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
Toru I.
Hello to all of you on the screen. My name is Toru Ishii and I am a licensed national interpretater of English language. I have been guiding scrolling around a Japanese landscape garden designated as Scenic Beauty in Yokohama city for the last 2 years. I would like to explain about time-honored Japanese architectures, transfered from Kyoto and Kamakura, designated as Important Cultural Property. I am also interested in Tea Ceremony and in the ritual of serving powdered green tea in the garden. Yokohama opened its door to overseas comers in 1859 after the Meiji Restoration. The port of Yokohama shared about 70 percents of overseas trading in Japan. The main export was raw silk thread. Now the beautiful city of Yokohama has become historically exotic and ranks as one of the most fascinating internationally trading city that attracts many foreign tourists. I am always happy to guide tourists around this historical region and Introduce the delights of Japanese cuisine and Chinese cuisine in China town according to the visitor's requests. Stepping further out from Yokohama, I would recommend Kamakura city, a 20 minutes train ride on the JR Line, where the visitor can feel the fresh ocean breeze. The nearby Zen Buddhist temples and the Great Buddha are main attractions and souvenir shopping adds the excitement. Kamakura was established by the first Shogun, Yoritomo Minamoto, in 1192 and the shogunate government lasted till 1333. He established his Samurai government which ruled over Japan. After arriving at Kamakura or Kita-Kamakura station, the visitor can easily walk around the city. This city is easily accesable by train from Yokohama (less than 30 minutes) and Tokyo (less than 1 hour). As for my background, I have experienced staying in Louisiana in the United States and studied at the university there. Now I am 60 years old and I am still working for a company, while at the same time, I work as a volunteer guide a few days a month in Yokohama city. I like traveling in foreign countries, and have experienced short time staying at several European countries, North America as well as some Asian countries. Last January, I travelled San Fransico and Merced city, California. I would be delighted to exchange cultural experience with many visitors from all over the world. If you happen to be visiting my country and if you are interested , please feel free to contact me. Toru Ishii
Keiko H.
HI. I am Keiko. I'm a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter - Your local tour guide.I was born in Tokyo and studied Japanese history in the University. I used to work as a junior high school English teacher for over 30 years . So I know about Tokyo a lot. One of my hobbies is Japanese history and finding similarities with world history is very interesting and so much fun for me. Tokyo is an attractive city where you can both experience the marriage of both traditional and modern culture. I'd be more than happy to share with you my rich knowledge and experience. I'll be grateful to arrange a tour for you according to your preferences. I'm looking forward to having a good time with you and I hope to be a part of your stay here in Japan.
Yoko I.
Hello, I'm Yoko. I was born and brought up in Ashikaga, Tochigi prefecture (80 km north from Tokyo) and I've lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years. I love traveling, both overseas and inside Japan. After I visited other countries and saw many local cultures there, I realized that Japan has a variety of unique cultures with a lot of tourist attractions. I hope you enjoy your stay in Japan. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Ritsuko K.
Hi, I'm Ritsuko, a national licensed tour guide. I was born and raised in Tokyo. As Tokyo is a city of many faces, I hope you will discover your hidden gems during the tour. I love to wander around the shops and places downtown and one of my hobbies is to find daily-use products made in Japan. So I can select unique souvenirs for you within your budget! I am football-mad and have been to every FIFA World Cup except one tournament since 1998. I also love to go island hopping in Asia. That's why I have been to over 30 countries. Wherever I went, people were so kind to me. So, it's my turn. I will do my best to make your tour a memorable one! Hope to hear from you soon.
New Tokyo Tour Guides
Camille L.
Bonjour et enchantée, je suis Camille ! (« Kamiiyu », en japonais) Passionnée par l'histoire, l'art et la culture japonaise depuis ma plus tendre enfance, j'ai décidé de franchir le cap et de vivre un an au Japon. Je vis et sillonne le pays depuis le mois de décembre 2024, aujourd'hui, de retour à Tokyo, j'accompagne des groupes de visiteurs francophones dans cette capitale pour les guider à travers les buildings et leur conter la fabuleuse histoire du pays du soleil levant. « Vous avez peut-être de nombreuses questions : C'est quoi un yukata ? Temple bouddhiste et sanctuaire shintoïste, quelle est la différence ? On dit "Geiko" ou "Geisha" ? C'est quoi du "Kabuki" ? Quels sont les spécialités culinaires ici ? JE VEUX TOUT GOÛTER !!! Un samouraï, un shogun, un empereur, ... quesaco ?! Et si je suis un vrai "Otaku", passionnée de manga ou d'anime, je vais où ? Que faire ou ne pas faire au Japon ? Etc. Je vous dis TOUT ! Entre lieux incontournables de la vie tokyoïte moderne et quartiers traditionnels emblématiques, j'espère vous partager un bout de cette passion et vous aider à mieux appréhender votre séjour dans ce pays merveilleux mais, aux mœurs si différentes. » Si vous êtes intéressez n'hésitez pas à me contacter, à me partager vos envies, et je préparerais votre visite en fonction. Et si vous n'avez pas d'idées, aucun problème, je prendrais les devants ! Je propose plusieurs types de visites guidées : 1 seul lieu précis (durée 2h environ) 1 demi journée à travers plusieurs endroits (durée 3h30) 1 journée à travers plusieurs endroits (durée 7h) Je vous dis donc à très bientôt, ou plutôt : "Matane" !
