Private tour in Tokyo Makayla S

Tokyo First Time Visitor Half-Day Tour

5.0

(35) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Makayla S.

5.0

Guide rating

139

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! My name is Makayla. For me, being a tour guide combines two things that I enjoy: travel and connecting with people. I love meeting new people and exploring places with my clients. I offer tours both in Tokyo and its country-side that will give you an opportunity to see Japan from a new angle. Japan has been my home for 40 years. To me my host country is a unique place of contrasts, where the traditional and modern walk hand in hand. It's a country of ancient temples and sky reaching high-rises, of tranquil gardens and busy city streets. It is my pleasure to help others experience the charm of Japan through the unique perspective of a local, who also happens to be a westerner. I was one of the first Tokyo guides of ToursByLocals - I worked for the company until 2010. In that year I left for Santa Fe, New Mexico to pursue a degree in education. While there, I continued to work as a guide with a local tour company. Coming back to Japan, I resumed guiding foreign visitors here. My intention as a guide is to assist you have the most enjoyable and authentic Japan experience. The tours I offer are flexible and can be customized to meet your particular needs so don't hesitate to contact me with special requirements. I am looking forward to hear from you! - I have a Master's Degree in Science and a degree in early Childhood Education. - I am also licensed teacher and a passionate potter I am not a driver, and cannot offer driving tours.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Makayla S.

Overview of your Tokyo tour

Tokyo is a city like no other—an intriguing blend of traditional and modern Japan. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to explore its highlights in a comfortable and enjoyable way. In just four hours, we can visit two of Tokyo’s iconic sights, with a few hidden gems along the way. I’ve grouped the options to minimize travel time, but we can easily mix and match to suit your interests. When you book, feel free to message me about what appeals to you most. Note: The Imperial Palace Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays, so please keep that in mind when selecting your tour date.

Recent Reviews

Judy H.United States
April 2026

We had the best day with Makayla. She was so warm and friendly and truly loves what she does for a living. She’s knowledgeable and witty and made our day , fabulous. She arrived at our hotel and we discussed the things that we wanted to see. Also told her of a specific gift for my grands and she tracked down where i could find it. We saw and did so much in our 6 hours together. Our tour consisted of both walking and the train system. Makayla made using the train system easy. i Highly recommend Makayla as a tour guide.

Colin M.Canada
March 2026

We booked a half day tour with Makayla on our first day in Tokyo. We were all jet legged and travelling with two kids, and she was more than accommodating. She was very knowledgeable and took us to some great spots around the city. We highly recommend.

Stephen O.Australia
March 2026

Makayla is a very knowledgeable, helpful and fun guide to be with. She really looked after us all during the tour and has some great stories to tell about the places we visited. We highly recommend her!

Miriam B.United States
January 2026

Makayla was a fabulous tour guide! She clearly loves her city and loves to take people through it. She is iIncredibly knowledgable, personable, and kind. She covered a lot of ground with ease and grace, was flexible with time (we ended up adding an extra hour to our tour), had great energy, and was an overall pleasure to be with for the day.

Holly S.
September 2025

Makayla is a wonderful guide! She has lived in Japan for 40 years, so she knows Tokyo very well. Her knowledge of the area and ability to make this trip fun and exciting was fantastic. Our group of 7 loved this day with Makayla. You can completely tailor this tour to what you want to see. We wanted a fast pace tour and relied upon her recommendations. We visited a lot of different parts of Tokyo, including an authentic Japanese lunch, using the Tokyo subway. She then gave us advice for other areas to visit on our next free day. But if you want more of a focus on a specific area, Makayla can do this for you.

Charles H.
July 2025

Makayla was right on time. She started out by doing what every good tour guide should do: outlining the tour stops, asking if we wanted to make any changes, asking if we had any special needs or preferences, and then repeating it all back to us. Thus, when we left our hotel with her, we knew we were in good hands. When we got to the first subway station, she explained how the system worked, enabling us to use the system confidentially even after the tour was over. At every stop, she told us the history of what we were seeing, explained local customs, and answered our questions perfectly. We've taken lots of tours and would rank Makayla in the top of her class. We could not have been more pleased.

Your Tokyo tour itinerary

Pick up from your hotel in central Tokyo. 1. Tsukiji Fish Market: sightseeing and fresh seafood sampling → Shiodome: ultra‑modern architecture and Miyazaki clock → driverless Yurikamome train to Hinode Pier → water bus to Asakusa with river views → Asakusa & Senso‑ji Temple. 2. Imperial Palace Gardens: history and natural beauty → Tokyo Station area: ultra‑modern architecture → return to Tsukiji for seafood lunch. 3. Shibuya: famous scramble crossing → Meiji Shrine: history, nature, traditional architecture → Harajuku: youth fashion and trendy shops → Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory for a bird’s‑eye view. 4. Tsukiji Fish Market → Shiodome & Miyazaki clock → driverless train over Rainbow Bridge → Odaiba: futuristic waterfront views. 5. Imperial Palace Gardens → Tokyo Station area → Ginza for shopping and modern vibes OR Nihonbashi: Mitsukoshi and rooftop terrace lunch.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

This is a walking tour. We'll public transport system between locations and the hotel. We'll also take a boat ride.

What's included
Other: - Included are all the translating and guiding services as well as my expenses (transportation and meals).
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Your transportation charges, entrance fees and meals Admission tickets if you choose to go to Tokyo Sky Tree Also anything you may choose to purchase during the tour
Meeting location

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Architecture
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
4144
Languages
English
Bulgarian
Japanese
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Tokyo best suited for?

This private tour in Tokyo is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both the traditional and modern aspects of the city in a comfortable and enjoyable way. It's also ideal for those who prefer a light activity level, as the tour is easy on the body and involves minimal walking. Families with kids, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns will find it accessible and enjoyable.

Can this private tour in Tokyo be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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