Tokyo Private Customized Tour with a Friendly Local Guide

5.0 (142 reviews) 1–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

142 reviews

5.0

Tokyo Private Customized Tour with a Friendly Local Guide — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Tokyo Private Customized Tour with a Friendly Local Guide, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

See Tokyo through the eyes of the people who live it today.

As a team of local guides born and raised in Tokyo, we show you the city as it really is right now: the must-see landmarks, plus the places locals love today.

Your tour is fully customized to your interests and pace. From famous classics to quiet hidden gems, we plan your day with you before the tour, and it can easily change along the way.

We travel by train together and teach you how to use IC cards, transfers and station exits, so you'll feel confident exploring Tokyo on your own for the rest of your trip.

Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, traveling solo, as a couple or as a family, this private tour is designed around you. Groups and families are especially welcome: from the 3rd guest, the price per person drops a lot.

About Us (EXT Tours)

We are Tokyo natives in our early 20s. Beyond the usual guidebook stories, we share the real, everyday Tokyo we live in, so you can enjoy the city like a local.

Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Public Transportation Tours

At a glance

Duration: 1–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: EXT Tours

Ages: Children (1–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Photos taken by your guide during the tour
Included: Travel support (currency exchange, hotel/experience bookings, transit, and Suica/IC cards)
Included: Private walking tour/activity. Only your group will participate(using public transportation)
Included: Fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
Included: Flexible pick-up locations, including your hotel
Included: Friendly local guide with deep knowledge of Tokyo

Not included

Not included: Food and Drinks (For you and Guide)
Not included: Your Public Transportation fees
Not included: Admission fees / Entrance tickets (For you and Guide)

Itinerary

Tokyo Prefecture

Passing by

Hello! We are “Exploring Tokyo”!

All of our guides are born and raised in Tokyo, offering you a fully private and exclusive tour. This is the perfect introduction to Tokyo.

Your booking is confirmed once the reservation is completed. However, we will also send a confirmation message within 24 hours to double-check the details.

After booking, we’ll contact you within one weeks of your tour to create a customized itinerary based on your interests. With a private guide, you won’t be tied to a fixed route or shuffled around in a big group — instead, you’ll explore efficiently, blend in with locals, and truly experience the city.

Your guide will share insights beyond any guidebook, showing you both Tokyo’s rich history and its modern highlights. Popular spots may include Shinjuku Gyoen, the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, and more.

We’ll mainly use public transportation, so please have some yen ready.
Imperial Palace

15 min

This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace. Entry is limited to certain public areas.

The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a vast park surrounded by moats and impressive stone walls in the middle of Tokyo, just a short walk from Tokyo Station. Today, it serves as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.

The scenery is stunning, and it provides a refreshing contrast to the busy city streets nearby.

The spacious gardens and wide open spaces create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Please keep in mind that the park is quite large, with a number of slopes and inclines, so some walking can be a little tiring.
Tsukiji Jogai Market

15 min

Tsukiji Outer Market is one of Tokyo’s most historic markets. With more than 400 shops and stalls lining the streets, it offers a wide variety of fresh foods to enjoy. It’s an excellent spot to stop by for breakfast or lunch. As local guides who were born and raised in Tokyo, we not only share valuable insights but also know the very best shops in terms of both quality and price — places you might not discover on your own. Join us for an adventure through the market and experience its unique local charm together.
Tsukiji Fish Market

15 min

The inner Tsukiji Market is a hidden gem — not only for visitors from overseas, but even many Japanese people are not familiar with it. While the outer market offers a wide variety of local street foods, the inner market preserves the “old and authentic” side of Japanese seafood culture. Here you’ll find fresh products that are more familiar to locals, often at lower prices than the outer market, and you can truly feel the vibrant, energetic atmosphere of a working market. Many sushi chefs visit in the early morning to source the freshest ingredients, making it a fascinating glimpse into the very roots of Japan’s culinary traditions.
Shibuya Crossing

15 min

There are many types of cities in Tokyo. Shibuya is one of the biggest, unique, and special city and is located in the middle in Tokyo.

