Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:30 Meet at Hilton Kyoto
    • ② 09:35 Explanation of today's itinerary and about the history of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • ④ 11:15 Nijo Castle
    • ⑤ 12:50 Lunch (Arashiyama)
    • ⑥ 13:15 Bamboo grove walk
    • ⑦ 14:00 Jojakko-ji Temple
    • ⑧ 15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑨ 15:45 Return to hotel and disband

    What Is a Private Kyoto History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle The guests were a group of three visiting from North America, experiencing Japan and Kyoto for the first time. Since they wanted to learn about Japanese history, I included the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle in the itinerary and explained how Japan's political system evolved with a focus on the Emperor and the Shogun, and how the relationship between the Emperor and the Shogun changed over time. I believe they listened with great interest. They asked not only about the Shoguns but also about figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and even Takeda Shingen, and I spoke at length. When I mentioned that if Takeda Shingen had lived another ten years, Japanese history might have changed dramatically, they followed the conversation with ease, so I asked why they were so knowledgeable about Japanese history — and the answer was a game app. There is a made-in-Japan Sengoku battle game about rising to power and conquering the country, and they had become hooked and gained a lot of knowledge on their own, and they wanted to hear more authentic stories about the Sengoku period and about the Emperors and Shoguns directly from a Japanese person. We spoke at length about topics that rarely come up in everyday conversation, such as why Toyotomi Hideyoshi reigned over the country as Kampaku rather than becoming Shogun (more precisely, why he could not become Shogun). I truly enjoyed it. They were a wonderful group of three.

    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

    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…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet at the gate of Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal ➡ Osaka Castle by subway ➡ Umeda Sky Building by JR ➡ Shitennoji Temple by subway ➡ Dotonbori by subway ➡ Shin-Osaka Station by subway, dismissal (14:00)

    Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Osaka Tour Before Heading to Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were an active group visiting from Europe. Based on prior communication, we moved the tour start time earlier to 9:00, and since the group wanted to head to Kyoto after this 4-hour tour (their ship was scheduled to depart at 22:00), we visited four locations that the group had selected from their list of places they wanted to see, touring at a brisk pace. At Dotonbori, the guests enjoyed takoyaki and beer. At Osaka Castle Park, the autumn foliage combined with the clear weather was very beautiful, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and took many photos.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Tanimachi 4-chome290JPY
    Section 2TrainOsaka Castle Park~Osaka170JPY
    Section 3SubwayHigashi-Umeda~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka240JPY
    Section 4SubwayShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Namba190JPY
    Section 5SubwayNamba~Shin-Osaka290JPY
    Total1,180JPY

    Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
    I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
    I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!

    Jul 17, 2026
    TROY_R
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    This was a perfect tour…
    This was a perfect tour of…

    Sep 18, 2025
    L9831WKjenniferb
    4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely afternoon with English…

    Aug 15, 2025
    SuperGC68
    Great value
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…

    Jul 4, 2025
    Inspire64445626178
    Delightful day with Emi
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a delightful day with our guide…

  • Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:20 Meet at Kyoto Station 9:37 Depart on JR bound for Nara 10:23 Arrive at JR Nara Station  11:05 Lunch (kakinoha sushi) 12:10 Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple 14:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 
    • 15:40 Naramachi & Karakuri Toy Museum  16:30 Board bus bound for Nara 17:07 Board train bound for JR Kyoto 17:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station Tour ends

    Nara Private Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide: What Does a Family Day Trip Look Like? The guests were a family visiting Japan from North America. One of the guests had previously been to Tokyo, but this was the first proper sightseeing trip for them, and the rest of the group was visiting Japan for the first time. Because a travel agency acted as an intermediary, I was only able to contact the guests directly two days before the tour, so there were many details to confirm in a hurry. In a short period of time, we settled many questions such as whether to use a stroller, whether to use a chartered or street taxi, and whether to take the bus. In the end, we decided to travel by bus, though this seemed a little tiring for one of the younger guests. At the last stop, a museum of mechanical toys, one of the guests asked a staff member if they could charge their smartphone from an outlet, but this was declined. This seemed to cause considerable frustration, and even though play had only just started, there was a desire to leave right away. I explained that charging a smartphone freely is not permitted in Japan, but the frustration did not ease, and in the end the group only had less than ten minutes to play, used the restroom, and left. I have brought many families to this facility before, and everyone had enjoyed it. It was fortunate that another member of the group stayed very calm and handled the situation well. The photo was taken at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Nara720JPY
    Section 2Free PassJR Nara Station~JR Nara Station600JPY
    Section 3TrainNara~Kyoto720JPY
    Total2,040JPY

    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.

