Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide





Description
Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced English speaking guide! Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic Japanese capital. Due to the enormous size of Tokyo, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, a one-day tour would probably focus on one small area, which would still leave you in awe at the scale of the city. Tokyo is where you can experience both modern and traditional, and your experienced private guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full day in this dynamic Japanese capital. Let us know what you would like to experience, and we will customize a eight-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This tour will allow you to explore Tokyo more efficiently in one day. Meet at your hotel, then move to anywhere you want. You can visite 3 to 4 spots in 6 hours, please choose the places you like to visit from below lists and customize your tour with your guide!
**This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace** The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. Located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, the park's spacious lawns, meandering walking paths and tranquil scenery provide a relaxing escape from the busy urban center around it. In spring Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms.
This tour will allow you to explore Tokyo more efficiently in one day. Meet at your hotel, then move to anywhere you want.
Explore the old fish market in Tokyo!
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.
Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its namesake in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in.
Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū), is a large, attractive landscape garden in central Tokyo. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.
The Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館, Tōkyō Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) is the oldest and largest of Japan's top-level national museums, which also include the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum and the Kyushu National Museum. It was originally established in 1972 at Yushima Seido Shrine and moved to its current location in Ueno Park a few years later. The Tokyo National Museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 110,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any one time, about 4000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display. In addition, visiting temporary exhibitions are also held regularly. Good English information and audio guides are available.
Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
Rikugien (六義園) is often considered Tokyo's most beautiful Japanese landscape garden alongside Koishikawa Korakuen. Built around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien literally means "six poems garden" and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. The garden is a good example of an Edo Period strolling garden and features a large central pond surrounded by manmade hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi Kōen) is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas. It is a great place for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Although Yoyogi Park has relatively few cherry trees compared to other sites in Tokyo, it makes for a nice cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Furthermore, it is known for its ginko tree forest, which turns intensely golden in autumn.
Harajuku (原宿) refers to the area around Tokyo's Harajuku Station, which is between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. It is the center of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
Odaiba (お台場) is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. It originated as a set of small man made fort islands (daiba literally means "fort"), which were built towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868) to protect Tokyo against possible attacks from the sea and specifically in response to the gunboat diplomacy of Commodore Perry. More than a century later, the small islands were joined into larger islands by massive landfills, and Tokyo began a spectacular development project aimed to turn the islands into a futuristic residential and business district during the extravagant 1980s. But development was critically slowed after the burst of the "bubble economy" in the early 1990s, leaving Odaiba nearly vacant.
Shibamata (柴又) is a neighborhood on the eastern end of Tokyo, not far from the Edogawa River which is the natural border between Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. The town retains its old-school charm from yesteryear and is a perfect break away from modern Tokyo. One of the main attractions to see is the Shibamata Taishakuten Temple not far from the station.
Having miraculously avoided major damage during world wars and natural disasters, Yanaka and Nezu—two of the neighborhoods that make up shitamachi, Tokyo's old downtown—retain their last-century charm. You'll find historical sites such as Yanaka Cemetery and Nezu Shrine tucked away among shitamachi's narrow back alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, atmospheric coffee shops and retro stores selling old-style sweets and snacks. Here you can slip back in time to a slower-paced, more genteel Tokyo.
Golden Gai is said to have started around 1950 when the black market that had arisen in front of Shinjuku Station moved and, in this new area, a number of eating and drinking establishments set up shop. Although Shinjuku has undergone considerable modernization since then, Golden Gai seems to have remained largely unchanged. The alley is narrow and cramped with countless signs advertising the various establishments that line the way. Many of the buildings themselves are made of wood, remnants hanging on from the Showa Era. Most measure only around thirteen square meters (one hundred forty-two square feet). It's a dim, boisterous place filled with the aromatic smoke of grilling meats. Yet despite the nearly endless number of slick new restaurants available in Shinjuku, this little alley continues to draw the attention of foreign tourists. Golden Gai is a popular “un-touristy” tourist spot.
**Only up to the main deck, top deck is not included** The retro cute version of Tokyo Sky tree! This vermillion tower has been a symbol of Tokyo for a generation and can be seen in the background of many famous animes! Note: The remaining time is for the round tour and time spent sightseeing or explorations.
Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, is a Buddhist temple that is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or “luck-inviting cat figurine.” These small statues, which portray a cat sitting up and beckoning with its front paw, have become quite popular all over the world with cat-lovers.
Ueno Park About half a dozen museums, a zoo, a Toshogu Shrine and the Shinobazu Pond are just some of Ueno Park's attractions. Ueno Park is also Tokyo's most notorious cherry blossom party spot.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please book our Private Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 7 persons).
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour dates can be changed up to 2 days before the tour. Any tour date change may result in a change of tour guide or tour unavailability.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Reviews(189)
Guide was excellent, met us at hotel on time, communication beforehand was excellent, very informative tour and covered lots in such a short space of time.
It was great day with a very kind and respectful guide He organized a perfect tour for us and was always flexibel to our needs due to the hot weather Thanks a lot Izumi!
