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
Yuko O.
Hello, potential tourists! I'm Yuko, Yokohama local tour guide with English government license. I have been living in Yokohama for 40 years, and have been working in Tokyo for 35 years; 20 years as a business person,10 years as a teacher, then I became a tour guide in 2015. Yokohama is a major port city, and the 2nd largest city in Japan. It is one of the most popular sightseeing spots for Japanese tourists as well. However, for non-Japanese guests who are to experience things unique to Japan, without a tour guide, it could not be so stimulating, - a beautiful harbor, traditional garden, fashionable shopping mall, which could be likely to appear not so different from Tokyo, or other Western or Asian port cities. Actually, Yokohama is very special for Japan ! Without Yokohama, Japan would not have been developed into what it is now! Would you find real attraction of Yokohama with me ? Also I'm familiar with Tokyo, an urban city and Kamakura, an ancient city. See you in Yokohama, Japan!
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!!
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.
Jaime A.
Welcome to Tokyo! With over seven years in Tokyo and a deep-rooted fascination with all-things-Japan, I blend deep cultural insight with the curiosity of a seasoned traveler. Fluent in English, Japanese, and Spanish, I specialize in hidden gems, pop culture, retro neighborhoods, and unforgettable food adventures. My tours are personalized, immersive, and designed to show you the real Tokyo—beyond the tourist trail. Whether you’re after anime nostalgia, historic temples, or local eats, I’ll make Tokyo your most memorable destination yet. ⸻ What I Offer Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or the fifth, I offer personalized tours tailored to your unique interests. From cultural deep-dives and street food crawls to anime pilgrimages and retro neighborhood walks, each tour is crafted to give you an experience that only a local insider can provide. ⸻ Let’s Create Your Dream Tokyo Adventure Your Tokyo adventure starts with a simple chat. Tell me what you’re into—art, food, temples, vintage shopping, hidden bars, subcultures—and I’ll design a completely custom itinerary just for you. Want to tweak it? No problem. You’re in full control, and I’ll make sure every moment is smooth, engaging, and unforgettable. ⸻ Experiences You Can Expect • Hidden gems far from the tourist trail • Retro and Showa-era neighborhoods • Anime, manga, and gaming hot spots • Foodie adventures from street snacks to high-end sushi • Scenic views, iconic sites, and photo-ready moments • Flexible pacing and thoughtful local insight Because Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. Every street corner, every flavor, every hidden shrine tells a story—and together, we’ll experience it not like tourists, but like the locals do. Ready to Explore? Your Tokyo journey, crafted your way — let’s make it unforgettable!
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.
Kent I.
Hello! My name is Kent and I live in Shinjuku, Tokyo with my wife. I am a maseter of tea and Ikebana. I have been learning these cultural activities for more than 10 years. I have assisted with tea ceremonies at a Zen temple and participated in Ikebana shows for tourists. These experiences have provided me with extensive knowledge and deep insights into Japanese culture developed under the influence of Zen. While I studied these cultural traditions privately, I majored in engineering and earned a degree in the field from Kyoto University. My days in Kyoto has made me familier with local lives and cultural activities. Thanks to the connections from that time, I can host a tea ceremony there. After graduating, I worked in robot software development, collaborating remotely with our American colleagues in Michigan. I also engaged with clients and local sales teams in Germany, India, and China. They showed strong interests in Japanese culture and my background. This exposure deepened my appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural heritage, inspiring me to guide tours as well as practicing cultural activities. Now, I live in Shinjuku, Tokyo, enjoying life here. I will guide tours to convey the history and culture of Japan and provide creative experiences. I am also available to offer tours of Kyoto or other places than Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Lynn K.
Hi! I'm Lynn I've been living in Japan for over 20 years but was born in the Philippines. I am a former banker based in Tokyo and a part time English Teacher. My School Days in both Japan and Singapore allowed me to meet and interact with people from different environments and cultures. I would say I enjoy travelling and became a traveler myself. Of all the places I've have been to, Japan is the place that I love the most- the fresh food, unique culture, breath taking scenery and warm people make it very special. Message me if you like a customized tour and I would be happy to create 100% customized tour for you in Tokyo and Shizuoka, Contact me now!
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!
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
Tokyo City Walk(2) - Highlight of Western Tokyo (7 hours)
This tour covers main and major highlights in Western Tokyo, which is rather modern and urban places, including high rise commercial buildings, contemporary art places, subculture sites and entertainments.
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.
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! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
Explore Tokyo with a fully customizable private tour tailored to your interests. Whether you're maximizing sightseeing or need a local guide to navigate, translate, and offer personalized recommendations, this tour is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the best places to eat, all while receiving expert advice to make the most of your Tokyo adventure. Let’s create an unforgettable experience just for you!
