This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:30-11:15 Meet at hotel, head to Ueno
- 11:15-12:00. Stroll through Ueno Park (Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Saigo Statue, Kannon Hall)
- 12:00-13:00 Walk to Ueno Bonsai Center
- 13:00-14:30 Lunch near the Bonsai Center (kamaage udon at Kamachiku)
- 14:30-16:30 Stroll through Yanaka (Nezu Shrine, Yoshida Liquor Store, etc.)
- 16:30-17:00. Move from Nippori, disband at Keikyu Kamata
What Is a Private Tour of Yanaka and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania who travel abroad about once a year and were seasoned travelers. They wanted to see bonsai, so I looked into options, and considering their original goal of visiting Yanaka, I thought the bonsai center in Ueno would be a good choice and took them there. Along the way, they also enjoyed a lotus pond. Since they mentioned they wanted to eat something delicious, I took them to a restaurant that had also been recommended by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). They seemed to enjoy the meal, though they requested forks instead of chopsticks, and it still appeared a little difficult for them to eat. After that, I guided them from Nezu Shrine along the classic Yanaka course. (With the winding streets, it was quite challenging to guide them in a single continuous route.)
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Otorii～Ueno | 436JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nippori～Keikyu Kamata | 436JPY |
| Total | 872JPY | ||
Thank you for your entry in this tour. Nice to meet you in this mail.
Your tour guide Kappa is my nickname. Kappa is a traditional, imaginary creature who came into being in Japan over 300 years ago. She is good at swimming, like me, for I like swimming. I would like to make our tour operated smoothly as Kappa does when she swims in the river or pond. It is my pleasure to introduce many aspects in our tour, especially cooking, for it is my hobby and I went to the professional cooking and SAKE school, respectively. If you have any questions or requests about Japanese cooking, of course our tour, I am very delighted to answer to you anytime!
Jul 30, 2025
Michael_R
Customized Hakone tour
Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour…
Jul 30, 2025
Michael_R
Customized Hakone tour
Viator review: Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Kappa-san, modified the typical Hakone tour to accommodate our interests, and is very helpful and knowledgeable. Since the day was very hot (95°F / 35°C) we favored activities that were more shaded or cool, including a walk on a cedar-lined section of the old Tokaido path.
May 18, 2025
Leigh_M
Kappa, our guide met us…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Kappa, our guide met us at the…
May 18, 2025
Leigh_M
Kappa, our guide met us…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Kappa, our guide met us at the train station and took us all over Kamakura. We saw shrines, the big Buddha, gardens, and the Oceanside! Kappa shared a lot of history about Kamakura, and it was nice to have this background when we were exploring these incredible sites! Highly recommend!
May 4, 2025
panderhigs
Kappa A+ Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough…
May 4, 2025
panderhigs
Kappa A+ Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kappa was an amazing guide who created a thorough and thoughtful itinerary for us over
the course of 6 hours. We saw SO much in such a short time and would definitely
recommend her!
May 4, 2025
O9621SBscottp
Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I were treated…
May 4, 2025
O9621SBscottp
Kappa is a wonderful tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I were treated to a wonderful walking tour of Tokyo with Kappa. Kappa was very accommodating in designing a tour specifically tailored to our interests. Kappa is a wealth of knowledge regarding the city history, temples and shrine, and Japanese art history. She is a lovely person too. I highly recommend Kappa if you want to learn about Tokyo