Private Tours in Tokyo: A One-Day Itinerary to Explore the Coolest Neighborhoods Like a Local

As J.R.R. Tolkien once said, "Not all those who wander are lost." This has never been truer for me than the last few years, living in Tokyo. As an expat who has decided to settle here for the unforeseeable future, I have found that one of my favorite things to do in this city is to wander.

To walk. To move from one place to another aimlessly, and with curiosity. With no expectations, no agenda, and no set plan other than to explore a city that is as rich in eccentricities as it is in history and tradition.

And now, after having experienced Tokyo as a "wanderer" and not a tourist, I am ready to share my experiences with you.

Why Tokyo?

As a foreigner living in Tokyo, I can confidently say that this city offers a unique and unparalleled experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a different culture.

Tokyo's rich history and tradition are going to be a draw for anyone who is interested in the past. Even in the midst of the city's modernization, its temples and shrines are the cultural treasures that remain amazingly well-preserved and accessible for anyone to visit and appreciate.

For example, no matter how much you like the funkiness and fun of Tokyo, you can't not be blown away by the stunning beauty of the Meiji Shrine, the historical significance of the Tokyo National Museum, the peacefulness of the gardens at the Imperial Palace, and the intricate architecture of the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Another aspect of Tokyo that I love is the diversity of the people and its incredible food scene.

Whether you're in the mood for sushi, ramen, Indian curry, an American hamburger, or an Italian pasta, you can find it all in Tokyo. There's also a thriving nightlife scene, with everything from cozy bars and jazz clubs to high-energy nightclubs and karaoke bars.

Finally, for anyone living in or visiting Tokyo, the convenience and efficiency of this city's public transportation system is also a major draw. The trains run like clockwork, and it's incredibly easy to get around the city using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

This type of transportation has made it so fun and easy for me to explore all that Tokyo has to offer - from the quaint neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa and Koenji to central Tokyo and Shibuya Crossing. And now that I've found myself completely enthralled in this city, I want to share my love for it with others.

Do you appreciate neighborhoods that are a bit "off the beaten path?"

Would you like at least one of your Tokyo private tours to not involve everything that is considered "touristy" and see some of the real heart behind this city?

Then join me as I share some snippets of a one-day private tour itinerary I have put together specifically for someone like you.

Private Tours in Tokyo: A Local Guides Look into the Coolest Neighborhoods

Known for its bohemian atmosphere and laid-back charm, Kichijoji's streets are lined with trendy cafes, vintage shops, and small boutiques, creating a unique and vibrant vibe that draws people from all over the city.

The neighborhood is also home to a large park - known as the Inokashira Park - where locals and travelers alike gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall. And if you have more time? Consider renting a paddle boat on the lake and paddling around while taking in some Tokyo nature while you do.

With its easygoing vibe, Kichijoji is always a favorite of mine and a must-visit destination if you are looking for a private tour that really begins with showing you a different side to the city.

The restaurant's interior is cozy and welcoming, with a laid-back atmosphere that makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal with friends or family.

But the real gem of Inokashira Park is the Studio Ghibli Museum, located within its boundaries. As someone who has always been a bit of a fan of the famous award-winning Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki, this museum never ceases to excite me.

The whimsical museum includes a theater showing film excerpts, a children's play zone, a rooftop garden, and exhibits related to Miyazaki's movies, including Spirited Away. The museum itself is housed in a really gorgeous building that is surrounded by greenery and features some incredibly cool architecture that blends seamlessly with its surroundings, giving another type of nod to the creativity of Studio Ghibli's ongoing genius.

It's known for the always-busy Nakano Broadway shopping center, which is a treasure trove of anime and manga shops, vintage clothing boutiques, and quirky souvenir stores. For anyone who likes to collect things or really enjoys those rare and hard-to-find items, Nakano is going to be a treasure trove hot spot for you!

Aside from shopping, Nakano also has a number of great restaurants and cafes, ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to lots of international flavors. The narrow streets and alleys are lined with cozy eateries and secret spots, each offering a unique dining experience.

Nakano also has a rich cultural history, with several important temples and shrines located within the area. One of the most notable is the Nakano Shrine, which is known for its beautiful torii gate and the serene forested grounds that lie behind it.

If you are lucky enough to be here in October, the shrine is a popular spot for the annual festival held here.

It won't take long for you to realize that Daily Chiko is no regular ice cream stand. If you're around Nakano Broadway, you definitely won't want to miss their 20cm tall soft serve, consisting of eight layers of heaven.

Though the flavors do change once in a while (depending on what type of mood the manager is in) but vanilla, chocolate, and matcha always seem to be staples.

Though this monstrous dessert looks intimidating, the ice cream itself is surprisingly light. But even if it wasn't, you simply can't experience Nakano without some scoops from Daily Chiko.

But if you join one of my Tokyo tours, we will find some gems that others may very well miss!

The area of Shimokitazawa is home to a vibrant arts and music scene, with plenty of vintage shops, record stores, and independent boutiques to explore. Believe me, I have some favorites that I'll show you, but we will also see if you can discover some of your own.

One of the most unique things about Shimokitazawa is the abundance of small, independent theaters and live music venues. This neighborhood is known for its off-beat and experimental performances, ranging from avant-garde theater productions to indie rock concerts.

But whether you're a fan of the arts or just looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, Shimokitazawa is also a great place to just wander around and soak up some of the local atmospheres. Tokyo private tour guides like me find the biggest appeal of Shimokitazawa to be how much this area welcomes - almost insists - that a person pace slow, that the mode of movement should be to wander, not rush.

Take the Odakyu Line from Nakano Station to Shimokitazawa Station. Explore the vintage clothing shops and record stores in the area.

At Andon, the menu feels intentionally simple though you won't be without plenty of options.

The sake selection is impressive, with a variety of local and regional options to choose from. And, though I know a bit about sake, I always welcome the staff to help us select the perfect sake to pair with whatever it is we are eating, or what you may be in the mood for.

The ambiance of Andon is warm and inviting, with wooden tables and traditional Japanese decor. It's the perfect spot to unwind before we begin our evening leg of your private tour.

As one of several theaters belonging to the Honda Theater Group, The Suzunari is a landmark of the Japanese contemporary theater scene. Often those who perform here go on to experience careers on the larger stage.

The theater itself is a small, intimate space, with a very small capacity for an audience. I think this intimacy allows for a truly immersive experience, as we will most likely be seated just a few feet away from the performers.

The space is also highly flexible, with movable seating and a stage that can be configured in a variety of ways to suit the needs of each production, from comedy shows to one-act plays and larger performances.

In addition to its performances, The Suzunari is also known for its commitment to fostering new talent in the Japanese theater scene. The theater is known to regularly host workshops for aspiring actors and directors, helping to launch their further careers.

The soup curry here is definitely their standout dish, with a flavorful broth infused with a variety of spices that are both savory and satisfying. The tender chicken, cooked on the bone, adds an extra layer of richness to the dish, while the colorful assortment of fresh vegetables provides a healthy and flavorful complement to the curry.

I promise...you will leave feeling fully satisfied and happy.

Private Tours in Tokyo: Ready to Sign Up?

After having been a private tour guide in Tokyo for a few years now, I can honestly say that most of my favorite and unforgettable Tokyo tours by locals have involved some sort of wandering and exploring for that magical insider perspective.

What are you waiting for? Tokyo is waiting for you!