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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:00 @Meet (Bloosom Hibiya)
  • 10:15 @Tsukiji
  • 11:30 @Nijubashi, Tokyo Station
  • 13:00 Lunch @Mikagekura
  • 14:15 @Asakusa
  • 16:00 @Disband (Blossom Hibiya)

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 10:00 at (Bloosom Hibiya) and ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @Mikagekura at 13:00.

Over the course of the day the route took in Tsukiji at 10:15, Nijubashi, Tokyo Station at 11:30 and Asakusa at 14:15.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Tsukiji by subway (180JPY); Shintomicho to Sakuradamon by subway (180JPY); Tokyo to Kanda by train (150JPY); Kanda to Asakusa by subway (180JPY); Asakusa to Shimbashi by subway (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe. One of them had previously visited Japan as a child for a scouting event. From the moment we met, I could sense their warm personalities, which allowed me to guide them comfortably and with peace of mind. I recommended a 24-hour subway pass as it would be more economical, but they wanted to use up the balance on their Suica cards, so we simply used Suica. They mentioned that there are IC cards in their home region as well, so they understood how to use them right away. The guests were very knowledgeable about Japan, including topics such as members of the Imperial family, the Emperor Emeritus, and the new Prime Minister. The tour took place on the first day of their sightseeing, and they planned to explore on their own afterward. They seemed confident about getting around, and I hope they enjoy visiting many places throughout Japan.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Tsukiji180JPY
Section 2SubwayShintomicho~Sakuradamon180JPY
Section 3TrainTokyo~Kanda150JPY
Section 4SubwayKanda~Asakusa180JPY
Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi210JPY
Total900JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at (Bloosom Hibiya) at 10:00, and the tour finished at (Blossom Hibiya) at 16:00.

How long does the tour last?

About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Tsukiji, Nijubashi, Tokyo Station and Asakusa.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 5 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?

Yoko 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.

I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.

I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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