Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Ted

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for Guests with Limited Mobility? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group of three visiting from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, and they had traveled around Osaka, Kyoto, and other areas since the beginning of the month before arriving in Tokyo yesterday, with plans to return home the day after next.

Some of the guests spoke Chinese during the tour, and there were occasional language challenges in English. Partly due to this, one member of the group began taking the lead partway through, which made coordination a little complicated.

For reference, the following notes were shared in advance. One member of the group had limited mobility and could walk but only to a limited extent.

Initially I planned to travel by subway, and I adjusted the itinerary to accommodate their wishes while checking for barrier-free access. The reply was: "Thank you for the updated itinerary. This list of places is good, let's go with this. Thanks for taking in consideration of the wheelchair ☺"

However, they then indicated a preference for taxis: "Hi, just wanted to let you know that they prefer using taxi over trains and bus so they'll likely book them from place to place."

Thinking it would be difficult to fit a wheelchair plus the group and guide into a regular taxi, I considered arranging a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) vehicle, but it could not be arranged on such short notice. I then asked a taxi driver I know and passed along an estimate, but the reply was: "Hi, it's not necessary. I think the taxi app is sufficient. Thank you." So I gave up on that arrangement.

This morning, while heading to the Hotel, I received a message: "our hotel is next to the actual pick up location. Sending the information: Our hotel is Hotel." Fortunately it was nearby, so there was no problem, but with so many changes I was feeling rushed.

When I met the guests at the Hotel, they said the taxi would not be needed. Before coming to Tokyo, the member who had been pushing the wheelchair had suffered a stomach upset, which had made moving around with the wheelchair very difficult, and that was why the taxi had been discussed. However, they had recovered after arriving in Tokyo. The day before, they had visited Shibuya, Odaiba, and the Imperial Palace.

Since I still had some concerns about whether it would really be fine without a taxi, I held off on purchasing a one-day subway pass (Metro + Toei) and we set off. Korakuen (Iidabashi Station on the Oedo Line) has an elevator, but at the transfer between Ueno-hirokoji Station on the Ginza Line and Ueno-okachimachi Station on the Oedo Line, although each has an elevator, you cannot transfer within the station and must go up to street level to change lines.

Thanks to this, we were able to stop by Ameyoko, which turned out to be a nice bonus. After arriving in Asakusa, they said they wanted to buy Japanese fruit at Ameyoko, but since we could not go back, they purchased it in the basement food floor of a department store instead.

Originally, after Sensoji Temple, I had planned to visit the Kappabashi kitchenware street, but as one member of the group was still recovering and tired, they wished to return to the Hotel. So, although it was a little early, I saw them off and we parted ways.

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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.