Private Curated Tour | Historical Tokyo - Ueno, Asakusa, Emperor

With our guide Franz we were treated to a first class experience. He was informative, attentive and professional in all respects. A key feature was being flexible and helping executing a customized agenda tailored to our requests.

I had the best time with Jero. He walked me around to the best spots. I had a 10 hour layover from Narita and he made the absolute most of my time in Tokyo. I needed to stop for lunch and he was flexible and altered the tour so I could get some food, and we ended up eating at an amazing place where they cook the meat in front of you and Jero was the most helpful with all of the cooking. I could not have seen as much as I did without his expertise of the city and I learned so much from him about the culture. Would definitely book with him again when I get the chance to go back!

Our first full day in Tokyo (spent mostly in Shibuya and Harajuku) set the tone for our entire trip to Japan, thanks to Jero's uncommon friendliness and knowledge -- the knowledge of someone who truly loves his subject. In fact, we enjoyed his guidance and companionship so much that after returning to Tokyo after traveling as far afield as Hiroshima, we booked him for our last full day, which this time included highlights in Asakusa and Ueno: Azuma Bridge, with its view of Tokyo Skytree and Asahi corporate headquarters; Kaminarimon Gate; the Nakamise-dori with its many dozens of stalls leading to Hozomon Gate and ancient Senso-ji Temple; delicious red-bean and custard taiyakis; Hoppy-dori, with its many izakayas; the Kabuki hub of Rokku Broadway; and Ueno Park, with its crown jewel of Toshogu Shrine (which I happen to think is even more beautiful than Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Temple). Jero even shepherded us in the direction of Ueno Park's earliest-blooming trees, which was an unexpected treat, since we assumed we were too early to see any. Braving the crowds that are so often a part of Tokyo's tourist spots was trauma-free, thanks to him, and he was able to get some good shots of us from uncrowded vantage points that wouldn't have been obvious to us. Tokyo is an enchanting, bottomless well, and Jero revels in it. We're grateful that our time in Japan was bookended by days spent with a new friend.

Note: I had my wife write this review for us. What an amazing private tour guide! My husband and I travel all over the world and love to take private tours so we can learn more about the cities we visit. We recently visited Tokyo and took a private tour with Jero Nagase from Shiny Tours. We always take private tours because we don’t like to be in a tour group with a bunch of people asking stupid questions or being otherwise obnoxious. ;) When we first met up with Jero at our designated meeting spot, we discussed our interests with him and then decided on our destinations. During our four hour tour, we went to Asakusa and the Ueno Park. Along the way, we visited a number of shrines and temples and learned their history. We sampled some melonpan, the super yummy sweet and fluffy bread! I had some very specific souvenirs I wanted to buy (a handpainted parasol and some elaborate Japanese hair pins and accessories), and Jero took us to small shops to show me both the best selections and the best prices. We went to places that were completely off the beaten tourist path and which were absolutely fascinating! I cannot wait to do another tour with Jero when we return to Tokyo next month!

I was in the city again and wanted to walk through Tokyo with Jero again. I liked it so much at the time and this time I wanted to see other parts of Tokyo. The tour was fantastic and I especially appreciate the relaxed, friendly nature and sense of what really interests you. You don’t feel like a tourist among many, but like a welcome guest, time flew by, I can only highly recommend the tour 🤩🤩🤩 Thank you Jero

Should experience a fanatical day with my guide, has given a lot of Insider tips, thank you , for everyone to recommend

We did two tours with the same guide straight away – and it was just great! His passion for Tokyo is instantly infectious, and through his many Insider tips we discovered corners that we would have missed on our own. The second tour through the historic districts was especially great – completely in German, super pleasant and informative. Every spot was perfectly chosen, the paths in between ideally planned. Two days full of impressions, stories and experiences that we will never forget. Highly recommended – we would do it again immediately!

Great tour with Jero, this was my second tour with him and can highly recommend. I don’t do well in crowds which in Japan can be a bit of a challenge however he went above and above to help and customised the tour to suit my needs. Highly recommend and yes I still grab an egg sandwich whenever I see a Family Mart. Thanks again Jero.

Booked a third tour with Jero for last day in Japan. Tokyo's "Times Square" was unbelievable, with traffic lights in what seemed like eight intersections and thousands of people crossing at each light change. Went to many different sights, including a beautiful Buddhist Temple with equally beautiful gardens. Jero again focused on the city's culture, history and not-to-be - missed experiences and indulged us in our special requests, including a trip to Tokyo Giants Baseball Stadium. Thank you Jero!!

We did 2 tours with Jero over 2 days, this was our second d day. Fantastic couple of hours spent leaning about Asakusa / Ueno areas. Another personalised and interesting tour. Thank you Jero for a fabulous experience!