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
Yoshi S.
Hello, I'm Yoshi!! I started my second career as a tour guide after retiring from the Japanese computer company I had worked for about 40 years. I was born in Asakusa and grew up in down town in Tokyo. I’m married with two daughters and three grandchildren, two girls and a boy. I've experienced guiding international visitors in Tokyo and other famous sightseeing spots as a guide for several years. I will be so happy to help you enjoy your stay in Japan. Look forward to joining my tour!!
Sumita Y.
I have been involved in international affairs in my career, and I got qualified as a national guided interpreter in 2016. Since then, I have guided tourists from various countries such as US, Holland, Canada, France, Spain, Singapore, Mexico, China and Australia. Places I have guided are major tourist spots such as Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, Imperial Palace, Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza and more. I will do my best to make your trip be more impressive and memorable.
Hiroshi S.
Hello, I'm Hiroshi. I am a National Government Licensed Tour Guide Interpreter in English. I have got a master's degree in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the U.S. I have been living in a city of Fujisawa, which is the city next to Kamakura, for more than 20 years, and also lived in Kamakura for more than 10 years. So far, I have visited almost all the temples and shrines in Kamakura. So I am sure I can offer you a pleasant trip to the historical city, Kamakura. In addition to Kamakura, I can also guide Tokyo, Yokohama, Hakone, Nikko, etc. because I have visited many places in Kanto area. For example, in Tokyo I can show you around the sightseeing spots such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, etc. I like baseball and used to play baseball, but now enjoy watching professional baseball games. And I like watching Rakugo, Japanese traditional story-telling performance. Of course, I also like travelling very much, and am interested in Japanese culture and history. So I would like to show you Japanese tradition and culture. Let’s enjoy a trip in Japan together. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
Shunta N.
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in Kawagoe, a charming historic city located just next to Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. Two years ago, I graduated from university here in Japan, and I now work as both a tour guide and a study abroad support advisor. Three years ago, I had the life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Vancouver, Canada. The warmth and hospitality of the locals left a deep impression on me. I discovered the joy of immersing myself in a new culture and way of life, and I truly came to appreciate the beauty of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Now, I want to be the one offering that kind of experience to others. As your guide, my goal is to make your journey in Japan truly special. Through GoWithGuide, I strive to go beyond typical sightseeing—I want to create meaningful opportunities for you to engage with Japan’s rich culture and traditions on a deeper level. I’m committed to providing a safe, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience for every guest. Let’s not just visit Japan—let’s feel Japan. Join me on this unique journey, and together, let’s discover the heart and soul of this incredible country. I look forward to meeting you soon! Depending on your tour and needs, my teammates Kei and Ethan may also join to help ensure the best experience.
New Tokyo Tour Guides
Peter C.
Hi! I’m Peter. Born in Taiwan and raised in Costa Rica, I speak Chinese, English, Japanese, and Spanish fluently. With more than 17 years of experience living in Japan, I’ve built a thriving community of over 35,000 members, organizing cultural exchange events, local tours, and business support services. My passion is bringing people together, helping expats, tourists, and locals experience the best of Japan’s culture, history, and hospitality. I have guided/hosted more than 500 tours/events every year in Tokyo. My tours can be very flexible and I always do my best to customize it for your schedule.
Yuki I.
Hallo, ich bin Yuki. Geboren und aufgewachsen in Japan, später nach Deutschland gezogen. Zwischen 1998 und 2021 habe ich in Deutschland gelebt und dort die beste Zeit meines Lebens verbracht. Deutschland ist für mich sozusagen meine zweite Heimat mit vielen schönen Erinnerungen. Als erfahrene Simultandolmetscherin für Deutsch und Japanisch (seit 16 Jahren) bewege ich mich ständig zwischen zwei Kulturen. Deshalb freue ich mich umso mehr, Ihnen nun mein Heimatland in Ihrer Sprache näherbringen zu können. Das Schöne an einer persönlichen Guide-Tour ist, dass sie ganz nach Ihren Wünschen gestaltet werden kann. Zögern Sie also nicht, mir Ihre Wünsche mitzuteilen! Und noch etwas: Entschuldigen Sie, wenn ich manchmal ein wenig Schwäbisch spreche – den Grund erfahren Sie während meiner Tour! -------------------------------------------------------------- I was born and raised in Japan and later moved to Germany. From 1998 to 2021, I lived in Germany. For me, Germany is like a second home, full of wonderful memories. As an experienced simultaneous interpreter for German/Japanese (for 16 years) and English/Japanese (for 5 years) , I am constantly moving between cultures. That’s why I’m even more excited to introduce you to my home country—in your language! The great thing about a private guided tour is that it can be tailored to your preferences. So please don’t hesitate to let me know what you’d like to see and experience! I’m looking forward to guiding you on my tour!