It’s known as an international area for youth culture, fashion and entertaiment.

During the day, the area is bustling with shopping and business, and at night, the neon lights sparkle and create a special atmosphere, different from that of the day.
Meiji Jingu Shrine

15 min

Meiji Jingu Shrine is not as old as some of Japan’s ancient shrines, but it holds great cultural significance. Built in 1920, it was established in honor of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, following strong requests from the Japanese people.

Located right next to Harajuku Station — known as the center of Japan’s “kawaii culture” — the shrine offers a striking contrast. As soon as you pass through the massive torii gate, you are welcomed by a vast, tranquil forest that feels worlds away from the busy streets of Tokyo. This blend of urban energy and natural serenity creates a unique and memorable experience.
Kabukiza Theater

15 min

This tour does not include access to the inside of the main Kabuki-za Theater itself, we will visit the gallery located on a different floor within the same building. Kabuki is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional performing arts, with a history spanning over 400 years.

In the gallery, you will learn not only about these historical traditions but also why Kabuki continues to captivate audiences today. It offers a fascinating insight into the richness of Japanese culture.
Senso-ji Temple

30 min

Senso-ji Temple, located in Asakusa, is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of its most vibrant and beloved landmarks. The temple’s history dates back to the legend of two fisherman brothers who discovered a statue of the Buddha in the Sumida River, leading to the temple’s founding. Beyond its fascinating origins, Senso-ji offers visitors a chance to experience Tokyo’s traditional atmosphere through its historic architecture, lively shopping streets, local food stalls, and deep cultural heritage.
Asakusa

15 min

Asakusa is one of the areas in Tokyo where history and tradition are most vividly preserved. At its heart stands Senso-ji Temple, surrounded by lively streets full of local character and charm. The area is also famous for its traditional festivals, which allow visitors to experience Japan’s seasonal culture and community spirit up close.

Unlike Tokyo’s modern districts filled with skyscrapers and luxury shops, Asakusa retains the atmosphere of old Japan with its nostalgic shopping streets and narrow alleys.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

15 min Admission not included

Shinjuku Gyoen is a beautiful oasis of greenery right in the heart of Tokyo, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Originally built as an imperial garden, it is now open to the public and showcases a unique blend of landscapes: a traditional Japanese garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden, all harmoniously arranged within the grounds.
Shinjuku Golden Gai

15 min

Golden Gai is a one-of-a-kind nightlife district in Shinjuku, where over 300 tiny bars are packed into narrow alleyways. The streets are extremely narrow, and most of the buildings are traditional two-story wooden structures, creating a very distinctive atmosphere. Originally born out of the black markets after World War II, Golden Gai has a complex history, once associated with prostitution, underground businesses, and student movements — aspects that reflect the hidden side of postwar Japan.
Akihabara

15 min

Akihabara is Tokyo’s hub for cutting-edge pop culture. Electronics shops, anime, manga, and gaming stores line the streets, attracting fans from Japan and around the world. The area is full of entertainment, offering a chance to experience the latest trends and technology. You can also enjoy unique experiences like maid cafes and themed cafes.
Hamarikyu Gardens

15 min Admission not included

Hamarikyu Gardens is a spacious Edo-period garden located along Tokyo Bay. Originally a villa for the shogun, it features ponds, tidal gardens, and seasonal flowers. The contrast between the lush greenery and the surrounding modern skyscrapers creates a beautiful and relaxing environment for a stroll.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

15 min Admission not included

Koishikawa Korakuen is a Japanese garden dating back to the early Edo period, offering a harmonious blend of history and nature. With ponds, small bridges, and hills, the garden provides a scenic experience that changes with the seasons. It is a peaceful place to appreciate traditional Japanese garden design.
Rikugien Garden

15 min Admission not included

Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s most famous feudal-era gardens. It is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage season. The large pond-centered stroll garden allows visitors to enjoy historical landscaping and natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
Yoyogi Park

