Recommendation Request: Tokyo Private Guide
 

Looking for recommendations from anyone who would refer a private guide (no groups) they've had a great experience with in Tokyo - someone who is very creative at crafting an interesting, unique itinerary for 2 full days that can weave off-the-beaten-track places and experiences in with the old standards like Meiji, Imperial Gardens, Skytree, Asakusa, etc etc.

Hi,

THere are volunteer guide orgs that you could approach i.e. https://www.tokyofreeguide.org/ if you let them know what you want to do they should find a suitable guide for you (as they are locals they should all know off the beaten path alternatives)

There are two ways you can approach this.

1. Volunteer Guide
Japan National Tourism Organization website has a list of volunteer guide organizations.
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/lis...unteer-guides/

Look under Tokyo and there are few volunteer guide organizations listed. These are volunteers so unlicensed, but the organizations try to keep some standard among volunteer guides. They are usually free.

2. Licensed Guide
Japan Guide Association website has a search function to locate individual guides.
https://www.guidesearch.info/search

They are not free, but they all passed licensing test for a tour guide. Their style of guide can vary but their knowledge of subject matter has been verified.

I've used this company before for a multi-day hiking tour and highly recommend them. They now offer customized tours. Walk Japan

Thank you!

Also have a look at these past threads (there are others) and recommendations:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japa...ide-tokyo.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japa...kyo-kyoto.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japa...o-guide-4.html

I booked an amazing private guide on Tours by Locals who is unfortunately no longer on the platform. The site does require some digging to find the right guide for you, but I've always had great luck!

Not cheap, but Context Travel has some great guides in Tokyo and offers some custom full-day packages. We booked some of their shorter tours, but as a private group.