Tokyo

Private Tokyo Tour with a Local Guide: Tailored to Your Interests

Badge of ExcellenceTokyo, Japan
Tokyo Explore the City with a Local

From $119.48

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 3 to 8 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Understanding Tokyo can seem like an impossible wish for foreign travelers. Take the mystery out of your visit on this guided tour with a local. Before your tour, your guide contacts you to get a feel for what interests you. On your customized tour, they take you to see the city's must-see sites, as well as underexplored local neighborhoods and hidden gems. Along the way, they share insights into local life giving you a better sense of Tokyo culture.
  • Private tour for just you and your party
  • Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality
  • Get a deeper insight into Tokyo life than possible alone
  • See Tokyo through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems

What's Included

  • 100% Private and personalized experience
  • 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours with your host - Pick your preferred duration when booking!
  • Walking tour, though public transport may be utilized
  • Optional meet-up at your central location accommodation
  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • NewDays Harajuku
    Japan, 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingūmae, 1-chōme18, 原宿駅表参道口改札外

    (The host will be waiting in front of the convenience store, located inside JR Harajuku Station) After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Sensō-ji (Pass By)

Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street (Pass By)

Yanaka Ginza (Pass By)

Ginza (Pass By)

Shinjuku City (Pass By)

Shibuya City (Pass By)

