Tokyo One-Day Highlight Private Tour by a chartered van

Makiko was an incredible guide for my day exploring Tokyo. She steered me toward unique spots and experiences I never would have fully appreciated on my own. Beyond her deep local knowledge, she was friendly and genuinely fun to spend the day with. It felt less like a guided tour and more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend.

We had no previous experience with where to go and what to see while in Tokyo. Our guide Makiko, was very good in helping us personalize the experience. I have physical limitations with back pain. Makiko helped select options that were not too texting for me to get around. Transportation by private van was very helpful as the added burden of public transportation and touring with a group would have been difficult and less satisfying. Makiko is very knowledgeable and was able to provide us with an experience that fit our agenda of sampling Japan's history, culture and food. She was even able to advise us on a department store close to our hotel where we were able to find a specific souvenir request we had. We greatly appreciate the experience we had with Makiko and highly recommend her for your next tour.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Day in Tokyo with Makiko My family of four traveled to Tokyo for the first time from Seattle, and we were thrilled to book a private tour. We were lucky to secure a day with Makiko, given her exceptional online reviews and busy schedule. At every point, our already high expectations were exceeded. Prior to our tour, Makiko reached out to learn about our preferences. She offered many wonderful ideas and possibilities, and we asked to see some of Tokyo's top gardens, temples, and local attractions. In the days leading up to our tour, she sent several messages confirming times and potential locations, which gave us great confidence heading into the day. Makiko arrived at our hotel early, accompanied by her driver and a luxury van. She and her driver have worked together for many years and operate as finely tuned partners. This was a massive amenity I hadn't even considered. Before we set off, Makiko confirmed what we wanted to see, asked what we had already done, and helped us prioritize. She makes an incredible first impression, and it only got better throughout the day as we got to know her and her culture. Makiko is incredibly warm, kind, and professional. She took us to the Imperial Gardens, the Tsukiji Fish Market, a fantastic local lunch spot, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Edo Tokyo Museum. At all times, we felt that Makiko was going above and beyond to make sure we truly understood everything we were seeing. She is an expert in so many areas. Makiko also makes a point of showcasing local businesses and trusted shops, always looking out for good values and quality products. It felt like exploring Tokyo with a trusted family member who happens to know the city inside and out. We could not imagine doing a tour without her. My family highly recommends Makiko! She truly enhanced our experience in Tokyo, and we are so grateful for the memories she helped us create. Priceless!

We had 2 seniors & 2 teenagers in our group & Makiko tried to include something for each of us. It was very hot & she was sensitive to that trying to organize the outdoor part early. She selected a wonderful, authentic place for lunch & paced our day perfectly. Makiko was a wonderful guide & a reason I always use Tours by Locals.

Makiko was an exceptional guide and made our day in Tokyo truly unforgettable. She was warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the city and its history. She was also very attentive to our interests and adjusted the pace of the tour so everyone in our family was comfortable. We never felt rushed, and she was happy to answer all of our questions. Her recommendations for local food, shopping, and hidden gems were excellent and added so much to our experience. If you are looking for a guide who is professional, personable, and genuinely passionate about sharing Tokyo with visitors, I highly recommend Makiko. We couldn't have asked for a better guide!

Makiko was amazing! Thank you so much for a great tour. On the day of our tour, we met up and made a plan of all the things we wanted to do. Makiko knew exactly where to go and explained everything very well. It was a very hot day so we were able to plan a few things in the shade. The most game changing thing was having the private car with the ac on full blast waiting for us in between each location. Quite a VIP feeling service. Thank you again Makiko!