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
- 8:30 Meet at hotel To Shibakoen Station on the Toei Mita Line To Hibiya Station
- 9:00 Arrive at Hibiya Station, visit the Imperial Palace Walk to Tokyo Station
- 10:00 Purchase tickets at the Midori no Madoguchi at Tokyo Station To Otemachi Subway Station
- 10:30 Arrive at Otemachi Station, to Asakusa Station via Nihonbashi
- 11:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, visit Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Sumida River embankment, to Asakusa Station
- 12:15 Arrive at Asakusa Station, to Meiji-jingumae Station via Omotesando
- 13:00 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, visit Meiji Shrine, to Meiji-jingumae Station
- 13:50 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, to Ginza via Omotesando
- 14:15 Arrive at Ginza Station, disband at the Mitsukoshi Department Store entrance
Title: What Is a 6-Hour Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a 6-hour private tour for a group visiting Japan from Europe. Since this was the group's first full day of sightseeing in Japan, I planned a relaxed itinerary with regular breaks, taking into account the composition of the group and the intense heat.
We traveled from Shibakoen Station, the station nearest the Hotel, to Hibiya Station and visited the area around the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. At that point, the guests mentioned that they were unable to obtain their Shinkansen tickets on their smartphones for their planned trip to Kyoto and Osaka the following day, so we moved to Tokyo Station and I helped them purchase the tickets at the ticket office.
Afterward, we headed to Asakusa from Otemachi Station via the Tozai Line and Nihonbashi. On Nakamise Street, everyone showed great interest in Japanese culture and happily bought souvenirs such as fans, daruma dolls, and zori sandals. After viewing Tokyo Skytree from along the Sumida River, we took the subway toward Meiji Shrine. At Asakusa Station we waited for the next train to avoid the crowds, allowing everyone to sit for the roughly 30-minute ride to Omotesando. Even in the heat, the guests were able to rest comfortably and seemed very satisfied.
At Meiji Shrine, we walked along the shaded approach while I explained Japanese shrine culture, including how to worship, the torii gates, and omikuji fortunes. The guests were deeply impressed by the quiet atmosphere of the shrine, its historic architecture, and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Afterward, at the guests' request, we moved to Ginza for shopping and a meal. Although it was about 15 minutes before the scheduled end time, at the guests' request we concluded the tour in Ginza.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shibakoen～Hibiya | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Ginza | 180JPY |
| Total | 800JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.