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
- （All day, traveling by guest's rental car）
- 09:30 Meet at Kawaguchiko Station
- 09:45～10:40 At Arakurayama Sengen Park
- 11:00～12:20 At Oshino Hakkai (Hannoki Museum)
- 12:40～13:15 At Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
- 13:40～14:40 Lunch at Kosaku Kawaguchiko Branch
- 15:00～15:30 At Narusawa Ice Cave
- 16:00 Dismissal at Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Yamanashi began at 09:30, when the guide met the guests at Kawaguchiko Station, and finished at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Kosaku Kawaguchiko Branch at 13:40.
From there the group visited At Arakurayama Sengen Park at 09:45, At Oshino Hakkai (Hannoki Museum) at 11:00, At Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine at 12:40 and At Narusawa Ice Cave at 15:00.
What Is a Private Mount Fuji Day Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe on a family trip. We had been in contact by email from the time of the initial booking, and since they had agreed for me to accompany them in their rental car as their guide, the itinerary proceeded smoothly.
Because we had discussed the places to visit in advance by email, we were able to keep almost exactly to schedule. Although it was the last day of the Golden Week holiday and Japanese visitors were noticeable at each destination, we did not experience any traffic congestion or waits for parking, so we were able to spend plenty of time at each stop.
English was not necessarily their strongest language, so there were some moments when communication was a little difficult, but they were a very pleasant group, and the tour proceeded in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
At Oshino Hakkai I offered them the local specialty kusa-mochi, and after lunch I bought them "Yukimi Daifuku" ice cream at a convenience store, which they enjoyed and found delicious. They also seemed to be very fond of the local dish hoto.
At the end, they thanked me many times and told me they were truly glad I had been their guide. Overall, I believe they were very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.
Jul 16, 2026
fernandorM8865OM
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Memorable day
We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…
Jul 16, 2026
fernandorM8865OM
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Memorable day
We had a great time. Our guide Meiji “May” made our day memorable. Excellent sites and great food, May is very knowledgeable of the sites, has very good English and had very nice details during the tour. Ahh and he has all the nice spots for pictures identified. The restaurant he took us for lunch was excellent, we tried an amazing hoto udon.
Jul 11, 2026
912courtneyp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great family guide
May was a great tour guide.…
Jul 11, 2026
912courtneyp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great family guide
May was a great tour guide. First day in Tokyo, and he helped design our day, hitting the main highlights. He also introduced us to an awesome ramen spot. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful. Really enjoyed our tour. Thank you, May!
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 Recommend
We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 Recommend
We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide, May! He was friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, making every stop interesting with fascinating stories and local insights. His enthusiasm for Tokyo was contagious, and he really helped us curate this tour to fit our interests and make it our own.
The tour was well organized and included a great mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that we never would have discovered on our own. May also shared excellent recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and things to do after the tour, which made the rest of our stay even better. He even remembered that we were celebrating our honeymoon and helped us celebrate in a very memorable way, making the tour that much more special.
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Tokyo, and we highly recommend this tour—especially if you’re lucky enough to have May as your guide. Thank you, May, for such a memorable experience!
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide. He remained engaged throughout the
tour and keep us well supplied with small treats!