Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour — Guide Masa

January, 2026

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

  • Hotel
  • Fukagawa Enmado
  • Nezu Shrine
  • Yanesen walk
  • Yanaka Cemetery walk
  • Ueno Park walk

Title: What Is a Quiet New Year's Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The tour began at a hotel, where the group was seen off by a traditional lion dance. In response to their request for quiet places, we avoided the biggest New Year's crowds in the Monzen-Nakacho area and headed to Fukagawa Enma-do. There we watched a Japanese taiko drum performance, listening to just two pieces before moving on to Nezu.

At Nezu Shrine, we did not join the New Year's line but instead viewed the buildings from the outside, took our time visiting the neighboring Inari Shrine, passed through the famous torii gates, and browsed the food stalls before finishing.

We had lunch at the only tonkatsu restaurant that was open. It turned out that we shared a love of films, and we had a lively conversation about movies. Then we set off on a Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi walk. Walking along Hebi-michi and through a quiet Yanaka Ginza on New Year's Day, the group, who love dogs, were delighted to pass local dogs being taken for walks several times. Walking further, they did not seem very interested in the cemetery, so we wrapped that part up early. Considering the guests' condition and which businesses were open on New Year's Day, we cancelled the Kappabashi tour that had been planned and instead took our time guiding them through Ueno Park before reaching the Ginza Line.

Since they were able to return to their hotel on their own, we parted ways aboard the Ginza Line.

Photography was permitted for only one of the guests, so the photo shows just one person.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassToranomon～Monzen-nakacho700JPY
Section 2Free PassMonzen-nakacho～Nezu0JPY
Section 3Free PassUeno～Toranomon0JPY
Total700JPY

Tour Report by Masa

Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan!
I obtained a national tour guide license back in 2001, while I have been busy teaching English full time for many years. Since 2018 I have enjoyed guiding guests from all over the world.

I live in a western suburb of Tokyo, so I can guide you around the wider Tama area as well as central Tokyo. I love introducing visitors to both the famous highlights and the hidden gems where you can take wonderful photos and experience authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, I enjoy sharing stories about Japanese history, traditions, and daily life.

I once worked in Australia as a teacher of Japanese language, which gave me many opportunities to communicate with people from different cultures.
I also enjoy golf — I even traveled alone to the UK for a golf tour.

I look forward to guiding you and helping your time in Japan both enjoyable and memorable.

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