Explore Tokyo with a Private Guide: From Hot Springs to Clubs and Dancing Anywhere You Want
Imagine a day in Tokyo where your interests shape your itinerary, guided personally by someone who knows the city intimately. This private tour, costing just under $500 for your group, promises an 12-hour journey through iconic spots like Takaragawa Onsen, along with the flexibility to explore Tokyo’s famous nightlife—disco clubs, dance venues, or even dancing anywhere you please. Led by Shigeyuki Arai, a seasoned guide who offers a comfortable Mazda rotary engine-powered vehicle, this experience caters to small groups, making it a very tailored way to see Tokyo and beyond.
What we love about this tour is the personalized attention and the chance to visit the soothing Takaragawa Onsen, a renowned mixed bathing hot spring, with a stunning mountain backdrop. The option to dive into Tokyo’s night scene with local guides and the promise of customized travel make it appealing for those looking for an authentic, flexible adventure. Plus, the pick-up service from a convenient central location adds to the ease of planning.
A potential consideration is that the itinerary is quite broad, so if you’re craving a highly structured day or specific sights, this flexible tour might feel a bit loose. Also, with a price that includes accommodation and car rental costs, it’s best suited for curious travelers who want both relaxation and lively entertainment without the hassle of planning every step.
This tour would be ideal for adventurous travelers eager to blend relaxing hot springs with energetic nightlife, or for those who enjoy customized experiences with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re after a mix of culture and fun, this could be a perfect fit.
Key Points

- Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests, from hot springs to clubs.
- Private guide with extensive local experience, making the journey more authentic.
- Comfortable transportation in a Mazda rotary engine vehicle, accommodating up to three travelers.
- Includes a stay at Takaragawa Onsen, a renowned mixed bathing hot spring with mountain scenery.
- Option to explore Tokyo’s nightlife, including discos and dance venues, with translation help available.
- Free cancellation offers peace of mind for changing plans.
An In-Depth Look at the Private Tokyo Tour Experience

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Tokyo
The Personal Touch of a Private Guide
Shigeyuki Arai is not just a driver—he’s a passionate guide with years of experience showing visitors around Japan. His cheerful, accommodating approach ensures you’ll feel comfortable asking questions and customizing your day. The fact that he promises “the best trip” and “awesome great memories” speaks to his commitment to making your experience memorable.
The Itinerary Breakdown: Hot Springs and Nightlife
Takaragawa Onsen is the first highlight. Staying overnight at this hot spring is a rare treat; it’s a mixed bathing site, meaning both men and women enjoy the open-air baths together, often in a tranquil mountain setting. The onsen’s admission is included, and the accommodation fee (~30,000 yen) plus car rental (~20,000 yen per person) are part of the overall experience. The hot spring’s setting offers a true taste of Japan’s onsen culture—relaxing, rejuvenating, and scenic.
Spending three hours here gives you plenty of time to unwind, soak in the natural surroundings, and perhaps even enjoy the mountain views. The website suggests you can go anywhere for breakfast, adding to the freedom of your day.
After a restful night, the day continues with the chance to explore Tokyo’s nightlife scene. Whether you want to visit disco clubs, dance anywhere, or indulge in local venues, the guide can translate and help you navigate. This emphasis on personalized entertainment makes the experience stand out—you’re not just tagging along on a preset tour but actively shaping your fun.
Transportation and Comfort
The use of a Mazda rotary engine vehicle promises a smooth ride, and with only up to three travelers, this trip avoids crowded buses or tours. Meeting at the Keio Plaza Hotel at 10:00 am means you start your day fresh and ready to go. The private nature of the tour ensures you have the flexibility to go where you want without being held to a rigid schedule.
Practical Considerations
While the price includes fuel surcharge and the hot spring admission, it doesn’t include breakfast, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred morning meal. The tour runs rain or shine, with the policy ensuring a full refund if weather cancels the experience—important for those hoping to enjoy the outdoor hot springs or scenic views.
Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Tokyo we've examined
- Tokyo: Guided Go Kart Tour from Harajuku to Shibuya Crossing
- Akihabara Free for Kids Anime Eats and Games With A Guide
- Tokyo: Asakusa Guided Historical Walking Tour
- Tokyo: Asakusa Historical Highlights Guided Walking Tour
- Akihabara: Self-Guided Tour with a special brochure
- Asakusa Historical And Cultural Food Tour With A local Guide
Why This Tour Offers Value
Compared to structured group tours, the personalized approach here is a major plus. Your guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, not only making navigation easier but also unlocking local tips and insights. Visiting Takaragawa Onsen provides an authentic Japanese experience that many travelers miss, especially with the chance to stay overnight amid nature.
For those who want a blend of relaxation, culture, and lively entertainment, this tour hits all marks. The flexibility to tailor your experience is invaluable, especially when exploring a city as vast as Tokyo.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to explore Japan’s natural side and nightlife at their own pace. It works well if you’re seeking cultural authenticity combined with the fun of Tokyo’s nighttime scene, or if you prefer a more relaxed, personalized approach to sightseeing.
FAQs
Can this tour accommodate more than three people?
This particular vehicle seats up to three travelers, so if you’re a larger group, you might need to arrange for additional vehicles or check with the provider for options.
Is the hot spring stay included in the price?
The accommodation at Takaragawa Onsen has an approximate fee of 30,000 yen, which is included in the overall experience, but the exact booking details would need to be confirmed with the guide.
Can I customize the nightlife experience?
Yes, the guide offers translation and local knowledge to help you explore discos, clubs, or dance spots anywhere you choose within Tokyo.
What about transportation during the day?
Your private car with a knowledgeable guide will handle all transportation, offering a comfortable and flexible way to move between stops.
Is this tour suitable for travelers who don’t speak Japanese?
Absolutely. With Shigeyuki’s translation help and local expertise, language barriers won’t be a problem, especially in the nightlife part of the tour.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund if weather conditions prevent outdoor activities like the hot springs.
To sum it up, this private Tokyo tour offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement, crafted around your personal interests. The focus on authentic experiences—whether soaking in a mountain hot spring or dancing in the city—makes it a versatile option. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value flexibility, personalized service, and a mix of cultural and entertainment experiences. If you’re eager to see a different side of Tokyo, one that combines peace and play, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.
More Guided Tours in Tokyo
- 2-Day Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour with Mountain guide
- The Taste of Tsukiji A Tokyo Fish Market Food Tour With Guide
- Tokyo Architecture and Contemporary Art Walking Tour with a local guide
- Cyalume Dance Workshop with English guide
- Tokyo: Meiji Shrine Historical Tour with Local Guide
- Explore Asakusa Family Food Tour Fun Free for Kids With Guide
More Tours in Tokyo
More Tour Reviews in Tokyo
- Elegant Tokyo Twilight Walk & Local Dining Experience
- 4-Day Private Tour MT Fuji, Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko
- 2-Day Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour with Mountain guide
- Red, Yellow and Brown – Visit autumn leaves spots in Tokyo
- Tokyo tower Private Walking Tour and Night food tour : 6:00pm
- Breakfast at Tsukiji Market Tour
More Tokyo experiences we've covered
- Elegant Tokyo Twilight Walk & Local Dining Experience
- 4-Day Private Tour MT Fuji, Kamakura, Hakone, Nikko
- 2-Day Mt. Fuji Climbing Tour with Mountain guide
- Red, Yellow and Brown – Visit autumn leaves spots in Tokyo
- Tokyo tower Private Walking Tour and Night food tour : 6:00pm
- Breakfast at Tsukiji Market Tour
- Private Shinjuku Kawasaki Tokyo Slum Walking Tour with Transfer
- Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno
- 4-Day Private powder-snow ski tour.(Hakuba/Niseko/Furano)
- Nikko Private Tour by Car with English Speaking Chauffeur
- Kamakura Full Day Tour: Kotoku-in & Enoshima & Hachimangu Shrine
- Okonomiyaki & Gyoza Cooking Class at Local Chef’s Home in Tokyo
