Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Gotokuji Temple — Guide Danda

What's a Family Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Gotokuji to Harajuku

I guided a family that included two children. The children were very well-behaved. To keep them engaged, I asked a few questions and quizzes along the way, and they participated enthusiastically, quickly spotting all five cat figures on the three-story pagoda at Gotokuji Temple. When I heard that one of the children liked Harry Potter, we stopped by a shop in Omotesando, and the child happily walked around the store, then went to pay all alone holding a single bottle of butterbeer, which was heartwarming to see. They had a daily allowance of five dollars during the trip, and since the price was 1,000 yen, they were satisfied buying it as "today's and tomorrow's allowance." It reminded me of when I once traveled to Europe with my own children and did something similar, which perhaps sparked their interest in traveling abroad, and I found myself telling the guests, "It's a wonderful memory and a great experience." The guests were also very friendly, and I had a wonderful day. Their eagerness to absorb Japanese culture was evident throughout, they listened attentively, and they asked many questions. Whenever I casually said "this is how it is," it seems a "why" would always come back. However, I was at a loss for how to answer the question "Why is Japanese women's skin so beautiful?" I could have explained fashionable style, but in any case, I want to brush up my answers to various questions for future tours. I had heard in advance that they wanted ramen for lunch, and since Harajuku has many kinds of ramen shops, I checked what they preferred and we went to Jangara. It has tonkotsu and spicy ramen, and they were very satisfied. Since they were going to see a sumo show in Shinjuku from 17:30, we parted ways at Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line, and they told me with smiles that they had a great time. They were heading to Gala Yuzawa from Friday for their first-ever skiing experience, and I hope they enjoy it. As usual, I had the guests take a few photos, and one of the guests checked their own smile before selecting a shot.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Danda

Nice to meet you. I am delighted to introduce myself. My nickname is Danda. I live in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo, but I was brought up in Kanazawa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. My favorite things are bonsai and hiking. Also, I have been a big fun of history and sumo since my childhood. As for the guide, I have enjoyed making communication with foreign visitors since 2019. I have taken more than 30 private groups to not only major scenic spots but also their favorite places such as tea ceremony, maid cafe, sumo tournament, bonsai village, fire ritual and so on. I can arrange the original tour based on your requests and curiosity. It will be only for you. I look forward to meeting you soon. Thank you.