    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: Fushimi Inari & Nijo Castle [Visit Honmaru Palace]

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Nijo Castle [Visit Honmaru Palace]

    Tour Itinerary

    • 6:30 Hotel Meet (Hotel Granvia Kyoto)
    • 6:30-7:00 Travel (JR; Kyoto Station → Inari Taisha)
    • 7:00-8:00 Visit Fushimi Inari
    • 8:00:8:30 Travel (Keihan Electric Railway; Fushimi Inari → Keihan Sanjo, Subway Tozai Line; Keihan Sanjo → Nijojo-mae)
    • 8:30-8:45 Visit Shinsen-en (next to Nijo Castle)
    • 8:45:9:50 Nijo Castle [Visit Ninomaru Palace, Ninomaru Garden]
    • 9:50-10:30 Nijo Castle [Visit Honmaru Palace]
    • 10:30 Farewell at Nijojo-mae

    Title: What Is an Early-Morning Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle The guest was a visitor from North America who had traveled to more than one hundred countries. Before this tour, the guest had joined a tour on Yakushima, and had also signed up for a 7-hour tour starting at 11:00 to visit the Higashiyama area (Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera) after this early-morning tour. As a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide, I led an early-morning 4-hour tour to Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle, including not only the Ninomaru Palace but also the Honmaru Palace, which requires advance reservation. The guest said the Ninomaru Palace was the most impressive. During the travel time, I introduced the characteristics of Kyoto, its main industries, and some of the challenges facing Japanese society.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto Station~Inari Taisha150JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Keihan Sanjo220JPY
    Section 3TrainKeihan Sanjo~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total590JPY

    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.…

  • Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Shibuya

    Tokyo: Sensoji Temple & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meeting
    • 10:40-12:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 12:15-13:00 Tokyo Station Ginza (from the car window)
    • 13:00-13:30 Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate ~ Nijubashi Bridge)
    • 13:50-14:50 Lunch @Tensei Minami-Aoyama
    • 15:00-15:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:00-16:20 Shibuya

    What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo's Historic and Cultural Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. Three of them had been to Japan multiple times, but since they wished to visit places where they could feel the history and culture of Tokyo, I guided them to Senso-ji Temple, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya. One of the guests was especially knowledgeable about Japan, so we enjoyed lively conversations on a wide range of topics. The restaurant we chose for lunch was small but authentic, and the guests seemed to really enjoy it. It is a place you can only reach by private car, so we were lucky today. The driver was very considerate in many ways, which was a great help.

    Hi,
    Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
    Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
    I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
    I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
    Regards,
    Motoko

    Sep 21, 2026
    Keith_S
    Wonderful Experience
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful guide, Motoko, who…

    Apr 25, 2026
    catvila
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Primeira vez em Tóquio
    A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…

    Apr 22, 2026
    72breannaj
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
    We had an amazing…

    Apr 17, 2026
    denisemD3032GY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
    Tokyo walking tour
    Our guide Motoko was so polite &…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:00 Meet up @ Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku
    • 08:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
    • 09:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • 10:20 Rikugien Garden
    • 11:40 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Ten Asakusa (Ramen shop)
    • 12:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:40 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • 14:20 Disband @ Shinjuku

    What Does a Private Tokyo Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Shinjuku Gyoen The guests were a group visiting from North America. One of them had been to Japan several times for work but was sightseeing for the first time. They had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, and planned to return home in a couple of days. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the difference between shrines and temples, as well as historical background on Emperor Meiji and the Meiji Restoration. At Rikugien Garden, they enjoyed the beautiful autumn foliage. At Senso-ji Temple, they showed interest in the lively atmosphere of Nakamise Street. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I responded to the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3TrainHarajuku~Komagome210JPY
    Section 4TrainKomagome~Ueno170JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shinjuku-gyoemmae0JPY
    Total1,130JPY

    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

    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…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet up @ Mercure Haneda
    • 2. 9:00 @ Zojoji Temple + Tokyo Tower
    • 3. 10:00 @ Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 4. 10:30 @ Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Station Building, Underground Mall)
    • 5. 11:00 @ Nihonbashi (Takashimaya)
    • 6. 11:45 Lunch @ Chanko Room (Asakusa)
    • 7. 12:30 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Sumida Park)
    • 8. 14:00 @ Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park)
    • 9. 15:00 @ Ginza (Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Ginza M Whisky Museum, Kabukiza Theater)
    • 10. 16:00 Disband @ Keihin Kamata Station

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for an Anime Fan? A Licensed Guide's Report The guest, from North America, is a fan of anime and games and had wanted to visit Japan for a long time. At the character street beneath Tokyo Station, the guest was delighted to find a Kirby cafe, saying "I love Kirby," and bought a mango tart cake from the selection on offer, eating it in one bite right after stepping outside Tokyo Station. With a smile, the guest said it was delicious. For lunch, the guest had a chanko set meal in Asakusa and was very satisfied, saying it too was delicious. At the guest's strong request, we visited the Tokyo National Museum and toured the Japanese Gallery, where the guest took many photographs. The guest planned to visit the National Museum of Nature and Science alone the following day. The guest had been asked to bring back a whisky that, although not made in Japan, is sold only in Japan, and asked me where it could be purchased. I called a whisky museum in Ginza that I found online, and the desired whisky was available there, so we headed over. The guest was able to purchase it successfully and, joking that "this makes my promotion certain," was very pleased.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKeikyu Line Otorii Station~Shinagawa Station230JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Shinagawa Station~Hamamatsucho Station170JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Kasumigaseki Station900JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Nihonbashi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Asakusa Station~Ueno Station0JPY
    Section 6Free PassTokyo Metro Ginza Line Ueno Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Section 7Free PassToei Asakusa Line Higashi-Ginza Station~Sengakuji Station0JPY
    Section 8TrainKeikyu Main Line Sengakuji Station~Keikyu Kamata Station230JPY
    Total1,530JPY

