Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Tachi

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Oceania who had been friends for many years. In their advance message, they had requested a visit to the Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu areas. After topping up transit IC cards (Pasmo/Icoca) that they had received from friends in their home region, we headed to Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the former Kaneiji five-story pagoda, as the guests had wished. They were interested in the appearance of the shrine's Karamon gate, the transparent fence, and the stone lanterns. After purchasing amulets as souvenirs for grandchildren and friends, they entered the Botan-en garden to view the ongoing dahlia exhibition (I waited outside). We met again after fifteen minutes and walked from Ueno Park to the former Yoshidaya liquor store (a short rest) and on toward the Ueno Sakuragi area. At Yanaka Cemetery, I also showed them the grave of the last shogun, Yoshinobu. The guests, who enjoy gardening as a hobby, showed great interest in the street trees, the flowers and plants growing in the cemetery and along the roadsides, the plantings around private apartments and buildings, and the butterflies. After I guided them through the Yanaka Ginza shopping street and Yomise Street, the guests seemed a little tired, so (since many shops are closed on Wednesdays) we gave up on walking along Hebi-michi and took the subway to Nezu Shrine. Unlike the lively atmosphere of the "Nezu-Sendagi Festival" held the previous weekend, Nezu Shrine and its rows of vermilion torii gates were in their usual quiet state. The guests admired the sacred tree in the precincts. Afterward, at their request to eat Japanese food, we went to a nearby Japanese restaurant. The guests ordered a simmered fish set meal and a marinated young yellowtail rice bowl set, and were very satisfied. After lunch we visited the former Iwasaki Family Garden. Planning to part ways at JR Ueno Station, I guided them around Shinobazu Pond, Benten Island, and Bentendo in Ueno Park, and as we headed toward the park ticket gate, the guests expressed a wish to issue a JR Pass. We entered the JR Ueno Station premises through the park ticket gate and exited via the central gate (a 150 yen JR Ueno Station entry fee was incurred), then completed the issuance without trouble at the JR EAST Travel Service Center near the Asakusa exit. As we were running out of time, they said they would return to the hotel right away but felt uneasy about traveling by train. We entered the JR Ueno Station premises through the central gate and I guided them to platform 3 of the Keihin-Tohoku Line (a 150 yen JR Ueno Station entry fee was incurred). A train arrived immediately, so I told them to get off at the third station from there, and we parted ways. They said they would spend the next day at a relaxed pace in the city, and would later visit Kyoto, Takayama, and Yamaguchi among other places. They were cheerful and warm-hearted guests.

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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!