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) 10:00 Meet up @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
  • 2) 11:00 Shibamata <Taishakuten Approach・Taishakuten Daikyoji Temple・Yamamoto-tei>
  • 3) 13:00 Lunch @ Akizuki
  • 4) 14:00 Sensoji Temple <Nakamise Shopping Street・Sensoji Temple>
  • 5) 14:20 Disband @ Taxi stand near Matsuya Asakusa (1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Shibamata and Asakusa Like in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

Body:

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day tour of Tokyo for a group visiting from North America. During the pre-tour communication, the requests were varied and it took some time to finalize the destinations. The guests requested to meet somewhere other than the hotel, so we decided to meet at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (I had emailed detailed instructions in advance on how to use the subway from the hotel to Shinjuku Station and then to Asakusa Station). We decided to visit Shibamata and Asakusa, and I reconfirmed the itinerary again at the meeting point.

At the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten, the guests requested shaved ice at Takagiya (which had air conditioning), and they were delighted. At Daikyoji Temple, we entered the main hall, and at Yamamoto-tei they relaxed in the garden and in the spacious tatami rooms (there was no air conditioning, only electric fans).

We returned to Asakusa for lunch and I guided them to Akizuki, a soba and tempura restaurant (the seating was close to the kitchen and the air conditioning was not very effective). One part of the group decided to leave the tour early (the reasons being lack of sleep from jet lag and the daytime humidity and heat). Since health comes first, I escorted them to the taxi stand. The rest of the group ordered lunch and were very satisfied. After guiding them to the main hall of Sensoji Temple, I escorted them to the taxi stand to return to the hotel, and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainToei Asakusa Line (through service to Keisei Oshiage Line) Asakusa Station~Keisei Kanamachi Line Shibamata Station380JPY
Section 2TrainKeisei Kanamachi Line Shibamata Station~Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station380JPY
Total760JPY

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

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