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
Seigo U.
Hi. I’m Seigo. I am a licensed guide in both English and Chinese. I can speak Spanish just a little bit. I enjoy listening to music, watching sports, driving in my car, and learning new languages in my free time. Since I have lived in Kanagawa my whole life, I can offer satisfying private customized tours to each guest group. My recommended destinations in Kanagawa are Kamakura, a seat of Japan's first Shogunate, and Hakone, a popular resort area with mountains and Lake Ashi. In addition to the standard tourist destinations, I can also drive you around some nice places in the suburbs of Tokyo that foreign tourists don't usually visit. It will be great if you have fun exploring Japan with my little help. Please feel free to contact me anytime! I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
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.
Kumiko K.
My name is Kumiko. I used to live in New York and London and worked for US companies for many years. Based on my experience, I recognize that Japan is a fascinating country, but at the same time, it is unique in many ways. Tokyo, as the capital of Japan, is a unique and diverse mix of cutting-edge technology, traditional culture, and Western influences. As an art lover, I am happy to show you many galleries in Tokyo. I received a Certificate of Art Business Masterclass from Christie's. As a guide, I'd like to explain to my guests about Japanese culture as well as background and introduce popular places and food. I think most visitors coming to Japan are hoping both to enjoy themselves and also have a meaningful encounter with a different culture. I am looking forward to helping you explore my city and enjoy everything it has to offer.
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.
New Tokyo Tour Guides
Beto D.
I am from Venezuela, with roots in the US and Sweden. I have lived in Tokyo now almost 10 years! I am a musician and very social by nature. Because I've been in Tokyo so long I know Japanese fluently, and I have had time to discover many places only locals would find. If you choose me I'm sure you will have a time you won't soon forget!
Ken T.
Hello! My name is Ken (Kenichi), and I’m a professional tour guide with experience guiding over 1,200 foreign tourists as of September 2024. I have worked for both Japanese and international companies in Tokyo for over 30 years, giving me deep insight into the city and its unique charm. I also love traveling and have explored many famous destinations in Japan as well as in 40+ countries worldwide. I fully understand the challenges that many first-time travelers face when visiting Japan, especially in a busy city like Tokyo. My goal is to provide you with a fully customized, time-efficient tour that meets your needs and preferences. Since most travelers have limited time and want to visit as many places as possible, I carefully plan tours that highlight the best spots and the most efficient routes, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For added comfort and luxury, I offer the option of using a car with an experienced driver (my wife), making your tour even more convenient and stress-free. I look forward to guiding you and helping make your visit to Japan truly memorable.
Toshi S.
I'm a Oyama Area Licensed Guide Interpreter. I will guide Oyama area-Kanagawa pref. showing you what common Japanese people were seeing and thinking 200 years ago. I have experienced living and working in United States of America and Canada for about 12 years in total. Also I have traveled South East Asia and Europe many times.
Eri S.
Hello! I’m Eri. I was born and raised in Osaka. After graduating from university, I moved to Tokyo, lived and worked there for about 20 years. I spent 6 years working in export administration and 12 years as an overseas travel insurance claim examiner. I now live in Saitama, the neighboring prefecture to Tokyo, that boasts beautiful shrines, relaxing hot springs, and stunning nature spots. I love both overseas and domestic travel. Exploring new cultures and traditions is one of the highlights of life, bringing great joy. I would like to convey that joy to you, who have respectfully come to explore Japan, a country full of unique traditions, customs, culture, and delicious Washoku (Japanese cuisine). If you have any specific requests, don’t hesitate to let me know so I can tailor the tour to suit your preferences. My husband, Masa, who is a Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager (National License) will be driving during our car tours to Saitama & Okutama. He also loves traveling and has professional experiences as a web director & marketer at a major travel agency in Japan. We are both excited to help you explore the many facets of Japan, particularly in Tokyo and Saitama. We are looking forward to offering unforgettable experiences to you from around the world! <Eri's Credentials> ・CEFR C1 ・TEFL Diploma (The TEFL Academy) ・Completed the Medical Interpretation Training Curriculum organized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2018 <What Eri Likes> ・Walking both in a city and in beautiful nature ・Exercising at the gym ・Learning new things ・Traveling and exploring ・Onigiri and Dashimaki Tamago (I can't live without steamed white rice) ・Seinfeld, SHOGUN, and Dr. Wendy Suzuki's TED Talk & Books
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
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.
Explore Old and Modern Tokyo One Day Tour
The tour can be customized according to your preferences. You can select 3 or 4 places to visit for the tour. My recommendations in Tokyo are Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nihonbashi, Ueno, Harajuku, Shibuya, Kagurazaka and Daikanyama. If you like art, I'm happy to shows you some beautiful museums like Nezu Museum and other contemporary art museums in Tokyo.
Tokyo,Now &Then
Tokyo is a modern metropolitan city built on an ancient Edo, where Tokugawa samurai government was settled. Even now we can find old relics of ancient Edo among truly modern Tokyo streets. Asakusa, Ueno and the Imperial Palace itself are some of the examples. Let’s explore Tokyo with me and find the soul of Japan.
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.