Lily I.
Hello! I’m Lily. I am a government certified tour guide. I have experienced more than 100 customized tours starting from March 2024 and have been receiving 5-star reviews on popular travel booking sites from over 90% of my guests. I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I love exploring towns small or big to look for hidden gems and can't wait to share them with you! I was born and raised in Tokyo for over 40 years with a few childhood years in the US. I am a mom of two boys and have work experience in the Japanese Education industry as a teacher and a public relations professional. I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities. I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option. I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!
Nicholas B.
Distant flowers bloom, Swaying gently in the breeze, Bringing memories. Licensed Guide Interpreter Certified Hello! I’m Nicholas, an Australian who’s had the privilege of living in Japan since 1992. Fluent in both English and Japanese, I believe a local guide can make all the difference in creating a truly unforgettable travel experience. I’m here to ensure you don’t just visit Japan – you experience it, fully immersed in its rich culture, history, and hidden gems. Tailored Journeys, whether you’d like to follow a preplanned itinerary or create a unique one together, the choice is yours. I’m here to offer flexibility, allowing us to curate a tour that perfectly suits your interests and pace. A personalized itinerary not only takes away the stress but ensures that your memories will be as unique as your journey. Some of the benefits of having a local guide include: In-depth local knowledge: Discover the rich history and culture of Japan, with insights you won’t find in guidebooks. Customized experiences: From food to nature, your journey will reflect what excites you most. No stress, just enjoyment: Forget about language barriers and unfamiliar customs; I’ll take care of everything, allowing you to relax and enjoy. Personalized pace: Whether you want a leisurely day or an active itinerary, your comfort comes first. Safety and ease: I’ll make sure all the logistics run smoothly, leaving you to focus on the experience. With 30+ years in tourism and hospitality across Japan, the USA, and Australia, I bring a wealth of experience to each tour I guide. From corporate delegations to the Japanese Olympic soccer team in 2000, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding people from all walks of life. Whether you're elderly or have specific needs, I am more than happy to tailor the experience to ensure you feel comfortable and well taken care of. Together, we’ll make sure your time in Japan is truly special. Create a memorable journey that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
There are lots of sightseeing spots in Tokyo. I will arrange a customized one-day tour based upon your requirements so that you could enjoy your stay in Tokyo. We can discuss and decide places to visit effectively for a limited amount of time. One example is shown here as follows, but I'm sure I will take you to some of my best selections so that you could enjoy both of traditional and modern culture. I can arrange an appropriate lunch restaurant based upon your requirement.
Visiting the must-see spots in attractive Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most popular and attractive capitals in the world. Tokyo has been a center of politics, economy and culture of Japan for more than 400 years since it was called Edo. If you are not familiar with Tokyo, this tour will just fit your needs to grasp the rough idea of Tokyo. You will visit must-see historical spots of Tokyo including Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Tower and Tsukiji Outer Fish Market.
One-Day Historic Tokyo and Sky Adventure (Tsukiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Boat Cruise)
Enjoy shopping and spectacular view, and feel the atmosphere of Buddhism and Shinto! We will visit Tsukiji outer market and enjoy shopping and delicious sushi lunch. We also visit Namiyoke Shrine and Tsukiji Honganji Temple, which are the heart of Tsukiji people. From Hinode pier near Tsukiji we will take a boat to Asakusa. You can enjoy the view of Tokyo from a river. In Asakusa we will visit Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo Highlights Private Tour : For Any Group Size with a Friendly Local Guide!
Enjoy a fully customized private tour of Tokyo with a friendly local guide. Whether you're interested in historical sites, modern attractions, or hidden local gems, this tour is tailored to your preferences. Perfect for couples, families, and even large groups, you'll travel comfortably with a private guide, making the most of your time in Japan’s vibrant capital.
New Tokyo Private Tours
Premium Tokyo Dinner Tour. Where Only Locals with Connections Go
Discover Tokyo’s best-kept gourmet secrets no hassle, no waiting. Thanks to strong local connections, we secure reservations at premium restaurants that are usually fully booked. Enjoy a 5-star omakase experience with private guidance and a cultural finale tailored to you. (** To make sure you can dine at the best venue of your preferred genre, please contact me earlier. Thank you.)
Exciting Mt. Fuji - One Day Tour from Tokyo
In this tour, we will visit two Mt. Fuji viewing spots. Lake Kawaguchi and Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. My favorite part of this tour is when we enjoy beautiful Mt. Fuji on a sightseeing boat at Lake Kawaguchi.
Imperial Palace Jogging 5KM Experience
The 5-kilometer loop around Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is Japan’s most famous running route—where locals, Olympians, and visitors all jog alongside history. With its smooth pavement, lush greenery, and postcard views of moats and castle walls, it’s the perfect blend of fitness and sightseeing.
