Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Akihabara, and Skytree

I guided a lively group of guests visiting from North America. Through detailed advance communication, they requested the Sannomaru Shozokan (The Museum of the Imperial Collections), a maid cafe, Nezu or Yanaka, buying Tokyo original postcards and stamps at a post office, and Tokyo Skytree. Since they were departing on a tour around Japan starting November 11, the following were strictly off-limits: Tsukiji, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku. For the facilities requiring reservations (Sannomaru Shozokan, the maid cafe, and Skytree), I informed them of the entry times and left the actual booking to the guests. They wished to walk slowly and did not seem fond of walking. Becoming concerned about whether we could visit everything as planned, with the guests' consent I had them purchase a Tokyo Free Pass.

While traveling, it became clear that they wished to buy 100 postcards. Worried about whether they could buy them all in Shibuya, I had them buy about 20 at the souvenir shop in the East Gardens. When I guided them to the Mega Don Quijote Shibuya main store, the postcard-buying party (one guest and myself) went to the 7th floor, while the rest of the group went to the 5th floor to look at figures. After meeting up again, we went to the Yu-Yu counter of the Shibuya Post Office. The request was for 100 stamps to mail to North America, plus four kinds of stamp sheets to purchase (all 110-yen stamps; 10 stamps per sheet). First I had the postal clerk check the stock, and if the various types were available, the guests, the clerk, and I confirmed the number of required sheets three times before the purchase (since it was a card payment, no errors were allowed).

Although I had requested a 1:00 PM reservation, we barely made it in time for the 1:30 PM entry reservation at the maid cafe, and the guests enjoyed themselves for one hour (I waited outside). At the meetup I had told them that the tour would involve quite a lot of walking, but since the guests were quite tired, it was good that they could relax and refresh at the maid cafe. However, perhaps having reached their physical limit, they said they wanted to skip the Yanaka/Nezu walking tour, so we went directly from Akihabara to Skytree. Having heard that they were anxious about returning to their hotel in Asakusa on their own, I sent them a Google Maps route to the hotel that I had prepared in advance by email, confirmed it verbally as well, and then we parted ways. A later email said that in the end they used a taxi for the return trip. I was glad they got back safely.

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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!