Kota A.
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in Hiroshima, a city full of rich history and beautiful nature. After graduating from university in Shiga Prefecture, I now work as a tour guide and also create opportunities for international exchange. Three years ago, I had a working holiday experience in Vancouver, Canada. During that time, I had many unforgettable experiences that brought color and meaning to my life. I received so much kindness and warm hospitality—from locals who shared their city’s history to those who gave me wonderful recommendations. I also learned a lot, especially realizing just how much people around the world love and appreciate Japan. Since then, I’ve wanted to help visitors to Japan enjoy memorable and meaningful experiences. Through GoWithGuide, my goal is to offer special moments that allow you to connect more deeply with Japan’s traditions and culture. If our schedules align, I’d also be happy to guide you around Hiroshima—my hometown—as well as Kyoto, Osaka, or Shiga, where I spent a lot of time during my student years. Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested! Let’s experience this amazing country together! I’m really looking forward to meeting you!
Kenta M.
Hi! I'm Kenta from Japan. Just call me ‘Ken’ It’s easy. I was born in Tokyo and raised in Ibaraki pref. After graduating from a high school in Ibaraki, I went to a university in Tokyo to study music. After that, I worked part-time jobs related to music, and finally became a resident DJ in Shibuya, organizing various events and also working in lighting and sound. I have also performed alongside world-famous artists that everyone knows. After working as a DJ for several years, I started a company that imports plants. Our products are mainly rare plants from around the world. I import them and wholesale them to businesses. I have traveled to many countries around the world since my DJ days. I have performed in Asian countries, studied English in South Africa, and even went to Canada to see the Aurora. I really love traveling abroad. I believe that experiencing different cultures and embracing new things is very important. I’m excited to see you guys ! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. !!! I ALSO OFFER FULLY CUSTOMIZED TOURS FROM TOKYO !!!
Hiromi S.
Hello my name is Hiromi. I am Japanese and local around Tokyo,Kanagawa area. I used to work in the bank for more than 20 years.Now I enjoy to be a private guide for the tourists from America,France,Germany,Canada,Norway,Greece..so on. I have many options that you are going to love it!! I also have a stroller and experiences to raise 2sons so I can make you feel comfortable here in Japan without any worries with me. I am so excited to meet you and support you to make the precious memories in Japan .
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
Tokyo One Day Customized Tour
What would you like to do in Tokyo ? Traditional culture ? Japanese food ? Special experience ? Or all of the above ? If yes, I'd like to arrange a tour specially for you. For your traveling pleasure, I've selected must-see places in Tokyo for you to explore. If you choose three places from the highlighted list below, I will arrange a package for you. Please feel free to let me know if you have any other places in mind and I'd be more than happy to assist you.
Tokyo One Day Customized Tour
One day Tokyo tour- customized for you
There are a lot of attractive sites in Tokyo, the biggest city in Japan. I'll arrange the tour based on your preference and thoughts. If you come to Tokyo for the first time, I'd recommend you to visit highlights, such as Sensoji temple and Meiji Jingu shrine and modern area like Shibuya or Harajuku. If you're interested in hidden gems, please feel free to ask me. I'm happy to arrange the tour for you. Let's enjoy exploring Tokyo on the tour!
One day Tokyo tour- customized for you
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
My tours are essentially tailor-made, but I have listed a model tour due to this site's rules. It is designed for first-time visitors who want to explore Tokyo’s must-see spots. If you’d like to visit other places, feel free to send me a message—I’d be happy to create a personalized tour just for you!
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
What would you like to see and try in a one day tour? Here ,I will show you three recommended tours . You can try one or two of them. Or, if you you have enough time to try these three , you can cover most of the places in Tokyo. Of course you can change some parts of contents freely or a total customized one along with your requests or interests is also available. Tokyo is such a versatile city. You could definitely enjoy enchanting time in Tokyo with ME !
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
New Tokyo Private Tours
Dans les pas du Shogun...
Prêts pour un challenge ? En un jour, retraçons l'âge d'or et le déclin du shogunat. Et au commencement, Tokyo n’était pas encore Tokyo… Un retour aux origines de cette capitale dont la grandeur actuelle est intimement liée à celle d’un homme dont l’ambition et le charisme seront tels, qu’il fera ombrage au fils de la déesse du soleil, l’empereur du Japon. Eh oui ! rien que ça. Cet homme d’armes et de vertu c'est Tokugawa Ieyasu. Il est le troisième unificateur du Japon et le fondateur d’Edo.
