Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akasaka Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa

Body:

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo day tour for guests visiting from North America. At the hotel meeting point, we reviewed together the guidelines for visiting the Akasaka Palace (State Guest House). The guests were staying in Japan for about two weeks and were scheduled to return home the day after this tour. They had already experienced sightseeing in Tokyo (Yanaka, Shinjuku, and the area around the Imperial Palace), a visit to Osaka, and even a climb of Mount Fuji (which took about 8 to 9 hours in total, up and down).

Because the guests were sensitive to high humidity, I made a point of choosing shaded and tree-covered paths as much as possible while walking. At Tsukiji, almost everywhere outside the shops is exposed to strong sunlight, so I had them enjoy fried chicken skewers, peaches, and fresh juice in the shade. After a quick tour there, we headed to the Akasaka Palace. After showing them around the air-conditioned main building (photography is allowed in certain halls), we took photos in the main garden and front garden, and then moved on to Meiji Shrine.

The guests had enjoyed sports since their student days, but they found Japan's characteristic high humidity quite challenging. We walked through the shaded, tree-lined paths of Meiji Shrine, and rather than visiting for worship, they rested and cooled off at the souvenir shop. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, they had French fries and strawberry candy, and then we headed to Asakusa. They had also gone to the Sumida River Fireworks Festival the previous weekend, but the crowds were beyond what they had imagined, and they said they had not been able to stop anywhere in Asakusa. We chose the shaded parts of the arcade-covered Kannon-dori and Nakamise-dori, and they visited the main hall. Two cafés I had in mind were crowded, so I was relieved to finally get them inside a third one.

After the tour, the guests were planning to head to Disneyland, and we parted ways right on time. They were lively and energetic, and they candidly shared their impressions and thoughts about their stay in Japan.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

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!