Tokyo: Nezu Shrine　Nezu & ASAKUSA Asakusa stroll — Guide Atsushi

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had visited Japan a few times before for other reasons, but this was their first sightseeing visit, while for others it was their very first time in Japan. They had arrived at Narita the previous afternoon, and today was their first day of sightseeing.

I sensed they might be tired from the travel. However, during the tour they were surprisingly energetic. To make sure no one got hurt and no one was pushed too hard, I conducted the tour with care, adjusting the walking pace and distance and occasionally taking breaks on benches.

Because we had a private car, we were able to visit five locations efficiently and comfortably. At lunch, they were delighted by how delicious the sushi was, and they also enjoyed some sake. By the end of the tour they seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, so it was a rewarding day for me as a guide.

The guests plan to travel to Kanazawa, then tour Kyoto, before returning home later in the month.

On a separate matter, one of the guests had forgotten to bring a regularly used medication on the trip and wished to purchase it in Japan. So during the tour we stopped by a drugstore in Yanaka. However, according to the pharmacist at the store, that particular medication in the low dosage is only available as a prescription medical product in Japan and requires a doctor's prescription, whereas over-the-counter pharmacies only carry a higher-dosage version intended for fever and pain relief. Therefore, as advice from the pharmacist, I conveyed two options: to consult the embassy to be referred to a doctor, or to split a tablet from a supply already carried within the group.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Atsushi

Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!