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
- 10:00 Meet at Ise-shi Station, travel by taxi
- 10:20 View Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) at Futamiura, travel by taxi
- 11:00 Worship at Geku (Outer Shrine), travel by bus
- 11:50 Worship at Naiku (Inner Shrine)
- 12:40 Lunch at Isshobin, travel by bus
- 14:10 Disband at Ise-shi Station
What Is a Private Tour of Ise and Futamigaura Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was a pleasant, harmonious group to accompany. They had visited Japan several times before and had traveled to many parts of the country, so they were quite knowledgeable and asked interesting questions with genuine curiosity. They wished to see the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) at Futamigaura, so I confirmed whether they would be comfortable with the considerable walking required when using public transportation from either the station or the bus stop. As it turned out, walking was difficult for the group, so we decided to use a taxi instead. They had planned to visit Toba before the pandemic and had wanted to come ever since, so they were delighted to finally make it. The photo was taken at a cafe in front of Ise-shi Station at the end of the tour.
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 | Ise-shi～Naiku-mae | 520JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Naiku-mae～Ise-shi | 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
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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.
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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!