Private tour in Tokyo Yoko T
5.0
(2) reviews
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Yoko T.
4.9
Guide rating
84
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Hi, I am Yoko. I've been with ToursByLocals since June 2018. I had a few years off from guiding during and a little while after Covid-19 until December 2023. So, about one and a half years, I garnered 59 five star reviews (hurray!) on ToursByLocals which I highly appreciate to all of my customers for that! And in January 2024, I am finally back to the marketplace which I missed so much! Before the pandemic battered the travel industry globally, I had many customers from around the world from ToursByLocals. I was lucky enough to have had wonderful customers and each tour was memorable and enjoyable. The Rugby World Cup 2019 held in Japan was phenomenal. I did tours almost every day and all of my customers shared their excitements with me. Let me talk about what you can expect from my tours. Art, design, craftwork, architecture, fashion, tea ceremony. . . if these keywords ring bell, I may be the right one. As a former art college student in London, England, I am still pretty keen on the arts. Architecture in particular, is one of my expertise that I've guided pretty often even during my hiatus period. Tokyo can offer some architectural gems, and it's heading to a more environmentally friendly direction such as increasing number of wooden high-rise buildings being planned. About anime or manga, though I respect sub-culture, I'm sorry I'm not the best guide, if these are your interests. Having been a tea ceremony practitioner for 15 years, it is also my passion. It is a quintessential Japanese culture that crystallizes all the art forms of our unique culture: tea, flower arrangement, painting, calligraphy, architecture, incense ceremony, traditional artisanal works. . . It can be felt with five senses; thus, I find the common aspects with architecture that also stimulate the five senses. Tea whisks, kimono, among other craftwork are important components of the tea ceremony; however, just like many traditional things, they're on the verge of extinction. But in recent years, works by craftspeople are catching attention worldwide and even Western luxury brands started to pay special attention to Italian or Japanese craftwork. As a guide, discovering and introducing these hidden Japanese treasures to my customers is one of my aspirations and missions to save our tradition. I am a pretty traditional-oriented person, but at the same time, my mindset is pretty business-oriented. This is because I've been in global businesses for long. Therefore, I welcome business travellers with whom I enjoy exchanging views about the world! Licensed tour guide-interpreter I'm not a driver but I can accompany you in your vehicle.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Yoko T.
Tokyo was called Edo until the late 19th century. Governed by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Edo enjoyed the world biggest population of over one million. Businesses prospered, and culture flourished. Even commoners enjoyed lifestyle despite humble living. We search for the traces of the old Edo Period when Samurais were active and successful merchants thrived. Some of the big businesses today grew big from here. Starting from the Imperial Palace East Garden, the former Shogun's castle site where remaining buildings and ruins of the Edo Castle can be seen among high-rises. Move on to Nihombashi where historical spots abound including the former residence site of the British samurai Miura Anjin (William Adams) who is featured on a drama "Shogun". Home to Mitsukoshi Dept. Store, celebrated 350th anniversary in 2023, Nihombashi has bustled since the Edo era. On the way, we visit some old established shops including a paper shop, who has over 370 year-old history!
6-hour walking tour with an hour lunch break (Proposal) Meet in front of JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit (shown in the photo) - The Imperial Palace East Garden - Nihombashi Bridge, Zero Milestone of the Five Major Roads to Kyoto - Mitsukoshi Dept. Store (sculpture and old store sign) - Established shops visit whose histories are longer than 150 years (longest: 370 years! The shops' merchandises are: Japanese Paper; Japanese stationery; kimono; calligraphy/paint material; brushes, etc. ) - British Samurai William Adam's former residence site monument - Shinto Shrines Alternatives: Bank of Japan and the Currency Museum (only when they're open. We cannot enter into the BOJ building. ) Visiting shops doesn't mean shopping is required. Admission of shops and facilities can only happen when they are open (The Imperial Palace East Garden closes on Mondays, Fridays and other dates. Some shops are closed on Saturdays and Sundays).
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Walking
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
ByGuide: In front of Tokyo Station Marunouchi Exit as shown in the 17th and 18th photo "Meeting spot" (caption were deleted after website renewal but the final two photos with letters). At the meeting spot, I will hold a sign "KISSACO Tour"
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