Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Can You Do a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Wheelchair User? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from Europe. Prior communication was handled mainly through a travel agency, which advised that the guests had no particular requests for destinations, but noted that one member of the group had an injured leg and could walk without problems as long as distances were not long. The agency confirmed that the guests had agreed to the proposed itinerary I had suggested, but when we met on the day, it turned out that a wheelchair would actually be used. I had not anticipated a wheelchair, so I felt a moment of concern about subway access, since I had not planned around always using elevators and escalators.

That concern proved well-founded. We tried to depart from Jimbocho Station using the elevator, but because access to the platform differs slightly depending on the line, it took 30 minutes just to reach the departure platform (for which I apologized profusely). Confirming elevator routes for transfers with station staff was also a struggle: rather than the usual transfer route, we had to exit the ticket gate once and re-enter through a different line's gate, going back and forth twice. We arrived at the Hirakawamon gate of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at 11:30.

The guests were truly kind, and there seemed to be no trouble with the leg or with moving by wheelchair. Still, I reflected that during the advance confirmation with the agency, I should have asked in more detail about the extent of the leg injury and, bearing in mind that Japan's subways are still not fully universally designed, recommended taking the train more carefully. After that, I made a point of keeping a slow walking pace, and while using the subway I kept an eye out for exit signs indicating elevators and escalators as we continued the tour.

Even though the guests had only arrived the previous night, they were full of energy. During our travels they even shared information via a messaging app about other recommended places. In the East Gardens we walked slowly in the shade, and at Meiji Shrine I took plenty of photos of them. At Tsukiji they enjoyed Japanese food such as sushi and tempura, and everyone crossed the Shibuya Scramble Crossing safely together. Inside the station we took snack breaks and spent time as leisurely as possible, and by the time we reached Asakusa it was 10 minutes before the main hall closed. When they mentioned wanting to buy matcha, I introduced them to how to reach a specialty tea and teaware shop behind Asakusa, and we parted with smiles. I was relieved that the tour ended without any accidents.

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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!