Title: What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo Before a Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report The guests were visitors from North America, both visiting Japan for the first time. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. The main purpose of this visit to Japan was a 16-day cruise departing from Yokohama the following day (visiting Kagoshima, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore), with plans to fly home from Singapore afterward. The guests had only one day in Japan. Their wish was: "Even if our time is short, we would like to visit as many spots as possible." The previous evening, they arrived at Narita Airport and took a taxi to the hotel. However, they explained that their luggage (two suitcases) had not been received and that they were still troubled by this. They said, "We have been to Southeast Asia, but this is our first time in Japan. A friend who once lived in Japan recommended it, so we really wanted to visit Tokyo even for just one day." It rained during the day, so the tour was conducted under umbrellas. First, we went from Yokohama to Asakusa. I explained "the history of Sensoji Temple and the history from Edo to Tokyo" as well as "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "What kind of religion and teaching is Buddhism?" and "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" Next, we went to Tsukiji. I explained "the history of the Tsukiji Outer Market" and "the difference between the Tsukiji Market and the Toyosu Market." There were questions such as "Is it always this crowded?" and "Do all Tokyo residents come here to buy fish?" We strolled slowly through the market and sampled tuna sashimi. We moved to the Imperial Palace. I explained "the Meiji Restoration," "the current state of the imperial family," and "Gyoko-dori Avenue." There were also questions such as "Does the emperor really live inside here?" and "Can you not enter the Imperial Palace?" During our walk, there was a phone call from the airline saying, "Your luggage has been found at Narita Airport and will be sent to the designated hotel within the day," which was a great relief for the guests. We moved to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained again "the difference between Shinto and Buddhism." They said, "It is wonderful that there is such a green place in the center of the city." We took a break at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. From here, we went to Shinjuku and Kabukicho. The comment was, "This seems like a different world from before." We went further to Shibuya. We crossed the Scramble Crossing and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There was a question: "Why do so many people gather here at the Scramble Crossing?" There were also comments such as "The city is clean. There is no litter on the ground," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," "The subway is quiet and clean," and "Why are there no trash cans in the city?" Since they said they did not know how to return to the hotel, we ended up seeing them off at Minatomirai Station and parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

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.

Title: What's a Private Day Trip to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Todai-ji, Isuien Garden, and Naramachi The guests were visiting Nara for the first time from Asia. The morning began with cloudy skies and some concern about the weather, but it turned out to be clear and sunny throughout the morning. Rain began to sprinkle in the afternoon, but it did not cause any real problems. As planned, we were able to visit Todai-ji, Isuien Garden, Kasuga Taisha, and Naramachi. The moment we returned to JR Nara Station, it started to rain heavily. I felt they were very lucky people. In Naramachi, the "Koshi no Ie" (Lattice House) is undergoing restoration work from October until the end of February, so during this period the only option is the "Nigiwai no Ie." Since "Nigiwai no Ie" is closed on Wednesdays, Nara tours on Wednesdays will require some careful planning going forward. The guests love Japanese gardens, and at Isuien Garden they spent a long time walking around and taking many photographs. They also enjoy shopping, stopping at a few shops along the way to make some purchases, and after returning to Kyoto Station they went shopping at a department store as well. The photo was taken at Isuien Garden.

Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

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.

What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were very active visitors from Europe who had arrived in Japan two nights earlier. They mentioned that the day before the tour they had walked about 18 kilometers around Tokyo sightseeing. One of the guests enjoyed photography and took pictures everywhere with a large SLR camera. At the Imperial Palace, I explained about the imperial family and the pine trees; at Nezu, I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, the Japanese view of religion, and how to worship at a shrine. They listened with great interest. It seemed they had already studied quite a bit about Japan before their visit. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony, and I talked about celebrations such as weddings and Shichi-Go-San.

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

Tour Report by NORIKO

Hello!! My name is Noriko Sakurai. I’m 51 years old. I started working as a travel guide in 2018. I usually guide around Tokyo area.

My hobbies are reading books, traveling cooking & baking , and eating! I like to read books about Japanese history, and visit historical places. I also enjoy visiting new places, trying new dishes, then after coming back home, reproducing the dishes by myself.
I love breads , so I enjoy visiting new bakeries.

I really want foreign visitors to enjoy staying in Japan comfortably. I would like to help you to have wonderful times and make fantastic memories in Japan!!

What's a Private Kanazawa Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Higashi Chaya, Nagamachi, and Omicho Market Having heard in advance that the guests were interested in cat-themed goods, I guided the group to a gold leaf shop in the Higashi Chaya district, combining the visit with a chance to observe the gold leaf production process. The guests were delighted to purchase a beckoning cat figure decorated with gold leaf. The guests asked many questions, some rather unusual, about topics such as Japanese morals and the number of police boxes, but I believe they also enjoyed learning about Japanese culture. Since there was time in the afternoon, I showed the group the Nagamachi area before heading to Omicho Market. The guests seemed mindful of the finishing time, so I kept that in mind as we proceeded. The tour ended amid the bustle of Omicho Market, where the guests enjoyed grilled eel with teriyaki sauce, fresh oysters, and Noto beef.

