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

  • 8:30 Meet at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
  • 9:10 Tsukiji Market
  • 10:20 Hamarikyu
  • 11:40 Lunch in Asakusa
  • 12:20 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 13:15 Viewing the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River
  • 14:00 Nezu Shrine, viewing the Azalea Festival
  • 15:15 Drive to Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, end of guide

Title: What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Season Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting from Europe. Since I had been to their home region before, our conversation quickly became lively. At Tsukiji Market, they were curious about everything they saw, and they tried tuna and strawberries. At Hamarikyu Gardens, right upon entering, we were greeted by rapeseed blossoms in their final peak. Although there were few cherry blossoms, they were delighted by the Japanese garden, and they happily enjoyed a casual matcha experience while I taught them the etiquette. In Asakusa, we viewed the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River, and they took many photos of the blossoms with Tokyo Skytree, as well as the Asahi Beer headquarters, which they liked for some reason. At Nezu Shrine, the azalea festival was underway, and they enjoyed passing through the row of torii gates.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShiodome~Asakusa220JPY
Section 2TrainUeno~Shimbashi170JPY
Section 3TrainShimbashi~Tokyo International Cruise Terminal390JPY
Total780JPY

My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.

Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
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Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge

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A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.

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Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…

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