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 Meet at Hotel Premier Asakusa International (8 min from Tawaramachi Station on the Metro Ginza Line) Explanation of Sensoji Temple
  • 1030 Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 1135 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
  • 1220 Shinjuku West Exit Lunch at Omoide Yokocho, Godzilla Road, 3D Cat Display
  • 1330 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 1400 Harajuku Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
  • 1620 Marunouchi Tokyo Station ~ Marunouchi Building ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura ~ Otemon Gate
  • 1700 Escort to the front of Nihonbashi and disband

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

The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, planning to continue on to Hakone, Hiroshima, and Kyoto starting the day after next.

A travel agency was involved as an intermediary. The booking had come in back in June, but during the preparation stage the agency said they would be in touch in October. When I reached out in October, they said they would contact me two weeks before the tour. I was wondering how things would turn out, when they simply sent me the guests' email address and said the rest was up to me. It was a bit stressful, and after two or three rounds of changes, the itinerary was finally settled just before the tour. I'm not sure whether it was because the guests were busy or simply the nature of the agency, but it was a case that required careful attention. I have two more bookings coming through this same agency, so I will need to stay attentive.

The guests turned out to be surprisingly easygoing, which made me think their busyness may have been the reason for the earlier difficulties.

Since it was their first day, the guests wanted to visit as many different types of places as possible, which led to the itinerary described above. At Tsukiji, it was not long after breakfast, so they did not eat anything in particular.

From the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we were fortunate enough to see Mount Fuji, which is a rare treat.

Afterwards, at Omoide Yokocho, they enjoyed the izakaya-style menu.

At Meiji Shrine, a chrysanthemum exhibition was being held, which they were delighted to see.

I took them to Takeshita Street, but as they were a little tired by then, we did not go in.

We reached the Imperial Palace Outer Garden before it got dark, and I was able to help them understand the history of Tokyo (from the Edo shogunate through the Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War).

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassAsakusa ~ Ginza~Tsukiji900JPY
Section 2Free PassTsukiji Market~Tochomae0JPY
Section 3Free PassTochomae~Shinjuku West Exit0JPY
Section 4TrainShinjuku~Shibuya167JPY
Section 5TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 6Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 7Free PassOtemachi~Nihonbashi0JPY
Total1,213JPY

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…