Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Meiji Shrine, Hibiya Park, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America. In their pre-tour messages, they asked, "Can we visit all the places listed on the tour website?" and "Do we need reservations to enter shrines and temples?" After I replied with my answers and a proposed itinerary, the guests happily agreed. They then contacted me saying they "might visit Skytree," so I replied with information on facilities that should be reserved and a request to "book Skytree for after 4:00." There was no further contact until the day of the tour, and when I confirmed the itinerary at the hotel meeting point, they told me they had not reserved Skytree. Freed from the strict "must finish by 4:00" constraint, I began the tour with peace of mind (though still aiming to finish by 4:00). I had the guests purchase the "Tokyo Free Ticket" (¥1,600) at JR Shinjuku Station.

This was everyone's first visit to Japan. Perhaps wishing to trace their roots, they were very interested in Japan's history, traditions, and culture, as well as typical Japanese foods (sushi, tempura, omurice, wagyu beef BBQ skewers, ramen). I received questions everywhere we went and answered as appropriate (I emailed the names and addresses of restaurants). At Meiji Shrine, it was crowded due to a special chrysanthemum exhibition and other events, so we skipped the worship, but it was wonderful to see a rarely seen procession of the head priest. We took a lunch break at Hibiya Park, where the autumn foliage was magnificent. I tried to guide them to a famous restaurant in the park, but there was already a line of 20 people. While the guests waited in line, I checked the situation at other restaurants and found one with open seats. I quickly guided the guests to the other restaurant, and we enjoyed a relaxed lunch (four of the guests ordered katsu curry! By their kindness, I was treated to smoked tofu). Afterward, I guided them to the main gate of the Imperial Palace and the Nijubashi Bridge (the iron bridge was under repair). They also admired the magnificent pine trees of the outer garden.

In Asakusa, we visited Senso-ji Temple. One of the guests loves sweet potatoes, so I guided them to Funawa, Oimoya-san Koshin, and Imoyasu, a shop specializing in roasted sweet potatoes. Everyone shared Koshin's candied sweet potatoes at a spot off Nakamise Street, and they were very pleased (by their kindness, I received one as well). We had some time before the parting hour, so I guided them along one street after another. One of the guests bought strawberry daifuku and strawberry candy at Asakusa Soratsuki Uranaka branch and shared them with the group. They were interested in Asakusa's animal cafes, so I showed them a few locations and then headed to Asakusa Station. Time flew by so quickly that I forgot to take a photo of all the members. I only have one photo of a guest holding a strawberry candy, but they happily consented to its use for promotional purposes. I explained the details of the route back to the hotel both verbally and by email, and we parted with smiles at the ticket gate.

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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!