This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet at Hotel MyStays East Ueno, from Ueno Station to Ebisu Station
- 10:00 Arrive at Ebisu Station, walk to T-SITE, residential area, boutique store area, former Asakura Residence, stroll along the Meguro River, after lunch head to Nakameguro Station
- 12:30 Arrive at Nakameguro Station, arrive at Shibuya Station via the Toyoko Line, after visiting Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko Statue, head to Shibuya Station on the Inokashira Line
- 13:10 Arrive at Shimokitazawa Station, walk around the shopping streets near the station, head to Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line
- 14:00 Arrive at Shimokitazawa Station, head to Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Line
- 14:30 Arrive at Yushima Station, walk to Shinobazu Pond, Nezu Shrine, Hebi-michi (Snake Road), Yanaka Cemetery, Nippori Station
- 15:30 Arrive at Nippori Station, head to Ueno Station, walk to the hotel
- 16:00 Arrive at the hotel, dismissal
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Trendy Neighborhoods Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa, and Yanesen
Today I guided guests from North America who had been staying in Japan for a while.
Initially, contact had been arranged through a travel agency, but since the agency had not sufficiently shared my information with the guests, we reviewed and adjusted the day's itinerary again at the hotel.
Since the destinations were relatively niche areas such as Daikanyama, Nakameguro, and Shimokitazawa, I had expected the guests to have detailed preferences or knowledge in advance, but in fact these destinations had been recommended by the travel agency. Therefore, while making use of the information I had gathered beforehand, I was able to set up a flexible course that prioritized the guests' reactions and the atmosphere on site.
When heading from Ueno to Daikanyama, instead of the subway, we used the Yamanote Line, which allows you to enjoy the Tokyo cityscape from the train windows, traveling via Ebisu. In Daikanyama, after visiting T-SITE centered on Tsutaya Books, we strolled through the boutique shopping area, including the surrounding residential district.
Next, we visited the former Asakura Residence, and I explained the mansion culture of influential Tokyo figures from the Meiji to early Showa periods. The guests showed great interest in the atmosphere of a traditional old Japanese house, and seemed particularly impressed by the architecture and garden.
After that, we walked to Nakameguro and strolled around the Meguro River. Along the way, the guests found an izakaya they liked, so we had lunch there.
After lunch, we used the Tokyu Line and Inokashira Line to head to Shimokitazawa. During the complex transfer route at Shibuya Station, we also viewed the scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue, so we were able to add a quintessential Shibuya sightseeing experience as well.
In Shimokitazawa, we walked around viewing distinctive shops centered on vintage clothing stores, and the guests enjoyed the atmosphere of a town where old and new cultures coexist.
Since there was still time to spare for an 8-hour tour, I proposed the Yanesen area as a relatively quiet and calm area similar to Daikanyama, Nakameguro, and Shimokitazawa. From Shimokitazawa, we used the Odakyu Line and Chiyoda Line to move to Yushima, then strolled around Shinobazu Pond, Nezu Shrine, Hebi-michi (Snake Road), and Yanaka Cemetery, heading toward Nippori Station.
There was still time to spare, but the guests requested to return to the hotel, saying that 8 hours was long and they were tired, so we returned to the hotel from Ueno Station and parted ways about one hour earlier than the originally scheduled end time.
As a result, the itinerary came to about 7 hours of actual activity, but we were able to visit many different distinctive areas of Tokyo, including Daikanyama, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa, and Yanesen, and I believe it turned out to be a very fulfilling and enjoyable tour.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Ueno～Ebisu | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nakameguro～Shimokitazawa | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shimokitazawa～Yushima | 400JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nippori～Ueno | 160JPY |
| Total | 1,080JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.