Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @Aloft Ginza
    • 10:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 11:30 Takeshita Street
    • 12:50 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Lunch @Katsu
    • 14:00 Shinkansen tickets
    • 15:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 16:30 Disband @Aloft Ginza

    What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Shibuya, and the East Gardens The guests were visiting from North America. From our email exchanges, I felt that the guests had prepared thoroughly in advance. Unfortunately the weather was poor on the day of the tour, but we were able to visit Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Shibuya, and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Along the way, I also helped with purchasing Shinkansen tickets in Shibuya. The guests seemed to particularly enjoy the Ninomaru Garden in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and took many photos there. Originally the tour was scheduled to end at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but since I was concerned about the return route, I saw the guests all the way to their Hotel before ending the tour. I was glad that the guests seemed very pleased with the experience.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
    Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Otemachi210JPY
    Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Higashi-Ginza180JPY
    Total750JPY

    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.

    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…

    Oct 23, 2025
    Y6401BOshaunam
    Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 07:50 Meet up @Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower
    • 2. 08:00 Transfer: Subway
    • 3. 08:25 Stay @Tsukiji
    • 4. 10:00 Transfer: Subway
    • 5. 10:30 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 6. 11:35 Transfer: Subway
    • 7. 12:20 Stay @Asakusa
    • 8. 13:30 Lunch @Owariya
    • 9. 14:05 Transfer: Subway
    • 10. 14:40 Disband @Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower

    The meeting point was a hotel. Compared to another building of the same hotel, the location of the lobby was a bit hard to find, but the guests were wearing a noticeable hat, so we were able to meet up smoothly. From our email exchange, I had learned that the guests liked seafood, so I first took them to Tsukiji. The guests had a hearty appetite, enjoying not only seafood but also grilled beef skewers and other dishes, so we spent a bit longer there than usual. At the start of this tour, the guests purchased a one-day Tokyo Metro pass at Akasaka-mitsuke Station, but I remembered that they had wanted a 3-day pass, so I guided them to the counter at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center where it could be purchased. Since they mentioned they would be staying in Tokyo for a long period, I felt it was good timing to introduce them to it. Because we spent a bit longer at each spot, it was already just past 2:00 p.m. by the time we finished eating. After that, I took them to Akasaka-mitsuke and we parted ways in front of the hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassAkasaka-mitsuke Station~Tsukiji Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassTsukiji Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassAsakusa Station~Akasaka-mitsuke Station0JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Arashiyama

    Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Arashiyama

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet (Tokyu Stay Kyoto)
    • 10:00-10:30 Travel (Contracted taxi; Shijo Kawaramachi → Gojozaka)
    • 10:00-11:40 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshin-do
    • 11:40-12:00 Travel (Contracted taxi; Yasaka Pagoda → Shijo Kawaramachi (Restaurant))
    • 12:00-12:40 Lunch(Ain Soph Journey)
    • 12:40-13:10 Travel (Contracted taxi; Shijo Kawaramachi → Kinkaku-ji Temple)
    • 13:10-14:00 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 14:00-14:30 Travel (Contracted taxi; Kinkaku-ji Temple → Arashiyama/Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 14:30-15:20 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
    • 15:20-15:50 Travel (Contracted taxi; Tenryu-ji Temple → Kawaramachi Shijo)
    • 16:00 See off to the hotel and say goodbye

    What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama The guests were visitors from North America. I took the group to Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama. Today the weather was perfect for sightseeing. The group showed a strong interest in Japanese architecture, and paid particular attention to the kake-zukuri (overhanging stage construction) at Kiyomizu-dera and the three different architectural styles found at Kinkaku-ji (shinden-zukuri, buke-zukuri, and the Zen style). The favorite spot for one of the guests was Kiyomizu-dera, where the view was said to be wonderful. Even at 10:30, Kiyomizu-dera was already crowded with tourists, and it seemed that by the afternoon Gojo-zaka would become nearly impassable. Arashiyama, on the other hand, was surprisingly uncrowded. Along with explanations of the sightseeing spots, I also introduced aspects of Japanese culture such as Zen, the tea ceremony, the culture of wood, and the culture of rice. The guests appeared to fully enjoy their sightseeing in Kyoto.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherShijo Kawaramachi~Gojozaka0JPY
    Section 2OtherYasaka Pagoda~Kawaramachi Shijo (Restaurant)0JPY
    Section 3OtherShijo Kawaramachi~Kinkaku-ji Temple0JPY
    Section 4OtherKinkaku-ji Temple~Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge)0JPY
    Section 5OtherTenryu-ji Temple~Shijo Kawaramachi0JPY
    Total0JPY

    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 !