Harajuku Station (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Confirmation: You will receive confirmation of your booking immediately after making the reservation.
  • Stroller accessible
  • Questionnaire: After booking, you will receive a short questionnaire to tell us more about your interests and preferences. You will be matched with a like-minded local host based on your responses.
  • Service animals allowed
  • Meet-up at your hotel or accommodation can be requested if centrally located.
  • Near public transportation
  • This is a walking tour, so please wear comfortable shoes
  • Most travelers can participate.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.0
635 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 635 reviews
Really great tour. Great
Bill_P, Apr 2024
Really made the tour personable. Informative. Relaxed. Funny. Consulted with us on what we wanted to see. Provided advice and suggestions. Crafted the experience. And delivered flawlessly.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're delighted that Keiji's personalized touch, wealth of knowledge, and relaxed yet informative style resonated with you. His ability to tailor the tour to your interests, offer valuable advice, and deliver a flawless experience speaks to his expertise and commitment. Thank you for entrusting us with your Tokyo adventure, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable experiences!
Take a private tour first thing upon visiting Tokyo. Do this first and forgo or postpone the group tours.
Milo_K, Apr 2024
A day with Shintaro is a day spent with a long-time friend. Before the tour began he suggested common places to visit to tailor the tour to our interests. Instead of visiting the typical tourist areas, we requested to see the city from his perspective as someone who knows it intimately. Great decision. Shintaro guided us down the back streets, where we discussed the similarities and differences between New York and Tokyo and how Tokyo has grown over time. He thoughtfully answered the myriad questions that came to mind and engaged us with his own. We stopped at a busy coffee shop and experienced street-side food. For dinner, Shintaro took us to an off-the-path authentic Tokyo restaurant and ordered the best items on the menu. We talked a bit about music, and he told us about a party he was headed to afterward and invited us to join him. Once the tour ended, we didn't just part ways. Shintaro took us to an underground techno music scene, where he introduced us and showed us around. It was a unique experience that only a local guide with his background can provide. What an incredible day.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for the positive review on your private and personalized tour with your host Shin. Your feedback truly uplifts us. Think of us next time you travel, we have many many hosts all around the world!
Disappointing and little value
Geoffrey_B, Apr 2024
There was a logistical snafu to start when the tour operator said the guide could not meet us at the hotel and directed us to a meeting spot that was a 20 minute subway ride away. Then the guide calls saying he is at the hotel so we had to scramble back. Although he was a kind gentleman, our guide was inexperienced and seemed to know very little about Tokyo. Even though we completed the questionnaire they sent, he had no script prepared and suggested the very basic landmarks when we clearly requested an experience that was rich in history, politics, economics and arts. Frankly, we would have done better asking ChatGPT for a guided tour. Overall a disappointment.
Our guide Keiji was very good and ha
Stuart_K, Apr 2024
The walling tour was excellent. Lots of highlights in Tokyo and had good English. He was very knowledgable.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Stuart, Keiji and our Team at City Unscripted are touched by your positive review. Your encouragement is priceless! Think of us next time you travel, we have hosts worldwide!
Tokyo w Leon
Corinne_h, Apr 2024
Leon was a perfect guide. Showed us what we wanted and was happy to move on when needed. We got exactly what we wanted and more.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Your positive review is incredibly valuable to us and Leon. Thank you sincerely!
Great
SANDIPTA_P, Apr 2024
Had a great day with Susuma-san . He was really flexible with our plans and took us to places that we actually needed to see . Spend the day in alot of good locations. This is a must try tour for first timer to Japan/tokyo .
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Spending the day exploring a variety of locations must have been an enriching experience. Thanks for sharing your positive experience!
Definitely recommend
Shannon_H, Apr 2024
Amir was great and very knowledgeable of the area and streets. He took us to many interesting sites and local street attractions around Tokyo. We were able to see many great locations and sites including nature, shopping and interesting hidden gems.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with Amir! If you ever find yourself back in Tokyo, we'd love to help you discover even more of what the city has to offer.
Amazing Tour with Justine! <3
Taryn_A, Apr 2024
Justine was an amazing tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area we were in and was able to teach us a ton about not only the history, but also her personal experiences as an immigrant to Japan. We loved her perspective and insight on Tokyo, and even though she didn't share all of our interests (such as games and anime), she still told us some awesome places and shops to check out outside of the tour (which we did, and they were awesome). Would recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
I am so happy to hear you had a good time with Justine, your experience sounds truly exciting! Thank you for sharing your personal recommendations with fellow travelers, and a special thank you for the positive review. It means a lot to us!
Cheata was informative,...
Toby_T, Apr 2024
Cheata was informative, well paced and friendly taking us to places we would not have considered. It was great to have someone show us how to be navigate the train system on our first day here which set us up well for our time in Tokyo.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback about your tour with Cheata! If you have any more adventures planned or friends visiting Tokyo, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd love to assist you again!
Amazingly helpful and knowledgeable guide!
Abigail_R, Apr 2024
Kyoko was absolutely great! This was our first day ever in Japan and she taught us how to navigate the subway, about the history of the shrines and temples we saw, and gave us phenomenal recommendations for food and sight-seeing! We were fully ready to handle the Tokyo subway and continue our journey with confidence thanks to her!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It's wonderful that Kyoko not only taught you how to navigate the subway but also provided insights into the history of the shrines and temples you visited. Can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure!
Tokyo tour guide
rachpk77, Apr 2024
We wanted to see some historical sights and also places that our college kids were interested in like anime. Kieran was a great tour guide. He messaged us to see what we were interested in and we enjoyed walking to each spot, nice to ask questions about day to day life in Tokyo.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It's wonderful that you had the opportunity to explore both historical sights and places related to anime, catering to the varied preferences of your group. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Great evening!
David_M, Apr 2024
