Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hogon-in Temple

    Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Hogon-in Temple

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet @ Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
    • 9:50-10:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 11:30-12:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kameyama Park, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 12:35-13:35 @ Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • 13:45-14:20 @ Hogon-in Temple
    • 14:30 Dismiss @ In front of Tenryu-ji Temple Main Gate

    What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Autumn Foliage Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Today was their final day in Kyoto and in Japan, as they were scheduled to depart from Tokyo's Narita Airport the following day. Everyone was cheerful, friendly, and easygoing, which made the tour a pleasure. Fushimi Inari Taisha was not very crowded. However, there was a long line of school trip students at the Omokaru-ishi stones, so the guests were unable to try them. Instead, I guided them to the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, and they enjoyed crawling under its roots. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was also not too crowded and easy to stroll through. At Iwatayama Monkey Park, the guests were delighted to take photos of the Japanese macaques against a backdrop of autumn foliage. After exploring the Monkey Park, we had a little time left, so I guided them to Hogon-in Temple, a famous spot for autumn foliage. Although some of the leaves had already withered, there were plenty of trees at their peak, and everyone enjoyed capturing the autumn colors in their own way. Afterward, I had planned to see the guests back to their hotel, but at their request we parted ways in front of the main gate of Tenryu-ji Temple.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHorikawa Takoyakushi～Shijo Keihan230JPY
    Section 2TrainGion-Shijo Station～Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 3TrainInari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station240JPY
    Total690JPY

    Tour Report by Kaz

    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!

    Request Booking

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa Harajuku

    Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya & Asakusa Harajuku

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Toranomon Hills
    • 10:20 Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
    • 11:40 Shibuya
    • 12:00 Lunch @ Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Branch
    • 13:00 Yasukuni Shrine
    • 13:20 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 15:00 Asakusa (Skytree photos) Harajuku (see a few shops on Omotesando)
    • 15:50 Disband at Toranomon Station

    Can You Do a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The weather was excellent, and the guests were in high spirits as they enjoyed the sightseeing. Upon first meeting, the guests said they wanted to visit a war museum, so I changed the plan to visit the Yushukan at Yasukuni Shrine before going to the Imperial Palace. At Meiji Shrine, the guests wished to visit the inner garden and enjoyed the autumn foliage. Many people were lined up at Kiyomasa's Well, so we skipped it. On Takeshita Street, the guests were particularly interested in an animal café and looked at it from the outside. Along the way, the guests said they wanted to eat sushi, and although I suggested a restaurant on Takeshita Street, they found a restaurant in Shibuya on their own, and we had lunch there. We went to the Yushukan at Yasukuni Shrine, but unfortunately it was closed. The ginkgo trees at Yasukuni Shrine were very beautiful. I was surprised at how many people were at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but we were able to see the whole area. We skipped Akihabara and ended the tour in Asakusa, parting ways at Toranomon Station.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainToranomon Hills～Meiji-jingumae600JPY
    Section 2TrainMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya～Kudanshita0JPY
    Section 4TrainOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5TrainAsakusa～Toranomon0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Tour Report by Koba

    My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
    Please call me Koba.
    Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
    Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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    Jul 21, 2026
    scottsD8777AR
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Great Touring Tokyo
    Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Quest36994121691
    First visit to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    This was our first visit…

    Jul 8, 2026
    Χρονης Π
    A beautiful tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    It was a perfect experience…

    Jul 5, 2026
    I3699SBjonathanw
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    6hr Tokyo guide great experience
    Koba was so nice to my family…

  • 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

    • 1. 10:00 Meet at Hotel
    • 2. 10:30 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, Inui Street pass-through, East Gardens)
    • 3. 12:30 Lunch at Ramen Watanabe
    • 4. 13:15 Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street)
    • 5. 14:40 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Harajuku Street, Omotesando)
    • 6. 16:00 Dismissal at Harajuku

