Tokyo Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Tokyo, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Tokyo Tour Guides
Yuji H.
This is Yuji, Japanese creator, such as painting, illustration, cartoon, and designing for Japanese magazine & advertising. I graduated from college in the US long ago. I used to work for Japanese publishing company for travel and Information magazine. I take lots of foreign friends to many places around Tokyo as a guide. I can take you common famous places, but also I can guide you if you have a special request, such as art, anime, table tennis or something belongs to your interest. For mostly I guide you by using the common transportation. but I also use my car to take you around for a small member of group because my car is so small, mini cooper.
Atsushi K.
I have been working for the business with American companies for many years and have many experiences guiding customers from all over the world, from Japan to the USA and Europe. I lived in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, for five years and loved to drive around Europe, the USA, and Japan. I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter and want to introduce Japanese traditional culture to people worldwide who are interested in it. I can be your guide in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kamakura for your enjoyable time in Japan.
Grant A.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. My work in translation and interpreting brought me into contact with notable figures in Japanese media. I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties. I’m particularly passionate about seafood and love traveling to places like Hokkaido and Niigata during the winter for the best crab and fatty yellowtail. I also enjoy visiting Japan's finest hot springs, especially in volcanic areas. My martial arts background includes five years of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, with multiple trips to the Ryukyu Islands, and experience in iaido, kyudo, and judo. I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan. Tour options: Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours) Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours) I can guide you through Tokyo, Kyoto, and other historical cities like Kanazawa, Nikko, and Kamakura. Rail fare outside Tokyo is additional. Let me show you the best of Japan!
Tim D.
I came to Japan in 1998, intending to stay a few months, but enjoying Japan, I never left. I was intrigued by the history, culture, language, and food. And the fascination and excitement of exploring and learning new things about Japan still exists with me today. The variety and choices of things to do and places to go can be overwhelming. I can offer you suggestions and a unique perspective on Japan. I can share local knowledge about things often missed. Fluent in Japanese with a master's degree in Japanese Studies and living in Japan for over 20 years, I can be your guide.
New Tokyo Tour Guides
Virginie B.
Hello ! My name is Virginie, I am French and I have been living in Tokyo for 4 years. I love Japan, its food and its culture but above all I love Tokyo! I will take you to the best places in Tokyo ! The hidden gems as well as all the must see places ! The traditional Tokyo as well as the futuristic parts of the city ! I can’t wait to meet you !!
Jaime A.
Welcome to Tokyo! With six years of experience living in this dynamic city, I’m excited to share my passion for its wonders. As a graduate of the University of Tokyo and fluent in Japanese, English, and Spanish, I offer an insider’s knowledge paired with a traveler’s curiosity. Whether it's uncovering hidden gems by foot or exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods by train, my tours focus on giving you an authentic Tokyo experience. From quiet local spots to iconic landmarks, I’ll guide you through the unique layers of this city’s rich history and culture. As a fan of Japanese pop culture—anime, visual kei, fashion, and games—I’m eager to introduce you to Tokyo’s vibrant subcultures. And, of course, no trip is complete without tasting Tokyo’s culinary treasures! Whether it's savoring fresh sushi, indulging in ramen, or sampling street food in Harajuku, I’ll help you discover Tokyo’s best eats. Let’s explore the city’s most captivating sights, flavors, and experiences together!
Shin N.
Welcome to Japan! I'm Shin. I have been an English Guide in Japan more than10 years. I can guide Tokyo, Kanagawa and almost all metropolitan sightseeing and walking spots. I was born in Kobe, grown up in Osaka, and studied in Kyoto, so not only Tokyo but I also have a good knowledge of Japanese historical cities. I love talking about Japanese food & culture, walking quiet narrow streets, drinking tasty Japanese whisky, Sumo, Rugby & Sports, and Japanese mountains. I climbed Mt. Fuji 18 times with foreign guests. We enjoyed the auspicious moments of sunrising from the summit. I would like to support you to make your stay in Japan memorable and precious one. It is grateful if you refer to my proposed tour schedule, in the case you have your own interests, I am happy to tailor the tour schedule responding your requests. Please feel free to contact me. I look forward to sharing wonderful time in Japan with you. Be my guest!
