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

  • 0900 Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (10 min from Shinjuku Station) meet up
  • 0930 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
  • 1015 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1130 Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Road, 3D Cat Display
  • 1155 Meiji Shrine, lunch at Forest Terrace
  • 1400 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
  • 1440 Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1530 Disband at Yurikamome boarding area at Toyosu Station

Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. This was the last day of their stay in Tokyo. The next day they were moving to Gora for two days in Hakone, and afterward would travel on to Kanazawa and Kyoto.

As the guide for their final day in Tokyo, arranging the destinations in advance took some effort. The conditions were that Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace were must-sees, and that Harajuku was not needed since they were visiting it on another day. We had agreed on an itinerary of Koishikawa Korakuen → the Imperial Palace Outer Garden → Tokyo Tower → Tsukiji Market → and then a partial escort toward TeamLab Planets, which they were visiting afterward.

The moment I met them in the morning, they said, "The guide in Harajuku yesterday told us we should visit Meiji Shrine," and asked whether this could be included.

Since Tokyo Tower was difficult both in terms of time and route, I proposed the Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck instead, which was accepted. As projection mapping is held there in the evening, they were delighted to have been introduced to such a good spot.

Although they had visited Shinjuku Gyoen on another day, they were very satisfied with the purely Japanese-style garden of Koishikawa Korakuen. They also felt that Meiji Shrine, which they had requested, was well worth visiting.

The most difficult part of the advance arrangements had been lunch (they always wished for Michelin-star-style dining). I had planned for Marunouchi, but in the end they were satisfied with the Meiji Shrine Forest Terrace.

Because of the sudden change of course, the latter half became somewhat tight, and with the 16:00 reservation for TeamLab Planets, I explained that few shops in the Tsukiji outer market would be open at that time and we skipped it. After a stroll around Ginza, I guided them to the Yurikamome station at Toyosu, explained their return route (transferring at Tsukishima to Tochomae), and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassTochomae~Iidabashi900JPY
Section 2Free PassIidabashi~Shinjuku-nishiguchi0JPY
Section 3TrainShinjuku~Harajuku146JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 5Free PassNijubashimae – Hibiya~Ginza0JPY
Section 6Free PassGinza-itchome~Toyosu0JPY
Total1,046JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
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Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…