    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.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Beth_D
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent Tour and Guide
    Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Hotel Tokyo
    • 2. 9:20 Tsukiji Outer Market, Namiyoke Shrine, Hongan-ji Temple
    • 3. 10:20 Tokyo Midtown Park View Garden, Coffee @ Jean-François
    • 4. 11:30 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Senso-ji Temple
    • 5. 12:20 Lunch @ Janpara (Ramen)
    • 6. 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens, Nakajima Tea House
    • 7. 15:00 Disband @ Shiodome, in front of the hotel

    Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Hamarikyu The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since it was raining heavily from the morning, I decided to skip Hamarikyu Gardens at first and started from Tsukiji instead. We also decided not to visit the Imperial Palace up close, viewing it instead from Midtown Hibiya. As the guests said they wanted a coffee break, we relaxed and chatted at a bakery. One of the guests was collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seals), and received them at Namiyoke Shrine and Sensoji Temple. They also stamped the Hamarikyu stamp into their goshuin book, saying "It's a stamp!", but since they seemed so happy, I chose not to point anything out. For lunch, the guests requested ramen, so I took them to a ramen shop in Asakusa, which they loved very much. As the rain grew lighter in the afternoon, after Asakusa we returned toward the Hotel area in Shiodome and went to Hamarikyu Gardens. One of the guests chose not to visit Hamarikyu and returned to the Hotel. The rest were delighted with the garden and thoroughly enjoyed matcha and sweets. They were all very kind, and although I had been worried about the weather, I was relieved that we were able to finish the tour without any trouble.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Market180JPY
    Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Hibiya180JPY
    Section 3SubwayHibiya~Asakusa290JPY
    Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi220JPY
    Total870JPY

    Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
    I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
    My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
    I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
    Please let me know what interests you.
    I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
    Looking forward to meeting you!!

    Jul 21, 2026
    Z222TCshannonr
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
    Our wonderful guide,…

    Jul 9, 2026
    cronima2
    Perfectly guided day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing day with…

    Jul 3, 2026
    johnoD792VT
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Lovely Guide!
    Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…

    Jul 3, 2026
    71nidhim
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara & Shimbashi

    Tokyo in One Day: Akihabara & Shimbashi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:30 Akihabara (Brunch @ Marugame Seimen, Radio Kaikan)
    • 12:00 Yanesen (Yanaka Ginza, Snake Road, Nezu Shrine)
    • 13:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 15:00 Shibuya (Midori no Madoguchi, Scramble Crossing, Hikarie)
    • 16:00 Shimbashi (Introduction to dinner spots)
    • 16:20 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

    Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Covering Shibuya, Akihabara, and Yanaka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. They had a strong fear of heights, to the point that even looking down on the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from the Starbucks was difficult, so I guided them while avoiding high places such as pedestrian bridges. When we arrived in Akihabara, it turned out they had not yet had breakfast, so we had brunch at a Marugame Seimen. I had heard that the guests were anime fans, and they were overwhelmed by the selection at the Radio Kaikan; they decided to return there after touring Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kinosaki Onsen on the following days and coming back to Tokyo, so we headed to Yanaka. Yanesen was at the guests' request. At Yanaka Ginza, they seemed to really enjoy the menchi katsu from the meat shop. Since they had not arranged tickets for their trip to Kanazawa, I obtained reserved seat tickets for them at the ticket office. We had originally planned to go to Roppongi and part ways there, but since they had only arrived the day before and had been walking around in the rain, they said they were tired and decided to return to the Hotel.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Shimbashi~JR Akihabara167JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Akihabara~JR Nippori167JPY
    Section 3SubwayChiyoda Line Nezu~Chiyoda Line Otemachi178JPY
    Section 4SubwayChiyoda Line Otemachi~Ginza Line Shibuya209JPY
    Section 5SubwayGinza Line Shibuya~Ginza Line Shimbashi178JPY
    Total899JPY

    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, Norway, 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…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • AM9:30 Garrya Nijojo Meet up
    • AM10:20 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove Path, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • AM 11:40 Nishiki Market
    • PM13:40 Kinkakuji Temple
    • PM15:40 Nijojo Castle Dismissal

