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
- 1. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:50 Visit @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 4. 11:25 Travel: Subway
- 5. 12:20 Break @ Doutor Coffee Shop Kaminarimon 2-chome Store
- 6. 13:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
- 7. 14:00 Travel: Subway
- 8. 14:40 Visit @ Takeshita Street
- 9. 15:25 Travel: Subway
- 10. 15:30 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 11. 16:05 Travel: Subway
- 12. 16:40 Disband @ Ikebukuro Station West Exit

What Is a 6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Takeshita Street, and Ikebukuro
The guests were from North America. In our prior contact through a messaging app, I had understood they were active travelers, but perhaps due to the bad weather in the morning, one of the guests seemed to be in quite poor condition. We first moved by subway, and I considered using a taxi depending on the situation, but in the end we stayed with the subway all the way through.
I had thought a 6-hour itinerary would leave some spare time, but because we walked slowly to match the pace of the guests, this course filled the time just right. In Asakusa, we had a coffee break before heading to Senso-ji Temple, and since we did not have lunch, this served as a substitute for a lunch break. One of the guests had difficulty walking through crowded places like Takeshita Street, but did not want to be a bother and told us to go ahead, yet kept walking with us all the way through. After confirming the location of the hotel at Ikebukuro Station, we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Ikebukuro Station~Korakuen Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Iidabashi Station~Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station~Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station~Ikebukuro Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations
