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 THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku (8 min from Toei Subway Tochomae, 15 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meet
  • 1050 Tsukiji Outer Market ~ Tsukiji Hongwanji ~ Kabukiza Theater ~ Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1225 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1340 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1420 Disband at Sensoji Temple grounds

Title: What Can You See on a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Tokyo from Europe for the first time. In Tokyo, they planned to visit TeamLab Planets, the beckoning cat temple Gotokuji, the "Chara-Morri" event at Sunshine City, and Akihabara. I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and a metro route map, and explained the routes to these places as well as other sightseeing spots.

Some of the guests were especially fond of Studio Ghibli, and after Tokyo they planned to visit Ghibli Park in Nagoya. After that, they would travel around Kyoto and Osaka before returning to Tokyo and heading home. It seemed to be a celebratory trip.

Anime-related destinations had all been researched thoroughly in advance, so no particular explanation was needed. Since today was the first day, the goal was to get used to using public transportation and to visit historical and cultural sightseeing spots, which is how the above course was decided. After Asakusa, they were planning to go to either Ginza or Akihabara.

Today was again quite hot and humid, so I guided while paying careful attention to staying hydrated.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market272JPY
Section 2SubwayGinza ~ Ueno-hirokoji~Ueno-okachimachi ~ Iidabashi286JPY
Section 3SubwayIidabashi ~ Ueno-okachimachi~Ueno-hirokoji ~ Asakusa286JPY
Total844JPY

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…