Tokyo in Half a Day: @Sutarbuck Reserve Nakameguro — Guide Miho

Title: What Is a Relaxed Private Sightseeing Day in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, and Nakameguro

The guests were a group visiting from North America who, upon retiring, had decided to travel to many places around the world before it might become physically difficult, and had been traveling to different countries each year. On this trip, they were touring Japan, Thailand, and South Korea in one journey. They mentioned that their luggage was packed to bursting, since they had brought both summer clothes for a tropical country and winter clothes for Japan.

When we met in the morning, they told me that the previous day they had joined a 10-hour tour of Hakone, and that, including Thailand, they had grown tired of shrines and temples, so we agreed to make today a chill-out day, which is how the above itinerary came about.

Since they wanted to see cherry blossoms, we started at Shinjuku Gyoen. One of the guests had some back and knee trouble, and had mentioned that although the previous day's Hakone guide had been a good person, they had walked quickly and it was hard to keep up, so we walked at a slow pace.

Both wanted to learn as much as possible about the country's culture and history and to know the local style, so even though it was a relaxing day, they listened enthusiastically to the explanations along the way. In particular, they seemed very interested in the story of Perry's arrival and the Meiji Restoration (I've forgotten why this came up at Shinjuku Gyoen), the idea that Japanese cuisine reflects the four seasons, and the way locals drink at izakaya. When they actually experienced the Japanese style of toasting first with beer and then ordering whatever drink each person likes at Shibuya Yokocho, they enjoyed it greatly.

We were also lucky to find seats at the Starbucks in Nakameguro, which one of the guests had requested, and the three of us enjoyed tea together. A family member works at a Starbucks in North America, and they had wanted to visit STARBUCKS RESERVE while in Japan. This was my first time visiting there as well, and we were fortunate to get seats. (It's always crowded and I usually have to give up, but this time we got seats despite the spring holiday season — lucky!)

Since they were going to Nagano the next day to see the snow monkeys, we parted ways somewhat reluctantly, and I told them the path is flat but mountainous, so they should head back early and rest well. They seemed to really like the word "KANPAI," and gave me their OK to post photos on the website, which I hadn't received in a while.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by MIHO

Hello! Nice to meet you ! This is MIHO YAMAURA, I was born and raised in TOKYO, When I was a student, I often traveled all over the world by myself , like a backpacker. So, I love travel, too! Experience my journey and work in foreign countries, rediscovered the beauty of JAPAN, and also deep studied the difference between foreign country and JAPAN as well. That is why I choose this guide work now. I love communicate with people who is from all over the world and of course it is important to be touch and realize new things and appreciate each other`s differences. I think the most important things of tour is Safe , Act according to circumstances , and be natural. I am looking forward to travelling with you!I Thanks!