Category: Uncategorized

  • Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.515 meet at Toyosu market ( instruction to a taxi driver provided.)
    • 2.615 Auction visit finish and start sushi restaurant
    • 3.650 visit Intermediate building
    • 4.720 Yurikamome from Shijo Mae to Shiodome
    • 5.800 start visiting Tsukiji Uogashi then Tsukiji outer market
    • 6.830 Finish at Tsukiji

    Title: What's a Private Toyosu and Tsukiji Market Morning Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private morning tour of the Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets in Tokyo for a group visiting Japan. Since the group had several people, I proposed meeting at Toyosu and sent a map to pinpoint the meeting spot. They ended up arriving at a slightly different location, but we joined up within two or three minutes and had no problem. After watching the tuna auction and hearing explanations about it, we had breakfast at a sushi restaurant. It was an off-peak time slot, so there were no issues. The sushi tasted especially wonderful after seeing the auction, and the group happily finished all the sashimi and sushi. At the intermediate wholesalers' building they did not buy anything, but they looked at the knives and other items with great interest. On the monorail, the group was drawn to the famous convention center known for its anime displays and the Gundam model. At Tsukiji, they looked with interest at the seafood displayed after the auction. They browsed the outer market briefly and wanted to explore a bit more, so we parted ways there. They expressed their gratitude.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Shiodome388JPY
    Section 2SubwayShiodome~Tsukiji Market178JPY
    Total566JPY

    My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
    I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
    [FRANCAIS]
    J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
    A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
    Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.

    Apr 4, 2026
    Rebecca_M
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazu Rocks!!
    Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…

    Oct 19, 2025
    geoffreysE7617EB
    6-hour Tokyo Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…

    Oct 9, 2025
    zglus
    6 Hr walking Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…

    Sep 26, 2025
    JulieD4351
    We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:20 Meet up @Hotel
    • 2. 10:35 Travel: Subway
    • 3. 10:55 Stay @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 4. 12:10 Travel: Subway
    • 5. 12:35 Stay @Asakusa
    • 6. 13:55 Lunch @Sushizanmai Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
    • 7. 14:35 Travel: Subway
    • 8. 15:30 Stay @Meiji Shrine
    • 9. 16:10 Stay @Omotesando, Cat Street
    • 10. 16:45 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 11. 17:00 Travel: Subway
    • 12. 17:30 Disband @Ginza 4-chome Crossing

    What Does a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a family visiting from North America. I was a little concerned about dietary matters, but there was no particular problem, and they enjoyed sushi at a sushi restaurant with great pleasure. For the itinerary, I chose the classic spots of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, and decided to end by showing them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. I had initially planned to guide them to Asakusa first, but since it seemed they had eaten breakfast rather late, I took them to the East Gardens first. In Asakusa, a Hirosaki Neputa event was being held, so I was able to show them a livelier atmosphere than usual. Meiji Shrine was more crowded than usual, perhaps due to the Niiname-sai harvest festival, and even at the late hour there were several wedding ceremonies taking place, which I believe the guests enjoyed. Before heading to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, there was a request to see Cat Street, so I decided to guide them on foot from Meiji Shrine to Shibuya. It was a great help that the guests had no trouble at all with long walks. At the end, I showed them some places where they could have dinner around the Ginza 4-chome intersection before we parted ways. Also, this guest has kindly left a high review. I would like to reply, so I would appreciate it if you could confirm.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassHibiya Station~Otemachi Station600JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
    Section 4Free PassShibuya Station~Ginza 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.

    Sep 29, 2026
    Y9791IZnicks
    Making the most of a rainy day
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Sam was a wonderful…

    Sep 25, 2026
    910lorig
    Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Best…

    Sep 15, 2026
    R8612KOjanicea
    Highly recommend 👍
    Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

    Sep 1, 2026
    greasygrandpa
    First Day In Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…

  • Tochigi in One Day: Rinnoji Shoyoen & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tochigi in One Day: Rinnoji Shoyoen & Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Okunoin Tokugawa
    • 8:50 Rinnoji Shoyoen Garden
    • 9:20 Rinnoji Sanbutsudo
    • 10:00 Toshogu Shrine
    • 11:30 Lunch @ Sanraku Shokudo
    • 12:41 Shinkyo Bridge
    • 13:10 Kanmangafuchi Abyss
    • 13:45 Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
    • 15:10 Dismiss @ Okunoin Tokugawa

