"
Mao made our Tokyo trip unforgettable. The food tour through Tsukiji was the highlight of our entire Japan trip. He knew exactly where to take us — and made every stop feel quietly special.
Sarah M.
United States · Food Tour
Trilingual Private Guide · Tokyo & Osaka
The Japan you'll
remember.
Curated private tours through Tokyo's hidden food alleys, ancient temples, and modern wonders. Hosted by Mao — your trilingual guide trusted by 500+ travelers and international agencies since 2023.
Scroll
500+
Travelers Guided
5.0★
Average Rating
3+
Languages Spoken
20+
Agency Partners
Your Host
A trilingual host,
a quiet doorway
into Japan.
I'm Mao — a private tour guide based in Tokyo, fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese. After fifteen years in international business, I followed the work I loved and became a private guide in 2023. Since then, more than 500 travelers from the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia have spent a day in Japan with me.
My background in business taught me what international travelers and travel agencies need most — reliability, clear communication, and experiences that genuinely move people. I bring that professionalism to every tour, while keeping the day warm, personal, and unhurried.
I also run a Japanese food YouTube channel with 15,000+ subscribers and have collaborated with brands including Asahi Beer — so I know the standing bars, the family-run sushi counters, and the calm temples that most guides will never take you to.
Languages
English · 日本語 · 中文
Guests Hosted
500+ since 2023
YouTube
15,000+ subscribers
Background
15 yrs international business
Signature Experiences
Three doorways into Japan.
Curated private tours, designed around your interests. Every experience is fully customizable — from a half-day food crawl to a multi-day journey across regions.
— 01 / Most Booked
Tokyo Food &
Market Discovery
Walk Tsukiji Outer Market at dawn. Taste through Ameyoko's narrow lanes. Slip into the standing bars where locals eat after work. From street snacks to A5 wagyu — a private journey through Japan's living food culture, ordered and explained by your guide.
4–8 hours
Private & customizable
All ages welcome
Reserve this tour →
— 02 / Culture & Temples
Ancient Tokyo,
in a single day.
Begin in the silence of Meiji Shrine. Cross the iconic Kaminarimon gate. Walk the gardens of the Imperial Palace. End in the neon energy of Shibuya. A full day where Tokyo's contrasts — sacred and electric — fold into one rhythm.
6–8 hours
Private & customizable
All ages welcome
Reserve this tour →
— 03 / Hands-On Workshops
The moments
you'll remember.
Forge your own Japanese kitchen knife in a Tsukiji atelier. Brush calligraphy with a calligrapher. Cook a quiet dinner with a local chef. Wear kimono for a private tea ceremony. These are the slow, hand-made hours that travelers remember years later.
2–4 hours
Add to any tour
Private
Reserve this experience →
Gallery
Real days. Real travelers.
A selection of recent moments — from morning markets to evening izakayas, across Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond.
Testimonials
What travelers say.
"
We booked Mao for a full-day cultural tour. Knowledgeable, patient with our kids, and genuinely passionate about sharing Japanese culture. We left feeling like we had a friend in Tokyo.
James & Family
Australia · Culture Tour
"
As a travel agency, finding reliable local guides is critical. Mao has been our go-to in Tokyo since 2023. Our clients consistently rate his tours as the best part of their trip to Japan.
Travel Agency Partner
Europe · Agency Partnership
Stay With Us
A newly built home
in the heart of Osaka.
A brand-new two-bedroom home (built 2022) in the Namba East district — walking distance to the subway, a short ride to Dotonbori. Designed for families and small groups of up to six, with 59m² of modern living space, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom.
Pair your private tour with a quiet, local stay. Your guide is also your host — sharing the kind of insider notes that don't appear on travel sites.
For travel agencies & tour operators: Ideal for FIT clients, family bookings, or pre/post-tour stays in the Kansai region. Minimum 2-night stay (Osaka City regulation). English check-in support included. Contact for partnership rates →
For Travel Agencies & Tour Operators
A trusted partner
for your Japan operation.
I partner with international travel agencies, DMCs, and luxury travel advisors to deliver seamless private guide services across Japan — direct, reliable, and report-backed.
01
Experienced Guide
English-speaking private guide with deep local knowledge across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.
02
Nationwide Coverage
Tokyo · Osaka · Kyoto · Nara · Kamakura · Hakone. Half-day, full-day, and multi-day itineraries.
03
Luxury Experience
Guests staying at Palace Hotel Tokyo, The Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo Edition Ginza.
04
Tour Reports
Same-day tour reports with photos delivered to your office for client records.
05
Reliable & On Time
Professional, punctual, always prepared. Built on 15 years of international business.
06
Direct Partnership
Direct contracts with international agencies — no intermediary fees, custom rates available.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
How much does a private tour in Tokyo cost? +
Pricing depends on group size, duration, and itinerary. Half-day tours (4 hours) and full-day tours (8 hours) are available. Contact me for a personalized quote — I'll design a tour that fits your budget and interests.
Do you offer food tours in Tokyo? +
Yes — the Tokyo Food & Market Discovery is my most-booked experience. It runs through Tsukiji Outer Market, Ameyoko, hidden standing bars, and wagyu restaurants. Every tasting is guided — I order for you and explain each dish.
Can you guide tours in Osaka and Kyoto too? +
Absolutely. I host private tours across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, Hakone, and beyond. Multi-day journeys covering several cities are also available — ideal for first-time visitors.
How do I book a private tour? +
Send a note via the contact form or email me directly. Share your travel dates, group size, and interests, and I'll come back with a custom itinerary within 24 hours. Booking early is recommended for cherry blossom season (March–April) and autumn foliage (November).
Are tours suitable for families with children? +
Yes — many of my guests travel with children. I adapt the pace, include kid-friendly activities (Akihabara, teamLab, Pikachu encounters), and choose family-welcoming restaurants. I've guided children as young as three.
Do you also offer accommodation in Osaka? +
Yes — I host a newly built 2-bedroom home near Namba Station in Osaka, available on Airbnb. Sleeps up to six. Combine your private tour with a local stay where your guide is also your host.