    What Is a Classic Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Tokyo for the first time and had no particular requests, so I guided them along a classic route. Since the Inui Street passage at the Imperial Palace was open to the public at the time, I added it to the itinerary, and the guests were delighted. As they wished to have ramen for lunch, we moved to Asakusa and I took them to a ramen restaurant. They said it was the most delicious ramen they had ever eaten. The weather was fine again on this day, and we were able to complete the itinerary as planned, so I believe the guests were very satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEbisu～Hibiya209JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi～Asakusa178JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Meiji-jingumae252JPY
    Total639JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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    Jun 2, 2026
    amandavW9846AW
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo day trip!
    We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

    May 25, 2026
    Matthew_C
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nobu was an excellent and…
    Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

    May 24, 2026
    Diane D
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
    Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

    Apr 28, 2026
    GrandTour57165664797
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Awesome!
    It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…

  • Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour

    Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet in the lobby of the Hotel. Exchanged opinions about places to visit and decided. Settled on Sensoji Temple → West Approach → Kappabashi Street → Yanaka, and departed from the lobby.
    • 09:20-10:00 Traveled from Takanawadai Station on the Toei Subway to Asakusa Station.
    • 10:00-11:30 Shopping on Nakamise Street
    • 11:30-11:50 Shopping on the West Approach
    • 11:50–13:00 Shopping on Kappabashi Street, then returned to "Yoroshi Keshodo Main Store" on Nakamise Street for shopping. Afterward, searched for a place for lunch and visited several shops.
    • 13:00-13:30 Had chicken curry rice for lunch at "Fuji Soba".
    • 13:30-13:50 Traveled from Asakusa to Nippori Station (subway + Yamanote Line)
    • 13:50-15:20 Shopped at Yanaka Shopping Street, then strolled around Yanaka Cemetery. Said goodbye at Nippori Station at 15:20.

    What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Covering Asakusa, Kappabashi, and Yanaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests had been walking around Tokyo with the same [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide, NOBU, on the previous two days, so I first checked which places they had already visited. Based on that, I addressed the inquiry they had sent by email the day before, asking whether it would be possible to visit Nishi-Sando, Kappabashi Street, Yanaka, and Shibamata within six hours. After I explained what kind of place each of the four was, they said, "Then we don't need to go to Shibamata." Next, regarding their request for Nishi-Sando and Kappabashi, I asked, "You've already been to Sensoji Temple, right?" They replied that they had not yet been to Sensoji, so we agreed to also visit Sensoji on the way to Nishi-Sando and Kappabashi Street, and we started the tour. So first I took them along the Sumida River bank, then to Kaminarimon, and then to Nakamise Street. Just past Kaminarimon, at "Yoroshi Keshodo," they bought lip balm, hand cream, and other items as souvenirs for their friends and family, and they suddenly seemed to be in a shopping mood (laugh). After that, at "Kiyosumi Seika," they tried a sample of a new type of kaminari-okoshi and liked the taste so much that they bought two bags of okoshi there. Then, after passing through the Hozomon gate and finishing at the main hall, when we entered Nishi-Sando, they bought a hair band with a cat design. It turned out they keep two cats and tend to buy items featuring cats. After that, on Kappabashi Street, I took them to their target food-sample shop, "Tokyo Biken," where they again bought about five key holders modeled on sample foods such as sushi and parfaits. At that point they said, "I'm hungry, let's have lunch," so I asked whether there were any dietary restrictions, and it turned out they don't eat seafood at all—including when it's used in broth (not an allergy, but a matter of preference). We went around to an okonomiyaki place on Kannon-dori, two soba shops, and a chicken-broth ramen shop, but all of them used some fish extract or bonito stock, even if only a small or trace amount, so all were no-go. In the end, we went to Fuji Soba and finished lunch with chicken curry. After that, we moved to Nippori via Ueno and went to the Yanaka shopping street. Thinking they would surely like it, I took them to "Nunofusen," a shop selling handmade goods with cat designs, and the shopping switch was flipped again—they bought about fifteen small items (all with cat designs) and were very pleased (laugh). After that, they said, "I want to see Yanaka Cemetery," so we strolled through the cemetery and returned to Nippori Station. From there I had intended to take the Yamanote Line to Shinagawa Station and see them to their Hotel, but we had already gone twenty minutes over the six hours, so they said, "I can get back on my own, so this is fine here. It was a very fun day, thank you." Since we had already exceeded the six hours, I took them up on their kind offer and we said goodbye.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTakanawadai～Asakusa280JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Ueno180JPY
    Section 3TrainUeno～Nippori150JPY
    Total610JPY

