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
Fumiko I.
Hello! I'm Fumiko, a licensed national tourist guide. I love Japanese culture such as Japanese way of arranging flowers, calligraphy, origami or folding paper, and wearing yukata. If you would like to experience these kinds of things Japanese, I can arrange for you. I'm good on Japanese history, too. I'd like to show you around Tokyo and other places with their historical backgrouds, if you like. As I had worked for a travel agency for a long time, I can help you travel smoothly and I'd like to meet your request as much as possible. I often guide Asakusa, Ueno, East Garden of Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, Ryogoku, Yanesen, Meiji Jingu , Harajuku and so on.
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!
Kaori S.
Kon-ni-chi-wa. Hello! I'm Kaori, having lived in Tokyo for more than 20 years since I got married to a photographer who lives here. Originally from Shizuoka prefecture which has Mt.Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. I took 2 working-holiday-visa stays in my younger days. One is in Toronto, Canada, and another is Australia touring by motorcycle. One year respectively. I love travel both international and domestic. That's why I love helping individual travelers rather than group tours, because I myself love travel freely. Love nature, gardens, trekking, greenery, also anime. My favorite is taking you to the off-the-beaten tracks where I love. As a national government licensed guide, I've got deep knowledge of Japanese culture and history. I really enjoy talking about the way of life with people from different cultures. We see what you like and talk what you are interested in. That's my style. If you don't know what to want, I can help you with that. I'm happy to make tailor-made tours only for you (up to 4 people) upon your request. ・Half Day as you like (up to 4 hours) : 40,000 JPY ・Full Day as you like (up to 8 hours) : 64,000 JPY ・Extra hour over 8hours : 6,000 JPY/hour I'm quite an outgoing person, ( but organized well! ), easy to get along with anybody, including small kids to teenagers. Can't wait to see 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
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.
[First 10 appointments at a special limited price] Hello! I'm Kent. I'm a master of Tea Ceremony and Ikebana, as well as a software developer. With over 10 years of experience, I've assisted with tea ceremonies at Zen temples and participated in Ikebana exhibitions for tourists, gaining deep insights into Japanese culture. 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. After graduating, I worked in robot software development, collaborating remotely with colleagues in Michigan and engaging with clients and sales teams in Germany, India, and China. Their strong interest in Japanese culture and my background deepened my appreciation for Japan’s heritage, inspiring me to guide tours and practice cultural activities. I currently live in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with my wife, enjoying life here. I’ve joined a robot startup and am working flexibly while continuing to guide tours. My aim is to share the rich history and culture of Japan through my tours and offer creative, immersive experiences.
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
East Gardens of Imperial Palace & Marunouchi
East Gardens of Imperial Palace & Marunouchi
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
Tokyo Highlights! - 10-Hour Fully Customized Tokyo Tour
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
Tokyo One-day As You Like with Kaori
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
New Tokyo Private Tours
Lucky Cat (Gotokuji temple) and Shimokitazawa tour
Lucky Cat (Gotokuji temple) and Shimokitazawa tour
Tokyo City Highlights Full Day Private Tour
Tokyo City Highlights Full Day Private Tour
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
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
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 Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Tokyo Highlights (Car+Driver+Guide) Luxury & Time Saving
Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo Tour Reviews
Kiran J.
“awesome tour”
grant was an excellent guide…he was ver6 able/receptive to accommodate our specific requests.
Cliff T.
“Shu is the best!!!”
Shusaku (Shu) met my wife and I at our hotel in Ginza and we asked him to walk the area with us and take us to various bars and restaurants and basically just help us get our bearings around the city. He was full of interesting info about Tokyo (and Osaka) and knows the cities very well. He is absolutely one of the nicest people we’ve ever met and he’s got a great sense of humor. He’s very entertaining and lots of laughs were shared. He also brought a nice SLR camera and took numerous pictures and sent them to us. That was a really nice touch and he didn’t charge extra for it. He also helped us learn some basic Japanese phrases and introduced us to some foods we’ve never had. It was really nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of in terms of things to do/not do based on our preferences. We will absolutely be referring him to our friends. Shu is the man, and we HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!!
Shusaku M.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review it truly made me happy! It was such a joy to meet you both. I’m already looking forward to the day we meet again. Please feel free to reach out anytime! The memories we made together are something I’ll treasure for a lifetime. Hope to see you again！！！ Arigatou!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zachary N.
“Personal Tokyo tour ”
I had an incredible experience touring Tokyo with Akira. From start to finish, he was professional, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make sure I had an unforgettable time in the city. He tailored the day to my interests, whether it was exploring hidden gems, trying authentic local food, or diving into the cultural side of Tokyo. His knowledge of the city’s history and neighborhoods made the whole experience feel like hanging out with a local friend who really knows their stuff. How organized and thoughtful he was — never rushed, always flexible, and full of great recommendations even after the tour ended. If you’re looking for someone to truly elevate your time in Tokyo, I can’t recommend him enough. Worth every yen!
Akira N.
Dear Zachary, Thank you so much for the great review. I am so glad that you enjoyed the tour just like I did. It was so much fun to guide wonderful young people like you and Rob. Thank you so much for a chance to realize that there was a time I was at your age enjoying wandering Shibuya and Shimokita, browsing thrift shops, vinyl shops, having delicious ramen in alleyway restaurant. I have to confess that I thought you were "tough guy" kind of person when we met at the lobby, but I found I was TOTALLY WRONG soon after we start walking and exchanging conversation on this and that. I found you and Rob are modest, generous, and kind gentlemen who always pay respect to locals and their culture. I hope you'll enjoy this Japan trip fully and the trip will be memorable enough to make you come back to this country again. I am looking forward to another chance to explore my loving city together. See you next time! Akira
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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