Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Aoyama, Roppongi, and Tsukiji

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. In the pre-tour communication, they mentioned they wished to skip Shibuya and Asakusa, and asked for information about a sumo practice experience without a meal. I recommended several options in Tokyo for a no-meal sumo experience, but none could be booked; in the end, they managed to reserve one in Osaka. They also informed me of a hotel change, and based on that I prepared and presented a draft itinerary in advance, which the guests happily approved.

I met the guests at their hotel, reconfirmed the itinerary, and started the tour. At the station, the guests purchased the "Tokyo Free Ticket" (¥1,720). As we entered the Ura-Harajuku area from Takeshita Street in Harajuku, one of the guests requested a place to eat, saying they had not yet had breakfast. A pancake café we happened to pass by had space, so we went in, and the guests each ordered pancakes and drinks. With the guests' consent, I joined them at the table, but since I had already eaten a full breakfast, I only had water (self-service). There were two people in the kitchen, and the café was nearly full and busy, so we waited a little under 15 minutes, chatting during the wait. When the pancakes finally arrived, they were finished in no time.

After taking the subway, we walked in the rain as the guests wished, visiting SunnyHills Minami-Aoyama (Taiwanese pineapple cakes), a street lined with fashionable and sophisticated buildings such as Prada and the Yoku Moku Aoyama flagship store, and the Nezu Museum (exterior only). From a pedestrian bridge, we stepped briefly into Aoyama Cemetery and took photos of the guests together with the cherry blossoms (probably kanhizakura). From the National Art Center Tokyo (exterior only), I showed them the giant spider sculpture at Roppongi Hills and, from the terrace, Tokyo Tower and Mori JP Tower.

After another subway ride, I let them see Tokyo Tower (exterior only) up closer, at which point the rain began to fall heavily. While taking shelter at the Ankokuden hall of Zojoji Temple, one of the guests purchased an amulet. After Zojoji, I offered a choice between Tsukiji and the Imperial Palace, and the guests chose Tsukiji. After another subway ride, at Tsukiji they enjoyed takeout sushi and matcha drinks (thanks to the guests' kindness, I was also treated to a warm hojicha with a small daifuku). They said they would enjoy a week-long vacation, visiting Mount Fuji the next day, followed by Kyoto and Osaka. I shared information about Uji City in Kyoto via a messaging app, confirmed the subway route to their hotel, and we parted with smiles at the station ticket gate.

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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!