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
- 1. 11:00 Meet up at InterContinental Tokyo Bay
- 2. 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple)
- 3. 13:45 Lunch at Maguroto
- 4. 15:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 5. 16:00 Meiji Shrine
- 6. 17:10 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing)
- 7. 17:25 Disband at Shibuya
What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report
At first it was a little challenging because it was hard to get the guests to listen, but partway through I learned about the situation and decided not to give too much extra explanation and to convey only what was necessary, after which things went relatively smoothly.
For lunch, the guests wanted to eat sushi, so I took them to a sushi restaurant in Asakusa, but since they could only eat tuna, it ended up being an all-tuna meal.
When I gently mentioned that it might be better to lower the volume a little when speaking on the train, since the surrounding passengers seemed uncomfortable, the guests were a bit surprised, but afterward they spoke at a more comfortable volume.
There was no ill intent involved; it was simply a matter of not being familiar with Japanese manners and rules, and I realized that conveying such things is also part of a guide's job.
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 | Train | Yakuendai～Takeshiba | 839JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Daimon～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Otemachi | 178JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Otemachi～Meiji-jingumae | 209JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 146JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shibuya～Yakuendai | 826JPY |
| Total | 2,418JPY | ||
Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He showed us the hight lights of Tokyo and was very
helpfull with getting us a Suica card.
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide who showed us around our selected 4
destinations and their surroundings.
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide. It was a great introduction to Tokyo – a busy and vastly interesting city. We learned about Japanese history and toured some of the major sites including the Imperial gardens, a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Nobu helped us get familiar with the subway system and explained some of Japanese cuisine. We greatly enjoyed our tour and recommend it to others!
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect start to our
Japan trip.