Dans les pas du Shogun...
Tokyo’s Old-town Tour: Asakusa & Taiyaki Making
You might get overwhelmed by the busy main streets and the huge Sensoji-temple. This tour offers you an in-depth journey through the charming small shops and scenes in Asakusa that are often missed by first-time visitors along with a fun workshop, “hands-on taiyaki-making experience”at a local shop. Learn the secrets of this beloved fish-shaped pancake, from preparing the sweet filling to pouring the batter. Join us to see the Asakusa and the authentic culinary workshop!!
Tokyo’s Old-town Tour: Asakusa & Taiyaki Making
Escape the City: Traditional Japanese Homes & Jindaiji Temple Day Tour
Step away from the busy city and enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by history and nature. Explore Edo-period farmhouses at Nihon Minka-en, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch, visit the serene Jindaiji Temple, and stroll through nearby botanical gardens and castle ruins. This cultural day trip is perfect for those seeking authentic, tranquil experiences in Tokyo.
Escape the City: Traditional Japanese Homes & Jindaiji Temple Day Tour
Takeshita Street & Ura-Harajuku Walking Tour
A 2-hour walking tour exploring both the vibrant pop culture of Takeshita Street and the unique street style of Ura-Harajuku. Includes a sweet or drink, photo spots, and local shop recommendations.
Takeshita Street & Ura-Harajuku Walking Tour
Popular Tokyo Private Cars
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
I 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.
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
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 Night tour by car
Tokyo Custom Private Car Tour – Explore the City's Secret Spots Your Way
Dive into the hidden side of Tokyo with your own private custom car. This tour is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the typical landmarks and discover secret alleys, nostalgic neighborhoods, local eateries, and off-the-beaten-path gems. Whether you’re into culture, food, photography, or just want to see a different side of the city, we’ll tailor the route to your interests. Sit back, relax, and explore Tokyo your way — comfortably and privately.
Tokyo Custom Private Car Tour – Explore the City's Secret Spots Your Way
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
From Tokyo to Wonderful Izu "Off-The-Beaten-Path" 1-Day Car Tour from with a licensed guide
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Paula a E.
“Great guide! ”
We had a great experience with Toshi, we are to see a lot of places within one day! He was also very knowledgeable about the city and history.
Toshihiro Y.
Thank you for the wonderful tour review, Paula-san. You had already visited various spots in Japan. In this tour, we visited unique sites in Tokyo. Your family are all friendly. I enjoyed conversation with your family. I think that you are now back to your country. Please come to Japan again in the near future.
Haley F.
“Don't know what we would have done without her! ”
Hiring Tomoko was the best decision I made for my entire 17-day trip across Japan. I messaged several tour guides before messaging her, with a list of unique things I wanted to see in Tokyo off the beaten path and they did not want to do much else than their normal tours. I only had weeks to go before my arrival, and Tomoko worked very hard to get an itinerary that worked for us in a short time. Her communication was amazing. During our time with her, she helped me find FUGU (blow fish) which has been on my bucket list for 20 years. I had a request for live music and she took us to an unforgettable Shamisen performance in a small local restaurant. I requested to see some local artists, and we went to the neatest place which reminded me of Austin, Texas. We found a dog cafe for my boyfriend, played in the photo booths, got some amazing sushi, and so much more. We also saw the bigger attractions and really got a feel for the different neighborhoods in Japan. She is a perfect tour guide for any walk of life as she is very adaptable and organized. Thank you so much Tomoko. I wish I would have had you for the rest of my trip!
Tomoko H.
Thank you, Haley, for broadening my horizon and experience while having fun together. Sure, your initial list of things you wanted to do and places you wanted to go was enough to make my head spin. This may have been your first trip to Japan, but I could sense that your list included places that held memories for your father and grandfather, things you had been thinking about for decades, and consideration for your kind boyfriend who was accompanying you. If you didn't understand my schedule and my relationships with the local shops that are important to me, things might not have gone so smoothly. I appreciate your cooperation. I will never forget Jeremy's sparkling eyes and happy smile when we came across the Snoopy anniversary corner in Ginza.：） If there is one thing I regret, it is that I was distracted by an appointment with a friend and was not on the platform when the Narita Express arrived and you boarded. I was relieved that you'd safely caught your flight after the last adventure in Japan. I learned a lesson. It goes without saying, but “what is usual for you is not usual for others.” I look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes to you all, Haley, Jeremy, families, neighbors and doggies!
Tamar H.
“Excellent Guide through Tokyo!”
Ritsuko was amazing from start to finish. She was informative and tailored to tour for us perfectly. We learned so much from her and had a great time. Highly recommend!
Ritsuko K.
Hi Tamar, thank you so much for coming all the way from Yokohama to Shibuya. I’m especially delighted to show Preston both the traditional and modern sides of Tokyo. I hope you two discover even more of Japan’s beauty and charm during your cruise. All the best!
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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