Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report (Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Yanaka & Hamarikyu)

The guests were visitors from North America. Their advance request was simply "nothing in particular, please plan for us," so I created and sent an itinerary. Two days before the tour, they asked to visit places other than Asakusa, since they would be going there with a friend. At the hotel meeting point, I reconfirmed the itinerary, had them purchase a 24-hour metro pass, and we headed to Shibuya. In Shibuya, I gave a general explanation (the Hachiko statue and the scramble crossing), we checked out the crossing from Starbucks, and then went to Meiji Shrine. As it turned out, the guests had already visited Hiroshima (Miyajima), Naoshima, Kanazawa, Osaka, and Kyoto (including Kinkakuji), and had arrived in Tokyo the previous day by Shinkansen (they had taken a beautiful photo of Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen window). They said each destination had left a different impression, and that the okonomiyaki in Osaka had been delicious. At Meiji Shrine, after purchasing an omamori, I guided them through the Inner Garden, showing them the South Pond (the lotus flowers were at their best), Kakuuntei, the iris field (only a few irises were in bloom, but the overall scenery resembled a classic Japanese landscape and captivated the guests), and Kiyomasa's Well. Next we went to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. I introduced them to the fashion and gourmet foods popular among the younger generation. We took a commemorative photo in front of the boutique Takenoko, which is associated with Lady Gaga. At the Imperial Palace main gate, Nijubashi Bridge, we happened to catch a bit of the changing of the guard. While traveling, when I recommended other areas, one of the guests carefully took notes on their smartphone (and also noted places I did not recommend). In Nezu and Yanaka, I showed them the local shopping streets and townscape. When we tried to take a break at Yanaka Ginza, the temperature was high and the guests wanted ice cream and bought it as takeout. However, there was nowhere to sit, so I bought some sweets at a sweet potato specialty shop and, with the shop's permission, the guests were able to rest together with me there. On the way to Nippori Station, the guests were very interested in the gate of a local temple. I introduced the name of another temple we had not visited that day (which was also noted; they said they would like to visit Yanaka again). Next we went to Hamarikyu, near the guests' accommodation. They said they could see it from their hotel room, and happily photographed the hotel building from the garden. We walked around the tidal pond, and since the bridge from Fujimiyama to the teahouse on the island was under renovation that day, the view of the island teahouse and the tidal pond seen from the Shinsenza duck hunting ground side was exceptional. The guests were captivated by the 300-year-old black pine. I also recommended Takeshiba, the water bus terminal, the Yurikamome line, a visit to Odaiba, and Itoya in Ginza. They had a reservation at a teppanyaki restaurant in Ginza for that evening. Finally, we parted ways near the hotel. It was a memorable pair: one guest who talked cheerfully throughout, and another who calmly watched over them (the photo is slightly out of focus, but the guests have consented to its use).

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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!