Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Kei

September, 2024

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 ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza
  • 2. 10:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
  • 3. 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 4. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
  • 5. 14:00 Disband at Meiji Shrine

Title: What Is a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine

For guests on their very first day in Japan, [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide provided a private tour of Tokyo, beginning in Asakusa with a thorough explanation of Buddhism, temple architecture, and the origins of Edo. The guests asked about the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, and why temples do not have chairs and tables like churches, where people sit to listen to and carefully understand the teachings of Christ. Rather than giving a superficial answer such as "you do listen to sutras during zazen meditation," I explained that the Japanese view of Buddhism lies in devotion to the Buddha statues and the principal image of worship themselves, rather than in a linguistic understanding of scripture as in Christianity. At the Tsukiji outer market, the guests tried grilled chicken thigh skewers, and at the fish market they savored medium-fatty tuna nigiri, expressing admiration for the fresh ingredients unlike what they were used to at home. At Meiji Shrine, we gave an overview of the differences between Japan's Imperial family and royal families abroad.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassGinza～Asakusa900JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Higashi-ginza0JPY
Section 3Free PassTsukiji～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Total900JPY

Tour Report by Kei

Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

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Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was…

Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo…

Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had…