Kanagawa in Half a Day: Negishi & Yamashita — Guide Takako
September, 2025
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 Negishi Station
- 10:30 Sankeien Garden
- 12:20 Chinatown
- 13:00 Marine Tower
- 13:40 Yamashita Park
- 14:20 Disband @ Red Brick Warehouse
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Negishi Station at 10:00, Sankeien Garden at 10:30, Chinatown at 12:20, Marine Tower at 13:00 and Yamashita Park at 13:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Negishi (Kanagawa Prefecture) to Honmoku by bus (220JPY); Tamonin-mae by bus (220JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 440JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Yokohama Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sankeien Garden and Chinatown
I guided a group visiting from the Middle East and North America. They showed a strong interest in the beautiful scenery, plants, and buildings of Sankeien Garden and asked many questions. When they asked why the gardeners were pruning with scissors instead of using machines, I approached one of the gardeners, who was friendly, and asked on their behalf. He gave a detailed explanation, which I interpreted, and the guests were satisfied. The gassho-style thatched house that is usually open to enter is about to undergo renovation, so it can no longer be viewed from inside, and once the work begins it will not be viewable from outside either. Today a local guide was still there, so a detailed explanation was possible, which was very helpful. Since we missed the scheduled bus, we went to Chinatown from a different bus stop than the one shown on Google. In Chinatown, they enjoyed tapioca drinks. When planning the itinerary, I had recommended the Marine Tower, where they enjoyed the view of the harbor. This spot likely offers a view beyond expectations, so I recommend it and hope it can be included in tour itineraries. We walked from Yamashita Park to the Red Brick Warehouse, and upon arrival they said they wanted to have lunch. As they preferred a Japanese restaurant, I guided them to one. Since it was before the scheduled end time of the tour, I checked with them, but they said we could finish there, so I explained how to get back to their hotel in Shinagawa, and the tour concluded.
Click here for more details: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Negishi (Kanagawa Prefecture)～Honmoku / Yokohama Municipal Bus | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tamonin-mae / Yokohama Municipal Bus～Chinatown Entrance / Yokohama Municipal Bus | 220JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Negishi Station, Sankeien Garden, Chinatown, Marine Tower and Yamashita Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 440JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Takako is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kanagawa itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.