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
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!!
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!
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
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 .
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. I am a master of Tea ceremony and Ikebana(Flower arrangement). 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 with my wife, 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!
Popular Tokyo Private Tours
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
Tokyo Highlights! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - Personalized Tokyo Full-Day Tour
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
A one-day tour covering major spots in Tokyo for your first visit
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
Kahoko's Tokyo "As you like" One Day Tour
New Tokyo Private Tours
Tokyo's Modern Hilights: Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Tokyo's Modern Hilights: Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Nikko between history and spirituality - A day in the sacred heart of Japan
Nikko between history and spirituality - A day in the sacred heart of Japan
Tokyo Toilet Art Walk Tour – From Transparent Walls to Wooden Warmth
Tokyo Toilet Art Walk Tour – From Transparent Walls to Wooden Warmth
Nikko tra storia e spiritualità – Un giorno nel cuore sacro del Giappone
Nikko tra storia e spiritualità – Un giorno nel cuore sacro del Giappone
Popular Tokyo Private Cars
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
From Tokyo to Wonderful Izu "Off-The-Beaten-Path" 1-Day Car Tour from with a licensed guide
From Tokyo to Wonderful Izu "Off-The-Beaten-Path" 1-Day Car Tour from with a licensed guide
Tokyo Night tour by car
Tokyo Night tour by car
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Christina G.
“The perfect guide!”
We just had our tour with Leandra and it was excellent! She was loved by all the family members and really tailored what we saw to our interests, even pivoting during the tour based on our use of the time and the comments we made at each stop. She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful, and also we really appreciated the insights and learning we gained from her about the history and culture, as well as her experience living in country. We can’t say enough how great she is- anyone who is her client will be very happy!
Jeff F.
“1 Day Tour ”
Ritsuko was a great tour guide for my daughter and I. We provided some input of things we wanted to do and she helped craft a custom itinerary that suited our interests. She was very conversational in English and at no point was there awkward silence. She was very prepared with detailed information and accommodating to changes or requests along our route. Money well spent for the day.
Kristen V.
“Nice tour with Yukiko ”
Yukiko came prepared with a timeline during different eras so she could explain the history of Japan as we walked through the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens. She also brought us to some high rises just to see some magnificent views of Tokyo. We had a nice time with Yukiko learning about the history and culture of Japan.
Yukiko K.
Dear Kristen, Thank you so much for your nice review! You are so intelligent and have a deep insight into life. You have a great knowledge on Japanese culture and asked me keen questions. It is a great pleasure if you learned about Japanese history and culture from my tour. You and your husband Noel were so generous and kind. I really appreciate your kindness. Yukiko
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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