    What Is a Private Nikko Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the World Heritage Sites [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour of Nikko for the guests, who were visiting from North America. The guests were bright and cheerful, and this was their second trip to Japan, having traveled through Hokkaido, Aomori, Nikko, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Osaka. Initially the guests had hoped to visit Kegon Falls, but once I explained that the autumn foliage season had ended, we decided to focus on enjoying the World Heritage area. Since the guests had stayed the previous night near Tamozawa Imperial Villa, we were able to start early in the morning and cover the sights efficiently on foot. Because we began so early, my plan was to visit Toshogu Shrine first before the crowds, but many people were already lined up, so instead we followed the usual route starting from Rinnoji Temple. After finishing at Toshogu Shrine, an even longer line had formed at the ticket office, and we agreed it was fortunate we had started early. It was crowded today as well, but when I mentioned that the previous week had been even more crowded and difficult, and that the autumn foliage was almost over and would hardly be visible by the following week, the guests were delighted to have come at such a good time.

    Hello! My name is Yumi. The Nikko area, Nasu area, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Aizu and Shirakawa area in Fukushima prefecture, where I will be guiding you, are not only surrounded by beautiful nature in all four seasons but are also full of historical attractions. Nikko, in particular, is a great place to learn about the culture and history that has shaped Japan to this day. In order for you to truly enjoy your day, I am flexible to your wishes and will prepare your day to be a great day. Because I am a local guide, you will surely see some sights that are not in the guidebooks. Is local food one of your favorite parts of your trip? I am also a sushi-making instructor for foreigners, so food is one of my specialties. I am also a certified sake navigator. Why don’t you come and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with me?

    Aug 24, 2026
    arzed
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A perfect day!
    My family and I had an…

    Jul 1, 2026
    laine164
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day!
    We had a wonderful time exploring Nikko.
    Our friendly…

    Apr 7, 2026
    V2097LInickd
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great Guide Yumi Highlights Nikko on walking tour
    Our 16,000 step tour…

    Apr 4, 2026
    O4367MVkarenv
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fantastic day in Nikko
    We had a fantastic day with Yumi. She…

  • Shizuoka: Gofukucho Street in Shizuoka City

    Shizuoka: Gofukucho Street in Shizuoka City

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet at Hinode Wharf
    • 10:00 Kunozan Coast ⇒ Walk to Toshogu Shrine ⇒ Nihondaira Ropeway ⇒ Nihondaira Yume Terrace
    • 11:00 After stopping by the Toro Ruins, oden lunch at Sunpu Castle Park
    • 12:30 Walk along Gofukucho Street in Shizuoka City
    • 13:40 Miho no Matsubara, Mihoshirube
    • 15:30 Disband at Shimizu S-Pulse Dream Plaza

    Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Shizuoka? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from Europe. We traveled by a taxi arranged by the guests. Mount Fuji was clearly visible all day, which delighted them. We were able to visit more places than planned. At Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, we climbed the 1,159 stone steps on foot rather than taking the ropeway. We also added the Toro Ruins and a walk along Gofukucho Street in Shizuoka. At the Toro Ruins, the guests were interested in the Yayoi-period dwellings, and along Gofukucho Street they enjoyed the kitchen knife shop, cosmetics shop, and traditional candy stores. Since one of the guests did not eat fish, we avoided sushi and seafood bowls and instead I introduced an oden lunch inside Sunpu Castle Park.

    My name is Terry Hirao, Shizuoka’s local tour guide. You can call me Terry, as in Teriyaki. I love Japan and Japanese culture and can show you the best of Japan, its history, breathtaking beauty, delicious foods, Japanese Tea. Shizoka is located in the middle of Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, two largest metropolitan cities and famous for Mt. Fuji, Japanese Tea and a lot more. The most popular destinations in Shizuoka are Nihon Daira Plateau, Kunozan Toshogu Shrines (National Treasure), Miho Pine Tree Grove (World Cultural Heritage). I hope I can help you enjoy your trip!!

    Nov 6, 2024
    andrew h
    Very knowledgeable tour guide of the area
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Very…

    Oct 21, 2024
    Adventurer_from_Cda
    We had a great time – we enjoyed having Terry H as our guide for Shizuoka/Shimizu! Thank you!
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu…

    Sep 16, 2024
    Jane_R
    Great experience on this Mt Fuji private tour
    Viator review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
    Terry…

    Aug 21, 2024
    Go02797182361
    Too cloudy for Mt Fuji but still a great tour with Terry
    Tripadvisor review: Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private…

  • Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 13:25 Meet up @Aloft Osaka Dojima
    • 2. 14:00 @Umeda Sky Building
    • 3. 15:00 @Osaka Castle
    • 4. 16:30 @Dotonbori
    • 5. 17:05 Disband @Dotonbori

