Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Shopping and Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their second time in Japan. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led this private Tokyo tour, and there were three days between the assignment being confirmed and the tour, which allowed for a candid exchange via a messaging app to gather useful information (a preference for slow walking due to an earlier ankle injury, and an interest in street food). On the way through Japan, they were stopping in Tokyo, and the next day they already had a bouldering experience and a sumo-themed restaurant booked in the city. At the national treasure Akasaka Palace (the guidelines were confirmed in advance and mutually understood with the guests), they went through a bag inspection and thoroughly enjoyed taking photos in the permitted areas.

The main purpose of this visit was shopping. On the way to Tsukiji Market, we first stopped for shopping at the UNIQLO Ginza store. At Tsukiji, the guests fully enjoyed wagyu skewers, grilled eel skewers, and sushi. At Shibuya Crossing, they wished only to take photos from an upper floor of Shibuya Mark City after getting off the Ginza Line. They could not hide their surprise at the heat and, even more so, the high humidity. At Meiji Shrine, as requested, we skipped the formal worship and kept it to a short photo stop, and the guests enjoyed browsing at the souvenir shops while seeking some relief from the heat. On Takeshita Street, they got a banana smoothie to go.

One of the guests is skilled enough in competitive bouldering to compete at national events and happily hopped between the adidas and THE NORTH FACE stores in Harajuku, enjoying the shopping. At one of the THE NORTH FACE buildings, a staff member guided them to a free photo exhibition on the fifth floor about Japan's most grueling mountain race, the Trans Japan Alps Race. They shared information about competitive bouldering and more, giving me a glimpse into a different world. At the end, we parted ways safely at the station nearest the Hotel. I explained how to use the subway, and I only hope it will come in handy for them the following days.

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

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!