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
- 8:30 Meet at the hotel
- 9:15 Tsukiji Market
- 10:25 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 11:50 Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko
- 12:15 Introduce Pokemon Shop, Jump Shop, etc.
- 12:30 End of the guide
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at hotel and ended at 12:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Tsukiji Market at 9:15, East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at 10:25, Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko at 11:50 and Introduce Pokemon Shop, Jump Shop, etc. at 12:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Daimon to Tsukiji Market by subway (180JPY); Tsukiji to Otemachi by subway (180JPY); Otemachi to Shibuya by subway (210JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 570JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Shibuya
The guests were a family visiting from Europe. They skipped breakfast and left the Hotel because they wanted to eat plenty at Tsukiji Market. On the way to Daimon Station, I introduced nearby spots such as Zojoji Temple and Shiba Daijingu Shrine. At Tsukiji Market, the guests enjoyed wagyu beef, tuna, octopus, scallops, salmon, strawberries, and muscat grapes. They said it was delicious!
At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the guests were amazed by the grandeur of the former Edo Castle. When I explained how the shogun commanded the daimyo through systems such as the alternate attendance policy, they asked, "Was the shogun really that powerful!?" But when I explained that the Emperor was considered a descendant of the gods and was therefore regarded as truly exceptional, they were amazed again!
After showing them the Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, I guided the guests to their destinations, a Pokemon shop and a comic shop. When I also introduced a nearby cat cafe, they said they wanted to go there later. They thanked me in Japanese, saying "arigato."
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Daimon～Tsukiji Market | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tsukiji～Otemachi | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Otemachi～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 8:30, and the tour finished at of the guide at 12:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 8:30 to 12:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tsukiji Market, East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko and Introduce Pokemon Shop, Jump Shop, etc..
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 570JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Shuji is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
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Kyoto fun
Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge
Jul 15, 2026
P9099TXkennethr
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A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
Jun 28, 2026
A
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AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
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Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
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yeseniag981
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Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.