
ABOUT US
Private Guided Tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Beyond
Discover Japan with The Backstreet Guides, your trusted Tokyo private tour guides since 2011. We specialise in private, personalised tours that reveal Tokyo’s vibrant backstreets, hidden gems, and cultural landmarks, as well as Kyoto, Hakone, and other unique destinations.
Our licensed local guides craft tailor-made experiences, allowing you to explore at your own pace while gaining authentic insights into Japanese culture. Every tour is fully private, offering flexibility, comfort, and deeper connections.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, we create enriching, custom journeys that showcase the real Japan. Book your private Tokyo tours for 2026 today!

Tokyo Tours
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Tokyo Day Trips
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Kyoto Tours
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Small Group Journeys
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English-Speaking Private Tours
Walking tours using public transport or tours by private transport. We've crafted tours to cater to all. Drawing from invaluable experience touring with thousands of clients over the past decade, our team has designed these tours to meet diverse preferences and ensure an exceptional experience for every traveller.

Testimonials
We bring the best experience
See what our past guests say about us. Travelers' Choice Award 2024 & 25!
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Amazing Tokyo Tour - Mami was an amazing guiding sharing the Tokyo highlights, educating us on the culture, rituals and sharing all her knowledge. She was informative and easy to speak with.... read more She was committed to ensuring we got what we wanted out of the time. She picked an amazing Ramen stop for lunch and worked hard to make sure we saw the real Tokyo.
Bonnie T
October 31, 2026 -
Thumbs up Backstreet guides - Met at our hotel by our guide Rie, we proceeded to travel around Tokyo suburbs trying amazing food,coffee and craft beer. Throw in a few temples,shrines and shops,it's a full... read more day out thats fun and stress free. Highly recommended 👌.
Curious28322482007
March 2, 2026 -
Outstanding Tour by Rie - Rie was an outstanding tour guide. She took us to two markets, two shrines, and other fascinating places. She was punctual, knowledgeable, patient with our slow pace of walking, and... read more very kind. We highly recommend her without reservations.
Karen H
October 16, 2025 -
Great tours with Backstreet Guides - Great tours with Backstreet guides in Tokyo and Kyoto. We had been to both cities before and they were great in making suggestions for things we had not seen... read more that were really good! The guides in both cities were great and very flexible. We recommend this company very highly and would not hesitate to book with them again.
travelfan21_12
January 9, 2026 -
Amazing experience in Osaka/Kyoto with Saki! - The Backstreet Guides continue to be the most spectacular group of people. Japan is such an amazing place, and its only made better by this team. They are excellent in... read more communication prior to your tour. We've used them several times now on multiple trips going back to 2018 and they are always so much fun!
This trip was a first for us in Osaka, so we were paired with Saki N for a private journey. She met us at our hotel and was open to planning the day "on the go". We had scheduled a short trip from the US and were looking for more of a relaxing trip rather than one of running or waiting in lines. She ensured we had the most wonderful day. Took us to an amazing quiet lookout of Kyoto and a cab ride to point out some of the sights. We had an excellent Ramen lunch which was a great recommendation as we were able to get to the new popular spot before it was too busy. Such an excellent lunch.
There's so much more to call out, but I cannot stress the hospitality of this entire team. They will ensure the day is all about you and are genuinely interested in your happiness.
If you're looking for a tour in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto - and you're reading this, you've found the best possible option. Reach out to the team and get your dates scheduled. They can be busy, so please ensure you reach out early. I believe they begin booking 6 months in advance.
Thank you so much to the team for an amazing day, and to Saki for her patience in showing us the sights of Kyoto. We look forward to a future trip and more time!
Kyle G
October 2, 2026 -
Private Day Tour - Tokyo - Rie was the absolute best tour guide!! We thoroughly enjoyed our day, learned so much, and were able to partake in new and authentic experiences. Would recommend to anyone and... read more book again!
865courtneyv
November 2, 2025 -
Do it... you won't regret it! - Great tour with Mana Nakano.
She was prompt in meeting at hotel, had a historical presentation about Tokyo. We went to the Ueno station, Imperial Palace Gardens, and several other... read more places. It was very interesting. I enjoyed the whole day!
I also did a day tour with Rie to Kamakura, and that was really good, too. Kamakura is a wonderful coastal town just south of Tokyo. The last time I was there was 16 years ago, and happy I went back.
jka2017
February 6, 2026 -
Wonderful tour of Tokyo with Mami - Mami was just wonderful. She was funny, informative, attentive, adaptable and went with our flow. When we needed coffee she had the perfect quaint spot for us and same for... read more lunch. We cannot recommend her highly enough. Consider yourself lucky if she is your guide. Thank you Mami.
Mary O
October 31, 2026 -
A great introduction to Tokyo - We booked a guide as this was our first visit to Japan. As well as providing an excellent itinerary and information about the places we visited, the guide also helped... read more us to navigate the metro network. Our guide was knowledgeable and kind, and this was a lovely introduction to Japan.
christina353
November 1, 2026