Yoshi was an excellent tour guide. He customized our tour for our interests and mobility impairments. He was very knowledgeable about Japanese history, Tokyo, and the sites that we visited. We highly recommend him!
Thank you so much for your kind review. I was so happy to read it. It was quite interesting and meaningful to visit National Diet (parliament) with you all. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Hope you had a great time thereafter in Tokyo and other area in Japan. Thank you again, from your guide Yoshi.
We had a great day with Fummy-san. He introduced us to Tokyo, Japan and its customs, showed us around, took care of us during the day and supported us train arrangements. We loved his company during our first steps in Japan and Tokyo!
We were taken care of by Taku-san. We had a great time and learned a lot about Japanese history. Our main ame was to have a food tour and Taku-san tried his best to give us a good experience. However, he was not so well prepared or fond off the food spots as his counterpart in Osaka. However at the end we managed to get what we want and we saved the day. We have communicated earlier that our main aim is a food our son we would have wished a more organised approach on the restaurants to be visited. Like the experience we had in Osaka. However, we still give this tour a 5 star as Taku-san went out of his way to also accommodate other wishes of my daughter and really made us have a wonderful day.
I am deeply grateful to you for leaving such an excellent review. I also reflect on the fact that my preparation for the gourmet tour was insufficient. I truly appreciate how attentively you listened to my guidance. Thank you very much. I sincerely wish you and your family continued success and happiness. Taku
If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Tokyo, I can't recommend Tatsu highly enough. From the moment we met him, he was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating. He made sure our family saw all the places we wanted to visit while also introducing us to hidden gems we never would have discovered on our own. His knowledge of Tokyo, its history, and its culture brought every stop to life, and he tailored the day perfectly to our family's interests. He was fantastic with our kids, making them feel included and engaged throughout the tour, which made the experience even more enjoyable for all of us. What truly sets Tatsu apart is how much he genuinely cares about the people he guides. His kindness, professionalism, and enthusiasm turned what could have been a great sightseeing tour into one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan. I would recommend Tatsu 150% to my friends, family, or anyone visiting Tokyo. We can't wait to return someday and book another tour with him. Thank you, Tatsu, for helping create memories our family will cherish for a lifetime!
We had an interesting and varied day in Tokyo. Itsuki guided professionally and personally. He was very caring and helpful.
Thank you very much for coming all the way to Japan. It was really my pleasure to guide you in Tokyo. I hope you are enjoying the rest of the day in Japan and your safe journey back to your hometown. Thank you again for your participating Tokyo Customised Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide. Itsuki
If you’re looking for an authentic Tokyo experience beyond the usual tourist attractions, Tatsu is the guide you want. Before our trip, I specifically asked him to take us to local neighborhoods and hidden gems where we could truly immerse ourselves in Japanese culture—and he absolutely delivered. Despite the rainy weather, Tatsu made sure our day was enjoyable from start to finish. He was always on time, incredibly patient, and organized, especially with our large group of eight that included several children. He never rushed us and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the tour. He was extremely knowledgeable about Japan’s history, traditions, and culture, and he shared so many interesting stories that made us appreciate the places we visited even more. He also went above and beyond by helping us communicate at restaurants, with vendors, and while shopping. Having someone who could bridge the language barrier made the entire experience so much smoother and more enjoyable. The biggest compliment came from my toddler. At one point during our trip, he looked at us and said, “I miss Tatsu.” That alone speaks volumes about how kind, patient, and wonderful he was with our family. This was one of the highlights of our Japan trip, and we left feeling like we had experienced the real Tokyo—not just seen it. If you want a genuine cultural experience with a guide who truly cares about his guests, we wholeheartedly recommend Tatsu. Thank you for making our family’s first visit to Tokyo so memorable! Worth the price? Absolutely. Every penny was worth it. We would book with Tatsu again without hesitation.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review of our tour and exceptional remarks about me! It was truly a great honor and joy for me to explore different parts of Tokyo with you all. Every scene of the tour and conversation and interaction I shared with each one of you left me lasting impressions about your beautiful family. How sweet of your little boy to say, he misses me! I miss him, too!! We look forward to welcoming you back in Tokyo again in the near future. TATSU
We had an amazing experience with our guide in Japan. He was energetic, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. He didn't just take us from place to place—he shared the history, culture, and significance behind each location, making every stop much more meaningful. His passion for Japan was evident throughout the tour, and his enthusiasm kept everyone engaged from start to finish. Thanks to his excellent storytelling and thoughtful explanations, we left with a much deeper appreciation for Japan and its rich heritage. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and we would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an informative, fun, and memorable experience.
Izumi was very attentive, kind and thoughtful. He immediately suggested an itinerary after booking. He was knowledgeable, adaptable and great with our kids. He went above and beyond by helping secure a dinner reservation for us before we even got to Japan. 10/10 recommend. Thank you Izumi!
Thank you for joining the tour and thank you very much for your wonderful comment. It's indeed my great pleasure to hear that the tour was enjoyable. See you again. - Izumi



