Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour — Guide Tachi

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) had recommended a JGA-arranged private vehicle, but the overseas agency arranged transportation independently. In the communication before the tour, the guests requested Meiji Shrine, the Shibuya Crossing, and Senso-ji Temple, so I sent back a proposed itinerary through the overseas agency. It was only in the evening of the day before that the private vehicle information (company name, driver's name, and contact details) was finally sent. However, it turned out that the overseas agency had conveyed a partially incorrect itinerary to the driver, and that the drop-off location was to be the accommodation. In the end, I had no choice but to reconfirm the itinerary with the driver when we met on the day. Since the guests did not speak Japanese, I showed the itinerary in English to confirm it.

At the start of the tour, I reconfirmed the itinerary with the guests and we began. We started at 8:00 in the morning, and Meiji Shrine was pleasantly uncrowded. Since the Shibuya Crossing was too empty to be meaningful, I proposed a stop at Tokyo Tower to the driver, who agreed, and we took photos of the tower's exterior only. At Shibuya we spent a little time at a coffee shop, but at Tsukiji we passed the time enjoying takeout wagyu skewers, yakitori, and matcha drinks.

Our stay at Tsukiji Market ran about 15 minutes longer than planned, and we departed for Asakusa at 12:50. As it was a weekday, the roads were somewhat congested, so we arrived at Asakusa about 5 minutes behind schedule. Along Nakamise Street, the guests bought some ichigo daifuku (since eating while walking is not allowed, we took some time behind the shop). We also had to wait about 10 minutes to meet the vehicle at Nitenmon Gate, and due to road conditions on the way to the hotel in Shinjuku, we arrived at the hotel at 14:50.

According to the driver, any additional charges for the extended time would need to be discussed between the main guest and the vehicle operating company or the overseas agency. I sincerely apologized to the guests for my insufficient time estimation, and they kindly reassured me by saying, "The tour was fun, so it's fine. We are not upset," and we parted with smiles. Note: Before arriving at Senso-ji Temple, it might have been better to estimate the remaining time and propose to the guests that the vehicle use would end after Senso-ji, and that I would then see them to the hotel by train.

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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!