    Tour Report by MINORUASAI

    I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.

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    Aug 1, 2025
    8
    898kendrap
    Great first day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Asai, our tour guide, made our…

    Jul 14, 2025
    Anette_V
    Perfect
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…

    Jun 30, 2025
    liammL2246HL
    Amazing experience
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…

    Jun 26, 2025
    394milesd
    Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A perfect day, tailored…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo in One Day: Imperial Palace & Shinjuku Gyoen

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:50　Meet at Hotel Tokyo
    • 09:30　Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 10:10　Imperial Palace
    • 11:00　Tsukiji Outer Market & Namiyoke Shrine
    • 11:50　Lunch at Uotsuki (Tsukiji)
    • 13:10　Senso-ji Temple
    • 14:30　Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 16:20　Dismissal at Hotel Tokyo

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were a group visiting from North America. Although some of the guests had previously lived in Aomori Prefecture for about eight years in the past, this was their first visit to Tokyo. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Tsukiji, they visited the outer market and Namiyoke Shrine, and enjoyed a lunch of sushi and tempura. At Senso-ji Temple, they purchased souvenirs such as chopsticks along Nakamise Street. At Shinjuku Gyoen, the guests seemed deeply impressed by the beautiful autumn foliage of the Japanese garden. Since I responded to the guests' wishes throughout the tour, I believe they were satisfied.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi～Shibuya180JPY
    Section 2SubwayShibuya～Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 3SubwayNijubashimae～Tsukiji0JPY
    Section 4SubwayTsukiji～Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5SubwayAsakusa～Shinjuku-gyoemmae0JPY
    Section 6SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae～Yotsuya0JPY
    Section 7TrainYotsuya～Suidobashi170JPY
    Total950JPY

    Tour Report by Seizo

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

    Request Booking

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • ①　09:00　Ref Kyoto　Hachijyoguchi meeting point
    • ②　09:05　Itinerary explanation・Explanation about Kyoto
    • ③　09:50　Pontocho～Gion・Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi
    • ④　11:00　Chugenji Temple・Hanamikoji Street・Yasui Konpira Shrine
    • ⑤　11:30　Yasaka Pagoda～Sannenzaka
    • ⑥　12:00　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • ⑦　13:10　Lunch・Sanjo area
    • ⑦　14:00　Nishiki Market stroll
    • ⑧　14:45　Dismissal at Nishiki Market

    What Is a Private Kyoto and Gion Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. This was their third day in Kyoto, and they had been exploring various places entirely on their own, so I explained Kyoto, Gion, and the basics of Japan from the very beginning. They listened to me patiently and were truly pleasant and courteous, making them a pleasure to guide. This may be something guides everywhere do, but in Osaka and Kyoto there is a dialect expression, "ookini," used alongside "thank you," so I encouraged the guests to try it when getting out of a taxi or leaving a restaurant. When they actually did, it always gets a wonderful reaction, and the guests are delighted. Today was no exception. I still remember the very happy expressions on the guests' faces when it went over so well. I think they realized that this might be the quickest way to blend in, even just a little, with the local community while traveling.

