Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a full-day private walking tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from Europe. In advance, the guests had requested a 5:30 p.m. entry reservation at Tokyo Tower and asked to end the tour there. The hotel meet-up happened 15 minutes ahead of schedule, and I smoothly guided them on purchasing a metro pass. They had chosen to visit Japan outside the hot and humid season. We moved briskly from Shibuya Crossing to Meiji Shrine. Since the guests enjoy jogging regularly, they were light on their feet, so we also added an unplanned visit to Takeshita Street in Harajuku.

I had explained beforehand that at the Imperial Palace I could only show them the Nijubashi Bridge and the main gate, but at the guests' request we visited anyway. They were delighted by the contrast between the nearby high-rise buildings and the scenery around the main gate of the Imperial Palace. They shared how sad they had felt at the passing of the late British queen, and seemed to sense some common ground with the Japanese Imperial Family. While walking, various questions came up about topics such as women's social standing, holidays, working hours, and the division of household chores and childcare, and I answered as best I could and exchanged opinions on subjects such as crime rates, drinking and smoking in public, and burial customs.

After the Imperial Palace, we made an unplanned visit to Nezu Shrine and Yanaka. Nezu Shrine seemed to be the guests' favorite. Since we had walked briskly without breaks, we also visited Kappabashi Kitchen Town before heading to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple. Although most of it is a postwar reconstruction, the guests admired the exterior and the ceiling paintings of the main hall. Near Kaminarimon Gate on Nakamise Street, they bought a few souvenirs, and then we went to Tokyo Tower. They mentioned they wanted to go to the Hard Rock Cafe in Roppongi after visiting the tower, as collecting shot glasses from various places is a hobby of theirs, so we checked the route together on our maps and parted ways.

They said that the next day they would visit the fifth station of Mount Fuji and Hakone, and after that travel by cruise ship to Sasebo, Osaka, Kanazawa, Akita (where I recommended Kakunodate), Hakodate, and more. Kind and full of humor, the guests are sure to be welcomed everywhere they go.

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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!