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

  • 1130 Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (2 min from JR Ikebukuro Station) Went to the Ekitabi Concierge to purchase Welcome SUICA (a shame, since unregistered SUICA sales resume tomorrow)
  • 1215 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
  • 1255 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit
  • 1350 Shinjuku, Lunch at Omoide Yokocho, Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
  • 1620 Escorted to Ikebukuro Station and dismissed

Title: What Can You Do on a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived at Haneda the previous evening. They had arranged a guide for their first day specifically to get used to Tokyo, before joining a Mount Fuji tour the next day and boarding a cruise ship from Sunday, March 2, for a cruise visiting Amami, Okinawa, Ishigaki, and Taiwan. Because they had intentionally arranged a guide for their very first day, they had a great many questions.

First, they asked how to get to the meeting point for the next day's tour, which was in front of the LOVE sign in Nishi-Shinjuku. I explained that they should head toward Cocoon Tower from Shinjuku Station, and that if there were any concerns, taking a taxi would be the safest option.

Along the way, they asked how to get to the cruise terminal on Sunday, saying that no information had come from the cruise company. This was beyond what I could handle, so I suggested they first consult the concierge at their hotel. I also explained that since the Tokyo Marathon would be held that day, they should set out as early as possible.

Today's route itself was simple, but the questions along the way meant it sometimes took extra time.

At one point they mentioned they had lost their reading glasses and wanted to buy a pair, so I took them to an electronics store, but the cheapest were around 2,000 yen, so they did not buy any. They seemed to have expected something cheaper. If there had been time to take them to a discount store or a 100-yen shop, I might have been able to help, but it was difficult to respond to such sudden requests on the spot.

As a result, the tour ran longer than planned, but I saw them off at Ikebukuro and they were satisfied, so it worked out well in the end.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainIkebukuro~Shibuya178JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
Section 4SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi~Tochomae178JPY
Section 5SubwayTochomae~Shinjuku-nishiguchi178JPY
Section 6TrainShinjuku~Ikebukuro167JPY
Total993JPY

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…