Tokyo in One Day: Ginza — Guide Yoko

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Yoyogi

I guided a group visiting from North America. Since it was not clear what would interest the younger member of the group or how much walking would be comfortable, I planned a relaxed schedule and guided flexibly while consulting with the guests on the day.

At their request, I combined the classic Meiji Shrine and Harajuku with quieter spots less frequented by tourists, guiding them around the Yoyogi-Hachiman area. At Meiji Shrine, the irises in the inner garden (Gyoen) were at their best, so I showed them the garden and also took them to the Kiyomasa Well. During this season the Kiyomasa Well can have long lines depending on the time of day, but since we visited in the morning, we were able to reach the well with almost no wait. The Kiyomasa Well is famous as a power spot, and it is said that taking a photo of it and using it as a screensaver brings good fortune. Bonsai were on display at Meiji Shrine, which caught the interest of one of the guests. What I had learned in my bonsai training came in handy here. On Takeshita Street, they browsed various shops and purchased some clothing. Because I had built plenty of time into the schedule, they were able to shop at a leisurely pace, which was nice.

For lunch we went to a hand-rolled sushi restaurant. Since I had heard beforehand that one of the guests needed to avoid gluten, I chose this restaurant. There is no special menu, but the staff marked the items that were safe, and the guests chose from among those.

After lunch we visited Yoyogi-Hachiman Shrine and the transparent restrooms of the toilet project. Since they had purchased a goshuin stamp book at Meiji Shrine, they promptly received a goshuin stamp at Yoyogi-Hachiman Shrine as well. One of the guests was familiar with the architect Shigeru Ban, so I was glad to take them to the transparent restrooms.

Since it was their first day of sightseeing, we returned a little early to the Ginza area where their hotel was located, introduced the surroundings, and then I walked them to their hotel before saying goodbye. When I gave one of the guests some gluten-free soy sauce, they were very pleased. The guests were friendly and delightful, and I was able to spend an enjoyable time with them.

They plan to visit Nikko, an amusement park, and Kyoto going forward.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Yoko

I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.