Yoichi I.
Welcome to Japan. My name is Yoichi. I have over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, especially in tours and stays for inbound visitors to Japan, including accompanying teams to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games and various international sporting events, as well as onsite international conferences. On private tours, I can take you to Asakusa, Tsukiji, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Hakone, and other famous places in Tokyo, as well as Japanese-style food tours such as ramen and izakaya tours. I am also good at shopping tours, so if there are many things you want, I can guide you efficiently. I can arrange tours according to your wishes and can also arrange tours to Kyoto, Osaka, or other cities. I look forward to meeting you in Japan and look forward to hearing from you.
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
Your first touchdown to Tokyo, half day tour
This tour is for travelers who are coming to Japan for the first time. I will take you to major tourist spots such as Hamarikyu Garden, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, and Asakusa. You can feel the Japanese traditional spots of Tokyo. Let's learn how to shop, how to ride the subway, etc. on the tour!
Traditional and Modern One-day Tour in Tokyo
Explore the traditional and modern sides of Tokyo. Tokyo is a unique city with various traditional and modern attractions. Let’s create your personalized time in Tokyo by discussing the places you want to visit. It is also highly recommended that you book with my other tour plan, "One-day Scenic Tour to Hakone from Tokyo, “ as you can fully enjoy your Tokyo stay within a limited time. I am based in Tokyo, but I am happy to arrange any kind of tour, including trips to Kamakura, Kyoto, and Nara.
Ginza Line Tour
Discover Tokyo's highlights on this Ginza Line tour, all accessible with a 600 yen Metro day pass. Start at Kaminarimon and explore Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, with a view of Tokyo Skytree. Visit Ueno Park and enjoy street food at Ameyoko. Stop by Ginza SIX for luxury shopping, then head to Shibuya Crossing and Parco’s Nintendo Store. Relax at Torahebi Coffee Shop, stroll through Yoyogi Park, and end with a visit to the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Tokyo Backstreets Walk & Eat Night Tour
A trip to Tokyo would not be complete without a visit to Shinjuku and Shibuya, two of Japan's most unique places. See and experience the big city and walk backstreet lantern-lit hidden gem alleyways of Tokyo. Enjoy Japanese soul food, have a chat, and share a drink with a local. Customization of eating and drinking locations is possible on this tour, as well as exploring other areas. Put your smartphone map away. I'll be your guide.
New Tokyo Private Tours
Autumn Foliage West Tokyo with Monkeys, Bamboo and Lucky Cat Temple
Experience Tokyo's breathtaking autumn foliage on this seasonal tour along the Chuo and Keio lines. Begin with Inokashira Pond and Showa Kinen Park, known for their stunning fall colors, before enjoying lunch in Tachikawa City. Explore the Tonogayoto Garden and visit Mt. Takao, including a ride on the ropeway and a stop at the monkey park. Witness the vibrant autumn hues at the Fall of Maple and Gotokuji Temple. Conclude your day at Meiji Jingu Gaien, famous for its beautiful ginkgo trees.
Oedo Line & Odaiba Full Day Tour
This tour covers key highlights along the Oedo Line and the Yurikamome Line, offering a mix of traditional and modern Tokyo. The Toei Subway Rail Pass (¥700) covers Oedo Line stops, while the Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway Pass (¥900) offers broader coverage. Note that the Yurikamome Line is a private, automated monorail to Odaiba, not included in discount passes.
HACHIKO-the loyal dog Tour
HACHI, the loyal Akita dog in Japan who was waiting for his deceased master in Shibuya for many years. This heart warming story was introduced from an article of news paper in 1930s and now to the world. In this tour, we'll follow in Hachi's footsteps while discovering behind stories, praying for his soul, meeting stuffed Hachi and more. We will visit about 6-7 Hachi spots in Tokyo. It's an unique tour in Tokyo! If you're dog lovers and fans of Hachi, this is it! Let's join us!
