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
- 11:00 Hotel Shinjuku East Annex
- 11:30 Kagurazaka Zenkokuji Temple
- 12:00 Lunch @ Daikonya
- 13:30 Ameyoko, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
- 15:00 Yanaka Cemetery, Tsuiji-bei Wall, Yanaka Ginza
- 16:00 Nezu Shrine
- 16:50 Dismissal @ Korakuen Station
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Kagurazaka, Ameyoko, and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The day before, I noticed there was a hotel of the same chain across the street, so I confirmed the location with the guests. The group visiting from Europe was originally planned to be three, but since one of the guests had leg pain from the day of arrival in Japan and decided not to join today, only the rest of the group took part. Because they had requested places not usually visited by tourists, I included Kagurazaka in the itinerary and guided there for the first time. We walked through charming alleys lined with traditional Japanese restaurants, visited Zenkoku-ji Temple, and then enjoyed a delicious meal at a Japanese restaurant. At Niki no Kashi in Ameyoko, the guests were delighted and bought curry roux, Japanese tea, and recommended Japanese sweets. At Yanaka Ginza they bought several pairs of chopsticks as souvenirs, and when I introduced kokeshi as a traditional doll, they said they had a shelf at home for displaying souvenirs from various countries and purchased one. Along the way we looked around inside a supermarket and bought some drinks. They were deeply moved by how beautiful Nezu Shrine was. When we parted, I was surprised to receive one of the pairs of chopsticks they had just purchased as a gift. I guided them to the point where they could understand the subway transfer to return to their hotel, and the tour came to an end.
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 | Subway | Higashi-shinjuku～Iidabashi | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Ushigome-kagurazaka～Ueno-okachimachi | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ueno～Nippori | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Todaimae～Korakuen | 180JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.