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 at Hotel
  • 2. 10:15 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Garden)
  • 3. 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 4. 13:30 Lunch at Tsurukameya
  • 5. 14:50 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Harajuku Street, Omotesando)
  • 6. 16:40 Dismissal at Hotel

Based on their advance request, I guided them along a classic course. The weather was fortunately a mix of sun and clouds, and the heat had eased considerably, so we were able to run the tour much more comfortably than a few weeks ago. The guests were on very good terms with each other and seemed genuinely interested in Japanese culture and history, so I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Regarding the Asahi Beer headquarters in Asakusa, I often get questions about the adjacent beer restaurant "Flamme d'Or," but this time one of the guests pointed out that the shape of the headquarters building looks like a beer mug 🍺, so I had one of the guests strike a pose holding an imaginary mug (please see the attached photo). Indeed, when you look closely, it really does resemble a large beer mug. I have guided in Asakusa nearly 1,000 times, but this was the first time I ever noticed it (a new story to tell).

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-Ginza~Nijubashimae600JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 4SubwayOmotesando~Ginza0JPY
Total600JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…