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 @ Hotel
- 10:15 Takeshiba Station
- 10:35 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 11:55 Tsukiji Outer Market
- 13:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 14:00 Disband @ Ninomaru Garden
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 10:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 14:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Takeshiba Station at 10:15, Hamarikyu Gardens at 10:35, Tsukiji Outer Market at 11:55 and Imperial Palace East Gardens at 13:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Takeshiba Station to Shiodome Station by train (190JPY); Tsukiji 3-chome Bus Stop to Tokyo Station Marunouchi Bus Stop by bus (210JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 400JPY per person.
What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji and the East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were first-time visitors to Japan from North America. They had originally planned to visit Akihabara, but at the hotel they mentioned they would like to change the plan to the East Gardens instead, so I accepted the request to stop by there after Tsukiji.
They seemed especially interested in food, and greatly enjoyed Tsukiji, where they tried a variety of dishes. We traveled to the East Gardens by bus, and had a lively conversation comparing the transportation networks of Japan and their home region. Since Tsukiji took more time than expected, our time was up after seeing the main keep of the East Gardens. For that reason, I gave a brief explanation about the Ninomaru Garden, and we then parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Takeshiba Station～Shiodome Station | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Tsukiji 3-chome Bus Stop～Tokyo Station Marunouchi Bus Stop | 210JPY |
| Total | 400JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at @ Ninomaru Garden at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 10:00 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Takeshiba Station, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tsukiji Outer Market and Imperial Palace East Gardens.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 400JPY per person across 2 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?
Lily 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.
Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.
I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.
I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.
I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.
I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
The following is my contact information:
lilyjapanguide@gmail.com
I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!
Sep 17, 2025
785hongc
Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a…
Sep 17, 2025
785hongc
Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour with our guide Lily. Lily speaks excellent English and thoughtfully designed our tour itinerary based on our preference on leaning culture and history of Japanese. She brought history and culture information booklets full of historic photos and literature making sure that we understand the content and key historic facts. She also brought us along a Tokyo maps and attraction guide carefully explained how the Tokyo public transportation system along with more attraction recommendations for our planning purpose. Lily introduced us to some lovely authentic Japanese food and artwork shop including an incense shop that we could never found by ourselves. She is extremely knowledgeable and also patiently answering a variety questions that we had and also navigate timing and traffic perfectly. We could not have asked a better guide, thank you Lily!
Sep 16, 2025
H
Hong_C
A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best relaxed educational…
Sep 16, 2025
H
Hong_C
A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best relaxed educational experience about historic Tokyo! Lily is a wonderful guid who had designed a perfect tour itinerary for our 6-hour tour for a hot humid day in September. Her English skill is perfect and she is very thoughtful about introducing Japanese history, cultures, art work and authentic food to us. She is also extremely helpful to explain Tokyo public transportation system to us and provided us step by step instructions on some JR line ticket purchase options to make sure that we could catch a chance to see Mt Fuji on our way to Kyoto. Most amazingly she was also able to locate an incense shop that we could never found it ourselves. Perfect time management too! Perfect tour!
Jul 18, 2025
Venture26940872209
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…
Jul 18, 2025
Venture26940872209
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit to understand what we
liked .. and then a very enjoyable 4 hours
Highly recommend
Jul 1, 2025
michaellG938KC
Lily is the best. Highly recommended
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lily is an amazing guide and…
Jul 1, 2025
michaellG938KC
Lily is the best. Highly recommended
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lily is an amazing guide and her tour was the highlight of our trip. Lily was friendly, knowledgeable, and perfectly tailored the experience to my teenage kids. From trendy boutiques in Shibuya to hidden vintage gems in Harajuku, every stop felt special. They helped with translations, provided helpful advice and made the whole day fun and stress-free. My daughters found pieces we never would’ve discovered on my own at vintage thrift stores. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fashion and wants a local’s guide!