Kato was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable. Ordered plenty of tasty wonderful food. A great 4 hour tour of the area with lots of local knowledge. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience with Kato. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're glad we could provide you with an enjoyable tour filled with local knowledge and delicious food. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable experience soon!
Ayaka- cultured, experienced tour guide!!
GEORGE_N, Apr 2024
Ayaka was amazing!! We asked for some things that interest my wife and I and she did an amazing job- izakaya shops, ramen stand, small mom and pop souvenir stores, one temple, basashi(raw horse sashimi), and cherry blossoms. We viewed all phases of the cherry blossom experience from empty trees to full bloom all in Shibuya and on one alley they were falling like snow on a wintery day. She even taught us how to use the underground train system. At first its overwhelming but after a few trips it seems relatively easy. Her choice of ramen for lunch was also very warm and great tasting. We had a full 8 hours with her and we walked and walked like never before but it didn't feel like we walked that far but at the end of the night at the hotel....we were so tired but a good kind of tired. My wife and I both agreed that this was money well spent. Ask for Ayaka is our best recommendation we could pass on to anyone wanting a one on one scripted tour of Japan.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're thrilled to hear about your amazing experience with Ayaka! She truly goes above and beyond to create unforgettable moments for our guests. Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback, and we'll be sure to pass on your compliments to Ayaka. We look forward to welcoming you back for more incredible adventures in Japan!
Chiara was excellent Tokyo guide!
Bryan_L, Apr 2024
Chiara was excellent! We had a great time with her as our guide. We were able to find the meeting spot with out any trouble. We know we could not have seen as many places on our own. She helped us navigate Tokyo with ease and showed us so many highlights and hidden gems in our short time with her. We wish we had booked a few more hours. Thank you for making our first visit to Tokyo, such a successful and memorable experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your wonderful feedback about Chiara! We're thrilled to hear that she provided you with an excellent tour experience in Tokyo. It's fantastic that she helped you navigate the city with ease and showed you both highlights and hidden gems. We're delighted that your first visit to Tokyo was successful and memorable, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Tokyo guided tour
Tim_H, Apr 2024
Excellent guided tour. Visited all the areas we wanted to see. Marek was informative and helpful. Told us enough history to understand the context of the places visited. Nicely paced walk, with short rail/metro connections where required. Great experience
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your wonderful feedback on Marek's guided tour! We're thrilled to hear that Marek was informative, helpful, and provided a nicely paced walk tailored to your interests. It's fantastic that you were able to visit all the areas you wanted to see and that Marek provided enough historical context to enhance your experience. We're delighted that you had a great experience and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
A great experience, highly recommend!
Nora_T, Apr 2024
I enjoyed the tour very much. My tour guide Veronica was delightful! Upon realizing that this was my very first day in Tokyo she helped me figure out my itinerary and showed me how to access the subway system for which I am very thankful. She was very attentive, knowledgable, friendly and genuinely cared to make sure I had the best time in Japan. I walked away feeling I had spent time with a friend :)
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Veronica and that she went above and beyond to ensure you had a great time in Tokyo. It's fantastic that she helped you with your itinerary and navigating the subway system, making your first day in Japan memorable. We're glad you felt like you spent time with a friend, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Great guide (Emir) and great city (Tokyo)!
Anonymous, Apr 2024
This private tour was well worth it and I highly recommend it as an introduction to Tokyo. Emir was great! He was knowledgeable, interesting, and thoughtful. Our tour covered so many different parts of the city, I was amazed at the end as to how much we covered. I was fortunate to have have made it to Japan during cherry blossom season, and Emir opened up the tour by making sure he took me to a lovely park where I could enjoy their beauty, and then took me to visit a historic and peaceful shrine. The rest of the trip was filled with a variety of sights and history, and tourist fun spots to visit. Overall Emir did a great job and introduction to Tokyo..
Response from Host, Apr 2024
It's wonderful to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Emir during your private tour of Tokyo! From his knowledge and thoughtful approach to the diverse range of sights and experiences covered throughout the tour, it sounds like he provided an excellent introduction to the city. Beginning with the cherry blossom park and historic shrine added a special touch to your visit during this beautiful season. Thank you for sharing your recommendation and positive feedback about Emir's guiding skills!
Fun time
Ishmam_K, Apr 2024
Nobu was an excellent guide who went above and beyond. Even though it was raining the entire time, we learned a ton.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear that Nobu provided an excellent tour despite the rainy weather. His dedication to ensuring you had a valuable experience is truly appreciated. If you have any further feedback or if there's anything else we can assist you with, please feel free to let us know.
Probably a good tour...but with a different guide.
David_D, Apr 2024
This could have been and should have been a much better tour. Our guide Rey simply took us to places but was not knowledgeable at all. Said very little and when we asked something she often had to look it up. We walked lots (and took public transport) from one site to another but seemed disorganized and, again, shared very little information. We could have easily visisted the sites on our own - what we want and expect of a tour guide is detailed descriptions of what we are seeing, the history, anecdotes, fun facts. Next time we want a trained and licensed guide.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi David, We're genuinely sorry for the disappointment. Providing informative and engaging tours is our priority, and we regret that the host did not deliver on this aspect during your tour. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we will address this issue with Rey to ensure better performance in the future. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to have the opportunity to exceed your expectations on your next tour. Warm regards, Ruslan and the City Unscripted Team.
Tokyo with Lauren
Gary_F, Apr 2024
Our time with Lauren was very helpful, fun and informative. She helped us feel comfortable navigating Tokyo for the first time. As a resident and speaker of Japanese her knowledge of Tokyo and its many areas added a richness and depth to our tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with Lauren! It's wonderful that she provided helpful guidance, made your tour enjoyable and informative, and helped you feel comfortable navigating Tokyo. With her deep knowledge of the city and fluency in Japanese, she truly enhanced your experience. We'll make sure to share your feedback with Lauren. If you ever return to Tokyo or explore other destinations, we'd love to assist you again!
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