Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Ted

Title: Can You Do a Private Car Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace

The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Tokyo this morning after a two-week cruise, staying one night before departing the following evening. I went to pick them up at noon and sent a text message; they were in the middle of lunch, so we met with a slight delay. They seemed a little tired at first, but their energy picked up once we reached the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Because of the previous night's snow (which the guests had not noticed while on board the ship), I explained that there might be some traffic disruptions and received their agreement to adjust the itinerary flexibly as needed. Since it was the last day of their trip, they had no Japanese yen on hand, and at Nakamise they bought and enjoyed a melon bread with a credit card. There was no particular shopping. I believe the guests were satisfied with the guiding.

Additional note:

There was a bit of a disagreement with the driver at Shibuya at the start. This was the second time working with this driver, the first being last April. The point was: "Stopping a vehicle in Shibuya is extremely difficult, so please take that into account." I asked whether we could drop off nearby and be picked up close by (in front of a convenience store on Meiji-dori; I had printed and prepared a map and explained it), but the response was: "That is also basically difficult. I explained the same thing last time. If this is repeated, we may not be able to accept dispatch requests from you in the future." For the time being, I got agreement that we would wait at the aforementioned spot and be picked up there.

The driver also said, "At Meiji Shrine as well, basically we drop off at the main gate and wait at the first parking lot," but since the guests were elderly and it was cold and rainy, I explained that I wanted to have them get on and off as close as possible, and received agreement. I had intended to go around Marunouchi from the front of the Imperial Palace, but since the driver was reluctant about pickup and drop-off on Gyoko-dori, I marked the prepared map and asked to drop off at Otemon and be picked up on Gyoko-dori twenty minutes later. The result was that "it was not crowded, so I was able to stop and wait."

At Senso-ji, since we finished early, with the guests' agreement I asked to head to the hotel even if it was ahead of schedule. However, the driver wanted to adjust the timing, so we ended up doing the above sightseeing from the car window. (The driver seems to be skilled at sightseeing from the vehicle.)

If pickup and drop-off in the Shibuya area places this much burden on the driver, I would appreciate it if [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could share, for tours with a vehicle, that this should be avoided. If it turns out on the day to be difficult after the itinerary has already been adjusted with the guests, it causes inconvenience. I did coordinate with the driver in advance, and until now I have been able to manage through on-the-spot discretion, but going forward I will have to reconsider.

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Tour Report by Ted

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.