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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Hotel Tokyu
- 9:30 Sankeien Garden
- 11:00 Motomachi
- 11:30 Chinatown
- 12:00 Lunch @ Keikarou
- 13:00 Yamashita Park
- 13:30 Dismissal @ Minatomirai Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Tokyu at 9:00, Sankeien Garden at 9:30, Motomachi at 11:00, Chinatown at 11:30 and Yamashita Park at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Honmoku by bus (220JPY); Motomachi-Chukagai to Minatomirai by train (200JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 420JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Yokohama Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sankeien Garden, Chinatown, and Motomachi
I guided a group visiting from North America. Since going to Sankeien Garden from the hotel by the Minatomirai Line and bus takes about 50 minutes, I asked whether they would prefer a taxi, and we decided to go by taxi. They were very impressed by the beautifully maintained garden, the lovely flowers such as azaleas and wisteria, and the historic architecture. On the way back, we walked to the Honmoku bus stop, took the bus, and headed to Motomachi. They mentioned that towels of the size used for washing the body in the bath are not available where they live, and since they liked the ones at their hotel in Shibuya, they were looking for them; they purchased about ten thin-fabric towels sold at a horse oil shop. In Chinatown, they bought steamed pork buns and manju to eat after returning to their hotel. Lunch was not part of the plan, but since one of the guests wanted to eat in Chinatown, I took them to a restaurant I know. Finally, I showed them around Yamashita Park a little, helped them charge their Suica at the station, and we parted ways at Minatomirai Station.
Sankeien Garden is a very worthwhile place that I would love to take guests to, but reaching it by public transportation takes quite a long time, which often means only about one other place can be included. For that reason, I think using a taxi is preferable. It would be helpful if such information could be provided in advance.
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 | Honmoku / Yokohama City Bus～Motomachi / Yokohama City Bus | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Motomachi-Chukagai～Minatomirai | 200JPY |
| Total | 420JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Tokyu, Sankeien Garden, Motomachi, Chinatown and Yamashita Park.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 420JPY 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!!
Sep 30, 2026
16shelleyb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Great day in Toyko
Four of us spent an…
Sep 30, 2026
16shelleyb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Great day in Toyko
Four of us spent an enjoyable day touring Tokyo the day before our Japan cruise. Our guide, Takako, was great and ensured we saw what we wanted to see. Tokyo traffic is crazy but our driver, Mr. Isizuka, was amazing. Takako asked for our lunch preference and suggested a terrific steak house…so fun! She explained all the traditions and rituals at the shrine and temple so we felt at ease visiting these places. Because of traffic, we were running a little behind (no fault of hers or our driver) so we only got a drive through of the Ginza area. We will spend one more day in Tokyo at the end of the cruise and now have a better idea of where to concentrate our time. All in all, we had a great time, despite the rain.
Sep 29, 2026
982marvf
Yokohama Experience
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…
Sep 29, 2026
982marvf
Yokohama Experience
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama real well. Despite miserable weather conditions, she was able to show us all the great sites and explain everything.
Sep 24, 2026
marshad422
A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
Tripadvisor…
Sep 24, 2026
marshad422
A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako was the perfect guide; extremely articulate and knowledgeable, friendly, passionate about Japan and giving her customers the best experience in gaining knowledge of the area and covering so much in one day. She showed a great understanding of her customers’s needs and desires and went out of her way to make you feel comfortable. She had a great sense of humour which made the day so very delightful and enjoyable.
Sep 18, 2026
7
770stefanieg
Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako, our guide…
Sep 18, 2026
7
770stefanieg
Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako, our guide for the day, was an absolutely wonderful companion in Tokyo. She took the time in advance to understand our interests and wishes, and the whole day was tailored exactly to what we wanted to see and experience.
My mother isn’t very steady on her feet and can’t walk long distances, and Takako handled this beautifully, she adjusted the pace and made sure my mother could fully enjoy the day without feeling rushed or left out. It’s reassuring to know that a tour like this can be adapted so well for someone with limited mobility.
Her knowledge, warmth and preparation made the day truly special. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and can highly recommend her to anyone visiting Tokyo.