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Senso-ji temple's five-story pagoda and the Hozomon gate, lit up at night in Asakusa.

Private Tokyo tours in English

See Tokyo with a local friend, not a crowd.

Tell me a few places you'd love to see. I'll plan the route, the trains and a good place to eat, and show you the small spots locals love on the way.

  • Just your group
  • Your places, your pace
  • Half day or full day

Why a local guide

Tokyo is huge. Let's make it simple.

Trains, tickets, menus in Japanese, which exit to take. I handle the tricky parts so you can enjoy the city.

No getting lost

I'll show you how to ride the trains, buy tickets and find the right exit. By the end, you'll move around Tokyo on your own.

Famous places, plus local favorites

See the big sights, then a quiet backstreet, a snack stall or a view most visitors walk right past.

Your pace, your interests

Anime, food, history, photography or traveling with kids. We plan the day around what you want, and change it on the go.

Made for you おまかせ

Tell me where you want to go. I'll build the day around it.

Send me two or three places you'd like to visit, or just what you're into. I'll put them together into one easy day, as far as time and distance allow.

  1. Tell me a few places

    "Meiji Jingu, a ramen shop and some vintage stores" is plenty. Not sure yet? Tell me what you like.

  2. I plan the route

    The best order, the trains between them, where to eat and where to rest. If two places are too far apart for one day, I'll suggest a good swap.

  3. We explore together

    On the day, we follow the plan and change it whenever you like.

You send

"We'd love to see Meiji Jingu, eat good ramen and find vintage shops. Two adults and an 8-year-old."

I suggest

  1. Morning walk through the forest at Meiji Jingu
  2. Harajuku and a kid-friendly crêpe stop
  3. Ramen lunch near Shibuya, before the lines
  4. Vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, two stops away
Send me your list
The tall wooden torii gate at Meiji Jingu, in a quiet forest.
Meiji Jingu Shrine 明治神宮
Mount Fuji seen above the buildings of Tokyo on a clear day.
Mount Fuji from the city
Cherry blossoms lit up at night along a moat in Tokyo.
Cherry blossoms at night 夜桜

Also popular: sumo practice, a sushi breakfast, Ghibli-themed spots, quiet gardens, onsen-style baths and day trips to Kamakura.

Where we go 名所

Four faces of Tokyo

Old Tokyo, the tallest tower in Japan, pop culture and the famous crossing. All of them fit in one day.

The red Kaminarimon gate in Asakusa with its giant lantern.

Asakusa 浅草

Walk through the Kaminarimon gate and its giant lantern, shop for snacks on Nakamise street, and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. I'll show you how to pray at a temple and draw an omikuji fortune.

Try
Fresh ningyo-yaki cakes and melon pan
Best time
Early morning, before the crowds
Line drawing of Tokyo Skytree rising above the Sumida River and low city buildings.

Tokyo Skytree 東京スカイツリー

At 634 m, it's the tallest tower in Japan. Ride up to the observation decks for a 360° view of the city, and on a clear day, Mount Fuji. Just a short walk across the river from Asakusa.

Try
The glass floor on the Tembo Deck
Best time
Late afternoon into sunset
Akihabara's main street, lined with tall buildings covered in colorful signboards.

Akihabara 秋葉原

The home of anime, manga, games and electronics. Explore multi-floor shops, retro game stores and arcades, and try your luck at the capsule toy machines. I'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Try
A claw-machine game at a big arcade
Best time
Afternoon, when every shop is open
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing seen from above at dusk, crowds crossing under bright screens.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing 渋谷スクランブル交差点

When the lights turn green, up to a few thousand people cross at once from every direction. Walk it yourself, then watch it from above. We'll say hello to Hachiko, the famous loyal dog, on the way.

Try
The view from a rooftop or café window
Best time
After dark, when the screens light up

Want something else? Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Shinjuku and Ginza can all be added to your day. Tell me your list.

Sample route 一日の例

A full day in Tokyo

Here is one example of the Classic Tokyo day, from east to west. We can change the order, skip a stop, or take a long lunch.

  1. 9:00

    Meet in Asakusa

    Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise street and Senso-ji temple.