    What Is a Private Osaka Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Namba and Dotonbori The guests were a group visiting Osaka. They were very energetic and walked at a brisk pace, almost bounding along, so despite covering a lot of ground on foot, the tour proceeded very smoothly. The shopping arcade from Namba to Dotonbori was extremely crowded, and since the group did not seem particularly interested in shopping, they appeared to get a little tired at this point. I guided them around the main highlights of Dotonbori, and as one of the guests expressed a wish to eat sushi, I took them to a delicious sushi restaurant, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayHigobashi~Higashi-Umeda820JPY
    Total820JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Sep 29, 2026
    duncans746
    Yuka was great
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

    Sep 23, 2026
    navinderp2024
    Great day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 9, 2026
    piperl686
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
    We were so impressed by…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Anita_M
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
    Yuka was a…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel – 11:00 Tokyo Station – 11:30 Imperial Palace – 12:30 Tsukiji Outer Market – 13:00 Lunch – 14:30 Tokyo Skytree – 17:00 Dismiss at Yokohama Station

    What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. The following day they were scheduled to board a cruise ship to travel around various parts of Japan, continuing from Taiwan toward Hong Kong. Blessed with fine weather, they enjoyed admiring the beautiful station building at Tokyo Station and strolling around the outer grounds of the former Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace, from the Imperial Palace Outer Garden to the Otemon Gate. Next, at Tsukiji, they were amazed by the abundance of fresh ingredients at the market, and savored grilled eel over rice at a long-established restaurant chosen for lunch. With the blue skies since morning raising hopes of a view of Mount Fuji, we searched for it from Tokyo Skytree, and even though it appeared faintly, the figure of Mount Fuji could be clearly confirmed, so the goal of today's tour was achieved.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainYokohama Station~Tokyo Station483JPY
    Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Tsukiji178JPY
    Section 3SubwayTsukiji Market~Oshiage317JPY
    Section 4TrainOshiage~Yokohama Station619JPY
    Total1,597JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Uzumasa-Tenjingawa

    Kyoto in One Day: Kyoto & Uzumasa-Tenjingawa

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:15 Meet @ Seven-Eleven inside JR Kyoto Station
    • 10:36-10:40 Kyoto→Inari JR 150 yen
    • 10:50-12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine sightseeing
    • 12:23-12:59 Inari→Saga-Arashiyama JR 240 yen
    • 13:10-14:15 Tenryu-ji Temple & Bamboo Grove Path sightseeing
    • 14:30-15:10 Lunch @ Sushi Naritaya
    • 15:40 Kimono Forest sightseeing
    • 15:43-16:00 Arashiyama→Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Randen 250 yen
    • 16:10-16:20 Uzumasa-Tenjingawa→Kyoto City Hall Subway 260 yen
    • 16:25-16:40 Pair Keychain Specialty Store 2/8b Kyoto Sanjo Store
    • 16:46-17:02 Kyoto City Hall→Kyoto Subway 260 yen
    • 17:10 Disband @ JR Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit

    What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report On this private Kyoto tour, I guided guests from North America to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Grove Path in Arashiyama, and Tenryu-ji Temple. At Fushimi Inari Shrine, the guests were deeply moved by the grandeur of the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates) and enjoyed taking commemorative photos. In Arashiyama, they were soothed by the serene beauty of the bamboo grove, and at Tenryu-ji Temple they were deeply impressed by the magnificent design of the garden. At a keychain shop we stopped by along the way, they found the item they had been searching for and were very pleased. At the same time, there were moments when they were surprised by the large crowds at the tourist spots, but when I explained the characteristics of the Japanese seasons and the reasons why the autumn foliage was later than usual this year, they listened with great interest. Overall, it seemed they thoroughly enjoyed Japan's nature and culture, and it was especially memorable that they were able to appreciate the beautiful autumn scenery.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari200JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainArashiyama~Uzumasa-Tenjingawa250JPY
    Section 4SubwayUzumasa-Tenjingawa~Kyoto City Hall260JPY
    Section 5SubwayKyoto City Hall~Kyoto260JPY
    Total1,210JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Sep 20, 2026
    Bobby_B
    A great Kyoto guide.
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Andy was very nice and…

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:30 Meet at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • ② 09:35 Itinerary explanation and overview of Kyoto
    • ③ 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④ 11:30 Stroll and explanation around Gion and Tatsumi Bridge
    • ⑤ 12:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • ⑥ 13:15 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
    • ⑦ 14:15 Lunch break
    • ⑧ 15:30 Disband at the hotel

    What Is a Private Kyoto Autumn Tour Like During Fall Foliage Season? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time and traveling to only two places, Tokyo and Kyoto, before returning home, though they said they would love to come back to Japan again very soon. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama were extremely crowded due to the autumn foliage season, with lines everywhere and the bamboo grove so packed that it was hard to move forward. Today the guests were somewhat quiet at first, but as time went on they warmed up, and in the latter half we were able to talk about many things, which was wonderful.

