Tokyo Private Tour Guides

“Very Disappointed ”

Etsu did not prepare to show us the kind of sites and activities we itemized in detail to her weeks before our tour. We asked her to not duplicate the sights we were scheduled to visit on a coming 20 day tour. We asked her in writing to avoid common " over touristy " locations and come up with some more culturally revealing activities. This was disregarded. She walked ahead of us most of the time not explaining our surroundings. She couldn't even readily identify a large famous forest of Lotus Plants. There were no insights about Japanese culture shared with us. We paid over $400 for two four hour sessions, mostly touring the metro system.This was a waste of a lot of money and our precious travel time. After departing, Etsu sent us an itinerary of the kinds of things we were expecting to do but never got to do while in her presence. We had to follow it without her guidance. On the other hand, we had another Japanese tour guide for several days who educated us very much about Japanese customs and explained things to us in great detail as we toured other areas. What a difference ! Etsu is very pleasant but our overall experience with her was disappointing. If you ever get to read this review, dont waste your money and time with this guide !!!

“Tokyo beyond the crowds ”

We loved our tour with Chiaki. She showed us how to navigate the local subway and read the signs, which made getting around Tokyo on our own much easier afterward. She helped us get the lay of the land and gave insightful details at every stop. We covered a lot: Tsukiji Outer Market, Fukagawa Fudodo, the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi food hall, the Yanaka and Nezu neighborhoods, and Nezu Shrine. The fire ceremony at Fukagawa Fudodo was incredible, a highlight of our whole trip. What stood out most was that she took us to off-the-beaten-path spots that weren't crowded, a real relief in Tokyo. She's very friendly and pleasant to spend the day with. Five stars.

Chiaki K.

(164 reviews)

Thank you Melissa, for your wonderful and thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your day with me. I’m also very happy that you enjoyed the quieter, off-the-beaten-path places. Tokyo can certainly be busy, so discovering peaceful neighborhoods and local spots is one of my favorite ways to experience the city. Thank you again for your kind words and five-star recommendation. I truly enjoyed spending the day with you and sharing Tokyo with you. I hope you and Joe have a wonderful time in Tokyo and safely go back home. Arigato!

“Ueno, Asakusa, and Shinjuku”

Another great day with Shin in Tokyo! Ueno Park simply awesome! The Edo, Tokyo Museum was very interesting! Thanks again for your knowledge and guiding us through your lovely city!