Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America. In advance they had requested "visits to basic locations," but since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are closed on Fridays, I avoided the Imperial Palace and proposed the Yanaka area instead. Around 6:00 on the morning of the tour, I received a message asking whether we could start at 9:00 or 9:30, but considering rush hour, I suggested keeping the planned 10:00 start, and the guests agreed. At the meeting point, I reconfirmed the itinerary and we headed to Tsukiji. One of the guests was interested in mitarashi dango, seeing it for the first time, and bought one skewer (500 yen at a shop in Tsukiji). After exploring the area, the guests said they would like to visit Tsukiji again on their free day tomorrow, and we moved on to Shibuya. I guided them at the crossing and then to Meiji Shrine. After the visit, they browsed the souvenir shops, and had lunch at a ramen restaurant in Omotesando. Since the guests enjoy shopping, I took them to Takeshita Street even though it was not originally planned. One of the guests liked "cute items" and examined various things at a capsule toy shop and accessory shops. Another guest was interested in vintage shops, so I also guided them through the Ura-Harajuku area and Cat Street. They visited a Ralph Lauren store and a clothing shop selling entirely handmade items remade from vintage garments. While heading toward the station through the back streets off Cat Street, one of the guests was drawn into a shop called FLOATS!. There they purchased one fluffy character keychain (fur keychains; 5,000–7,000 yen each), which was tax-free in the store. Since we had spent time shopping, we skipped the Yanaka area and went to Asakusa. I guided them around, and they said they would stay there until close to the evening. We parted ways with smiles in front of the main hall.

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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!