Karaoke Experience
No trip to Tokyo is complete without belting out your favorite tunes in a private karaoke room! Unlike Western-style bar karaoke, Japan’s karaoke culture is all about uninhibited fun with friends (or solo!) in a cozy, high-tech booth—complete with disco lights, tambourines, and an endless song library. It’s where shy locals transform into rockstars after a few drinks.
Popular Tokyo Private Cars
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
We offer fully customized tours to suit each guest's preferences and interests. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable and comfortable experience of Japan at your own pace, whether you seek sightseeing, local cuisine, cultural activities, or nature exploration. An English-speaking guide is available upon request for a smooth and informative journey.
From Tokyo to Wonderful Izu "Off-The-Beaten-Path" 1-Day Car Tour from with a licensed guide
Discover Izu! Visit the West Gateway of the Izu Peninsula by car with a licensed guide 4 Attractions: 1) Suruga Bay Boat Cruise Feed the seagulls that fly toward you for snacks 2) Izu Panorama Park Take a ropeway to the peak of a mountain 3) Izu Gateway Kannami (rest area) Lunch and Shopping, Wasabi Museum 4) Strawberry Picking All-you-can-eat strawberry picking in the greenhouse
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
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Rick W.
“Atsushi is gold medal tailored garden/history guide ”
Atsushi What a gentleman , a fully individual tour over 3 days , the care and understanding of my requested interests were all attended too . Would recommend him to all if you knowledgeable insights in history , and a easy understanding of bus and train networks took the hassle out of touring I thank him for a great memories Rick Tasmanian
Atsushi K.
Thank you for your nice message. I am always trying to fulfill what is missing from the guidebook, so that everyone can understand the background of Japanese culture and tradition. I am thrilled to know you were satisfied with my guidance.
Katia L.
“Wonderful Tokyo day trip! ”
Seigo, is an absolutely amazing tour guide. A local Japanese born and raised in Tokyo, a tireless individual who took us to famous landmarks like the Asakusa center, Tokyo Tower, the Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku street and pretty much everywhere in Tokyo city within 7 hours. He even booked for us a Kimono dress up experience, which we lived. He was incredibly patient with our three kids, allowing us time to explore as a family and meet them at certain points. He went above and beyond by making a reservation for us at a wonderful sushi place known for its fresh nigiri especially when it was difficult and busy in the city to find food. Seigo's joyful and exciting demeanor made the tour unforgettable. We were thrilled to have Seigo as our guide and couldn't have asked for a better experience. We highly recommend Seigo for anyone visiting Tokyo.
Carol N.
“Fantastic day with Shusaku! ”
We had a fantastic day with Shusaku. He was engaging, attentive, extremely helpful, and a lot of fun to be with. We went to Tsujiki Market where we tried a wide variety of delicious foods before sitting down for conveyor belt sushi. The market was bustling with a lot of people and Shu did a great job of keeping us together and moving us along. He took care of us in every way - helping us select delicious foods and even taking our trash (there are few trash reciprocals). We relaxed and enjoyed ourselves while he figured out the details. We then went to Shinjuku Gyoen National Park. Shusaku showed us the beautiful lake, pointed out the cherry blossom trees, and found us a lovely tree to sit under for a break (it was quite warm). He checked constantly to be sure he had everyone in our group (we are 6 people) and that everyone was comfortable He pointed out bathrooms and water refilling stations. Best if all - and most unexpectedly - he brought a camera and took photos of our group all along the way. We now have a photo journal of our first day which we never would have had. This is a lasting gift for us and we are most grateful! Finally, we went to Donki and Shu helped me find items I had on a list to bring back to friends. If you have ever been to Donki, you know how overwhelming it is. He helped me find everything I was looking for. Having a guide who is nice, relatable, fun to be with, and knows his way around the city and trains made our first day a lot more relaxing than it would have been if we’d gone on our own. One other thing - he was most helpful with figuring the trains. While most of us had the Suica on our iPhones, one person needed physical tickets because he had an android phone. Shusaku was extremely helpful with this as well. By the time we returned to the hotel, I received all of the photos and a nice note from Shusaku offering to help us if we need anything during our stay.. I highly recommend him as a guide! Thanks Shu!
Shusaku M.
Thank you so much for the lovely review. It truly made me happy to meet you. If you enjoyed Tsukiji Market, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Kabukicho in Shinjuku, that makes me very happy. If you ever need anything, please feel free to message me anytime. The photos we took together are treasures to me. Enjoy the rest of your trip in Japan! I hope our paths will cross again!!!!!
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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Enjoying The World’s Natural Beauty With A Private Guide
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