Tokyo in One Day: Takeshita Street & NANE TOKYO Cat — Guide Danda

What Is a Private Harajuku Tour Like for Kawaii Culture Fans? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided guests visiting from North America on a private tour of Harajuku. Since the requests included a Sanrio shop, gashapon machines, an animal cafe, and a ring-making experience, I chose Takeshita Street, selected and reserved the shops myself, and built the day around making the experience as enjoyable as possible. At the purikura photo booth, we struggled with the operation but finally managed to create the photos. At the Samoyed cafe the dogs were fluffy, very gentle, and charming, and the guests were delighted to take a photo while holding one. At KAWAII the show was great fun, and the brightly dressed dancers were very kind; when I told them it was a birthday that day, they sang Happy Birthday, which moved the guests greatly. At Sanrio, the main destination, several character items were purchased, and we also stopped by the cafe I had reserved in advance. At the cafe, guests can take photos with plush toys and panels. At GALAXY we took photos with digital art flowers, and then rested a little on the rooftop of Harakado. At that time, one of the guests was a little tired and dozing off, so as I chatted with the group about various things, I learned that they had come to Tokyo as the heartfelt wish of someone who had overcome and recovered from three years of illness treatment. I was shown some photos taken during the hospital stay, and the sight of such perseverance nearly brought me to tears. Finally we visited NANE TOKYO for the ring-making experience. The staff were extremely attentive, and the guest who had been sleeping woke up and concentrated fully on the work. We went well over the originally planned time, but the guests were extremely satisfied. At the end, when a bangle was spotted, one of the guests became even more excited, saying, "Can I make this too? I'd love to. We're still in Tokyo, so maybe we'll come again." Having gone through such a hard experience, the group was powerful and cheerful, doing their utmost to enjoy this time together, and I was able to see them smiling with joy at their wish coming true. When I heard the guests say, "Today was the best day," I was truly happy myself. In terms of content it was a slightly high hurdle for me to guide, but I was glad to be able to help a little with the support of a wish-granting organization.

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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.