Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji & Tokyo Skytree — Guide Yoko
November, 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
- 10:00 Meet up @Knot Shinjuku
- 10:30 Tsukiji
- 12:00 Nijubashi
- 13:00 Lunch @Suju Dining
- 14:00 Tokyo Station ticket counter
- 15:00 Asakusa
- 16:15 Tokyo Skytree
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Tsukiji at 10:30, Nijubashi at 12:00, Tokyo Station ticket counter at 14:00, Asakusa at 15:00 and Tokyo Skytree at 16:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tochomae to Tsukiji Market by Free Pass (900JPY); Shintomicho to Sakuradamon by Free Pass (0JPY); Tokyo to Kanda by train (150JPY); Kanda to Asakusa by Free Pass (0JPY); Asakusa to Oshiage by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,050JPY per person.
What's a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Skytree
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Since this was their first day in Japan, I explained the basics, including major sightseeing spots, how to ride the trains, and how to worship at shrines and temples. At Tokyo Station, I helped them with issuing their JR Pass and reserving Shinkansen tickets.
The guests used their own money to do some shopping.
Since one of the guests was interested in history, shrines, and temples, I suggested collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seals). We obtained a goshuin book at Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji, and I explained how to receive a goshuin at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. This guest seemed to really enjoy collecting goshuin. For another guest who liked shopping, I introduced Skytree Town. Since they had a reservation to visit the Skytree observation deck in the evening, we took a commemorative photo together near the entrance before parting ways.
The guests were not used to riding trains and other public transportation, and they thanked me, saying it was a great help to have me along. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they plan to visit Kyoto and Hiroshima.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tochomae～Tsukiji Market | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shintomicho～Sakuradamon | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Tokyo～Kanda | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Kanda～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Oshiage | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,050JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tsukiji, Nijubashi, Tokyo Station ticket counter, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,050JPY per person across 5 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yoko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.
I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some great spots in Tokyo and was so helpful.
We would highly recommend her as a guide. If we are back, we will certainly request her
again!
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with Yoko and she was an exceptional guide. We saw multiple shrines (Meiji Shrine is a must see), the Imperial Palace, the “crossing” (there is a similar intersection in the Ginza shopping district which was also cool), the Tokyo Station, and the outer market where we ordered some fatty toro nigiri which was an etherial experience. Can’t say enough good things about Yoko. She taught ys a ton about the history of Japan and had a great sense of humor. A+
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and spending a day with Yoko as our guide was perhaps the best decision we could have made. Even before we arrived we traded messages with Yoko about what we might like to do. She offered valuable tips which made not only our time in Tokyo more efficient but while in Japan as a whole. We saw so many amazing things but Yoko also gave us a primer in using the Tokyo subway system and navigating some of the stations. I could go on and list all the things we did but each tour will be different. However I would highly recommend Yoko as a guide. Perhaps serendipitous, but we were stopped on the street the day after we toured with Yoko by a couple who had a list of things to do but was unsure how to go about doing the things on their list and where those things were located. I was thankful we chose the best guide so we didn’t have that problem.
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Yoko Kusmoto is exceptional . Her deep knowledge of Japan history, Tokyo’s
architecture and interesting Tokyo places made us appreciate all Tokyo has to offer. Her
smile, infectious laugh, kindness and interest added to our wonderful day.