15 min

Yoyogi Park is a large urban park in the heart of Tokyo. It is popular for jogging, picnics, and various events. The park’s spacious lawns and seasonal trees offer a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets, making it a perfect spot to relax.
Takeshita Street

15 min

Takeshita Street, located just outside Harajuku Station, is a shopping street known as the center of “kawaii culture.” It is lined with a variety of shops selling fashion, accessories, sweets, and character goods, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. The street is always lively, offering a chance to experience the latest trends and enjoy unique animal cafes and colorful desserts.
Nezu Shrine

15 min

Nezu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine famous for its beautiful azalea flowers. The serene grounds feature traditional architecture and lush greenery, offering a quiet and cultural experience. Seasonal blooms and traditional festivals add to the charm.
Kiyosumi Teien

15 min Admission not included

Kiyosumi Garden is a Japanese stroll garden originally designed during the Edo period. Centered around a pond, it offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere despite being in the city. Visitors can enjoy seasonal plants and take a relaxing walk through its scenic grounds.
Tokyo Tower

Passing by

Tokyo Tower is an iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of the city. At night, it is beautifully illuminated, providing a stunning view of Tokyo’s skyline. It is historically significant.
Zojo-ji

15 min

Zojoji Temple is a historic temple founded during the Edo period and is known as the family temple of the Tokugawa clan, where several Tokugawa shoguns are enshrined. Despite its size and historical significance, it is often overlooked by many foreign visitors. Located right beneath Tokyo Tower, the temple welcomes visitors with beautiful Buddha statues and exhibitions, and the views from the grounds are stunning. It is a peaceful spot in the heart of the city where you can quietly experience the history of Tokyo.
Uenokoen

15 min

Ueno Park is a cultural and natural hub, home to museums, art galleries, and a zoo. In spring, it is famous for its cherry blossoms, attracting large crowds. The expansive grounds allow visitors to enjoy both nature and culture, making it a perfect place to explore Tokyo’s history.
Gotokuji Temple

15 min

Gotokuji Temple is known as the birthplace of the “maneki-neko” (beckoning cat). The historic temple grounds feature beautiful gardens and traditional buildings. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and a cultural experience where visitors can learn about the origin of this iconic Japanese figure.
Kanda Shrine

15 min Admission not included

Kanda Myojin is a historic Shinto shrine with over 1,300 years of history and is known as one of the traditional guardian shrines of Tokyo.

It protects the central areas of the city—such as Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara—and is famous for blessings related to business prosperity, good relationships, and success in competitions.

Because it is located near Akihabara, the center of anime and gaming culture, the shrine has also become popular for its unique blend of tradition and pop culture. You can even find special omamori (charms) designed in collaboration with anime.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

HOTEL MYSTAYS Ueno Iriyaguchi
Hotel Livemax Asakusa Ekimae
Hotel Livemax Asakusabashi-eki Kitaguchi
Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Oshiage
Candeo Hotels Ueno-Park
Hotel Tourist Inn Ueno Okachimachi
Business Hotel Inamoto
The Hideout Tokyo
APA Hotel Ueno Inaricho Ekikita
Business Hotel Yamayuri
Horai
Dormy Inn EXPRESS Asakusa

and 1,143 more pickup points

Our guide will pick you up from the hotel or any other location that you request. We will contact you via WhatsApp or Email before the tour start.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

6-Hour Tokyo Walking Discovery

Duration: 6 hours: Duration: 6-hour walking tour | Pick-up included

Navigated via public transit. Mandatory to understand Tokyo the fullest.

Pickup included
8-Hour Ultimate Tokyo Walking

Duration: 8 hours: Duration: 8-hour walking tour | Pick-up included

Navigated via public transit. Mandatory to understand Tokyo the fullest.

Pickup included
4-Hour Tokyo Walking Highlight

Duration: 4 hours: Duration: 4-hour walking tour | Pick-up included

Navigated via public transit. Mandatory to understand Tokyo the fullest.

Pickup included
2-Hour Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours: Duration: 2-hour

Pick-up included

Pickup included