Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Reservations
How do I book a private tour with The Backstreet Guides?
You can request a tour through our Tour Requests page. Simply fill out the form with your preferred dates, tour type, and group size. Our team will respond with availability and customization options tailored to your needs.
We recommend that you already know your travel dates when you contact us, as this helps us check guide availability more efficiently. Once we confirm availability with our guides, we can typically hold your reservation for a few days before payment is required to secure your booking.
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How far in advance should I book my Tokyo or Kyoto tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible as our trusted guides get booked out quickly.
- Off-season: Contact us at least 2 months in advance
- Peak seasons: (cherry blossoms in March-April and autumn foliage in October-November): Contact us: 4-6 months in advance
We accept bookings up to 6 months ahead. The earlier you book, the better your chance of securing your preferred dates with our hand-selected local guides.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy can be found on all individual tour pages. We’ll also provide you with the full details before you confirm your booking, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
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Do you offer group discounts or multi-tour discounts?
While we don’t offer multi-tour discounts, our tours are priced per group (not per person), which already provides exceptional value, especially for families and small groups of 2-10 people. When you factor in the quality of our hand-selected guides and completely private, personalized experience, our pricing is highly competitive for what we deliver.
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Can I book multiple tours in one trip?
Absolutely! Many of our guests book multiple experiences – perhaps a Tokyo Highlights Tour, a day trip to Mt. Fuji, and a Kyoto Explorer Tour. Contact us to coordinate multiple tours and we’ll ensure seamless scheduling throughout your Japan adventure.
Tour Details & Customization
Are your tours really private?
Yes, 100%! All Backstreet Guides tours are completely private. You won’t be joined by other travelers – it’s just you, your group, and your dedicated English-speaking guide. This allows for personalized pacing, flexible itineraries, and the ability to adjust plans on the day based on your interests.
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Can I customize my tour itinerary?
Definitely! While we offer structured tours like our Tokyo Highlights Tour and Kyoto Explorer Tour, every experience can be tailored. Interested in anime culture? Want to visit specific temples? Have dietary restrictions? Let us know during booking and our guides will customize your experience. We also offer fully bespoke “Build-Your-Own” tours for Tokyo and Kyoto.
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What’s included in the tour price?
Your tour includes:
- Your own licensed, English-speaking local Japanese guide for the full duration
- Expert planning and customization
- Guidance using Tokyo/Kyoto’s public transportation (or private vehicle option)
- Insider knowledge and hidden gems
Not included: Guide’s transportation costs, entrance fees to attractions, meals, and your own transportation costs. We will inform you of approximate additional costs during planning.
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Do you offer tours by private car?
Yes! While our standard tours use public transportation (a great way to experience local life), we offer private vehicle options with a professional driver for enhanced comfort and time saving. This is especially popular for day trips to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, and in Kyoto where public transport is more limited, or for guests with mobility concerns.
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What languages do your guides speak?
All our guides are fluent English speakers and are 100% Japanese locals with extensive knowledge of Japanese culture and history. Many are licensed professionals who have been carefully selected and vetted by us personally over many years.
Tokyo Tours
What’s the best tour for first-time visitors to Tokyo?
Our Tokyo Highlights Tour is perfect for first-timers. In one day, you’ll experience the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the trendy Harajuku and Shibuya districts including the famous Shibuya Scramble crossing, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Ueno. Your guide will also teach you how to navigate Tokyo’s public transport system confidently.
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Can I visit Tsukiji Fish Market on your tours?
Yes! Our Market & Modern Culture Tour features the Tsukiji Outer Food Market, where you can sample incredible fresh seafood, street food, and experience Tokyo’s food culture. We also offer a special Tsukiji Market & Private Sushi Making Class where you’ll learn from a professional sushi chef.
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Do you offer Tokyo night tours?
Absolutely! Our Night Out Tokyo Tour explores Tokyo’s evening scene, including Shimbashi’s izakaya street, Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, and the neon lights of Kabukicho. It’s a fantastic way to overcome jet lag on your first evening and experience Tokyo’s nightlife safely with a local guide.
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What Tokyo day trips do you offer?
We offer several popular day trips from Tokyo:
- Mount Fuji Tour – Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, and Oshino Hakkai
- Hakone Explorer – Ropeway rides, Owakudani volcanic valley, Lake Ashi cruise, and Mt. Fuji views
- Kamakura Explorer – The Great Buddha, beautiful temples, and the charming Komachi-Dori shopping street
- Nikko Express – UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji
Kyoto Tours
What are the must-see sights in Kyoto?
Our Kyoto Explorer Tour covers the essential eastern Kyoto sites: Fushimi Inari’s famous 1,000 torii gates, Nishiki Market for food adventures, the Gion geisha district, and the stunning Kiyomizu-dera temple. For western Kyoto, our Bamboo & Gold Tour features Arashiyama’s magical Bamboo Forest and the iconic Golden Pavilion.
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Can I see the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama?
Yes! Our Bamboo & Gold Kyoto Tour includes the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, along with Tenryu-ji Temple’s zen gardens, the Golden Pavilion, and Ryoan-ji’s famous rock garden. Your guide will take you at the best times to avoid crowds when possible.
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Do you offer Kyoto tours during cherry blossom and autumn seasons?
Absolutely! Kyoto is spectacular during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November). These are our busiest periods, so book 4-6 months in advance to secure your preferred dates. Your guide will take you to the best viewing spots and lesser-known locations that showcase seasonal beauty.
