Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Tokyo Tower main deck — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower

I guided a group visiting from North America. The guests were very close and warm with one another, and it was heartwarming to be with them throughout the day. Because it was raining in the morning, I changed the order of the itinerary and started with Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street, then moved on to the Inui Street passage and Kitanomaru Park after the rain stopped. The guests love animals, especially cats, so they were captivated not only by the animal cafe on Takeshita Street but also by the kittens at a pet shop, which they watched for a long time (truly lovely people). At Kitanomaru Park, a university graduation ceremony was taking place, so the guests were able to see many students dressed in traditional hakama, and they were delighted to take photos together with the students beneath fully bloomed weeping cherry blossoms (my thanks to the students who kindly agreed). It was a little disappointing, however, that the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi were less than a third in bloom.

For lunch we went to a family restaurant, and when three types of dishes were piled high across the whole table, everyone burst out laughing, saying "we surely don't need this much." During the meal, I taught them how to reserve Shinkansen tickets via SmartEx, and they registered on the spot.

Finally, we went to Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower. It had been years since I last brought guests here, but I think this was the place everyone enjoyed the most that day. After leaving Shibakoen Station, for some reason everyone walked along in high spirits and took many photos with Tokyo Tower in the background. Seeing how much fun it was, I felt encouraged to bring guests here more often in the future. I had one of the guests take photos of the group with the weeping cherry blossoms and Tokyo Tower in the background. At Tokyo Tower we went up to the main deck, and in addition to the classic views of Rainbow Bridge and the surrounding area, the guests were pleased when I explained the Tokugawa family graves that we could not enter at Zojoji, as well as the people lining up at the staircase popular for photos. It was charming to see the whole group taking a commemorative photo on the glass floor on the lower level, all a little nervous.

This was where the guide portion essentially ended, but I went together with them to Shibuya Station to purchase a Welcome Suica (since it was on my way home). I would like to thank the guests for such a cheerful and soothing time. During the tour, I lost count of how many times I said "you really are close" and "how kind you all are." At the end, the guests told me "everything you took us to today was wonderful" and "thank you," and I was truly glad they enjoyed it.

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.