This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:00 Meet at Hotel
  • Interviewed the guests about their wishes. Guests from Switzerland. They wished to use a taxi and strongly wanted to visit Tokyo Tower. As they were interested in food culture, I guided them to Tsukiji. The guests were two men. Business partners dealing in artificial teeth.
  • 10:40 Tsukiji
  • At the outer market, I introduced Japanese food culture, dashi broth, wagyu beef, wasabi, tea, sashimi, miso, etc. They purchased wagyu beef steak, tuna sashimi, sweet potato fries, tea, strawberries, etc.
  • 12:00 By taxi to Tokyo Tower. Visited the Main Deck and Top Deck. They were impressed by the scaffolders, the old Panasonic and National signs, and other aspects of good old Tokyo. The guests held the view that when it comes to Tokyo, it's not Skytree but Tokyo Tower.
  • 14:00 As they wished to try Japanese Italian food, carbonara, we had lunch at my favorite restaurant in Hamamatsucho, Italian Miami. The three of us shared the meal. They praised the precision of Japanese work. We talked about Swiss culture and the environment that gives rise to Rolex.
  • 15:20 By taxi to Meiji Shrine
  • 15:50 Meiji Shrine. Introduced Shinto and the Imperial Family.
  • 17:00 Tour ended at Jingu Bridge

Title: What Are Private Guided Tours in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

When I recited a waka poem by Emperor Meiji, the guests kindly taught me a few words in their native languages in return. We exchanged a five-yen coin and I wished the guests happiness. We talked with one another about how language and ethnicity are connected, and how important it is to cherish them. As some of the guests worked in a field related to dental care, they taught me about the importance of teeth. Since a smile is essential for a guide, and because the guests had kindly shared this with me, I intend to take even better care of keeping my teeth clean from now on.

Hello!

My name is Romy, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

Thank you,
Hello!

My name is Hiromi, and I’m a licensed tour guide based in Tokyo.

I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places, but about enriching your life, expanding your horizons, and experiencing sensational moments that leave you with a deep sense of wonder. I’m here to help you discover Japan in a way that will touch your heart and inspire you to see the world through a new lens.

Let me share how I became a tour guide. Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by foreign films and cultures. I studied English and French, traveled to the U.S. and Europe multiple times, and was always captivated by the diversity of the world.

But as I started working and met foreign colleagues who practiced martial arts and had a deep knowledge of Japanese culture, I realized how rich and beautiful Japan’s culture truly is. From traditional architecture and tea ceremonies to Bushido and kimono, Japan has so many hidden treasures that moved me deeply, and I wanted to share these with people from around the world.

In addition to guiding in Tokyo, I’ve also had the privilege of taking guests to iconic places like Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Kanazawa, and Takayama. Each destination offers a unique story and charm, and I love sharing these gems with my visitors.

I was born in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda Ward, and I’m familiar with the Imperial Palace and the fascinating history of Japan’s royal family and samurai. I’ve even worked for the Imperial Household Agency, and I take great joy in sharing these lesser-known aspects of Japan’s culture with my guests.

I love meeting new people, expanding my horizons, and sharing the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way.

Every tour is an opportunity for me to learn and grow, and I continually strive to improve my skills to be the best guide I can be.

I’d like to share the magic of Japan with you. Let’s begin a beautiful journey together, and create moments that you’ll cherish always.

Thank you,
Romy

Feb 6, 2025
markkP1217JD
Nice Tour with a lot of helpful Informations!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our trip was wonderful!…