Tokyo is huge, magical and slightly bewildering – it is one place where getting a private tour guide definitely helps. Here are seven of the best Tokyo private tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world and can be confusing to first-time visitors. Of course being bamboozled by Tokyo’s pulsating lights and neon charm is all part of the appeal but there comes a point when having someone to show you around a bit sure is useful. Luckily help is at hand. There are some great private tours to be had with expert local guides showing you everything from the best secret food and drink spots to lesser-known parts of the city and historic neighbourhoods. Here are seven of the best Tokyo private tours.
Tokyo: Private Personalized Local Food Tour
This three-hour tour takes in the delicacies and delights of Tokyo. The expert guide takes you to popular local izakayas for a unique, authentic food experience, sampling eight to 10 diverse local flavours, paired with local drinks, as you go. You’ll get to try specialties from monjayaki in Asakusa to tsukune in Nakano. The tour promises an off-the-beaten-path experience and it doesn’t disappoint, especially when you visit the district of Kichijoji. This area is a favorite among Tokyoites for its relaxed vibe and you’ll get to mingle with the locals and try specialities like yakitori and seasonal dishes. From €186.13.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Tokyo: Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
This tour helps you to see the real Tokyo, with the help of a knowledgeable local Guide. Alongside the main tourist sights and landmarks you’ll get to see local life and the history of Tokyo as you wander around the city’s streets. As this is a private tour it’s fully customisable too, with the chance to discuss what you want to see and learn about, with the route tailored to suit. The guide is also on hand to offer advice on what to see for the first of your time in Tokyo – it’s an excellent way to start any vacation in the Japanese capital. From €50.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Private Ramen Tour in Tokyo by Local Ramen Expert Hiroshi
Calling all ramen lovers! This top-rated tour is an amazing insight into the real ramen of Tokyo. Your guide Hiroshi knows everything there is to know about ramen – essentially broth of chewy noodles, mixed with meat or vegetable toppings, that has been around for over a hundred years. Hiroshi will take you to some of the best ramen shops in Tokyo, giving a few tips and trivia about Japan’s famous bowl of noodles along the way. You’ll get to try both a thick, rich bowl of ramen, and a spot where you can try a lighter style. Hiroshi is hugely entertaining making this a fun two-hour excursion. From €90.58.
Book at Byfood.com
Tokyo: Custom Hidden Gems & Highlights Tour with Local Guide
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
The great thing about this top-rated tour is that it can be tailored both in what you want to see and also how long it lasts. That means you can choose between two-, four-, six- or a full eight-hour excursion. You’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree and get to visit hidden corners that only locals know about. There is also a glimpse into old Tokyo at Yanaka, a neighborhood retaining a charming ‘shitamachi’ atmosphere. Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, with its lovely shops and galleries, is also a great place to pick up a souvenir. With an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, it’s a lovely experience whatever length of tour you choose. From €80.27.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Tokyo: Private City Highlights Tour with Local Guide
During a six-hour private tour you’ll get to see a lot of Tokyo with this option. The guide is excellent, being both nationally-licensed and highly experienced, and will help to tailor the trip to what you would like to experience. You can choose from a number of iconic locations, including Asakusa, Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Akihabara, Hama Rikyu Gardens, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Nezu, and Shinjuku Golden Gai. There is an option of either walking or using public transport too to enable you to cover more ground – the choice is yours. From €126.74.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Tokyo: Nighttime Car Tour to Daikoku PA with Local Guide
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
If there is one thing Tokyo is famous for, aside from the sushi, the arcades, the shopping, the subcultures and the nightlife, it’s the car scene. Whether it’s Tokyo Drift or the Midnight Club, the Japanese capital has always been famous for its modified cars and mysterious meet-ups. You can experience it for yourself with this private tour which includes riding alongside a real-life racer, andpassing by Tokyo’s famous landmarks, including Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge, also witnessing modified sports cars racing down the Metropolitan Expressway. It’s three-hours long and a car fan’s dream, interacting with local car owners for a better understanding of what makes the car clubs of Japan so special. From €108.63.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Shibuya Food Tour With An Expert Guide
This is a four-hour tour of one of Tokyo’s most famous and lively districts, Shibuya. The tour focuses on the food of Shibuya and takes you through the bustling streets, with their bright neon lights, bars, shops, and lively nightlife. It can be done either as a small group tour or as a private tour for a more intimate experience. On the way you will be able to try out a brightly-lit futuristic games centre and also try four delicious Japanese foods at several different venues, plus a dessert. This includes, of course, sushi, before visiting an authentic izakaya (a Japanese-style pub with food and drinks) to try some tasty karaage (Japanese fried chicken ), followed by a grill-it-yourself meal of wagyu Japanese beef. The aim is to take you to local spots and not tourist traps and htis tour doens’t disappoint. From €117.75.
Book at Byfood.com