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. 09:05 Meet up @ Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
- 2. 09:20 Travel: Subway
- 3. 09:50 Visit @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 4. 11:00 Travel: Subway
- 5. 11:20 Visit @ Tsukiji, Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi
- 6. 12:50 Travel: Subway
- 7. 13:35 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Scramble Square
- 8. 14:10 Travel: Subway
- 9. 14:30 Visit @ Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 10. 14:55 Travel: Subway
- 11. 15:25 Visit @ Nezu Shrine
- 12. 16:05 Travel: Subway
- 13. 16:40 Disband @ Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei
Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Shibuya
In Asakusa, some hotels have two nearby buildings, such as the View Hotel and Richmond Hotel, and the hotel for this tour also had an annex. I did not realize the guests were staying in the annex until they sent me a photo, so our meeting was slightly delayed. When I apologized for the delay, the guests laughed and said, "We got confused too." The entrance to the annex was on a back street and hard to find, and the guests said they had walked around the area several times. It is probably rare for such a place to be designated as a meeting point, but it may require caution.
Since it was a family group, at the East Gardens I also guided them toward the main keep area, but they seemed a little tired, so afterward I made sure to keep a comfortable pace. In Tsukiji, before lunch we took a break at a café and had ice cream, and in Shibuya, after showing the guests the Scramble Crossing, we stopped by Shibuya Scramble Square for some shopping.
It was too hot to guide them around Yanaka after visiting Nezu Shrine, so I saw them back to the Hotel a little earlier than planned and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Otemachi Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Tsukiji Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tsukiji Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Nezu Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Nezu Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations