Tokyo: Private Custom Day Tour with Hotel Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Tokyo’s flavors, shrines & street style in one custom tour

You’ll taste fresh street food at Tsukiji Fish Market, sip matcha overlooking peaceful gardens, wander centuries-old temples with your guide’s stories filling in the gaps, and dive into Harajuku’s wild energy—all with hotel pickup and lunch included. By sunset, you’ll feel like you’ve seen more sides of Tokyo than you expected.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—Tsukiji Fish Market hits you like that, all briny air and sizzling oil from the food stalls. Our guide, Yuka, waved us over to a tiny counter where she ordered tamagoyaki on a stick for us. I think I burned my tongue a little (worth it). There was this old man laughing behind the counter, teasing Yuka about her “tourist friends.” It felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who actually knows which corners to duck into.

After that, we hopped on the subway—Yuka handled the tickets so I didn’t have to panic about the machines—and ended up at Hama Rikyu Gardens. The city noise faded out under those big old pine trees. We sat by the pond sipping matcha in this creaky teahouse while rain started tapping at the windows. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there all afternoon just watching the koi swirl around. But then Yuka nudged us along because apparently Senso-ji Temple gets crowded if you’re late (she was right).

Senso-ji was buzzing—incense smoke everywhere and people tossing coins for luck. I tried to copy how locals clapped and bowed but probably got it wrong; nobody seemed to mind. Later in Harajuku, we wandered down Takeshita Street where everything is neon and teenagers are dressed like cartoons. My partner bought socks with cartoon sushi on them—I still don’t know why but they make me laugh every time I see them at home.

I didn’t expect Tokyo to feel so layered: ancient shrines tucked behind fashion stores, quiet gardens just a few stops from chaos. The best part? Having someone like Yuka who could explain why people tie wishes on trees or which snack stall has the best yakitori (she was right again). If you’re thinking about a private custom tour of Tokyo in a day, trust me—it’s worth letting a local steer you through it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tokyo's iconic sites and food

• Visit Tsukiji Fish Market
• Enjoy Maccha tea at Hama Rikyu Gardens
• Tour Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
• Visit Meiji Shrine in Harajuku
• Walk through Harajuku shopping street
• Sample local foods and sake at standing bar

Top questions

How many places can I visit on this Tokyo private custom tour?

You can visit 4 or 5 places on a full-day tour or 2 to 3 places on a half-day tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tokyo day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within Tokyo’s 23 wards are included.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is included if you book the full-day option.

Can infants or small children join this Tokyo private tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Will my guide speak English?

Yes, your professional guide speaks English fluently.

Are transportation fares covered?

If using public transport or private vehicle as arranged, transportation fares are included.

How much walking is involved in this day trip?

A full-day public transportation tour averages over 20,000 steps (about 14 km).

Can I customize my itinerary for this Tokyo day trip?

Yes, your guide will contact you before the tour to help create your own itinerary based on your interests.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Tokyo, all transportation fares (by public transit or private vehicle), guidance from an English-speaking local expert, entry fees where needed, drinks along the way, and lunch if you choose the full-day option—so you can just focus on enjoying each stop without worrying about logistics.