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 Tokyo (5 min from JR Shinjuku Station)
  • 0920 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
  • 1000 Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
  • 1215 Marunouchi, Kokyo Gaien National Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Watchtower, Gyoko-dori Avenue
  • 1320 Tsukiji Outer Market, lunch at Tsukiji Sushi Ichiban Outer Market Branch
  • 1450 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
  • 1530 Disband at the main hall of Sensoji Temple

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Tour with a Group Including Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group of visitors from North America. Some of them had joined the group from another part of North America. It was the first visit to Japan for most of the group, though one member had visited Japan before. Before coming to Tokyo, they had traveled around Osaka and Kyoto.

Their original list of desired destinations was quite extensive, so I adjusted it. In addition to the planned sites, we had included Akihabara, but as time ran short, we ended up skipping Akihabara.

The pace of the group of seven was difficult to coordinate, and restroom breaks were needed intermittently, which caused the schedule to run longer.

Partway through, some of the group became eager to have lunch, so we stopped at the place mentioned above. Since everyone ordered separately, this took a considerable amount of time.

By the time we arrived at Sensoji Temple, some of the guests said they were tired and headed back by taxi partway through.

I guided the remaining guests to the main hall of Sensoji Temple, explained the subway route for their return, and we parted ways. They then went shopping along Nakamise.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Shibuya167JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae209JPY
Section 4SubwayNijubashimae – Hibiya~Tsukiji178JPY
Section 5SubwayTsukiji – Ginza~Asakusa209JPY
Total909JPY

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…