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 New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN. William was using a cane as he had sprained his ankle yesterday. Changed part of the plan to accommodate this.
  • 1000 Changed the planned Rikugien to Koishikawa Korakuen
  • 1100 Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Shogitai Memorial Monument, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Ameyoko Street
  • 1140 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, lunch at "Towada" on Kannon Street
  • 1440 Shibuya (used the subway since both Asakusa and Shibuya are barrier-free accessible), Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1500 Caught a taxi for them to board, told the driver the destination, and parted ways

Can You Do a Private Tokyo Tour with Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, and it was a pleasure to guide them. They could read some kanji and spoke English.

The guests planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days, then travel to Kyoto via Hakone.

As mentioned above, one of the guests had twisted an ankle the day before and arrived using a cane borrowed from the hotel.

They had initially put together an itinerary because they wanted to experience the Tokyo subway, but since it involves a lot of climbing stairs, I explained that it might be difficult given the injury and suggested using taxis in part. They said it was "no problem at all," so I arranged the route to shorten the walking distances as much as possible.

For this reason, instead of the planned Rikugien, we switched to Koishikawa Korakuen, which they enjoyed just as much.

At Ueno Park, taxis can drive up to the area near Seiyoken, so from there we strolled on foot, used the elevator at the cherry blossom terrace beside the statue of Saigo Takamori, walked a little through Ameyoko, and then took a taxi to Kaminarimon.

In Asakusa, the guests bought a hat and a daruma as souvenirs. They enjoyed handmade soba at "Towada" on Kannon-dori.

In Asakusa, the elevator at the exit of Kannon-dori is available. Shibuya also has escalators, so at the end I had them ride the subway.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherHotel~Koishikawa Korakuen0JPY
Section 2OtherKoishikawa Korakuen~Ueno Park0JPY
Section 3OtherUeno Station~Kaminarimon0JPY
Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya252JPY
Total252JPY

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…