Haneda Airport pick-up and a 2-hour tour
Welcome to Tokyo! Tokyo's public transportation can seem overwhelming at first, but I’m here to make sure you reach your accommodation without any stress. From the moment you arrive, your adventure in Japan begins. Let me help you transition smoothly from the busy airport to the comfort and tranquility of your hotel, so you can relax and start enjoying your journey right away with this two hours tour.
Popular Tokyo Private Cars
Tokyo Night tour by car
This night tour is guided by car. You can enjoy the fantastic night view of the Tokyo Bay Area that can only be seen from a car, as well as the night view of Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc. from the car. In Shinjuku, we will also take you to Golden Gai, where many small old Japanese bars are located. Enjoy the unique look of Golden Gai.
Private Mount Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo by Car
On this Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo, we’ll start with a serene morning stroll along Lake Kawaguchi at 9:00 AM, followed by a visit to Oishi Park’s vibrant gardens and scenic views of Mount Fuji. Afterward, we’ll explore Chureito Pagoda for panoramic views, then enjoy a hearty local lunch at Houtou Futo near Kawaguchiko Station. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba and finish the day at Oshino Hakkai’s clear ponds before heading back to Tokyo.
Private Transfer from/to Haneda Airport（1-4pax.）
Arrange charter cars to pick up VIPs from or to Haneda airports When picking you up from or to Haneda airport, your exclusive driver will wait for you at the arrival gate or a designated place.
Day Trip in Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji
Experience enjoying the magnificent view of the tallest mountain in Japan Mt. Fuji. This is a 1-day Itinerary fitted just for you to see what Kawaguchiko has to offer. We will visit the famous tourist spots around the area and embark on the beauty and scenery of Mt. Fuji. Tourist spots covered in this adventure 1. Arakurayama Sengen Park 2. Mt. Fuji San 5th Station *2400m 3. Houtou Fudou Restaurant 4. Lake Kawaguchiko Boat ride 5. Kawaguchiko Music Forest
Tokyo Tour Reviews
“Two days Walking in Tokyo”
Walking tour of Tokyo with Hisako was great. Great mix of things to see and eat. She tailored it to my ideas and made it a seamless experience. Thanks a lot.
Hisako S.
(15 reviews)Thank you so much for your great review. I also enjoyed our time together for two days. Hope you have more fun at the rest of your trip! Hisako
“Great Tour”
Tiago was a great guide! He took us to several anime shops and walked us through Akihabara. He was also very patient as I took my time shopping! Very nice and knowledgeable.
Patrick B.
2-day tour in Tokyo for Patric & Astrid
Customized
“Great tour with Yoshi-San”
Yoshi-San is a very friendly and knowledgeable Japanese, English-speaking gentleman. He used to work for a Japanese company, for which he traveled abroad a lot, and became a full-time guide 6 years ago. He took our family on a great two-day tour around Tokyo. He went to pick us up at the hotel and dropped us back at the hotel as well, which was very convenient. He brought custom-made printed pages to each visit to make sure we fully understood and retained the key historical / cultural details. He took us to nice places to visit and eat, suggested breaks when appropriate, proposed to take pictures, and was very understanding (our kids were exhausted from the plane trip so we had to cut part of the 8-hour program the first day). He is a fast-walker so make sure to bring appropriate shoes :-). Highly recommend!
Yoshi S.
(39 reviews)Hi Patrick, Thank you for yout kind message. Your boys are cute and polite. I hope they could enjoy gaming and other attractions in Akihabara yesterday. Tomorrow it will be rainy but I'll do my best to make my tour enjoyable. See you soon!
Tokyo Private Tour Guide
Welcome to Tokyo! Take on this megacity with a local private tour guide by your side, giving insights and in-depth experiences from Asakusa to Ginza.
Head towards the overlooked gems of this global wonder with a Tokyoite, and embark on a private guided tour curated and tailored to your interests. Tucked away in the Yanaka district, your tour guide can lead you through layered alleys adorned with traditional houses, as you savor the nostalgic atmosphere and discover hidden temples like Tenno-ji.
