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. 08:30 Meeting Point: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
  • 2. 09:15 Tsukiji (Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market)
  • 3. 10:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 4. 12:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Shopping Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 5. 13:20 Shibuya (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 6. 13:50 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
  • 7. 14:50 Dismissal: Shinjuku-sanchome Station

What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo's Main Sights Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from North America who wanted to visit Tokyo's main highlights, so I guided them along the itinerary above. Since the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed on Fridays, I took them to Hamarikyu Gardens instead, and because we started early, we visited the Tsukiji Outer Market beforehand. The heat of midsummer had returned, making it tough weather, but I believe the guests were able to enjoy the day fully. We skipped lunch due to time constraints, but they tried Asakusa's famous "melon bread with matcha ice cream," which I think they were very happy with.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShinjuku~Tsukiji900JPY
Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa0JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
Section 4SubwayShibuya~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
Total900JPY

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…