Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and Harajuku Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a lively group visiting from North America. Through prior contact, they had originally requested Tsukiji, Nishi-Sando, Nezu, and Yanaka. However, the day before the tour, the group's contact person let me know that there had been a mix-up with the content of another tour, and that they wished to skip Tsukiji, Nezu, and Yanaka, and instead focus on Asakusa centered around Nishi-Sando, and Harajuku including Takeshita Street.

Since the group had apparently walked quite a lot on their tour the previous day, we kept the pace of this tour on the slower side.

We started at the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, where the group was very excited about the omikuji fortunes, with some drawing twice. We then walked through Nishi-Sando, where they took an interest in goldfish scooping and samue work clothes, followed by Okuyama Omairi-michi, where we stopped at a matcha shop. Next we visited Kappabashi, and since there were many in the group with varied tastes, they enjoyed shopping for items such as coffee cups, chopsticks, and shaved bonito flakes.

Upon arriving at Omotesando, I called a popular organic restaurant to check availability and waiting times. Even on a Monday it was fully booked, so we waited about 20 minutes, and the guests dined in smaller groups of two to four. Everyone was very satisfied.

On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the group was fascinated by the crowds, the animal cafes, the fashion, and the crepe shop displays. Although it was not originally on the itinerary, since we had the chance, I guided them to Meiji Shrine just before closing time (16:10).

I explained how to get to Tokyo Station for their bullet train reservation, confirmed everything with all of the guests, and we parted ways in front of the JR Harajuku Station ticket gates.

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

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!