Top Japan Private Sightseeing Tours - page 193

Eiji was waiting for us with a sign as soon as we got off our cruise ship. He was full of educational information knowledge of the city, patient with our pace & laughed with us. He made sure we had a full day of site seeing while making sure we got back to our cruise ship port on time. If you're cruising & looking for tours, go with Viator instead of booking thru cruise ship. Much more personable tour with guide & you'll see more. We rode taxis, boat, trains & walked through so many sites in Hiroshima. Long but very enjoyable day.

If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, look no further than Motoko—truly the best tour guide we've ever had! Over our journey through the city, they expertly led us to all the top 10 must-see places, making every moment both memorable and meaningful. What made the experience so special was not just the itinerary, but how Motoko brought each location to life. From the golden glow of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) to the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama, every stop felt curated with care and deep local insight. We visited ancient temples like Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, explored the peaceful gardens of Gion, and marveled at the iconic Kiyomizu-dera temple overlooking the city. Each site wasn't just photographed—it was understood. Beyond the history and temples, Motoko introduced us to the soul of Kyoto through its culinary culture. What truly sets this guide apart is their endless knowledge and genuine passion for the city. They shared stories behind centuries-old traditions, explained intricate details of Buddhist architecture, and even helped us navigate language barriers with grace. The charm of Kyoto became palpable under their guidance—every alleyway, shrine, and seasonal detail revealed new wonder. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike. If you value depth over surface-level touring, patience over rushing, and heart over checklists—this guide is for you.

The Hakone area is absolutely beautiful and there is a lot to see so it was great to have an excellent guide (Hiro) who was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Hiro was able to shepherd us around using public transit very effectively. Highlights included black eggs, superb view of Mt. Fuji, a short boat ride on Lake Ashinoko, and an incredible Azalea garden at Hotel de Yama.