Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Skytree

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Prior to the tour, they had requested visits to Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji, and I had asked the guests to make the reservations for Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree themselves. At the meeting point, I reviewed the itinerary again before starting the tour. One of the guests, visiting Japan for the second time, had Japanese roots but did not speak Japanese and was very fond of Japanese rice crackers. One of the guests had trouble with their knee, so I made sure to walk slowly and use elevators and escalators whenever possible (though in the subway one always has to walk to wherever the elevator happens to be located).

The group had arrived via Kansai Airport and had already finished sightseeing in Kyoto, and the day before they had joined a food tour in Shibuya (they enjoyed many things, but some of the guests said the texture of the octopus in takoyaki was not to their taste). Some of the guests had spent time in Africa. Several of the guests were very interested in food and asked me questions such as "Where can we eat omurice?" and "Where can we find good fluffy pancakes?" In two days they were scheduled to join a 10-day cruise visiting various parts of Japan (Aomori, Hakodate, Kagoshima, and others) as well as Jeju Island in Korea.

At Tokyo Tower, they spent about an hour and also bought souvenirs (they discovered Soka senbei rice crackers at the souvenir corner on the second floor! I recommended them, and they immediately purchased five bags). After guiding them through Meiji Shrine, one of the guests wished to leave and head straight back to the hotel, so I saw them safely into a taxi at the taxi stand near JR Harajuku Station, and then guided the remaining members of the group to Tsukiji. Although their jet lag seemed to have worn off, because it was a packed family tour, some of the younger guests looked rather sleepy. At Tsukiji, they sat down inside and took their time enjoying wagyu skewers, wagyu burgers, and ice cream, and then we headed to Skytree Town. Since their entry reservation was for 4:00, they said they would try to find a restaurant serving omurice until then, so after confirming the Skytree entrance, we parted ways with smiles.

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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!