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

Tour Report by YOSHI

Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!

What Is a Private Day Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report The tour took place under unfortunate rain all day, and this was the defining factor of the day. The morning went well, covering Hiroshima Castle through the Peace Memorial Museum. However, after leaving the museum and beginning to move through the park, the rain intensified, so I quickly obtained umbrellas and, on the spot, switched from public transportation (which would have required a lot of moving around) to the World Heritage sea route, taking the guests to Miyajima in the afternoon. Regarding the morning combination of Hiroshima Castle with the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the location of Hiroshima Castle is somewhat inconvenient in terms of transportation (connections and transfers), so I spent a considerable amount of time in advance working out scheduling patterns to see how I could take the guests around without any wasted time, and I approached the guiding on the day with this preparation. Thanks to that effort, there was zero wasted time, and the movement between sites went perfectly. Some of the guests did not seem interested at all in the castle, the museum, or the shrine at Miyajima, and there were moments during my explanations when I felt discouraged. However, since interest is not something a guide can easily change no matter how hard they try, I kept my guiding modest overall so as not to force explanations, and tried to communicate by bringing up topics the guests were interested in. They seemed to enjoy the "omikuji" fortune slips at Miyajima the most. I gave explanations for each of the four in turn, and this felt like the most lively moment of the day. At the time of parting, I introduced them to a bento section with food they could eat on the bullet train, the okonomiyaki floor they had shown interest in, and Hiroshima souvenirs. It was a day that reminded me of the obvious fact that on rainy days, indoor facilities or shopping are better options.

Click here for more details: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kay

I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure.
As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience.
Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima.
I understand that traveling to a new country can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, especially with language barriers and unfamiliar customs. Please consider me your local resource – not just for the tour itself, but for any questions or concerns you may have during your stay. From dining recommendations to advice on local etiquette, I am more than happy to assist in making your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. Thank you for choosing to explore Hiroshima with me. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer.
If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

Warm regards,
Kay

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from Asia. Some of the guests had visited Kyoto in the past and mentioned that this was their second time seeing Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji. At Nijo Castle, they asked many questions while walking through the Ninomaru Palace, so we ended up spending more time there than planned, and we had to move more quickly through the other locations. After exploring Kinkaku-ji, they purchased one bag each of wasabi peanuts and shichimi peanuts at a local shop. On the way from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama, we stopped at a convenience store where they bought light snacks such as sandwiches to eat. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, lamps were lit within the Senbon Torii, creating a very different atmosphere from the daytime. At the guests' request, we parted ways at Keihan Shichijo Station.

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

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!

Title: What Does a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Body: Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. We met on time at Nijo Castle, where I gave a detailed tour, explaining the highlights and historical background, including the beginning and end of the samurai era. From there, we traveled by subway and JR to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, and I guided the group leisurely around the Arashiyama area. After taking commemorative photos while walking through the bamboo grove, we traveled from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station to Inari Station, where I guided the group around Fushimi Inari Taisha. There, I explained Shinto and the proper way to worship, and after descending from the Senbon Torii pathway, we moved to the next destination, Gion, using the Keihan Railway. Unfortunately, we were caught in heavy rain in Gion, which made moving around difficult, but we walked from Tatsumi Shrine to Kawaramachi-Shijo, and finally I guided the group to Nishiki Market before we parted ways. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