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

    Tour Report by Kazu

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:10 Meet at Kyoto Station　12:35 Fushimi Inari　　14:15 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove　　15:50 Kinkaku-ji　　17:10 Nishiki Market　18:15 Drop off at Kyoto Station, tour ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Tokyo by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, arriving in Japan for the first time. Before coming to Japan, they had stayed in Asia for a week. It was a very busy trip, with only about three days spent in Japan. Today they came from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train. One of the guests seemed tired and found it hard to walk from Fushimi Inari onward, so the tour proceeded with frequent breaks, which made me a little worried about how the day would go. However, in the second half, another of the guests became tired instead, and at Nishiki Market took a break alone at a cafe near the entrance while the rest of the group explored the market. By then, the first guest had recovered and was full of energy. At Fushimi Inari, the fox-shaped ema plaques had gone up in price to 1,000 yen (previously 800 yen). It seems the shops feel confident raising prices because so many international visitors use them, and such shops and tourist spots are becoming more common in Kyoto. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto～Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari～Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama～Enmachi190JPY
    Section 4BusEnmachi～Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi～Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji～Shijo260JPY
    Section 7SubwayShijo～Kyoto220JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    Tour Report by KAZU

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

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    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle & Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1:00 Gather in front of Nijo Castle Higashi-Otemon Gate
    • 1:05 Nijo Castle
    • 2:30 Chion-in Temple
    • 2:50 Ninenzaka – Sannenzaka
    • 3:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    • 4:20 Yasaka Pagoda – Yasaka Koshindo – Yasui Konpiragu Shrine – Hanamikoji
    • 5:00 Disband at Minamiza Theater

    What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. In the morning they had joined a food tour at Nishiki Market and enjoyed dishes such as okonomiyaki. Nijo Castle was as crowded as ever with large tour groups, and the congestion on Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka was quite extraordinary. Kiyomizu-dera was of course very crowded with many tourists, but the autumn foliage was at its absolute peak and exceptionally beautiful, which the guests were very pleased with. As it approached evening and the number of tourists began to thin out, we were able to take photos of Yasaka Pagoda and other spots, which was fortunate. I believe the guests enjoyed themselves.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojo-mae～Higashiyama220JPY
    Total220JPY

    Tour Report by Kaeko

    Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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    Jul 25, 2026
    135ulrikh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
    We spent half a day…

    Jul 24, 2026
    J6711TVnancyb
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
    Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…

    Jul 13, 2026
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  • Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station

    Tokyo: Asakusa Station & Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station

    Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita, Licensed Guide

    December, 2024

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meeting place: Hotel
    • 9:23 Departure: Depart from Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station
    • (Narita Sky Access Line)
    • Oshiage Station
    • 10:22 Arrive at Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 11:15 Depart from Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 11:40 Arrive at Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • Akasaka Hie Shrine
    • 12:30 Depart from Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Nishi-shinjuku Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 13:00 Arrive at Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku East Exit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory
    • 14:00 Arrive at Tochomae Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 14:10 Arrive at Nishi-shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku West Exit Omoide Yokocho
    • Kabukicho
    • Lunch: Tonkatsu Niimura Main Store
    • 15:00 Depart from Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 15:10 Arrive at Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Magnet Building Rooftop Observatory
    • 16:00 Depart from Shibuya Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:30 Arrive at Tokyo Station
    • Tokyo Tokyo Station Gransta
    • 17:03 Depart from Tokyo Station
    • (Narita Express)
    • 17:54 Arrive at Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station
    • 17:54 Dismissal: Narita Airport Terminal 2

