Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Tachi

Title: What Can You See on a Private Walking Tour from Akasaka to Meiji Shrine and Harajuku in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour for guests visiting from Europe. In the pre-tour communication, the guests had said they wished to visit Meiji Shrine and Harajuku (they planned to see Tsukiji and Shinbashi on a separate tour). Based on this, I prepared an itinerary in advance and presented it to the guests, who happily agreed.

At the hotel meeting point on the day (note: the meeting point registered in the system, Hotel, had already closed, and the correct location is another Hotel built on its former site — I am very sorry for not updating the meeting point in the system!), we reconfirmed the itinerary and started the tour. The guests had already brought an ICOCA pass on the recommendation of an overseas agency.

Touching on the history of Akasaka, I showed them a traditional restaurant associated with Akasaka geisha (exterior only), then guided them to Hie Shrine, where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom (we skipped the main grounds), and the thousand torii gates of Sanno Inari Shrine. It was not yet crowded, so we had plenty of room to take photos.

After moving by subway, we took photos of the cherry blossoms at a park near Nogizaka. While introducing the background of the former Nogi Residence, we were captivated by the tranquility of Nogi Shrine. The walkway from the lawn plaza of Tokyo Midtown (today was its anniversary) to the National Art Center, Tokyo was sparsely crowded, and the guests were delighted by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The cherry blossoms along the road running north to south through Aoyama Cemetery were also at their peak.

In the morning the sky was hazy with a blossom-season overcast, but by late morning blue sky appeared and the temperature rose, warm enough to break a sweat while walking. Passing through stylish streets with the Nezu Museum, Yoku Moku Aoyama flagship store, and SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama, we made our way to Omotesando. The guests were puzzled to see a long line at the Jingumae intersection (I looked into it but could not determine its purpose). Takeshita Street in Harajuku, packed with animal cafes, sweets, and more, was as bustling as ever with families on spring break and international visitors, and the guests enjoyed the scene.

At Meiji Shrine, the guests offered their prayers, and I introduced its history and religious perspective. After getting coffee to go at the forest cafe, I guided them to Harakado for a lunch recommendation, and we parted with smiles.

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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!