    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 Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @JR kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
    • 2. 10:30 @Meiji Shrine
    • 3. 11:15 @Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
    • 4. 12:30 @Kabukiza Theatre
    • 5. 12:45 @Tsukiji Market
    • 6. 13:30 @Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
    • 7. 14:00 @Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge, Main Gate)
    • 8. 14:45 Lunch @Suju Dining (inside Shin-Marunouchi Building)
    • 9. 15:45 @Tokyo Station (Station Plaza, Marunouchi side of the station building)
    • 10. 16:15 @Ginza (4-chome Intersection, Kyukyodo, Mitsukoshi)
    • 11. 17:45 Disband @JR kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Tsukiji, and Ginza The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They were originally from another region but had received their education in North America. They were cheerful, at times showing off some lively dance moves during spare moments, and there was constant laughter throughout the tour. At the same time, at Meiji Shrine they showed a more reflective side, carefully writing out their wishes and placing them, along with an offering, into the wish box. The weather was pleasant, and the relaxed time spent at Meiji Shrine seemed very soothing for them. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they were interested in various souvenirs, purchasing a stylish baseball-cap-style hat and a lucky cat (maneki-neko) figurine. One of the guests, who loves sushi, had been looking forward to eating sushi at Tsukiji Market, but since another in the group was not fond of raw fish, they limited themselves to strolling and eating ice cream there. For lunch, we sat down at a Japanese restaurant inside the Shin-Marunouchi Building ("Suju Dining"). They seemed to really enjoy the hojicha tea. After lunch, we headed toward the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but as it was near closing time, we went shopping in Ginza instead and made our way to a department store. Since the Rolex counter they had been hoping to visit was closed, they returned to the hotel to prepare for the departure of the next day's day-trip tour to Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Shinjuku Station~Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Hibiya Line Higashi-ginza Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Shintomicho Station~Sakuradamon Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station~Ginza Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    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: Tsukiji & Tokyo Skytree

    Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Tokyo Skytree

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Knot Shinjuku
    • 10:30 Tsukiji
    • 12:00 Nijubashi
    • 13:00 Lunch @Suju Dining
    • 14:00 Tokyo Station ticket counter
    • 15:00 Asakusa
    • 16:15 Tokyo Skytree

    What's a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Skytree The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since this was their first day in Japan, I explained the basics, including major sightseeing spots, how to ride the trains, and how to worship at shrines and temples. At Tokyo Station, I helped them with issuing their JR Pass and reserving Shinkansen tickets. The guests used their own money to do some shopping. Since one of the guests was interested in history, shrines, and temples, I suggested collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seals). We obtained a goshuin book at Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji, and I explained how to receive a goshuin at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. This guest seemed to really enjoy collecting goshuin. For another guest who liked shopping, I introduced Skytree Town. Since they had a reservation to visit the Skytree observation deck in the evening, we took a commemorative photo together near the entrance before parting ways. The guests were not used to riding trains and other public transportation, and they thanked me, saying it was a great help to have me along. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they plan to visit Kyoto and Hiroshima.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassTochomae~Tsukiji Market900JPY
    Section 2Free PassShintomicho~Sakuradamon0JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo~Kanda150JPY
    Section 4Free PassKanda~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 5Free PassAsakusa~Oshiage0JPY
    Total1,050JPY

    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
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    Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…

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  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ The Rise Osaka Kitashinchi
    • 10:20-12:50 @ Osaka Castle
    • 13:15-14:00 Lunch @ Harukas
    • 14:30-15:10 @ Sumiyoshi Taisha
    • 15:30-15:35 @ Dotonbori (sightseeing from the car)
    • 15:30-16:00 Dismissal @ The Rise Osaka Kitashinchi

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like for Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. Because walking long distances was difficult for one of the group, we used a taxi for the longer stretches, and since the cold weather made them tire easily, we took frequent breaks. This ran slightly over the planned time, but the guests were able to enjoy the itinerary as scheduled. This was their third visit to Japan, but their first time in Osaka. They were very knowledgeable, and at Osaka Castle, despite our concerns, they made the effort to use the stairs and enthusiastically viewed the exhibits inside the castle tower. As they appeared tired at Dotonbori, we took a taxi from Nankai Namba Station and, on the way back to the hotel, made a detour so they could sightsee from the car, which they were delighted with.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTennoji Ekimae~Sumiyoshi Toriimae230JPY
    Section 2TrainSumiyoshi Taisha~Nankai Namba240JPY
    Total470JPY

    I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
    I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!

    Sep 26, 2026
    Y
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