Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Yanaka, Asakusa, and a Tea Ceremony

The guests were visitors from North America. Before the tour, they had requested a tea ceremony experience, so I explained the details of the experience in advance. On the day of the tour, after meeting and confirming the itinerary, we headed to Tsukiji. The guests had spent a few days elsewhere before arriving in Japan, so their jet lag was mild.

At Tsukiji we stayed for about 20 minutes, and one of the guests, who enjoys matcha, purchased matcha at a nori shop. At a newly opened coffee shop, both guests got lattes to take away, and then we went to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Along the way there were many questions, such as the history of the imperial line, recommendations for fashion shopping, occasions to wear kimono, how to use chopsticks, Japanese writing, smoking and drinking, how Halloween and Christmas are celebrated, the traditional way of counting age, and the occasions and frequency of bowing.

Next we passed by Nezu Shrine (I also mentioned that it is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property) and continued to Yanaka. As lunch was not needed, I guided them along Hebi-michi, where at a small independently run boutique (which apparently also supplies products overseas), one of the guests purchased a lovely shirt. We then continued from Yomise Street to Yanaka Ginza shopping street, where they bought some light snacks (a strawberry sandwich and a duck-and-egg sandwich).

They requested to visit other matcha shops and to buy handmade chopsticks, so I promised to guide them there after the tea ceremony experience. After visiting Senso-ji, we went to the tea ceremony experience. The instructor kindly explained the hanging scroll, the summer tea room, how to eat the sweets, how to handle the kaishi paper, the types of tea bowls, and more. The guests recorded the instructor's method of preparing tea with photos and videos. The instructor highly praised the guests, saying their posture was beautiful and their tea preparation was very skillful, and the guests looked very pleased.

Although we were running over on time, with the guests' consent, I guided them to a matcha shop in Asakusa and a chopstick shop in Kappabashi. Upon their request for recommendations for Japanese food, on the way to Tawaramachi Station, I called a shabu-shabu restaurant near their accommodation and made a reservation for 18:00 that day (I explained the course details and cancellation policy to the guests, and they understood). After explaining the route back to the hotel, we parted ways. The guests were very curious and got along wonderfully.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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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!