Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo & Yugaan (tea ceremony) — Guide Danda

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Fukagawa Fudodo, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka and a Tea Ceremony

I guided a group visiting from North America. During our advance consultation, we decided on a schedule that required careful time management: Asakusa during a quieter time slot, an 11:00 goma fire ritual experience at Fukagawa Fudodo, Nezu Shrine, and a 15:00 tea ceremony experience in Yanaka. The group had arrived the previous week because one of them was taking part in the Tokyo Marathon, and during that time they had briefly stopped by Asakusa on their own. Naturally there had been no explanation, so this time they enjoyed listening to all sorts of details about Senso-ji Temple. They said, "You really do need a guide after all." They drew omikuji fortunes and, as expected, got a "bad luck" result, which had everyone laughing and taking commemorative photos.

We arrived at Fukagawa Fudodo fifteen minutes early, and each of them purchased a goma prayer stick with their own wish and took part in the fire ritual. They experienced the ohikaji blessing and walked the prayer corridor as well, and as always they gave high praise, saying it was a wonderful experience. For lunch everyone had different preferences—one especially wanted karaage—so we decided to go to a set-meal restaurant. Everyone ordered something different and nearly finished it all (one guest ordered an extra-large portion of rice, though it turned out to be a bit too much). At Nezu Shrine they enjoyed the red torii gates, and since one of the guests loves cats, they did some shopping at a cat shop in Yanaka before we arrived at the tea ceremony house we had reserved in advance.

The usual tea master was not there, which was a little disappointing, but the host occasionally appeared and, in halting English, showed a real talent for entertaining. They also received a handmade souvenir (the host is also an artist), and were even lent a Japanese sword for commemorative photos, so everyone was extremely satisfied. They said, "Thank you so much for bringing us here. This was the best of the day and made a truly wonderful memory." It made me feel I have a lot to learn from that host.

At Ueno Park they enjoyed the cherry blossoms, and were fascinated by the stone lanterns of Toshogu Shrine and the small shrine at Hanazono Shrine. As I heard they had an 18:15 yakiniku reservation in Kabukicho, I took them to the east exit of Shinjuku, where we parted ways. They had signed up for a Mount Fuji tour the previous day but had to cancel due to heavy rain, which left them with regret, so tomorrow they plan a Mount Fuji rematch—driving out to see Mount Fuji and then continuing on to Kyoto. The guests were very happy today, and as a guide it was a fun and enjoyable day for me as well.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed 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.