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
- 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!!
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.