  2. Walk across the Sumida River, about 20 min

  3. 11:00

    Tokyo Skytree

    The view from the top, then lunch nearby.

  4. Train to Akihabara, about 20 min

  5. 14:00

    Akihabara

    Anime shops, retro games and an arcade.

  6. JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya, about 30 min

  7. 16:30

    Shibuya

    Hachiko, the Scramble Crossing and the city lights.

Times are a guide only. Travel times are approximate.

Simple map of the route: Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree on either side of the Sumida River, east of the JR Yamanote loop line. Akihabara and Shibuya are stations on the loop, and the route follows the loop south past Tokyo Station. Asakusa Skytree Akihabara Shibuya Ueno Shinjuku Tokyo Sta. Yamanote Line Sumida R.
Not to scale. The JR Yamanote Line loops around central Tokyo.

Tours

Choose your tour

Every tour is private, for your group only. Prices are per group, not per person, and depend on how many people are coming. Larger groups are welcome, just ask. Tell me your dates and the places you'd like to see, and I'll send you a plan and an exact quote.

Old Tokyo Half Day

About 4 hours Asakusa, Skytree
  • Senso-ji temple and Nakamise street
  • Street food tasting
  • Riverside walk to Tokyo Skytree
  • Good for first-time visitors and families

From ¥25,000 per group (up to 4)
Price depends on group size. Let's talk.
Train fares and entry fees not included

Ask about this tour

Your Own Tokyo

You choose Anywhere in Tokyo
  • Tell me 2–3 places you want to see
  • I'll plan the route around them, as far as time allows
  • Anime, food, history or shopping
  • Kid-friendly and slow-pace options

Quote on request
Based on hours, places and group size

Plan my tour

How it works

Three easy steps

  1. 01

    Send a message

    Tell me your dates, the size of your group and the places you'd like to see. The form is in English.

  2. 02

    Get your plan

    I'll reply with a suggested route, the meeting place and the price. We can adjust it together.

  3. 03

    Enjoy Tokyo

    We meet on the day and explore the city. Just bring comfortable shoes and your camera.

Your guide

Your guide

Hi, I'm your guide in Tokyo.

I used to work as a tour guide in Tokyo, showing visitors from around the world the city I live in. I love seeing people's faces the first time they step into the Scramble Crossing or see the view from Skytree.

Today I run KurashiDX, a small company in Japan. I'm bringing back my tours because I still enjoy sharing Tokyo, one small group at a time.

  • English
  • 日本語

FAQ

Questions

Can you plan a tour around the places I want to see?

Yes. Send me a few places you'd like to visit, or just your interests, and I'll build the route around them as far as time and distance allow. If something doesn't fit in one day, I'll suggest a nearby alternative.

How many people can join?

Tours are private, so it's only you and your group. Small groups work best for walking and riding trains. Please tell me your group size when you send a message.

Are train tickets and entrance fees included?

Your own train fares, Skytree tickets, food and shopping are paid by you on the day. I'll help you buy everything and explain what each one costs before you pay.

Is it OK with children or older travelers?

Yes. We can plan shorter walks, more breaks and elevators instead of stairs. Let me know in advance and I'll adjust the route.

What if it rains?

Tokyo has lots to do indoors. We can spend more time in Skytree, Akihabara's shops or covered shopping streets. If the weather is very bad, we'll talk about changing the date.

Do you book tickets, trains or hotels?

No. I guide you on the day, and you buy your own tickets and pay fares and entrance fees directly. I'm happy to show you how and where to buy them.

How do price and cancellation work?

I'll send you a quote for your group by email. We agree on the price and the cancellation terms before anything is confirmed, and nothing is booked until you say yes.

Where do we meet?

Usually at a station near the first stop, or your hotel lobby if it's on the way. I'll send you the exact place with a map before the tour.

Rows of glowing paper lanterns with Japanese writing at Senso-ji temple.

Ready to explore Tokyo?

Send me your travel dates and a few places you'd like to see. I'll get back to you with a plan for your day.

Book a tour

I'll reply within 1–2 days with a plan and a quote. Nothing is booked until you say yes.