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 Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station(1 min from Ginza Line Asakusa Station)Meet
  • 1135 Suehirocho~Akihabara
  • 1220 Tsukiji Outer Market, lunch at Suizanmai Annex ~ Kabukiza ~ Ginza 4-chome intersection
  • 1420 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing, explaining Parco and 109
  • 1430 Dismissal

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya

Body:

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided a private tour in Tokyo for a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. The guests had arrived the previous night and had visited Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa on their own, but they had not fully understood it, so I gave them my usual explanation, and they were each satisfied and convinced.

One of the guests was very curious about the strawberry candy (ichigo ame) and enjoyed eating it.

Another guest was interested in the restaurants visible along the street, so I explained places such as Fujisoba, Matsuya, and Hidakaya.

Among the shops I explained along Nakamise, they showed interest in Sakai Kokodo Santo and Kurodaya Honten, and said they would return to visit them tonight or tomorrow.

The guests were not particularly interested in anime-related items, though some in the group enjoyed it more than others.

At Tsukiji, although they mentioned having eaten sushi the previous night as well, we ended up having sushi for lunch. They pointed out that the salmon and mackerel likely came from their home region, which they said is an important industry there.

The group would be staying in Tokyo for about five days and then traveling to Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

I let them know about the travel concierge at Shibuya Station, and they planned to buy the above train tickets there on their way back today.

One of the guests wanted "KAWAII" clothes, so I introduced 109 and some other shops, and then we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho178JPY
Section 2SubwayAkihabara~Tsukiji178JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Shibuya209JPY
Total565JPY

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
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Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
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…