New Tokyo Private Tours
【One day hiking】Explore Japan’s natural beauty on a refreshing hike!
Did you know that Tokyo offers easy access to beautiful mountain trails nearby? If you're a nature lover or feeling a bit weary from the city's energy, why not take a break and explore Japan’s natural beauty on a refreshing hike? Each season reveals a new side of the mountains, offering serene landscapes that provide a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets of Tokyo. I can recommend hiking routes tailored to your interests and physical ability, ensuring a memorable experience.
Tokyo - Old and New
Japan is the country of contradictions. A place where cutting edge tech lives side by side with age-old customs. I will take you to three classic locations, and a trip through time: from the origins of the city in the old town of Asakusa, to the quintessential Tokyo shrine - Meiji Jingu, the embodiment of the Meiji era and the birth of modern Japan, and finally to the Shibuya crossing, the end of a centuries long transformation: Tokyo - where the old meets the new.
A Day Trip for Second-Time Visitors: Travel like local in Shibuya area!(Back of Harajuku area)
Is this your second visit to Tokyo, and do you want to explore like a local instead of just hitting typical tourist spots? This tour is perfect for you! As a resident, I’m excited to share my favorite hidden gems. My tour offers an authentic glimpse into Tokyo’s weekend life. I recommend Sendagaya and Kitasando area, for a deeper look into Shibuya. The Oharai Experience, a ritual to dispel bad luck, provides meaningful engagement with Japanese culture.
Half-Day Asakusa Goshuin Tour (Temple-Shrine Red Seal Rally)
Do you understand the difference between a temple and a shrine? You can explore the Japanese religious tradition by touring and collecting the Goshuin at the temples and shrines in the Asakusa area. It is very recommended for those who want to know the background of Japanese culture.
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.
Tokyo Tower/ Fish Market with Car & Driver
Discover Tokyo's vibrant heart on a 4-hour guided tour, fully customizable to your interests, with a private car, driver, and guide. Start at Hongan-ji Temple and Tsukiji Market, savoring local delicacies, then enjoy city views from Tokyo Tower. With private transport, move quickly between spots, saving time and energy by avoiding parking and walking. This tour offers a seamless experience of Tokyo's history, culture, and modern sights—perfect for an unforgettable journey
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.
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.
Tokyo Tour Reviews
“Tokyo Tour”
We recently spent 2 wonderful days with Toshi-san on our first trip to Japan and he was amazing. A couple of the group were carrying injuries into the trip and Toshi went out of his way to ensure the pace was OK, checked regularly whether we needed breaks, and hunted down seats for us on the packed trains and subways. He checked the weather in advance and suggested changes to our itineraries to allow for forecasted rain, and helped us book our shinkansen tickets to Kyoto so we didn't have to do this on our own. He was extremely knowledgeable about all of the cultural sites we visited (Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens, Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple) and vary patient with us as we indulged in things that may have been a bit boring for him (animal cafes, gaming stores in Akihabara, shopping in Harajuku and Shibuya). His english was good and his friendly and helpful nature meant it was like hanging out with a friend or relative rather than a tour guide. The train and subway systems in Tokyo are a bit of a nightmare for first time visitors so we are eternally grateful to Toshi for helping us get around so efficiently. If you are visiting Tokyo and need a guide, look no further. Toshi is the compete package! Arigato gozaimasu for making our first trip to Japan so special Toshi-san. We really enjoyed our time with you and hope you enjoyed the small treat from NZ. Steve, Michele and Liam Armstrong
“Personal Tokyo Guide”
It was a pleasure to meet Chiaki yesterday who provided a great insight for first timers in Tokyo & Japan. We worked on an itinerary pre arrival & Chiaki always came back promptly. During our day Chiaki explained the Tokyo train system to us to assist when exploring independtely. We covered a lot of ground during the day.
Chiaki K.
(93 reviews)Dear Janine, thank you for your lovely review! We talked about our life, our countries and many other things. It was fun and I enjoyed being with you. I hope you will spend a beautiful day tomorrow in Hakone and safe trip to Kyoto. Thank you for the shortbread, I love it. Please say hello to Michael! Thank you again!
K B.
Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjyuku(Location can be changed)
“Amazing Bar Hopping Adventure with a Master-Class Guide!!!! ”
I recently had the please of hiring Kuni to guide myself and my business customer on the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour. It was absolutely amazing! From the moment we started, the guides expertise, friendliness, and passion for showcasing local nightlife made the experience truly special. Communication was excellent from beginning to the end. Also, Kuni was flexible with the arrival time even when it made him miss the last train! He wanted us to have a wonderful time. I highly recommend this tour and know you will love it as much as we did!
Kuniaki T.
(20 reviews)Kirk-san! Thanks for submitting your review. And thank you so much for a very enjoyable time, and I'm so glad you found the tour worthwhile with your business customer. I hope you will come back to visit us in Japan again! PS You were both very strong drinkers!^^
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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When travelling either domestically or internationally, almost any destination will be able to offer the discerning wanderer a nature experience of some kind. Even when visiting an urban metropolis such as Tokyo or New York City, a piece of pristine natur...
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