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 GRAND NIKKO TOKYO DAIBA (directly connected to Yurikamome Daiba Station)
  • 1030 Asakusa Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1150 Ueno Lunch at Sakura Terrace soba restaurant Shogitai Monument Statue of Saigo Takamori Ameyoko
  • 1340 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Avenue Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1430 When we were about to head to Meiji Shrine, they said "I can't walk any further," so we ended the tour here, caught a TAXI, and they returned to the hotel.

Tour Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Yurikamome, Asakusa, and Ueno Park

The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan a couple of days earlier, and had gone to Hakone the previous day, but the weather had not been great, so the only thing that had left an impression on them was the black eggs of Owakudani.

Since they said they almost never use public transportation, they were delighted by things like the automated driving of the Yurikamome line and were busy taking photos.

We arrived safely in Asakusa, and because the weather had recovered from the previous days, there was an enormous crowd. Although surprised, they still enjoyed a bit of shopping.

They asked about lunch, but we gave up on Asakusa due to the crowds and decided to eat at Ueno Park. Since one of the guests followed a plant-based diet, I was unsure what to do, but as they were happy to have soba with salt and wasabi, we had lunch at a soba restaurant on the first floor of Sakura Terrace.

At Ueno Park, about half of the last cherry blossoms remained, so they enjoyed them. They looked on with great interest at the flower-viewing gatherings and drinking parties beneath the trees.

Around the time we walked through Ameyoko, some of them began to say they were getting tired. After walking along Gyoko-dori from Tokyo Station, they felt it would be difficult to walk any further, so we ended the tour there, caught a taxi to return to the Hotel, and parted ways.

From the next day, they were scheduled to board a cruise ship.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherDaiba~Shimbashi325JPY
Section 2SubwayShimbashi~Ueno209JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
Section 4TrainOkachimachi~Tokyo146JPY
Total858JPY

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…