This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 11:00 Meet @Iseshi Station
- 11:20 @Geku Shrine visit
- 12:50 @Naiku Shrine
- 14:00 @Okage Yokocho
- 15:10 Disband @Okage Yokocho
What Is a Private Tokyo Group Walking Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a lively group visiting from North America. Some of the guests spoke Japanese and kindly shared memories with me. Since some members of the group had difficulty walking and some needed smoking breaks, we toured at a relaxed pace with frequent rest stops. As lunch ended up being rather late, I felt I should plan the pacing more carefully next time. It was a cold day with light snow flurries, but the guests had come well prepared with warm clothing. In the photo, some of the guests were resting during a break, so only part of the group appears.
Click here for more details: Ise Jingu Shrine Half-Day Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Geku Shrine～Naiku Shrine | 520JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Naiku Shrine～Iseshi Station | 520JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
Hi! Thank you for choosing us. I am very glad to be assigned as your guide, and to help you have a good time in Japan. While you are in Japan, I would like you to try some sweets (if you are allowed by the doctor, of course). There are so many kinds, but among them, I would like to recommend Ice cream, even in autumn or winter (enjoyable in a warm room). Have you ever tried a kind of ice cream, which is called Soft Cream in Japan? It’s much softer and creamier than usual ice cream, and sold in many varieties of flavor. Matcha flavour ones are easily found, or chocolate ones, but also they sell local flavors to boost the sales of their local products. To name some, delicious fruit flavours such as yuzu (citrus) or grapes, or strange ones with wasabi (a bit spicy and fragrant) or miso (usually used for salty soups, but tastes like caramel when it is sweetened). Shaved ice is good, too. I have an ice shaving machine in my house, but I wouldn’t bring it to a tour. I look forward to seeing you and helping you enjoy your day in Japan!
Oct 17, 2025
maggiesL3053CQ
A day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori Matsumura was very knowledgeable and easy to…
Oct 17, 2025
maggiesL3053CQ
A day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori Matsumura was very knowledgeable and easy to converse with. We gained a good
understanding of Japanese culture and history. Thoroughly recommend a tour with Koari.
Oct 5, 2025
Brian_B
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Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kaori was incredible. We had…
Oct 5, 2025
Brian_B
Kyoto with Kaori
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kaori was incredible. We had cloudy, rainy weather. She was so accommodating and
communicated so much about the local history.
Aug 28, 2025
jmnTravel
Learning About Ise Shrines
Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very good tour to the…
Aug 28, 2025
jmnTravel
Learning About Ise Shrines
Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very good tour to the shrine complexes in Ise. The larger complex is set in a beautiful forest adjacent to an old traditional shopping street. Our guide (Kaori) taught us about Shinto history and rituals including minor shrines that i may have not seen without her knowledge. She also knew the key places to take pictures (where allowed), helped us use the optimal mix of train/bus/taxi to get between locations, and took us to the best shaved ice matcha in the town.
Jun 9, 2025
Mobile08859304969
Superstar Guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us…
Jun 9, 2025
Mobile08859304969
Superstar Guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us beforehand to understand what we wanted to do and given we were short of time, made sure we were well looked after and saw what we wanted to see. She met us at the platform and answered all our questions. I would highly recommend her as a guide and without a doubt, will look her up in our next visit! Thank you so much Kaori!