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
- 12:30 Hotel Okayama [Meet]
- on foot
- 12:40 Okayama Ekimae Sta.
- by Tramway
- 12:45 Shiroshita Sta.
- on foot
- 13:00~14:15 Korakuen Garden
- 14:20 Korakuen Garden Main Gate
- by taxi
- 14:30 JR Okayama Station
- 14:49 JR Okayama Station
- by train
- 15:05 JR Kurashiki Station
- on foot
- 15:15~16:30 Kurashiki-Bikanchiku
- on foot
- 16:40 JR Kurashiki Station
- 16:49 JR Kurashiki Station
- by train
- 16:57 JR Okayama Station
- 17:00 JR Okayama Station [Say goodbye]
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Okayama Ekimae Sta. at 12:40, Shiroshita Sta. at 12:45, Korakuen Garden at 13:00, Korakuen Garden Main Gate at 14:20, JR Okayama Station at 14:30, JR Kurashiki Station at 15:05, Kurashiki-Bikanchiku at 15:15, JR Kurashiki Station at 16:40, JR Okayama Station at 16:57 and JR Okayama Station [Say goodbye] at 17:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Okayama Ekimae to Shiroshita by train (120JPY); Okayama to Kurashiki by train (330JPY); Kurashiki to Okayama by train (330JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 780JPY per person.
What's a Private Day Tour of Okayama and Kurashiki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. Originally I had proposed an itinerary of Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and Kibitsu Shrine, but after meeting them they requested to skip the castle and the shrine and instead wanted to see Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki, so I adjusted accordingly. They had a warm and friendly rapport, and it was a pleasure to guide them. One of the guests had extensive professional experience in the travel industry, yet was very easygoing and did not make me feel any pressure at all. The other was studying environmental engineering, and was a serious and pleasant person. Since we were in Okayama, I told them the story of Momotaro while strolling through Kurashiki, and they listened with great interest. Their stay in Japan ran from late May into early June, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara (including Yoshino), Okayama, and Hiroshima. The weather was fine, and I believe they enjoyed a relaxed and pleasant day.
Click here for more details: Okayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Okayama Ekimae～Shiroshita | 120JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Okayama～Kurashiki | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kurashiki～Okayama | 330JPY |
| Total | 780JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Okayama Ekimae Sta., Shiroshita Sta., Korakuen Garden, Korakuen Garden Main Gate, JR Okayama Station, JR Kurashiki Station, Kurashiki-Bikanchiku, JR Kurashiki Station, JR Okayama Station and JR Okayama Station [Say goodbye].
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 780JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Okayama itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello. My name is Hisao Kaji. I was born in 1945. I was raised in Takamatsu City from 3 years old. So, I have been living in Takamatsu for around 75 years. I believe I know Takamatsu City and the Kagawa prefecture area very well. If you come to Takamatsu, Kagawa I think you can enjoy your tour with me. I started a Government Licensed Guide in 2019. So, I have been a licensed guide for about 5 years. My favorite destinations are Naoshima, Teshima, Ritsurin Garden, the top of Mt. Yashima and so on. I always show you an itinerary about one month before your tour date, and I will accept any questions, other favorite places you want to visit. Communicating with you, I would like to accommodate your request for your tour. I always listen to NPR on the internet to know how the world is moving and improve my English. I like conversation based upon it with my life. I stayed in the USA for 8 months for a Power Systems Engineering Course conducted by General Electric in New York State when I was 28 years old. I sometimes talk about my memory of those days with the guests. I am very happy to guide tourists because I can see the guests become happy and enjoy themselves when I am guiding better. Nothing is more wonderful than that. I welcome your visit to Takamatsu City and Kagawa Prefecture. I believe you will have a pleasant time through my guide.
Apr 19, 2026
2Pippin2
Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A day to remember
Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
added so…
Apr 19, 2026
2Pippin2
Tripadvisor review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A day to remember
Perfect day! Our tour guide, Kaji,
added so much valuable information and guidance. It was a rewarding experience and
one we will remember fondly.
Oct 23, 2025
C
Calli_C
This was a great day tour…
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great day…
Oct 23, 2025
C
Calli_C
This was a great day tour…
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great day tour to explore Naoshima. Our guide was very knowledgeable about
the area and provided additional history of the area where he grew up. He also was very
thoughtful and helped us figure out how to get to the island from Osaka.
Oct 12, 2025
Vanessa_A
Lovely day on Naoshima Island
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was great to relax and leave…
Oct 12, 2025
Vanessa_A
Lovely day on Naoshima Island
Viator review: Naoshima Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was great to relax and leave the organising of our day on Naoshima to our very
experienced guide,Kaji. He speaks excellent English and tailored the day very well to our
needs. We had a lot of fun with him!
Jun 1, 2025
Pamela_F
Highly recommend the half…
Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommend the half day tour and our…
Jun 1, 2025
Pamela_F
Highly recommend the half…
Viator review: Okayama Half-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommend the half day tour and our wonderful guide, Hisao Kaji. He
accommodated our requests and was very knowledgeable with excellent English. Thank
you Hisao!