Allen B.
“Our Favorite”
On our trip to Japan, we decided to use private guides for the first time. Based upon our experience, I highly recommend private guides. We used different guides for our visits to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura and Hakone. Each guide was wonderful in their own way, but Ritsuko was our favorite. She was easy to communicate with in advance of our trip and her fees were reasonable. She was always punctual and easy to understand. She set a pace that allowed us to enjoy our surroundings while travelling to the next site to visit. While we could have spent time figuring out the subways, trains and buses, Ritsuko made that process easy and we spent more time touring instead of looking at transportation schedules. She was completely flexible when we wanted to change the pre-planned tours. She quickly identified our interests and got us to where we wanted to be. We saw so much that it is hard to describe them all, but locations included Shibuya, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, the Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Asakusa and Ueno. We enjoyed a beautiful tea ceremony one day and enjoyed shopping at a Japanese thrift store another day because of our interest in old Kokeshi dolls. I'm posting a picture of a large doll that I carried on and brought home. We had also planned to attend an evening of Kabuki in Ginza. Ritsuko arranged our day so that we ended at the Kabukiza Theater in time for the performance. When I had trouble finding my tickets on my phone, Ritsuko jumped in and was able to communicate with the staff and sort out the problem. I'm posting some photos of Ritsuko in action. She has our whole-hearted recommendation as a guide. Thank you Ritsuko for making our time in Tokyo so enjoyable. We hope to see you again.
Allen B.
“A Guide makes all the difference”
On our trip to Japan we used private guides for the first time. I highly recommend private guides. Yoshi was easy to communicate with in advance of our trip and his fees were reasonable. He was always punctual and easy to understand. While we could have spent time figuring out the subway and trains and buses, Yoshi made that process easy and we spent more time touring instead of looking at transportation schedules. We had Yoshi guide us in Hakone and Kamakura. He was very knowledgeable of each site that we visited and gave us time to enjoy the site before we moved on. Yoshi is a dynamo and he will get you where you want to go. I'm attaching some pictures of Yoshi in action that you can consider when deciding if he is the right guide for you. Thank you, Yoshi, for helping us have a wonderful trip to Japan.
Matthew S.
“A memorable and meaningful day in Tokyo with Akira”
Spending the day with Akira was truly one of the highlights of our time in Japan. From the moment we met him, it was clear we were in good hands. He is kind, warm, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely thoughtful in how he tailored the day for us. We began at the beautiful Meiji Shrine, where Akira thoughtfully guided us through the customs and proper etiquette, allowing us to experience the space with greater understanding and respect. That moment set the tone for the day. We had already seen a number of the tourist sights, so Akira designed a route that let us explore quieter neighborhoods and local gems that gave us an appreciation of Tokyo’s culture and daily life. He shared history and stories in a way that was engaging, and was always happy to answer our many questions. Whether we were walking through peaceful streets, browsing small shops, enjoying amazing coffee, or having some of the best melon we have ever tasted, everything felt easy and intentional thanks to Akira’s presence. Akira also took fantastic, candid photos along the way. We left the tour feeling more connected to Tokyo than we would have without Akira, and were incredibly grateful to have met someone who was so easy to talk to and clearly loves his city. Thank you, Akira, for a wonderful day we won’t forget. We hope to explore more with you next time we return to Tokyo!
Akira N.
Dear Matthew, Thank you so much for the great review. It was my pleasure to show you my favorite things in Tokyo. The places we went, people we met and enjoyed exchange, and food that we ate (and coffee that we had!) are the things that I will miss when I’m away from the city. I am very happy that you and beautiful Rose enjoyed them fully. Also, I am so happy that you were trying to know my country and my people as much as possible in a very kind, friendly, respectful and thoughtful manner. I hope I could help you feeling connected to Japanese self in you more than before. I would like to thank you for another chance to realize how lucky I am to be a guide who can meet wonderful people like you and Rose. I’m looking for another chance to explore my loving city together. Sincerely, Akira
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Elevate your Tokyo exploration with private tours and a local guide that unveils enriching stories and curated experiences for a unique city adventure.
There’s more to Tokyo than the Sky tree and busy train terminals. A private guide ensures your preferences shape the itinerary, offering you a chance to explore Tokyo's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own style and charm. From the rare finds in Yurakucho, to the book loving streets of Jimbocho, there’s a new discovery around every corner.
Add some cultural depth to your Tokyo trip with a local guide that appreciates the city’s layers. In the historic district of Kagurazaka, known for its old world structures and charm, your guide can share tales of the mysterious yet beautifully preserved geisha culture and lead you to Kagurazaka Street, which is sprinkled with teahouses, artisan stalls, and even French-inspired bistros.