This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1000 Meet in front of Plat Tsukiji Tourist Information Center Kabukiza Theatre Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1155 Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1320 Tokyo Station Maru Building Matsugui Gyoko-dori Avenue Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1440 Harajuku Meiji Shrine Visit Takeshita Street
  • 1620 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1650 Shinjuku 3D Cat Display Godzilla Head
  • 1700 Disband at the entrance of Kabukicho

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting from North America, continuing on to the Kansai region after Tokyo. They contacted me the previous night, and instead of a hotel, we arranged to meet at a tourist information center in Tsukiji, where they were on a food tour. The planned start time of 1:00 PM was moved up to 11:00 AM.

They had eaten plenty on the food tour, so they did not have meals in Asakusa or Harajuku. However, since today was an extremely hot day just after the end of the rainy season, each of them drank about five bottled drinks, such as Pocari Sweat. Thanks to this, the risk of heatstroke was avoided, but with the clear skies there was concern about sunburn, so I offered the sunscreen I had on hand.

Perhaps because of the heat, places like Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Takeshita Street had relatively few people.

Since they were worried about how to take the Shinkansen, we went via Tokyo Station. They had a pre-booked barcode, so I went to the ticket window to issue the tickets, but at the JR East window I was told, "That was issued by JR Central, so please go there."

After walking from the Marunouchi side to the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station to reach the JR Central window, it turned out that this barcode did not need to be issued as a ticket but was simply to be scanned at the gate. Even for something this simple, JR East turned me away at the door. I wish there were a little more coordination between them.

Since they would be traveling on their own from the next day, I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained other sightseeing spots and the rail map.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Kanda (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 3TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Tokyo160JPY
Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
Section 6TrainShibuya~Shinjuku200JPY
Total1,120JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…