Practical Information
How long are your tours?
Most of our tours are full-day experiences (approximately 7-8 hours for city tours, 10-11 hours for day trips like Mt. Fuji and Nikko). We also offer half-day options. The exact duration is flexible based on your energy level and interests although we generally require a minimum of 5 hours private guide hire, unless otherwise stated in our set tours.
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What should I wear and bring?
Wear: Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll can walk 10,000-15,000 steps on city tours), weather-appropriate clothing, and layers (temples can be cooler).
Bring: Water bottle, hat and sunscreen (summer), umbrella (rainy season June-July), camera, and Japanese yen for purchases and entrance fees.
Temple visits: Some require removing shoes, so wear socks and slip-on shoes for convenience.
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Are your tours suitable for children and elderly travelers?
Yes! Our private tours can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels. Let us know about any mobility concerns, and we can adjust the pace, reduce walking distances, or arrange private vehicle transport. For families with young children, we can incorporate activities they’ll enjoy while keeping adults engaged.
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Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour price, but your guide will take you to excellent local restaurants that match your preferences and budget. This is part of the authentic experience – eating where locals eat! Your guide can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
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What happens if it rains?
Tokyo and Kyoto have plenty of covered areas, arcades, and indoor attractions. Your guide will adjust the itinerary to maximize covered experiences while still showing you the highlights. There is something charming about Japan on a rainy day! Ponchos and umbrellas are readily available for purchase in Japan and fairly low cost at conveninece stores. Most of the larger hotels will lend you an umbrella for the day if you ask at the desk.
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Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is not customary or expected in Japan. However, if you feel your guide provided exceptional service, a gratuity is appreciated but never required. Many guests choose to show appreciation through positive reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews.
About The Backstreet Guides
Why choose The Backstreet Guides?
Since 2011, we’ve been Tokyo and Kyoto’s trusted private tour company, earning TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award consistently since 2016 except during COVID closures). We specialize in:
- 100% private tours – Never shared with strangers
- Hand-selected local Japanese guides – We’ve built a trusted network of authentic local guides over many years. Most of our guides are not easily found online or on big marketplace platforms
- Exceptional quality for competitive pricing – We don’t just work with any guides. Our guides are personally vetted and trusted
- Complete flexibility – Customize on the day based on your interests
- Hidden gems – We go beyond typical tourist spots to show you authentic Japan
- Personal connections – Small company, personalized service, thousands of happy guests
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What makes you different from other Tokyo/Kyoto tour companies?
Unlike large tour operators or online marketplaces that work with any available guide, we are a small, specialized company that personally selects and vets every guide.
We’ve built a trusted network of real local Japanese guides over more than a decade. These aren’t freelancers you can easily find online – they’re guides we know personally, have trained, and trust to look after our guests like family.
Our pricing is very competitive for the exceptional quality we deliver. When you book with us, you’re getting access to guides who truly know their cities and provide authentic, insider experiences. Our consistent Travelers’ Choice Awards and hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews reflect our commitment to excellence.
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Are your guides licensed?
Many of our guides are officially licensed by the Japanese government, having passed rigorous examinations on Japanese history, culture, and guiding regulations. All our guides are 100% Japanese locals who have been personally selected and vetted by us for their deep knowledge, excellent English communication skills, and warm personalities. If we can not supply one of these quality guides for your dates, then we will not take your booking.
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Can you help with other aspects of my Japan trip?
While we specialize in private guided tours in the Toyko, Kyoto and their surrounding areas, our team has extensive Japan travel knowledge. We’re happy to offer recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and other destinations during your consultation.
Payment & Pricing
How much do your tours cost?
Tour prices vary depending on duration, location, and whether you choose public transport or private vehicle options. Our tours are priced per group (not per person), making them excellent value for 2-10 people. All our prices can be found on the relevant tour pages.
Our pricing is very competitive for the quality we offer – you’re getting access to hand-selected, trusted local Japanese guides that aren’t available on big marketplace platforms. Contact us through our Tour Requests page for detailed pricing based on your specific needs.
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What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit card payments only through our secure payment system, ensuring your transaction is safe and protected.
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Are entrance fees included?
Entrance fees to temples, shrines, museums, and attractions are not included in the tour price. Your guide will inform you of expected costs during planning. Budget approximately ¥1,000-3,000 ($10-25 USD) per person for entrance fees on a full-day tour. But many itineraries may have no entrance fees.
Safety & Travel Considerations
Is Tokyo safe for tourists?
Tokyo and Kyoto are among the world’s safest cities. Japan has very low crime rates, and tourist areas are extremely safe day and night. Your local guide provides an extra layer of security and cultural knowledge to ensure a comfortable experience.
Contact & Support
How can I contact The Backstreet Guides?
You can reach us through our Contact page or Tour Requests page. You can also find us on social media @thebackstreetguides on Instagram. We typically respond within 24 hours.
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What if I have questions during my tour?
On the day of your tour, your guide is your direct point of contact and will ensure all your questions are answered and needs are met. You can also email our office whilst out on tour with the email address given to you at the time of booking.
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Do you have reviews I can read?
Yes! We have hundreds of 5-star reviews on both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews. We’re proud to have earned the Travelers’ Choice Award consistently since 2016 (except during COVID closures). You can also find testimonials throughout our website from past guests who’ve experienced the real Japan with us.
Ready to Experience Japan with The Backstreet Guides?
Book your private Tokyo or Kyoto tour today and discover Japan through the eyes of trusted local guides.