Tour Report by Toshi

After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

Title: What Is a Private Shizuoka Cruise Shore Excursion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya, and Kunozan Toshogu The guests were cruise ship passengers from North America. At the time of booking in July, their request was for seven locations, adding Sunpu Castle, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, and the Mishima Skywalk to the four places we actually visited. Even when I recommended narrowing it down to the four sites within Shizuoka City, the only one they gave up was the Mishima Skywalk. On top of that, they had a strong wish to "use public transportation as much as possible." They understood that even moving quickly would likely mean about a two-hour extension, and we ended our correspondence there for the time being. So, after carefully checking the buses that run only once per hour in advance, I guided them starting with the Fujinomiya course. Right from the opening stop at Shiraito Falls, they were delighted by the pleasant natural atmosphere, and an enthusiastic photo session began. One of the guests said, "I've visited waterfalls all over the world, and this ranks in my top three. It's inferior to the grand Iguazu, but above Niagara." Another guest was moved, describing it as "a very Japanese harmony." At Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, one of the guests tried drawing an omikuji fortune. They drew "Dai-kichi" (great blessing), and everyone, myself included, got excited. Both here and at the next stop, Kunozan Toshogu, the orange-and-black outfit worn by one of the guests matched the colors of the buildings perfectly, so the photo session continued. At Kunozan Toshogu, the guests kept offering kind words to me as a guide, saying, "Of today's course, this is the best spot" — perhaps partly as flattery. The real climax came afterward. On the way to Nippondaira Hotel, just a few minutes away by a taxi that happened to be available in front of the ropeway station, the driver said, "Mount Fuji has shown its face." The summit, which had been hidden by clouds since the tour began, appeared beautifully. At Nippondaira Hotel, while still clutching a numbered ticket to wait for a table at the cafe, we continued with wonderful photography on the front lawn overlooking Mount Fuji. One of the guests said, "There's little greenery where we live. I envy the Japanese people who can enjoy such beautiful nature." We had already gone well beyond the scheduled time, and they readily gave up the trip into the Shizuoka city center. In the end, they relaxed at the hotel cafe while waiting for a taxi. One mistake and how I handled it: We missed the bus going from Shiraito Falls to Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, and I apologized profusely. When we got off the bus, I had correctly told them, "We have 50 minutes here," but by the time we returned to the bus stop, I had mistakenly thought "the bus departs at 50 minutes past" (when it actually departed at 40 minutes past). However, there was a taxi office just a few minutes' walk up from the bus stop, so the time loss was kept to a minimum.

Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji View Shimizu Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Tomoji

Welcome to Japan! What would you like to do today? Which places would you like to visit tomorrow? Feel free to ask questions or make requests anytime, anywhere. I find immense joy in sharing the charms or Tokyo and the surrounding metropolitan area –delicious meals, picturesque views, majestic architectures, magnificent history and the latest trends in Japan — all while bringing smiles to your face.

I spent my childhood in Geneva, Switzerland, and grew up in Tokyo. While working for a newspaper company, I lived in various parts of Japan and even in New York. With the physical strength I’ve developed through weekly tennis and a smile on my face, I’m committed to making your stay in Japan an unforgettable experience.

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama's Sanmachi Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests enjoy history and local food. They love traditional experiences, so they were extremely happy about Takayama. In the Sanmachi area, they tried sake, miso soup, and Hida beef. They bought Japanese knives and chopsticks as souvenirs. Moreover, they said they were very satisfied with my guidance.

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

Tour Report by Naoko

I was born and raised in Osaka, so I am very friendly person.
I always look forward to seeing new people.
After marriage, I live in Nagoya city, so I know about not only Kansa Area but also Central Area.
I got a guide license in 2012. I have been tour-guiding people for about 8 years.
I have experienced a long tour, which is enjoyable to introduce many places.
I often tourguide people in Takayama and Shirakawago which is a World Heritage Site.
I love mother of nature, so I am happy to be able to enjoy each season over there.
Moreover I love Japanese culture and history, so I am very glad to introduce these.
I learn Japanese folk music, Minyo, and Tsugaru Shamisen.
I hope I can introduce these to you!

What Is a Private Kamakura Day Tour Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were elegantly enjoying sightseeing around the Tokyo area and staying at accommodation arranged through a connection. Since they hoped to see Mount Fuji, I checked online and it seemed there might be a slight chance, so with their understanding that the probability was about 50%, we made the attempt — but only a portion of what appeared to be the mountain's ridgeline was visible. Even so, they appreciated that we tried. After a basic explanation of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, we strolled along the route above, taking in Hasedera Temple, the Mizuko Jizo statues, and the Kannon Bodhisattva, letting them experience Japan through the overall atmosphere of the surroundings. At lunchtime, a group of pilgrims happened to sit next to us, which was another delightful moment. The Great Buddha of Kamakura was the highlight of the Kamakura visit. Although one of the guests felt unwell due to the heat, the group kindly kept up good spirits and stayed with me throughout in an enjoyable way.

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

Tour Report by Hiro

I am Hiroki Morikawa :Hiro:, English guide living with my wife ,just a hop skip and jump from Hakone, Kamakura, Tokyo and the Mt. Fuji.
I am a friendly grandfather of 4 grandchildren.
I would love to help you enjoy Japan, using my 3 strong points.
First: I am used to dealing with any kind of matters. I have experienced various situations in the 40 years of my working life.
Second: I am good at making a friendly atmosphere between you and local people to help you enjoy Japan. I was raised in western Japan, studied in northern Japan and now live in central Japan. So I know various local cultures and dialects to communicate with a wide variety of people.
Third: I can explain things from a technical point of view.
For example, how the Great Buddha was constructed, because I am a master of engineering graduated from Hokkaido University.
Please enjoy Japan with me. See you soon!!
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