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
- 09:00 Meet at the lobby of Hotel. After reconfirming the route discussed in advance via email and hearing about the overall schedule of this tour, we decided on Sensoji Temple → Shibuya ← Meiji Shrine ← Takeshita Street, and to have lunch whenever we got hungry. While explaining the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building next to the hotel, we moved to Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line.
- 10:15-12:00 Guided tour of Sensoji Temple. In the order of Kaminarimon → Nakamise Street → Hozomon → Main Hall → Stone Bridge → Asakusa Shrine ← Kannon Street. Found many shops they wanted to shop at, so decided to come again another day. Moved to Shibuya by subway.
- 12:50-13:15 Guided tour of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Shibuya. Since they wanted to have lunch here, we went to "Oreryu Shio Ramen" in Center Gai.
- 13:15-14:05 Lunch. Had ramen and gyoza for lunch at "Oreryu Shio Ramen" in Shibuya Center Gai. After finishing, moved to Harajuku.
- 14:20-15:10 Guided tour of Meiji Shrine. After finishing, headed to Takeshita Street.
- 15:20-15:30 At the entrance of Takeshita Street (Harajuku Station side), explained an overview of the shops on Takeshita Street and ended the tour.
Title: What Can You Do on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour for a Family Visiting Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family from North America. They were on a long stay in Japan, with an itinerary that moved from central Tokyo to Tokyo Disneyland, then Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, before returning to Tokyo and flying home from Narita. Because of this, they asked to spend the day gathering various kinds of information needed for their stay in Japan, such as using public transportation, culture, and customs, so I focused on providing that kind of information throughout the tour.
They were a very thoughtful family who listened attentively to my explanations at each location and asked many questions, making them a very rewarding group to guide.
For lunch they wanted something light, so we went to a shio ramen shop I often use in Shibuya. Everyone said it was delicious and finished their meals, which made me happy.
Since they would be in Japan for a long stay, I provided the information they needed, such as how to get from Shinjuku to the hotel near Disneyland, how to purchase Shinkansen tickets, and details about central Hiroshima and Miyajima, and they were very pleased. Given the long stay, I also gave detailed advice about coping with the heat. As temperatures in Tokyo were expected to reach around 37 degrees, I made sure to explain precautions so they would stay safe.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Shinjuku～Asakusa | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Shibuya | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
I acquired national guide license in 2014, and I have been doing guide work full fledged since 2016. In my career before starting guide work, I was a business man and made more than 1,000 business trips both abroad and in Japan, and that experience is my foundation as a guide because I came to know so many places both abroad and in Japan. I have been taking care of both group and individual tourists, and the number of foreign guests I have taken care is close to 2,500 so far. I am based in Tokyo, but I can cover guide work in many prefectures throughout Japan. When I take care of foreign guests, my major concern is to listen attentively to them, find out what they want to know and do in Japan, and give them appropriate guiding in accordance with what I heard from my guests. I would like to provide tailor made tour as much as possible for every precious guest who kindly chose Japan as the tour destination.
Aug 1, 2025
8
898kendrap
Great first day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asai, our tour guide, made our…
Aug 1, 2025
8
898kendrap
Great first day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asai, our tour guide, made our first day in Tokyo so memorable and enjoyable! He shared his knowledge and love for the city as he showed us around. We now understand how to navigate the train system, and he even left us a list of how to explore other areas of the city by train. Our tour was a fun way to get acquainted with this amazing city!
Jul 14, 2025
Anette_V
Perfect
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture,…
Jul 14, 2025
Anette_V
Perfect
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Minoru Asai was very friendly and knowledgeable about culture, history and
society. He picked and showed us more than We expected. Also he was good Company for
both me, my husbond and our son aged 22.
Jun 30, 2025
liammL2246HL
Amazing experience
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We…
Jun 30, 2025
liammL2246HL
Amazing experience
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing private tour with Minoru Asai! We loved seeing all of the sights on the tour and Minoru was extremely knowledge about all things in Tokyo and else-wear in Japan. We were able to adjust the stops due to the heat (it was up to 35C!) and Minoru had great suggestions for things to check out. Highly recommend!
Jun 26, 2025
394milesd
Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A perfect day, tailored…
Jun 26, 2025
394milesd
Excellent guide making an excellent day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A perfect day, tailored to our needs (and the weather) and delivered so attentively by our guide Minoru Asai. He was in contact in advance of the day to understand our interests, and advised us on practicalities and remained flexible throughout the day as required. His knowledge, and passion, for the history of Tokyo made the day! Could not have asked for more.