Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like, Including Antique Japanese Sword Shopping? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. There were many requests in advance, including a wish to purchase an antique Japanese sword. I contacted and inquired with several sword dealers in Tokyo, and created and presented an itinerary that included a visit to the shop that responded the quickest. After meeting at the hotel, since the guests had ICOCA cards and were comfortable using public transportation, we got around easily. They were on a milestone anniversary trip (having already visited Dubai and Singapore) and had already toured Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. They had also joined a three-hour food tour around the Shinjuku area the previous evening. At Meiji Shrine, we were lucky to see a procession of a wedding party and relatives, as well as a bonsai exhibition (one of the guests enjoys bonsai as a hobby). After the Imperial Palace's main gate and the Nijubashi bridge, we headed to Akihabara. Following a simple lunch at a sushi restaurant, some shopping at UNIQLO took place. Then we went to a sword dealer in Ryogoku. The sword did not come with an authentication certificate (according to the shop owner, a certificate would double the price), but after carefully examining a sword from the Muromachi period, as described by the owner, one of the guests decided to purchase it (total 670,000 yen). It was understood that the process of purchase, application for an export inspection certificate, approval, and shipment by EMS to their home would take more than a month, and the guests accepted this. Having their wish fulfilled, they seemed very satisfied and said, "Once it arrives home, we plan to display it on the wall or in a glass case, and we will take a photo and send it." Finally, we parted ways at the Skytree entrance, where a 5:00 PM reservation had been made.

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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!