Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Oceania. Their advance requests were to visit places tourists usually do not go, and to finish the tour in Harajuku. They had also noted other pre-booked tours (sumo watching, Mario Kart, a hedgehog cafe, teamLab, and others). I presented the itinerary by email and reconfirmed it when we met at the Hotel. They had already arrived in Japan and planned to return home the next day, and they were used to public transportation via the Suica app. They had already visited Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, but wanted to learn about history and culture, so I explained as much as I could. Seeing the sake barrels at Meiji Jingu, they said a bartender had recommended yuzu sake and they wanted to buy some, so I decided to guide them to a sake shop in Kappabashi on the way to Asakusa.

After the area around the Imperial Palace (with stories about the imperial family) and Nezu Shrine — they had also visited Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, so the row of torii gates fell a bit flat, but I highlighted the history of the romon gate, karamon gate, and main hall — we also strolled around Yanaka Shopping Street (they bought a pastry). Then we stopped by a sake shop in Kappabashi, but it was still nearly 30 minutes before its opening time (1:00 pm), so we rested at a nearby cafe and returned. When we consulted the shop owners, they recommended a sake based on yuzu produced in Kochi, though it was not the exact brand the guests wanted, and the guests purchased four bottles. On top of that, at the owner's recommendation, they tasted plum wine and another brand of yuzu sake, and were given a small bottle of yuzu sake as a gift, which left the guests very pleased and excited.

One of the guests ended up carrying all four bottles, and since we had to walk the route from the main hall of Senso-ji through the Nakamise shopping street (using only the back lanes) to the subway Asakusa Station, I guided them carefully. We arrived safely at the station nearest the final destination, KIDDY LAND, obtained consent for photo PR, and parted ways.

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Tour Report by Tachi

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!