Flexibility is the hallmark of a personalized tour, ensuring that your preferences take center stage. Have a love for subcultures? A private tour guide can lead you to Shimokitazawa, a Bohemian enclave known for its niche boutiques, old-school shops, and live music venues. It’s all up to you!
Tokyo Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth getting a tour guide in Tokyo, Japan?
Yes, especially if it's your first time traveling to Tokyo. The capital city is fast-paced, from the crowded streets of Shibuya and Akihabara to the fashion-conscious Harajuku district. Guides help you understand the layers of Japanese and Tokyo culture that you'd otherwise miss out on. They also break the heavy language barrier as our guides are multilingual. Most importantly, guides take away the hassle of planning every detailed step of your tour. Are you ready to get started? These Tokyo Tours are waiting.
Yes, especially if it's your first time traveling to Tokyo. The capital city is fast-paced, from the crowded streets of Shibuya and Akihabara to the fashion-conscious Harajuku district. Guides help you understand the layers of Japanese and Tokyo culture that you'd otherwise miss out on. They also break the heavy language barrier as our guides are multilingual. Most importantly, guides take away the hassle of planning every detailed step of your tour. Are you ready to get started? These Tokyo Tours are waiting.
Can I hire a personal tour guide in Tokyo?
Yes, hiring a private personal guide in Tokyo is simple, and you don't need to be in a tour group to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and knowledge that tour guides provide. To get a GoWithGuide Tokyo experience, head to our Tokyo local guides page and start planning your Tokyo takeover.
Yes, hiring a private personal guide in Tokyo is simple, and you don't need to be in a tour group to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and knowledge that tour guides provide. To get a GoWithGuide Tokyo experience, head to our Tokyo local guides page and start planning your Tokyo takeover.
How many days do you need to tour Tokyo?
On average, 3–4 days in Tokyo is perfect, so you can see all the major attractions and still discover the city's many hidden gems and local hotspots. If you're in a time crunch, these Tokyo Day Tours give the best of Tokyo in 8–10 hours.
- Custom Tokyo Must-See Tour: Tour Tokyo Your Way! Gives you an overview of the city's highlights
- A City Of The Past & Present: Culture, History & Arts Tour
- Fantastic Cuisine: Half & Full Day Food Tours In Tokyo
On average, 3–4 days in Tokyo is perfect, so you can see all the major attractions and still discover the city's many hidden gems and local hotspots. If you're in a time crunch, these Tokyo Day Tours give the best of Tokyo in 8–10 hours.
- Custom Tokyo Must-See Tour: Tour Tokyo Your Way! Gives you an overview of the city's highlights
- A City Of The Past & Present: Culture, History & Arts Tour
- Fantastic Cuisine: Half & Full Day Food Tours In Tokyo
Can you tour Japan without a guide?
Yes, you can, but it can become overwhelming quite quickly. To get the most out of your trip, it's best to go on a few guided tours before solo-touring the country. This way, you can familiarize yourself with local customs, practices, culture, transportation, and language.
To weigh the pros and cons, check out this article: Hiring A Guide In Japan: Pros and Cons.
Yes, you can, but it can become overwhelming quite quickly. To get the most out of your trip, it's best to go on a few guided tours before solo-touring the country. This way, you can familiarize yourself with local customs, practices, culture, transportation, and language.
To weigh the pros and cons, check out this article: Hiring A Guide In Japan: Pros and Cons.
How much does it cost to tour Tokyo Japan?
Most Tokyo tours run from 100-600 USD per group, depending on where you're going, what the tour includes (drinks, lunch, tickets) or excludes, and whether private transportation is available. For a rough guide of what a GoWithGuide day tour of Tokyo would cost you, check out the Tokyo Private Tours page. GWG tours are customizable, so you decide what your tour package will look like.
Most Tokyo tours run from 100-600 USD per group, depending on where you're going, what the tour includes (drinks, lunch, tickets) or excludes, and whether private transportation is available. For a rough guide of what a GoWithGuide day tour of Tokyo would cost you, check out the Tokyo Private Tours page. GWG tours are customizable, so you decide what your tour package will look like.
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