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nishiki Market, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Kyoto for guests visiting Japan. The itinerary followed the guests' own requests exactly. At lunchtime I took the group to Nishiki Market, where they hopped between five different shops — the first time I had experienced five stops in one visit. The guests were delighted, but perhaps they used up too much energy, because by the time we reached Kinkaku-ji, the group appeared quite tired, so I guided them through Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle without spending too much time. I felt it might have been better to finish a little earlier, even omitting one destination. The transfers between buses and trains may have added to the fatigue as well. One point of reflection is that I hesitated to suggest shortening the schedule or changing the transportation method on my own, since the guests had not requested it. As I will have another opportunity to guide in Osaka three days later, I want to keep this in mind.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNijojo-mae~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
    Section 2TrainUzumasa Tenjingawa~Arashiyama250JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama~Kawaramachi200JPY
    Section 4BusShijo~Kinkakuji-mae230JPY
    Section 5TrainKinkakuji-mae~Nijojo-mae230JPY
    Total1,170JPY

    I am Naoki Nakatani. I live in Osaka.
    I started tour guide from 2023 after 40 years
    work experience in Japanese manufacturing company. I am currently teaching Japanese as volunteer staff to foreign residents who live in my community. I have 11 and half years work experience in overseas office and I had interacted with people of foreign countries for a long time enjoying business and friendship with them. My guide experience is still short but I will provide my best service to the guests. I am in a position to prepare the itinerary if guests request and to send any information for the guest to make plan before visit to Japan.

    Jul 11, 2026
    Trevor_F
    Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    4 hour Private Tour
    Naomi was our guide and did a…

    Jun 6, 2026
    May_O
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Wonderful time in Kyoto
    We had a terrific time with Naoki. He…

    May 1, 2026
    Sanfrancisco820
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Choose Naoki – you will have a great day!!
    Naoki is an…

    Mar 28, 2026
    Tanya_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Naoki was very kind and knowledgeable He knew the best…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market

    Tour Itinerary

    • 08:30 Meet @ W Osaka
    • 09:00 @ Osaka Castle (exterior only)
    • 10:15 @ Shinsekai
    • 11:15 @ Kuromon Market
    • 12:00 Dismiss @ Dotonbori

    Title: What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori The guests moved at a somewhat relaxed pace throughout the tour. The rain from the previous day had cleared, and we were blessed with fine weather. Osaka Castle and the Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai were viewed only from the outside. At Kuromon Market, the guests enjoyed some fruit and seemed very satisfied. They also sampled "black bean tea," liked it very much, and purchased some as a souvenir. At every spot, they were surprised by the large number of visitors from Asia. As the guests seemed a bit tired and hungry and mentioned they would like to eat sushi, I introduced two or three restaurants in Dotonbori and explained the way back to the hotel, after which we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi~Morinomiya240JPY
    Section 2TrainMorinomiya~Shin-Imamiya170JPY
    Section 3SubwayDobutsuen-mae~Nipponbashi190JPY
    Total600JPY

    Dear my guests,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @ Grand Hyatt Tokyo
    • 2. 9:30~9:45 View from the car window @ National Diet Building, Imperial Palace (Sakuradamon Gate, Nijubashi Bridge), Kasumigaseki government office district, etc.
    • 3.10:00 @ Asakusa (Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine), Asahi Breweries Headquarters + viewing Tokyo Skytree from a distance
    • 4.11:45 @ Akihabara Yodobashi Camera
    •  On the way, view the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station from the car window
    • 5.12:15 @ Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, FUKURAS)
    • 6. 12:30 Lunch @ Tsujita (ramen restaurant inside FUKURAS)
    • 7.13:30 Shopping @ Kamo (soccer shop, in front of Shibuya PARCO)
    • 8.13:50 @ Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 9.14:20 @ Tokyo Midtown Roppongi
    • 10.15:00 Disband @ Grand Hyatt Tokyo

    Title: What Can You Do on a Rainy Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time to attend an international conference. They had already visited Kyoto and were spending time in Tokyo for their remaining days. Unfortunately, it was rainy, so we viewed the Imperial Palace only from the car window. Instead, we visited several indoor shopping spots that the guests were interested in. At Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, the guests were amazed the moment they stepped inside. They took photos and videos, got into high spirits with the upbeat background music, and even called out to an unfamiliar shopper on the escalator, exchanging cheerful greetings with each other. The guests wished to buy Japan national soccer team jerseys as souvenirs for children, so I guided them to the Kamo Shibuya store, which was within walking distance from where we had eaten. One of the guests purchased three jerseys in total, bearing the names of Kubo and Doan. At Sensoji Temple, the guests also bought many expensive prayer beads at the amulet counter. At Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, our final stop, the guests showed interest in Japanese kitchen knives at "Nihonbashi Kiya," and since it was close to their accommodation, they seemed to be planning to return to shop again. For lunch, we had a quick meal at a ramen shop in Shibuya, where the guests experienced buying meal tickets and waiting in line to be shown to their seats. They savored regular soup ramen and tsukemen ramen, exclaiming "Delicious!" On the way back in the car, the guests applauded and said it had been "the most enjoyable tour," making it a delightful tour for everyone despite the rain.

