Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Can You Do a Private One-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day Tokyo highlights tour for guests visiting from North America. In advance, the guests requested a plan covering Tokyo highlights, conveyor-belt sushi or a robot cafe, the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, and a 7:30 reservation at Shibuya Sky to finish the tour. At the meeting point, the guests mentioned they had a 72-hour subway pass reserved and wanted to issue it, so we issued it at the nearest station and began the tour.

During the day, the guests asked one question after another with some anxiety, such as how to get to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko and how to use the trains efficiently. Given the time constraints and the risk of giving uncertain information, I limited myself to suggesting how to use Google Maps and the option of taking a highway bus.

We toured Meiji Shrine and the East Gardens smoothly. The guests were familiar with the recent remake drama SHOGUN, and one of the guests had even read the thick original novel. On the way to Takebashi Station, the temperature and humidity rose, and one of the guests appeared to be quietly enduring the heat, with a very flushed face, which worried me a little, so I checked in and had them cool off in front of the air conditioning on the subway platform.

Just as we were about to exit the ticket gate at Asakusa Station, one of the guests said "The pass is gone!" and became a bit panicked. I first had them calm down, and as we checked the bags and pockets one by one, it turned out the pass had been stuck flat against the smartphone screen! Relieved, they realized they were hungry, so we first headed to a sushi restaurant (not conveyor-belt sushi, but I explained that everywhere is crowded at lunchtime, and we were seated within 10 minutes). They enjoyed the meal, including ordering via tablet. During the wait, we talked about each other's meals, and they shared things like the autumn foliage back home.

After touring the main hall, the guests said they wanted to return to the hotel once after Shibuya. After confirming the entrance to Shibuya Sky, I guided them to the scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue, and we parted ways partway along the route back to the hotel. Both were more nervous about using public transportation than I had expected (which is understandable). They were desperately trying to understand what to watch for on station platforms, and the meaning of each line's logo and the displays inside the trains. They were also very warmhearted. I hope they enjoy Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko early next week!

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!