Private tour in Tokyo Makayla S
5.0
(6) reviews
6 hours
1
6 hours
1
Makayla S.
5.0
Guide rating
139
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5 hrs
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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.
In this tour, I'll take you to three of Tokyo's best-kept secrets: * Okuni Tama Jinja - An 1,800-year-old Shinto shrine *Jindaiji - Tokyo's second oldest temple, famous for its traditional township *Takahata Fudo - A 13th-century Buddhist temple known for its unique Fire Purification ritual These sites are 'Tokyo's secrets' because, while well-known to locals, they remain hidden gems to most tourists. Located in vibrant neighborhoods of Western Tokyo, both the shrine and temples offer a peaceful ambiance. Surrounded by natural forests, these sites showcase beauty in every season. Highlights of this tour include: *Exploring beautiful ancient temple buildings in tranquil settings *Visiting the Water God Shrine to seek divine assistance for your health *Witnessing the ancient Fire Purification ritual *Experiencing old Edo charm in Jindaiji's traditional township *Receiving your yearly fortune and a good luck talisman *Enjoying delicious local cuisine *Glimpsing everyday life in Tokyo
Mikayla was amazing! I truly enjoyed seeing and learning about little known temples and shrines in Tokyo. Mikayla is very knowledgeable, answering ever question I had, of which there many. I had a fabulous experience . I recommend a tour with Mikayla without any hesitation.
What an absolutely delightful day we had with Makayla today! She managed to show us stunningly beautiful spots all around the west side of Tokyo that were not on the tourist radar. We were lucky enough to catch Sakura in full bloom, enjoy a charming lunch at a local soba spot and finished the day by experiencing a deeply moving fire ceremony at a beautiful Buddhist temple. It was truly memorable. Makayla was interesting and fun to spend the day with. We had a great time!
18 March 2024: My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour, designed and led by Makayla. Makayla is very personable and her English is perfect. We visited three shrines, Buddhist and Shinto. We saw very few foreign tourists, indicating to us that they were hidden gems frequented mainly by Japanese. Our immersion into the local culture and history will remain a special memory for us. Thank you, Makayla!
Did 3 tours (Best Kept Secrets,1st time visitor & Yokohama) w Makayla & would have done a 4th (Kamakura) if she had been available. This one is really special. Takes you to places not visited by most tourists. Visited a local area w uncrowded peaceful beautiful temples. Were the only non-tourists at the Fire Purification ritual which is a religious experience you will never ever forget. If you do her 1st Time Tokyo tour on day 1 take this one on day 2 to have a different and exciting Tokyo experience.
Our first day in Tokyo and we wanted something both peaceful and enlightening. This was perfect! Away from the crowds and very, very informative with plenty of time to absorb the sites and info. Guide was great and chose sites that provided a richness of the culture as well as a great lunch. Knowledge of English language and culture aided in ability to explain Japanese culture in depth. Highly recommended!!
* Begin your adventure with a convenient pickup from your central Tokyo hotel * Step back in time at Jindaiji Temple, Tokyo's second-oldest Buddhist sanctuary * Discover the serene beauty of Okuni Tama Shrine, an 1,800-year-old Shinto marvel * Cleanse your spirit and manifest your dreams at the mystical Water God's holy spring * Savor local flavors with lunch at a charming spot of your choosing * Explore the beautiful grounds of Takahata Fudo, a 13th-century Buddhist temple * Witness the mesmerizing Goma Fire Purification ritual, a centuries-old tradition * Embrace good fortune with a personal talisman and yearly prediction * Browse for unique treasures in local shops (optional) * Conclude your journey with a return to your hotel or preferred location * End your tour with unforgettable memories of Tokyo's hidden gems
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.
We will use mainly public transportation to go to and between the sites with a short taxi ride to the Jindaiji Temple Transit time: about 10 minutes between the sites
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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6 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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