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

  • 1100 Hotel (8 min from Tawaramachi Station on Ginza Line, next to Hanayashiki) meeting point Stroll around Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Nakamise
  • 1210 Stroll around Akihabara
  • 1255 Tsukiji Outer Market Kabukiza Theatre Ginza 4-chome intersection
  • 1415 Shibuya Hachiko statue Scramble crossing
  • 1445 Harajuku Visit Meiji Shrine Takeshita Street
  • 1640 Shinjuku 3D cat display Godzilla Road Omoide Yokocho
  • 1710 They plan to stroll around Kabukicho, so we disband at Omoide Yokocho

What Does a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Yesterday, after arriving at Haneda, they came by the Asakusa Line, but they had a hard time at Asakusa Station because there were many stairs. Tawaramachi Station actually has elevators, so I explained that going forward, since they would be traveling to Kanazawa and other parts of western Japan, it would be convenient to use the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station near their Hotel and transfer at Akihabara.

Since they had gone straight to the Hotel yesterday without passing through Nakamise, I gave the usual explanations of Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, and Nakamise.

They said they would do their shopping tomorrow.

As it was their first day in Tokyo and they wanted to learn the representative spots and the transportation system, we followed the itinerary above. I kept shopping and meals to a minimum and increased the number of places we visited.

Even so, in the end they enjoyed a crepe on Takeshita Street.

I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained a few areas for the coming days.

Since they wanted to walk around Shinjuku a bit more on their own, we parted ways at Omoide Yokocho.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho178JPY
Section 2SubwayAkihabara~Tsukiji178JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Shibuya209JPY
Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
Total857JPY

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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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…