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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!

see the sights with locals

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.

Tokyo Tours

Testimonials

We bring the best experience

See what our past guests say about us. Travelers' Choice Award 2024 & 25!

  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb jka2017
    February 6, 2026
  • star rating  Great, busy day  - We had a fabulous, fun filled day with Seiko along with lots of laughter and jokes. She met us promptly at the port and off we went on a... read more

    avatar thumb twoonaroadtrip
    October 7, 2024
  • star rating  Rie was awesome. Patient and great with my kids and made it a terrific experience for first timers to Tokyo.  - Rie was awesome. Patient and great with my kids and made it a terrific experience for first timers to Tokyo. We didn’t know what to expect, but she took care... read more

    avatar thumb sfeldage
    June 30, 2025
  • star rating  Hakone Hike and Lake Ashi  - Our day hike with Rie from The Backstreet Guides was just amazing. She took our family
    of four to a traditional tea house, up through the Hakone forrest,... read more

    avatar thumb Nicholas M
    April 22, 2025
  • star rating  Terrific time in Tokyo  - We had a very enjoyable day touring Tokyo and seeing the sights we requested plus a few others recommended by our guide, Rei. The restaurant she chose for lunch... read more

    avatar thumb Brad K
    July 28, 2025
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Karen H
    October 16, 2025
  • star rating  I had the best day. visiting Nikko dressed in its Autumn foliage- Mayu from Backstreet Guides was so organised and thankfully her English was impeccable (as my Japanese was very,... read more

    Tas-wanderer
    December 4, 2019
  • star rating  The Best  - The Backstreet Kyoto Tour was amazing! Our guide Saki was such a knowledgeable and impressive tour guide. We visited and learned about all the major Kyoto sites. Also we had... read more

    avatar thumb Dan R
    October 3, 2025
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Curious28322482007
    March 2, 2026
  • star rating  Historic Tokyo Tour  - Our customized trip with Rie was perfect and efficient. Rie fit a lot in for a full city tour and explained so much of the context and history. 10/10 stars.

    avatar thumb 801lorenm
    June 1, 2025

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