Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Tachi

Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Tokyo Covering Shibuya, Akihabara, and Yanaka? A Licensed Guide's Report

This private tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) was for a group from Oceania. Fewer participants than expected turned out to join, which became clear only on the day of the tour. In the WhatsApp-style messaging before the tour, the guests had replied that they would send their requests later (mid-October), but even ten days before the tour there was no word. I followed up near the end of October, but in the end no requests came in until the morning of the tour itself. Feeling a little uneasy, before meeting the guests I sent a message via messaging app explaining that I would not be able to extend the tour time that day due to personal reasons, that I would be happy to hear any requests regarding the itinerary so please arrive at the hotel lobby by 9:40, and that since the tour would use trains I again asked them to prepare cash. The guests replied to confirm. When I arrived at the meeting point, it turned out the number of participants was lower than expected.

The guests requested "modern, contemporary places rather than shrines and temples." When we arrived in Shibuya, we crossed the famous scramble crossing, and the guests wanted a café break, ordering crème brûlée and coffee (I accompanied them, but we paid separately) and chatting. During our conversation they mentioned that they had already toured western Japan and that Kyoto had made a strong impression on them.

Afterward, while guiding them in Akihabara, the guests bought some Pokémon character goods at a shop on Chuo-dori. They then wished to buy MARVEL character goods as well. I inquired at two or three shops along Chuo-dori, but was told that here in Akihabara, Japanese anime goods make up the majority and there are few shops handling MARVEL character goods. I was told the same thing at a figure shop on the second floor of Radio Kaikan, and they showed us a MARVEL figure, but as it cost around 10,000 yen the guests decided against it. Instead they bought three pieces of Demon Slayer character goods (from around 700 yen each) that were next to the register.

At this point the guests said they would like to finish at a ramen shop near their hotel, so I switched the next destination to a quick tour of the Yanaka shopping street. At a sweet-potato specialty shop, they bought some now-popular Korean-style potato chips and ate them on the spot. While we were moving, they asked about access to sumo-related entertainment facilities near Mount Fuji and in Ryogoku, so I shared the relevant links and access information via messaging app. We managed to return to JR Shinjuku Station on schedule, and I guided them to a ramen shop near their hotel, where we parted with smiles.

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

Tour Report by Tachi

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!