Tokyo in One Day: Rikugien & Tokyo National — Guide Danda

Tokyo

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

I guided a group visiting from North America. Since they had already toured Kyoto, one of the guests said after visiting Rikugien that they were tired of shrines, temples, and gardens, and wished to walk through areas where ordinary Japanese people live. So I changed the route we had discussed by email, and instead led the group from Rikugien to Nezu, then through Snake Road (Hebi-michi) to Yanaka, and finally to Uenosakuragi for lunch. At Rikugien the autumn leaves were at their peak, and the guests were delighted, taking photos everywhere. In Nezu, rather than visiting Nezu Shrine, we made our way from Snake Road toward Yanaka Cemetery, stopping along the way to talk about small pieces of Japanese culture such as traditional Japanese houses, a nursing home, a public bathhouse, graves, jizo statues, and sugidama (cedar balls). Because we chatted about so many things, it took quite a while before we finally reached the lunch spot. Although we waited a little at lunch, the guests seemed very satisfied to enjoy a set meal in a traditional Japanese house. Finally we visited the Tokyo National Museum (unfortunately the first floor was closed), and while the guests were a little excited by the Pokémon manhole covers and Hello Kitty, they appreciated Japanese art, and as expected they were very interested in the netsuke exhibition at the end, stopping to enjoy it for a long time. It was also a good opportunity to introduce the new 10,000 yen and 1,000 yen notes, prompted by the red jade stone at Rikugien and the ukiyo-e at the museum; in particular, Shibusawa Eiichi left a strong impression on the guests, as it connected with a cork portrait they had seen the previous day at the bar of the Imperial Hotel. The guests loved to talk, and it was a very enjoyable six-hour tour throughout.

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.