    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!

    Jul 3, 2026
    Jody D
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    It was…

    June 19, 2026
    Alec T
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    Tokyo in 4 hours
    Noripy was excellent! She guided us through…

    Jun 16, 2026
    Hema_R
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    Jun 3, 2026
    Sara B
    Tokyo walking tour with Noripy. A+!
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  • Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Station via Sounzan to Owakudani

    Kanagawa in One Day: Gora Station via Sounzan to Owakudani

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hotel Genbako Hakone Gora
    • 10:00 From Gora Station via Sounzan to Owakudani
    • 10:30 Stroll around Owakudani, black eggs
    • 11:00 From Owakudani to Togendai
    • 12:00 Pirate ship cruising
    • 12:40 Visit Hakone Shrine
    • 13:15 Lunch at Ashinoko Chaya
    • 14:00 Pirate ship to Togendai
    • 14:30 From Togendai by bus, get off at Sengoku Kogen
    • 14:45 Stroll around Sengokuhara Susuki no Hara (pampas grass field)
    • 15:00 From Sengoku Kogen bus stop to Miyaginohara bus stop
    • 15:30 Wait for the hotel pickup car at the bus stop and return to the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Hakone Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report Although the weather was unfortunately rainy, I believe the guests were able to get a good overview of Hakone by riding a variety of different modes of transportation. From the ropeway, only white mist was visible, and everything around Owakudani was pure white as well. Even so, the guests happily purchased the famous black eggs. When Lake Ashi came into view from the ropeway, they let out a cheer and took many photos, which was a relief. On the pirate ship, too, they filmed a lot of video and thoroughly enjoyed the grandeur of nature. The line at the torii gate of Hakone Shrine was long, so we settled for taking photos from the top of the stairs. This was to save time, since otherwise we would not have been able to make it all the way to Sengokuhara. For lunch we stopped at a teahouse by the lake. The small side dishes were served buffet-style, so the guests were able to enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes. The main course was grilled beef and salmon with freshly cooked rice. It was delicious. After returning to Togendai, we went to Sengokuhara as requested. The pampas grass had not yet turned a perfect brown, but the guests enjoyed the grassland scenery. There were not many buses heading from there to Gora Station, so we got off at a bus stop along the way and waited for the pickup car. Since it had started to rain, having a car come to pick us up was much appreciated. The guests were visiting from North America, and they liked Hakone very much, saying that they would like to come back again after visiting Kyoto. The one unfortunate thing was that they left something behind on the bus, and although we made inquiries afterward, it could not be found.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassGora~Gora5,000JPY
    Total5,000JPY

    I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
    Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!

    Jun 6, 2026
    Michelle0309
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    We had such a lovely time…

    May 25, 2026
    lynnv748
    Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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    We loved our day…

    May 20, 2026
    Suzana F
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    We learned and enjoyed every minut
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    May 14, 2026
    Robert_L
    Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
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  • Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting point: Thousand Kyoto
    • 11:30 Sightseeing ①: Nijo Castle
    • 12:30 Sightseeing ②: Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • 13:40 Lunch: Arashiyama (Udon restaurant)
    • 14:30 Sightseeing ③: Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge ⇒ Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Grove Path)
    • 16:10 Sightseeing ④: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Thousand Kyoto

    What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. All prior communication and coordination were handled in advance. The group had no specific requests for the itinerary, expressing only a wish to experience the history and culture of Kyoto. Since we traveled by private car, the distances between the sites were not a concern, which allowed us to plan the itinerary described above. On the day of the tour, we were able to meet ten minutes ahead of the scheduled time, and with the private car already waiting, we set off earlier than planned. The most notable feature of this tour was that it proceeded exactly according to the itinerary we had prepared through prior discussion. This was made possible by the comfortable temperature despite the cloudy skies, the driver's precise and smooth driving, and above all the guests' prompt and attentive movements. At every site, the guests listened carefully to the guide's explanations and asked many questions, making it a truly rewarding tour to guide.

    Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
    Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

    Apr 9, 2026
    Ron_W
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    We did our private tour with…

    Oct 20, 2025
    66speech
    Highlights of Kyoto.
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    Oct 16, 2025
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    Thoroughly enjoyed the…
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