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

  • 0730 Meet at Hotel Tokyu (directly connected to Kokkai-gijidomae Station on the Metro Chiyoda Line)
  • 0800 Tsukiji Outer Market, breakfast
  • 0830 Kabukiza Theatre – Ginza 4-chome Intersection – Nijubashi (from the vehicle) – Gyoko-dori (get off at Tatsumi Yagura, get off at Marunouchi Building Matsugui)
  • 0950 Nezu Shrine
  • 1030 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise
  • 1230 Meiji Jingu (vehicles can enter up to the front of the North Approach Sanshuden)
  • 1310 Photos only at the Harajuku entrance of Takeshita Street
  • 1330 Shibuya, Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
  • 1345 Dismissal

Title: What Is a Private Family Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Three days before the tour, they contacted me to say they had arranged a vehicle on their own and asked to move the start time earlier to 07:30 for breakfast. I agreed and tried to reach the driver, but I could not make contact before arriving on site, so we had to start without any prior coordination.

At the hotel, it became clear that the vehicle was an unlicensed private car. The driver spoke Japanese and English without difficulty, but normally seemed to handle airport and theme park transfers, and was not very familiar with drop-offs, pickups, or parking locations along our itinerary, relying entirely on Google Maps.

Since I had not been able to contact the driver, I had printed maps of the destinations in advance and brought them along, which allowed me to explain the route and manage the day. In previous tours with a vehicle, I had used licensed private taxis or hire cars, where simply telling the driver the location resulted in stops that were often even better placed than I had anticipated, so I referred to that experience as well.

Today, in Shibuya, some of the guests returned to the hotel by vehicle, while the rest went to the Pokémon shop in Parco and then planned to head back to Harajuku, so we parted ways in Shibuya.

Tomorrow they will visit Tokyo Disneyland (also using the same vehicle), and after spending a total of several days in Tokyo they will head to Kyoto.

Because the vehicle was arranged neither by [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) nor by me, there was nothing I could do about it. Still, as a licensed guide-interpreter, it was a somewhat awkward day given the recent public discussion around unlicensed private cars.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherThe Capitol Hotel Tokyu~Shibuya0JPY
Total0JPY

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
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Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

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ann r
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141yunb
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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…