Tokyo in Half a Day: Disperse in front of BAPE — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Half-Day Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya

I guided a group visiting from Europe. The booking was made through a travel agency, but almost no information had been shared with the guests. Some of the guests were interested in a prayer ceremony, so I thought of taking them there, but it turned out this was simply a recommendation from the travel agency, and since it involved a cost, they were unsure whether to go. When I explained again that the price was per wish rather than per person, they happily decided to take part. They chose "Good Health" and enjoyed the uniquely Japanese prayer ceremony lasting just under 30 minutes (purification, the recitation of prayers, and a sacred dance performed by a shrine maiden). It was lovely that a commemorative gift and souvenirs were also included. At Meiji Shrine, they were also delighted to see a wedding couple. After that, it turned into a shopping tour from Takeshita Street to Shibuya. One of the guests hardly spoke but loved shopping and took time to buy only carefully chosen items, so we stopped by many shops. During this time there was not much for me to do as a guide (I know very little about fashion), but we took a commemorative photo in front of the last shop, BAPE, before parting ways. At Tokyo Station, it was my first time being asked to issue tickets from a QR code (I have handled JR railway passes many times), so I struggled quite a bit. In the end, I learned that the ticket machines cannot process it unless it is within three days of travel, so we had to give up, which I felt bad about for the guests (it seems possible at the counter, but there was a long line so we gave up on that as well). It was a rather interesting and enjoyable half day, and although I had said nothing about it, they told me they would write a review, so I believe they were satisfied.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.