    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…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Nijubashi Bridge & Zojoji Temple

    Tokyo in One Day: Nijubashi Bridge & Zojoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Vacation Rental Parking Lot
    • 10:30 Nijubashi Bridge
    • 11:30 Shibuya
    • 13:00 Lunch @ Pepper Parlor
    • 14:30 Zojoji Temple → Tokyo Tower
    • 16:00 Disband @ TeamLab Borderless

    タイトル: What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Zojoji, and Azabudai Hills The guests were a family visiting from North America. Since the accommodation was a private lodging, I had some trouble finding the location during my advance scouting, but I managed to locate it and we met at the parking space on the first floor of the building. Private lodgings always give me a bit of a headache when it comes to choosing a meeting point. I had been told that some of the guests were picky about food, but during the tour they followed along without any complaints about being tired. When I guided them to the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO, the Nintendo store was not crowded, but the checkout line at the Pokémon Center was extremely long and we had to wait about 30 minutes. Fortunately, the guests waited patiently and behaved very well in line. Since I did not know how long the shopping would take, I was glad I had kept the schedule flexible. After lunch, we went from Zojoji Temple past Tokyo Tower to Azabudai Hills, and parted ways in front of teamLab. One of the guests was afraid of heights, so instead of going up Tokyo Tower we did the VR boat race on the first floor and stopped by the souvenir shop on the second floor. We arrived at teamLab right on time and the guests seemed satisfied, though the tour did not feel very lively at times, which made me a little worried. They said they would be sightseeing around the city on their own from here, and I believe this tour helped them get used to transferring between trains. I hope they enjoy the rest of their trip in Japan.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayWaseda~Sakuradamon210JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Shibuya210JPY
    Section 3SubwayShibuya~Aoyama-itchome180JPY
    Section 4SubwayAoyama-itchome~Daimon220JPY
    Total820JPY

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

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

    I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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

    Jun 2, 2026
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  • Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Castle

    Hiroshima in One Day: Miyajima & Hiroshima Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • (08:20) Meet up @JR Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit
    • 08:35 – 09:04 Travel to Miyajimaguchi
    • 09:20 – 09:30 Travel to Miyajima Port
    • 09:30 – 12:00 Miyajima sightseeing
    • 12:00 – 12:45 Travel to Peace Park
    • 12:45 – 13:20 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park
    • 13:20 – 13:50 Peace Memorial Museum 
    • 13:50– 14:20 Hiroshima Castle
    • 14:20 – 14:30 Travel to Shukkeien Garden
    • 15:00 – 15:10 Travel to Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a 7-Hour Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report In the morning, I received a very clear and considerate message: "Due to a flight problem, I have been held up and will arrive on a different flight, staying overnight, so I would like to change the meeting place." I was grateful for such precise communication. The guest was an extremely efficient person who, based on thorough research, had planned nearly the entire itinerary independently. Having traveled to more than a hundred countries, the guest had very clear preferences and moved through the day remarkably efficiently. Of all the 7-hour tours I have guided so far, this one set a record for the distance we walked. At the end, the guest told me, "It was a wonderful day," and I was truly relieved and happy to hear it. [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.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima Station~Miyajimaguchi Station420JPY
    Section 2FerryMiyajima Port~Peace Park1,100JPY
    Total1,520JPY

    Hi, nice to meet you! I am Emmy. I am so honored and happy to be your guide.
    I had been teaching at a local university in Hiroshima. After I got retired in March 2023, I started guiding. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I love communicating with people all over the world more than anything, so I have been involved in home visit, homestay, volunteer guide for people from foreign countries.
    I always hope that our guests will take away lots of positive energy from Hiroshima, a city that was resilient and revived like a phoenix, in spite of its sad history.
    While realizing customers’ wishes, I will introduce you the beauty of Hiroshima, Miyajima and so on, which are tranquil and peaceful places with a unique charm that cannot be found in big cities.
    I am happy to answer any questions about things Japanese.
    I look forward to meeting you in person soon!!

    Jul 3, 2026
    715rachnak
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    Such a great experience in Hiroshima and Miyajima!
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    Worth the money!
    From the moment we booked our…

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    Diane_F
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    Wonderful tour and guide
    Our tour guide Emmy was…

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