano-Hakubaicho, City Bus: Kitano-Hakubaicho → Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 12:30-13:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji
    • 13:00 Tour ends at Kinkaku-ji
    •   On the way back, we took the guests to Nijo Castle

    Can You Do a Private 6-Hour Kyoto Day Tour Covering Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. This time, the tour started early at 7:00 in the morning and ran continuously for six hours without a lunch break. I took the guests to Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji. While traveling from Fushimi Inari to Arashiyama, the Keihan train we were on suddenly stopped operating due to a personal injury accident. Since such accidents usually cause stoppages of more than an hour, we got off at Tofukuji, transferred to the JR line, and headed to Kyoto Station. Thanks to the guests' kindness, we traveled from Kyoto Station to Togetsukyo Bridge by taxi (at the guests' own expense). Because the taxi ride was smooth, the tour became a little rushed, but we were able to complete the Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji portions of the itinerary almost as planned. Some of the guests particularly liked Kinkaku-ji and the bamboo grove, while others enjoyed Kiyomizu-dera the most. What was unfortunate was that civil engineering work was being carried out in many places along the Katsura River in Arashiyama, which spoiled the beautiful scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusGojo Station~Gojozaka230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 3TrainFushimi Inari~Tofukuji170JPY
    Section 4TrainTofukuji~Kyoto Station150JPY
    Section 5OtherKyoto Station~Togetsukyo Bridge0JPY
    Section 6TrainArashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 7BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Total1,250JPY

    My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
    I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
    As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !

    Aug 4, 2026
    Elie_S
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
    We had a lovely…

    Jul 19, 2026
    Wander35832177180
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Kyoto temple tour
    Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Abby_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour. Highly recommend
    Michi our guide was excellent!…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Javier P
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto gems
    Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 5:00 Meet @ Conrad
    • 5:15 Toyosu Seafood Wholesale Building ~ Intermediate Wholesale Building
    • 7:00 Tsukiji Fish Market ~ Outer Market
    • 8:45 Disband @ Conrad

    What Is a Private Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They watched the tuna auction with great interest, and when I explained the supply chain, they asked "who makes the most profit," to which I could only answer that "it depends on the situation (supply and demand)." At Tsukiji they enjoyed eating their way through the market, buying trimmings of bluefin tuna, conger eel, salmon sashimi, and strawberries at the fish market and eating them on the rooftop (photo). At the outer market they ate rolled omelet, grilled oysters, fatty tuna sashimi, and whale sashimi. Since they would be staying in Tokyo for another four days and commuting from their hotel, I introduced several sushi restaurants in Tsukiji Market, a beef skewer shop, a knife shop, and more. I also used a map of Tokyo to explain recommended sightseeing spots and how to get there from the hotel, and then we parted ways.

    Hello! My name is Hideki Maruyama. I was born in Osaka and raised in the Greater Tokyo area. I obtained my National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Certificate in February 2016.
    I spent 23 years working at a leading Japanese automotive company, including 7 years posted overseas. I then worked for a German premium automotive manufacturer for 13 years, followed by 6 years as an advisor to a British energy company. Through these roles at global corporations, I developed and refined key skills such as:
    1. Cross-cultural communication
    2. A deep understanding of business elites and affluent customers
    3. The ability to deliver impactful and impressive presentations in English
    In addition to my regular duties, I often served as an interpreter for top executives during meetings with foreign government officials. I also had opportunities to introduce aspects of Japan—such as our national character and consumer preferences—to leadership teams in both the German and British companies.
    As a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding guests from a wide range of countries especially after the pandemic, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Romania, Slovenia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Turkey, Jordan, Kenya and Israel.
    When guiding, I always keep in mind to go beyond what guests can find on social media or ChatGPT. I believe my professional background allows me to offer unique insights, and I am encouraged when guests mention this in their reviews

    Jun 14, 2026
    tiffany_w
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Phenomenal experiance
    Hideki san was an amazing guide. He was incredibly knowledgable…

    Jun 13, 2026
    Joshua_A
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    The Best Guide I Had in Japan
    Hideki was, without question, my…

    May 2, 2026
    Bruce G
    Our guide (Hideki san) was a master. It was a rainy day and he suggested a new plan in anticipation…

    Apr 30, 2026
    johnbD9596UO
    Lovely Private tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife and I had a great…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Senso-ji Temple & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet at Hotel Asakusa
    • 8:30 Senso-ji Temple
    • 10:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
    • 11:40 Harajuku Lunch
    • 12:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 13:30 Shibuya
    • 14:00 Subway Ginza Line Shibuya Station Dismissal

    Title: What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them shared a very active outlook, and our conversation grew lively as we found common topics from the same era. They were captivated by the autumn foliage at Hamarikyu Gardens and the sunlight filtering through the trees along the approach at Meiji Shrine. We also happened to encounter a family celebrating a shrine visit for a newborn, which seemed to help the group understand how religion is woven into everyday life in Japan. One of the guests had an impressive vocabulary in Japanese, and we had a delightful discussion about culture and history. They expressed great appreciation and gave a generous token of thanks, which left me humbled as the tour came to a close.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa TEXP~Akihabara210JPY
    Section 2TrainAkihabara~Shinbashi178JPY
    Section 3SubwayShiodome~Harajuku286JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
    Total820JPY

    My name is Kris,
    Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.

    After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.

    I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.

    I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.

    Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.

    Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.

    I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

    See you in Japan!

    Kris

    May 10, 2026
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    A great day in Tokyo
    Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…