Private tour in Tokyo Chiaki K

Tokyo Half-Day Highlight Private Walking Tour (Shibuya, Asakusa, and Meiji Jingu Shrine) for first-timers

5.0

(28) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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 1-4 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

Chiaki K.

5.0

Guide rating

97

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi there! I’m Chiaki. I’ve called central Tokyo home for about 40 years, living here with my family. I absolutely love history, art, architecture, and, of course, the local food scene! As both a passionate local and a professional guide, I find nothing more rewarding than sharing the hidden gems of this city with travellers. My journey into guiding actually began while I was living in the UK. Looking at Japan from an outsider's perspective made me realise just how fascinating and beautiful our culture, history, and cuisine truly are. That spark of inspiration is what led me to become a licensed guide-interpreter. Tokyo is a magnificent paradox—a massive metropolis where tradition seamlessly blends with innovation. You’ll find towering skyscrapers right next to tranquil traditional gardens, and cutting-edge technology alongside timeless art. It’s also an absolute paradise for foodies! The city is incredibly efficient and welcoming on the surface, yet it holds endless layers of complexity underneath. You can experience a taste of Tokyo in just half a day, but you could spend a lifetime here and still discover something new. Growing up in Izumo—a deeply historic and spiritual countryside in western Japan—and later living in the UK has given me a unique gift: I know Tokyo like the back of my hand, but I can still view it through various cultural lenses. I can’t wait to share my professional expertise and deep love for Japan with new friends from all over the world! Booking and Availability: Please take a look at my Half-Day Highlight Tour schedule. For logistics, online bookings close 3 days prior to the tour date. However, if you're looking for a last-minute tour (tomorrow or the day after) or a weekend booking, please drop me a message—I just might be able to clear my schedule for you! Getting Around: For tours in central Tokyo, we’ll mostly use the ultra-efficient public transport system, jumping into taxis when it makes sense. If you prefer to hire a private vehicle, I’m more than happy to accompany you, or even act as your translator to help you arrange a private car and driver. My Credentials and Background: ‱ National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English; Cert. No. EN04775, 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 Art Curator (2023) ‱ MBA (UK) and BA in English Studies (Japan) ‱ Business School Marketing Instructor (5+ years—ask me for details it when we meet!)

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Chiaki K.

Overview of your Tokyo tour

This is the best tour for first-timers, especially as the Day-2 morning tour! By walking and talking with me, a 40-year-long resident of Tokyo, you will get to know about the various faces of Tokyo, such as tradition, history, society, nice food, safeness and organized public transport. If necessary, I will let you know the basics of how to go around by public transport, which will be helpful when you do that by yourself. At Meiji Jingu shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Meiji Emperor, you can have a nice heeling walk through the city-center forest to the shrine and pray for wishes. In Shibuya, you can be in the middle of the famous world's busiest crossing and see the statue of 'Hatchi, ' a movie-featured dog. In Asakusa, you will visit Sensoji temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The tour ends in Ginza or any central Tokyo location of your preference, where you can start your free time.

Recent Reviews

Jamee B.United States
1 week ago

We had a wonderful half day tour of Tokyo with Chiaki. She was incredibly professional, knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with. Her communication was excellent throughout, and she made the experience feel seamless and well organised. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and would highly recommend her to anyone visiting Tokyo.

Lynn J.United States
October 2025

Chiaki is by far the best tour guide that we have had with Tours by Locals and all the other tours we have taken over the last 20 + years. She is personable, professional, thoughtful and knowledgeable. She provided train cards and located elevators to make our movements through Tokyo fast and comfortable. She provided clear information about all of the sights we visited and gave us a first hand experience of the temples and shrines, as well as downtown Tokyo. We would love to have her as our guide again in the future.

Joy V.
June 2025

Do not miss taking a tour with Miss Chiaki. She is so knowledgeable and personable. She will show you how to navigate the City with confidence. When we return, we will do another tour with her. Thanks Chiaki!!!

Bill H.
May 2025

This was a great introduction to Tokyo. Chiaki not only took us to interesting sites and explained many aspects of Japanese society and life in Japan - she also introduced us to the public transport system and other useful information for our trip to Tokyo and wider Japan.

Kody R.
April 2025

Chiaki-san was fantastic! She was punctual, very informative, helpful and overall a great guide, 15/10 would recommend her again. 😁

Shannon B.Canada
April 2024

Our tour with Chiaki was outstanding! Beginning with the excellent communication upon booking and the additional pre-tour reminders and tips, Chiaki was always the consummate professional, approachable and just delightful to interact with. Her knowledge of Tokyo & Japan was excellent and there wasn't a question she couldn't answer! Chiaki also has a great sense of humor and made our day a lot of fun. We would highly recommend Chiaki as a tour guide!

Your Tokyo tour itinerary

‱ 9:30 am - Meet at your hotel lobby. ‱ 10:00 am - Meiji Jingu Shrine. ‱ 11:00 am - Shibuya (big crossing, 'Hachi' dog statue, etc). ‱ 11:45 am - Asakusa (Senso-ji temple). ‱ 1:30 pm - End of the tour in Ginza, Tsukiji or any city center location of your preference. Note: The itinerary above is in the case of starting the tour at 9:30 am. Some customization is available upon request.

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: Subway

Subways, JR Railway, and Walking.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Please write the name of your hotel in the city center of Tokyo - I will meet you in the lobby.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Shopping
History
Tour reference number
412886
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity level
Light

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 get familiar with the basics of the city, including its public transport. It's also ideal for those who wish to connect with a local like Chiaki K. for deeper insights into Tokyo's tradition, history, society, and more.

What should I bring or wear?

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 1-4 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 1-4 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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