New Tokyo Private Tours
Tokyo Anime Paradise Tour: Akihabara, Ikebukuro & Nakano Adventure
Join us for a full-day adventure through Tokyo’s most iconic anime and pop culture hotspots! This tour is perfect for anime, manga, and game lovers who want to dive deep into the heart of otaku culture. Discover Akihabara, the "Holy Land for Otaku"! Next, we head to the Animate Ikebukuro Main Store—the world's largest anime shop! Finally, experience Nakano Broadway, a pop culture haven known for its rare collectibles, iconic Mandarake stores, and over 300 other shops.
Old Tokyo Treasures: Museum & Sugamo Discovery Tour
Step off the typical tourist path and discover two very different sides of Tokyo in one unforgettable day. Begin your journey in Ueno at the Tokyo National Museum, home to Japan’s greatest collection of ancient art. Then shift gears and explore Sugamo, a nostalgic neighborhood known as “Grandma’s Harajuku,” where local charm, traditional sweets.This tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and everyday life in Tokyo—perfect for curious travelers looking to go deeper.
Culture, History and Religion - Encounter Japan
This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Tokyo’s history and culture. Beginning at the Imperial Palace, you will explore Japan’s early modern period. Next, you will visit Senso-ji Temple to learn about Buddhism’s arrival and its connection with Shinto. After lunch, you will experience a tea ceremony. The afternoon includes a stroll through Rikugien, a Daimyo garden reflecting days of SHogun. The final stop is Meiji Jingu, where you gain insights into Shinto’s spiritual influence.
＊Romy's Tokyo＊ 4 hours Omakase Tour
＊Discover Tokyo's most popular and memorable sites with Romy＊ Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street and Shibuya Crossing Our carefully curated tour takes you to the city's most iconic destinations, where tradition meets modernity! Your guide, Romy, worked at the Imperial Household Agency, and an expert on Meiji Jingu Shrine will showcase Tokyo's must-see attractions. ＊This tour is perfect as an orientation for first-time visitors to Japan, especially on your first day＊
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.
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
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
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.
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
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Catherine P.
“Fabulous day with Hiroshi”
We had a fantastic day with Hiroshi. We covered a lot of the major sites in Tokyo. Hiroshi has an easy going style and is very knowledgeable. He has a great sense of humor and was very good at explaining complicated history.
Hiroshi S.
Thank you very much for the review. I also had a great time with you. We visited Ueno, Tsukiji, Imperial Palace, Harajuku and Shibuya. We learned about Japanese history and religion, and also got a taste of young people's culture. Unfortunately, we weren't able to meet the Emperor :-) I think you also learned some basic Japanese greetings, so I hope you'll try to use them during your stay in Japan. There are still many things to see in Tokyo. Please contact me when you come to Japan again. Let's enjoy Tokyo and Japan together! Hiroshi
Norlina (elah) A.
“Perfect day with Jolly ”
We had an amazing private tour with Jolly and it was the highlight of our stay in Tokyo. Jolly is a very kind ,warm person, beautiful and is perfect in every way! We loved her patience, doesn’t rush us and very helpful at all times. She radiates with exuberance.I genuinely felt so much better catching the train in Tokyo because of her guidance .She went beyond our expectations.We were so comfortable with her straight away and she treated us like family, so did we. We loved talking to her about everything especially my husband who felt very connected. Jolly you made us all happy for the entire day . It was fun , funny and always full of surprises. We were sad at the end of the tour because we had to say goodbye. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing us what Japanese hospitality is . We really hope to see you again next time. 5 stars isn’t enough. You are 100 stars and more if only I am allowed to rate your service. Arigato gozaimasu.
Jolly S.
Oh! What a heartwarming review you gave me...although you must've been a bit tired after our Tokyo tour and you have a big day to Nikko today. Thank you so much for taking your time. I really appreciate it!! I also want to thank you all for your kindness, tolerance and politeness during the tour. Yes, you treated me just like family. You always paid respect to our culture and patiently listened to my sometimes a bit too long stories. You and your husband are sophicticated, intelligent and at the same time very humolous. It was a great fun to talk with you. We talked even about the world future! Of course I was fascinated with your cutest daughter as well. She is not just beautiful but energetic, cheerful and really pleasant to be around. She is a real angel. Again thank you very much for finding me. I really had a wonderful time with you. Take care and keep enjoying your stay in Japan. Arigatou gozaimashita!!!
Rosemary M.
“Amazing and Fun! ”
Ken and driver were amazing! They went the extra mile. Very attentive to our needs. Very flexible Always there making sure everything went smoothly. We love Tokyo and would contact him again.
Ken T.
Dear Rosemary and Ellizabeth, Thank you so much for your kind review! It was truly a pleasure guiding you around Tokyo. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the day—we know it was a long journey, especially after disembarking from the cruise, but you both kept such a cheerful spirit throughout. My wife and I are also very glad we could help make your day smooth and comfortable. We really enjoyed spending time with you and showing you some of the highlights of our city. If you ever come back to Japan, we would be more than happy to welcome you again. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures ahead! Warm regards, Ken & Sachie (my wife, driver)
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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