Tokyo: Tokyo Station Building & Rikugien Garden — Guide Danda

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens, Nezu Shrine, and Rikugien

Body: I guided a group from Oceania. A travel agency was involved as an intermediary, but I was never able to communicate with the guests beforehand. The agency told me that the guests were particular and asked me to provide a detailed itinerary, and to plan a tour including four specific gardens. Since a fairly tight schedule was expected, I asked whether they would be alright walking around 20,000 steps, but I was told nothing about the guests' background.

At the meeting point, I was surprised to see that both had trekking poles. They said they would be fine walking with these, but as both had ongoing medical considerations and it was also raining, I made a point of walking as slowly as possible and taking breaks whenever we could. When I suggested a short rest at the rest area at the entrance of the East Gardens, the response was, "Oh wonderful, thank you," and at that point they were already a little tired.

Because the location of the subway elevator was inconvenient and would actually require more walking, I confirmed with the guests that they were comfortable with the downward stairs before using them. We went down slowly, and I walked in a way that would allow me to support them in case anyone slipped and fell.

Since the rain became heavier just before Nezu Shrine, I suggested having lunch as a rest as well, and the answer was an enthusiastic "yes," so at the request for a local spot, they enjoyed a set meal at a local eatery frequented by residents. Saying it was a special day, one of the guests paired the meal with a serving of sake and finished a ginger pork set and a grilled salted salmon set. There was also a raw egg served on the side, and since one of the guests was about to crack it without realizing what it was, I quickly stopped them. As they could not eat egg over rice, I had it myself.

At Rikugien, fairly early on there was a request for a short rest, so we stopped at the tea house and enjoyed a matcha set. We had originally planned to visit Meiji Shrine afterward, but when I mentioned that it would involve quite a bit of walking, the request was, "Then let's head back to the hotel," so we finished about two hours early.

They were not the type to take many photos, and did not take photos of themselves, but for some reason they took commemorative photos whenever we were sharing a meal or matcha together. This was their only day in Tokyo, and I hope they will enjoy their cruise trip starting the next day.

A notable stop on the tour was Rikugien Garden. Rikugien is a classic Edo-period strolling garden in Tokyo, completed in the early 18th century, and is considered one of the finest Japanese landscape gardens in the city. Its design recreates scenes from famous waka poetry through carefully arranged hills, a central pond, and winding paths, and it is especially admired for its autumn foliage and its traditional tea houses where visitors can enjoy matcha.

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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.