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

  • 0800 Hotel Annex(directly connected to Ginza Line Tameike-Sanno Station) Meeting
  • 0830 Asakusa Azuma Bridge Kaminarimon Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1050 Tsukiji Outer Market(Lunch at Sushizanmai Annex) Kabukiza Theatre Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1320 Harajuku Overview explanation in front of the First Torii Gate Takeshita Street
  • 1400 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1415 Explain the location of the Ginza Line station, Parco (Pokemon, Nintendo), and Magnet (One piece), then disband

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Harajuku

The guests were a group from North America, arriving in Japan for the first time the night before. During the pre-tour planning stage, they had requested a focus on history, food, and anime (especially Studio Ghibli), but the Ghibli option was set aside due to distance and difficulties obtaining tickets. Instead, I printed and handed over related materials I had written as a resource (even more detailed than the standard ones) and explained them, though only one of the guests was actually interested in Ghibli. The others were interested in a different title (I could not identify it since it was not the Japanese name), so I explained which shops to visit in Akihabara for their later trip there.

Their interests were not all the same, but taking photos was something everyone shared, and if I was not careful the group tended to spread apart.

Since we arrived at Asakusa early in the morning, we were able to see the temple grounds at a relaxed pace, but 5 out of the 6 guests drew "bad luck" omikuji. I explained that about 35% here are "bad luck," but many chose to try again. On the way back, the shops had opened, so they also bought souvenirs.

They had been looking forward to Tsukiji, and enjoyed a slightly early lunch at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji.

During the planning stage there was no time to visit Meiji Shrine, so I only explained it, but they were very taken with Takeshita Street afterward, and said they would come back another day just for Harajuku and Shibuya.

They also said they definitely wanted to visit Parco (Pokemon, Nintendo) and Magnet (One Piece), so I guided them on the route and we parted ways.

In addition, one of the guests mentioned that a relative had once lived in Tachikawa and expressed a wish to go there, but I explained it would take quite some time, and instead directed them to my website, which includes an account of a visit I had guided in the past (during my volunteer guiding days). https://www.japan-guide-ted.com/archive-01

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Asakusa210JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Total750JPY

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…