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
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.
Grant A.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history. I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood. If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider: One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights. Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience. Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests. For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations. While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request. Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours) Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
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!!
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
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo 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
Ginza Line Tour
Ginza Line Tour
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
How about an enjoyable walking in Tokyo?
New Tokyo Private Tours
Tokyo for Kids & Teens! A Fun-Filled Family Adventure Day
Tokyo for Kids & Teens! A Fun-Filled Family Adventure Day
Tokyo Highlights! - 8-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - 8-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
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
Popular Tokyo Private Cars
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
Tokyo Private & Custom Local Guide Tour – 1-Day Luxury Experience
Tokyo Night tour by car
Tokyo Night tour by car
TOKYO Seasonal Peaks Discovery (Full-Day)
TOKYO Seasonal Peaks Discovery (Full-Day)
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
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Giuliana T.
“Execellent day in Asakusa and Komagome”
Thank you so much Kent! We fully enjoyed the day with his guydance based on his deep knowledge on Japanese culture, history and its spirituality. Also the traditional tea seremony was an amaging experience! He was very kind and friendly to adjust tour schedule (meeting point, moving rougt and lunch place etc.) for us based on our request and interest. We highly recommend him to anyone interested in authentic Tokyo culture!
Zack W.
“Shunta is awesome!!”
Shunta was a fantastic guide who aided me during my very first trip to Tokyo. He was extremely knowledgeable when it came to all of the locations we went to and was flexible to any changes needed based on the original itinerary. He was super helpful in when it came to helping me find gifts for my family members back home as well. As a first timer in Tokyo, it can be a little intimidating, but Shunta made it easy fun with his patience and humor. I highly recommend Shunta if you are coming to Tokyo and are looking for a guide!
Shunta N.
Thank you so much for your amazing review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you on your very first trip to Tokyo. I’m truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience and that I could help make the day smooth and enjoyable. Your openness and positive energy made the tour even more rewarding for me. I’m glad I could help with the gift shopping too! Wishing you all the best on your future travels, and I hope to welcome you back to Japan someday. Warm regards, Shunta
Rio C.
“Best Experience in Tokyo So Far”
This is the first time I hire a local tour guide in Japan. I was not expecting too much but it turned out to be one of the best experience for me! Right before I confirmed, Shunta told me he might not be available for us and will ask his friend Ethan to take care of us. I was totally Okay with it. Ethan was very punctual. Showed up before the scheduled time. The whole tour lasted around 7 hours. I don't think he looked at his phone once for personal stuff. He only checked his phone because he needed to look at our schedule or Google Map for direction (Japan's metro system is insane..). He will recommend places out of the itinerary according to our personal interest. So, we ended up at the Korean Town for K POP shopping as well. He taught us Japanese rituals at Nezu Shrine and told us bunch stuff about Japan's history. He takes care of everyone in the group as well, making sure everyone is engaged, everyone got their metro card and stuff. His English is very good by the way. The highlight gotta be the 居酒屋 (sake house) he took us to. In there, we tried bunch of local Japanese food like raw horse meat, raw chicken, raw duck, etc. Really good beer and highball. Somehow we were able to talk like friends and shared a lot more beyond just customers and a tour guide. He also shot a video for a friend of ours saying happy birthday to her. What a trip! I wish Shunta and Ethan the best of luck! See you guys around!
Shunta N.
Hi Rio, Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re grateful to have shared such a great time together. Hope to see you again someday!
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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