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 Meet at The Okura Tokyo (8 min from Hibiya Line Toranomon Hills Station)
  • 0955 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Ameyoko
  • 1115 Asakusa, Culture Tourist Information Center 8F Observation Terrace, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, lunch at Towada on Kannon-dori
  • 1320 Koishikawa Korakuen
  • 1435 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori, Marunouchi, confirm tomorrow's Shinkansen tickets at Tokyo Station
  • 1530 Escort to Toranomon Hills Station and disband

Title: What's a Private One-Day Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, having arrived the previous night. They planned to travel to Kyoto the next day for a couple of nights, then return and board a cruise ship, visiting ports before coming back to Japan and continuing onward via Honolulu.

Before the tour, I had mentioned that the cherry blossoms would likely be in full bloom, but last week's snow delayed them, so I was a little anxious. Fortunately, the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees had begun to bloom, and hanami gatherings were already taking place in Ueno Park. The area around Ueno Toshogu Shrine was about half in bloom, which delighted the guests.

Sensoji Temple was extremely crowded, a complete contrast to the snowy day last week. Perhaps due to yellow dust, Tokyo Skytree looked hazy.

At Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, the weeping cherry trees were in full bloom, which the guests found very satisfying.

For the Shinkansen to Kyoto the next day, the guests did not have a printout of the essential QR code, so I informed them of the Shinkansen ticket gates that accept QR codes and, just in case, the location of the JR Tokai ticket window.

Since the guests still had some jet lag, I saw them off at the nearest station on schedule and we parted ways.

They mentioned they would be having teppanyaki on the top floor of their Hotel that evening.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassToranomon Hills~Ueno900JPY
Section 2Free PassUeno-hirokoji~Asakusa0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa – Ueno-hirokoji~Ueno-okachimachi – Iidabashi0JPY
Section 4Free PassIidabashi – Kasuga~Otemachi0JPY
Section 5Free PassNijubashimae~Toranomon Hills0JPY
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
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…