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
- 09:30 Meet at the hotel in Shinjuku
- 10:00 Visit Meiji Shrine
- 11:50 Walk-and-eat lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market
- 13:00 Kabukiza Theatre
- 13:30 Disband at Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at hotel in Shinjuku at 09:30, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 13:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 10:00, Walk-and-eat lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market at 11:50 and Kabukiza Theatre at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae Station by train (210JPY); Higashi-ginza to Asakusa by train (210JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 570JPY per person.
What Is a Private Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji Market Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. The tour and the guests' reactions The guests loved the atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, and they were thrilled to come across a scene where a newly married couple was walking in procession through the shrine grounds. One of the guests had an interest in archery and, drawn to the goma arrows, purchased one. They also wrote a prayer on an ema votive tablet to leave behind, and thoroughly enjoyed Meiji Shrine.
At Tsukiji, the guests requested, "Please take us to the places Toru recommends," so I introduced them to a sushi restaurant I frequent, grilled tuna skewers, fish cakes from Hamato, yakitori from Torito, and strawberry daifuku from Soratsuki. They enjoyed all of the dishes and seemed very satisfied. In particular, one of the guests works as a pastry chef and was amazed, saying that Japanese strawberries were "amazing." Since I heard that the next day was a birthday for one of the guests, I treated them to beer and we held a small celebration together, which they were delighted with.
2. Other comments, special notes, and requests to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) The tour arrangements were made through a travel agency in Oceania, and it turned out that the agency had communicated the Skytree reservation time after the tour incorrectly by 30 minutes, which left us without enough time to fully see the Imperial Palace. After consulting with the guests, I guided them to Kaminarimon and then explained how to get to Skytree before ending the tour. I feel there is a risk that, without speaking directly with the guests beforehand by email, a miscommunication can arise somewhere along the way. This time in particular, even the messaging app contact was the agency's, so it was difficult to communicate and quite a struggle. I understand that when booking through an OTA it is hard to tell whether a contact is the guest's or the agency's, but when direct contact with the guest is not possible, it is impossible to predict what problems may arise on the day. It would be helpful if [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) could consider some kind of measure for this. For the time being, I will simply make a point of confirming who my communication counterpart is.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Higashi-ginza～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel in Shinjuku at 09:30, and the tour finished at Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple at 13:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 09:30 to 13:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Walk-and-eat lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market and Kabukiza Theatre.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 570JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Toru is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru…
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru was an AMAZING host and tour guide. He went above and beyond with communication prior, during, and after to make sure my Son and I had an incredible experience. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and catered the tour to what we wanted as well. The sushi breakfast was unreal! Learning all about both Toyosu and Tsukiji markets was an experience we will never forget. 10 out of 10 for sure!!
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
This was our first time visiting a fish market, and from the time we booked the experience, Toru-san has been amazing. He helped us get to Toyosu market, where the tuna auction takes place, at the right time to get the best views and explained everything about how the auction works and made sure we didn’t miss anything. (You will need a knowledgeable tour guide because everything happens so fast and you might miss it!) We learned so much during such a short time about how the delicious tuna you eat at a sushi restaurant ends up in front of you. After the auction Toru-san took us to Okame, a great sushi restaurant, where we got to experience delicious sushi breakfast. Our next stop was Tsukiji market, and again we got to try all sorts of food and learn more about the market and got to meet some of the vendors. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. If you are interested in cooking, Japanese cuisine, or know someone home, this tour will give you the opportunity to do some shopping for unique souvenirs.
We had to get to Toyosu market before 5 am, and while you might think it’s too early, but why not do something fun and delicious with your jetlag? It was so worth it and I’m glad we chose to spend our first morning in Tokyo with Toru-san. The other advantage of being so early was that the market was not as crowded and we got to enjoy our time without having to wait in line.
Thank you, Toru-san!
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
The tour was great. We got to learn a lot about sushi and really enjoyed our time in the
market as well.
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was…
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was a fantastic guide and made our experience one to remember. He picked us up
from the hotel and clearly knew how to be there early to get a good view. He also took us to
a delicious sushi place thereafter which the whole family enjoyed.