Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Tatsuki

Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Skytree

The guests had visited Kyoto before coming to Tokyo, so I was a little concerned that they might be tired of temples and shrines, but a morning conversation put that worry to rest. They were first surprised at how different Tokyo was from Kyoto, with so many high-rise buildings. They mentioned that in Kyoto there were no skyscrapers apart from Kyoto Tower, which they had climbed, so I explained that Kyoto has various restrictions on building height. The night before, upon arriving in Tokyo, they had already gone up Tokyo Tower.

From our earlier communication, I knew they had a 4:30 p.m. reservation for Tokyo Skytree, so I changed the drop-off point from the Hotel to Skytree. One of the guests in particular loved seeing views from high places. Since they had such a strong impression of skyscrapers, at Meiji Shrine they were amazed by its tranquility and vast grounds. At the Hikarie Sky Lobby observation area, they enjoyed not only the view but were also fascinated by the scale model of the future cityscape and the LEGO model next to it, as they were big LEGO fans. Since the model also showed the streets of the town, we moved to the scramble crossing via the underground passage, observed the crossing twice, actually crossed on the third time, took a photo at the Hachiko statue, and then enjoyed crossing the intersection two more times.

We moved on to Asakusa, where they again enjoyed the view from the observation deck of the tourist information center. They said they wanted to spend time shopping along Nakamise, and indeed they spent quite a while enjoying each shop one by one. While looking for a place for lunch, we came near Hoppy Street, so I gave a brief explanation, and they decided to give it a try, having lunch at a yakitori restaurant. After that, we moved to the Jugoya Festival venue at Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, which I had suggested. According to the information, food stalls and stage performances were supposed to start from 2 p.m., but some stalls were not open and the stage felt a bit lackluster, which was disappointing from a guide's perspective. Still, the guests were interested in seeing a side of Tokyo that was not all skyscrapers. We left the festival early and moved to the neighboring Fukagawa Fudo-do, where there were things not seen in Kyoto, and we happened upon a goma fire ritual, which they found very satisfying. After that, I guided them to the entrance of Skytree, where we parted ways.

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Tour Report by Tatsuki

I am Tatsuki Endo, English speaking guide, as well as Kikisake-shi (Sommelier of Sake) and Beer navigator.
My usual activity is walking tours around Tokyo area, including Yokohama, Kamakura and Hakone. There are a lot to see, just let me know what your interests are and I can suggest where to visit.

If you are interested in hidden gem, here are some examples;

Kawasaki, located between Tokyo and Yokohama near Haneda Airport, is the second station of the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido, the 400 years old highway towards Kyoto from Edo (old name of Tokyo). You can do Hand-cut glass experiment, stopping at a bar for sake tasting, visiting Kawasaki-Daishi temple that receives 3 million worshippers in the new year period.

Another spot is Echigo-Yuzawa in Niigata prefecture, 75 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen train. Echigo-Yuzawa is “Onsen” (hot springs) town. You can enjoy visiting Sake brewery, skiing in winter, veiwing Sakura (cherry blossom) in spring. Appreciation of contemporary art displays in open air and old carvings at temples, in neighboring towns will be also memorable experience.

I am so excited to show you around !

Tatsuki
Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
Kikisake-shi (Sommelier of Sake)
Beer Navigator