Hello, I am Chiaki. I have been living in the central Tokyo area for about 40 years with my family. I love history, art, architecture and dining, and I am pleased to share my knowledge as a local and professional. While I was in the UK, I started to look at Japan as an outsider. I found how interesting and attractive Japanese culture is, including its history, art, cuisine, etc, which has made me a guide-interpreter.

Tokyo is one of the world's biggest cities with an interesting mix of tradition and innovation, skyscrapers and gardens, artworks and technology, and so on. It is also a paradise for foodies. Tokyo has all of such things in a very efficient and compact manner with a friendly entrance and a lot of complexity behind. You can enjoy Tokyo even for only half a day, but years might not be enough at the same time.

I was born and brought up in Izumo, a historic countryside in the west of Japan, and I lived in the UK as well, but I spent more than half of my life here in Tokyo. It means I know Tokyo very much, but I can look at it from various perspectives. I am pleased to share my understanding based on professional expertise, not only on Tokyo but also a lot of places in Japan, with my new friends from all over the world!

For my availability, please check the availability of my half-day tours. Thank you.

• Certified National Guide-Interpreter (English; Cert. No. EN04775; Registered to Tokyo; 2017).
• Certified Domestic Itinerary Control Manager (Cert. No. 46-17-007; 2017).
• Certified Domestic Travel Service Supervisor (Cert. No. 28-48-1807; 2016).
• Qualified Curator (art; 2023).
• MBA (UK) and BA in English Studies (Japan).
• Teaching Marketing in a business school (for details ask when meeting in person).

I am not a driver. I mainly use public transportation and taxi in Tokyo city center. I can also accompany you in the vehicle you hired or I can support your arrangement of a separate car and driver.

"Wind God and Thunder God," an Important Cultural Property by Ogata Korin, at Tokyo National Museum (not currently exhibited).

Mt Fuji seen from the city center of Tokyo.

A big art object in front of Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.

Autumn leaves at night in Rikugien Garden, Tokyo.

Tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo.

Cherry blossom at a garden in Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo.

Buddhist statues exhibited in Horyuji Hall in Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura - a good excursion from Tokyo

Inside of National Museum of Western Art (Le Corbusier; a World Heritage site), Tokyo.

Under the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto.

In front of a screen by Jakuchu at a private gallery in Tokyo.

In front of the door of a vault at the basement of a bank in Tokyo.

at Seizan Sodo, a tofu restaurant inside the premises of Tenryuji temple, Kyoto.

in the garden of Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo.

in a waiting room of Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo.

Trying a mask for noh, a Japanese traditional theatrical performance.

This is a 6-hour tailor-made tour. I will arrange a wonderful itinerary to suit your preferences from scratch!

A sample itinerary and other popular items are in the 'Itinerary' section. If you have any other places/activities/food in your mind (not limited to the listed items), please feel free to let me know. I will do my best to include them in the itinerary.

I have lived in and have been enjoying Tokyo for 40+ years. I will keep honest and considerate, acting like one of your Tokyo friends, and will do my best to offer you a memorable experience as a professional.

Note:
• Please request a quote for Extra Fee, (a) if you are a group of more than 4 people, (b) if you would like to extend the tour by adding the places to visit, dinner, etc, or (c) if you would like to meet me at a place that is different from the lobby of your hotel/accommodation.
• If you have any allergies and/or things you cannot/don't want to eat, please let me know as soon as possible after the booking.

Tokyo 6-hour Tailor-made Private Walking Tour - you can visit touristy places to hidden gems (Feb 16 2025)

This is a 6-hour tailor-made tour. 

I have lived in and have been enjoying Tokyo for 40+ years. I will keep honest and considerate, acting like one of your Tokyo friends, and will do my best to offer you a memorable experience as a professional.

Tour guide in Tokyo Chiaki K.

English, Japanese

Contact the Guide

Delivers tours starting at

Tours by Chiaki K.

Customize your tour

Traveller reviews for private tours