    Title: What's a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like from Narita Airport? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. One of the guests had visited Japan many times through work but said, "I have never taken the time to sightsee slowly in Tokyo." The other guest was visiting Japan for the first time. The trip was arranged to allow the other guest, who had long wished to see Japan, to join a Tokyo tour timed with the work schedule. The guests' request was to "cover the key highlights and visit as many places as possible." They had arrived in Japan the day before yesterday. Yesterday they toured the area around Naritasan, and they planned to depart from Narita Airport around noon the following day. It was a tour under clear skies, with weather that was slightly on the warm side. From Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, we headed to Asakusa as requested. We passed through Kaminarimon and the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. It was extremely crowded. I explained "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?" "How is Shinto different from Buddhism?" and "Why are there so many people wearing kimono?" One of the guests enjoys photography and took photos enthusiastically all over. After drawing an omikuji fortune, the result was "bad luck," which was a bit disappointing. Since one guest was keen to see the "rows of red torii gates," we went to Hie Shrine in Akasaka. The grounds were bustling with families visiting for the "Shichi-Go-San" celebration. Here too, the guests were absorbed in taking photos. Moving to Shinjuku, we first went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory. "I now understand well that Tokyo is a vast, sprawling city," was the comment. Thanks to the clear weather, we were able to see Mount Fuji, which delighted the guests. They bought postcards at the shop. From there we moved to the west exit, passing through Omoide Yokocho on the way to Kabukicho. The guests eagerly photographed the Godzilla Head. "The atmosphere is different from other areas of Tokyo. It feels somewhat lively and noisy," was the comment. For lunch, to enjoy the requested "katsudon," we went to a tonkatsu restaurant. "It's my first time, but I'm very satisfied. Switzerland does not have such a diverse variety of food menus as Japan," was the comment. Moving to Shibuya, I explained "the history of Shibuya" and "Hachiko." We experienced the Scramble Crossing, and also observed it from the rooftop of the Magnet building. There were questions such as "Why are there so many people here? And why did it become so famous?" Since the guests said, "There's something I want to buy at Tokyo Station Gransta," we went to Tokyo Station. After purchasing anime goods, we headed to Narita Airport. There were also comments such as "Is it safe to walk around the city at night?" "Japanese people are all so polite," "Why are there no trash bins around?" "The subway is quiet, unlike in other cities," and "I travel all over the world on flights, and lately, in both the US and Europe, public safety has rapidly deteriorated, so I can't walk around cities with peace of mind. Tokyo is truly safe." I saw the guests off at Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station, where we parted ways.

    Click here for more details: Tokyo Layover Customized Tour from Narita, Licensed Guide

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainNarita Airport Terminal 1 Station～Asakusa Station1,177JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station～Akasaka-mitsuke Station209JPY
    Section 3SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke Station～Shinjuku Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayNishi-shinjuku Station～Tochomae Station178JPY
    Section 5SubwayTochomae Station～Nishi-shinjuku Station178JPY
    Section 6TrainShinjuku Station～Shibuya Station167JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya Station～Tokyo Station208JPY
    Section 8TrainTokyo Station～Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station3,072JPY
    Total5,367JPY

    Tour Report by Masa

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

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  • 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

    • 1. 09:30 Meet at The Prince Sakura Tower
    • 2. 10:00 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
    • 3. 10:40 Gotokuji Temple
    • 4. 12:00 Shimokitazawa
    • 5. 12:20 Lunch at Pizzeria 8 Shimokitazawa
    • 6. 13:20 Shinjuku (Metropolitan Government Building Observation Floor, Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Road)
    • 7. 14:40 Kanda (Yushima Seido, Kanda Myojin Shrine)
    • 8. 15:35 Disband at Tokyo Station

    What Can You See on a Second-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report This was the second day with the same guests, and I generally guided them along the itinerary agreed upon in advance. However, since they had already visited Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street, I took them to Kanda Myojin Shrine instead. As on the previous day, we were blessed with fine weather, and we were able to complete the itinerary smoothly. In particular, the guests loved cats, so they were very pleased with Gotokuji Temple. For lunch, I took them to a popular pizzeria in Shimokitazawa. At first there was not much reaction, so it was a little challenging early on, but I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the two days.

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

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinagawa～Shibuya178JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya～Miyanosaka340JPY
    Section 3TrainGotokuji～Shimokitazawa136JPY
    Section 4TrainShimokitazawa～Shinjuku167JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku～Ochanomizu178JPY
    Section 6TrainOchanomizu～Tokyo146JPY
    Total1,145JPY

    Tour Report by Nobu

    Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
    I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
    Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
    Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
    A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
    I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
    I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
    Nobu

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