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

  • 0930 Keio Presso Inn Tokyo Station Yaesu (2 min from Ginza Line Kyobashi) meeting
  • Help purchasing Shinkansen tickets for today and the 17th at Tokyo Station
  •    Marunouchi ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1050 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1200 Shinjuku West Exit Godzilla Head 3D Cat Display Lunch at Omoide Yokocho
  • 1350 Asakusa Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1540 See you off to the hotel and disband

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America who arrived at Haneda Airport last night by air, following a cruise journey. They stayed in Tokyo for only a short time and planned to move on to Kyoto in the evening, later returning to Tokyo before flying home from Haneda.

Through advance coordination, the tour began after check-out this morning, with luggage stored at the Hotel and round-trip tickets purchased at Tokyo Station.

One of the guests walked well while using canes in both hands, but stairs were somewhat difficult, so I looked for escalators and elevators as much as possible to guide them. Whenever there was a place to sit along the way, we took short breaks.

Normally we could have visited one more spot, but the itinerary above turned out to be just right.

At Koishikawa Korakuen, we walked around the garden while taking short breaks. The guests were disappointed that there were no flowers in bloom.

At Omoide Yokocho, they enjoyed yakitori and sashimi.

In Asakusa, we took a coffee break at a coffee shop before heading back toward Kyobashi.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassOtemachi ~ Kasuga~Iidabashi900JPY
Section 2Free PassIidabashi~Shinjuku West Exit0JPY
Section 3Free PassShinjuku West Exit ~ Ueno-okachimachi~Ueno-hirokoji ~ Asakusa0JPY
Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Kyobashi0JPY
Total900JPY

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
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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…