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
- 10:30 AM Meet at Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
- 11:30 AM Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market
- Lunch at Sushisei Shinkan.
- 2:15 PM Shibuya Crossing & stroll
- 3:30 PM Disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:30, when the guide met the guests at Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower, and finished at 15:30. The day ran to 5 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market at 11:30 and Shibuya Crossing & stroll at 14:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Shinjuku to Tsukiji Market by Free Pass (900JPY); Tsukiji to Shibuya by Free Pass (0JPY); Shibuya to Higashi-Shinjuku by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Tsukiji, Shibuya Report
The guest was a first-time visitor to Japan from North America, who wanted to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo for two days after a business trip and wished to make the most of the visit. Since the guest had shown interest in eating at the Tsukiji Outer Market, I guided them there first. The guest had learned about Tsukiji from my email beforehand and had been eager to visit.
Although it was raining, the market was as crowded as ever, so I guided them straight to a sushi restaurant. The guest was such a big fan of sushi that, despite having eaten sushi the night before, they still wanted sushi again for today's lunch. They enjoyed sushi, sashimi, and sake à la carte.
Right after the meal, the guest wanted to try wagyu, so I guided them to a butcher shop. Because the shop sells directly from the storefront, a wagyu sirloin skewer costs just 1,500 yen, so many international tourists were lining up. https://www.tsukiji.or.jp/shoplist/cat-b/cat-4/230/
For dessert, the guest wanted ice cream, so we went to a shop in Ginza, where they enjoyed a strawberry milky soft serve.
Tsukiji Soratsuki Main Store 050-5597-5022 4-11-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1313/A131301/13180099/
The guest thoroughly enjoyed Tsukiji and liked it so much that they said they would like to book a hotel in Tsukiji on their next visit to Japan.
Next, we went to Shibuya Crossing. They crossed it two or three times and were quite satisfied. Since their skin had become dry during the business trip, they purchased body cream at a cosmetics shop. After that, I guided them to a variety store before returning to the hotel, where we parted ways.
The guest said that when they come to Japan again with their group next time, they would definitely like to request me as their guide. The tour ended in what felt like no time at all, as I myself enjoyed it so much that I forgot to watch the clock.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Higashi-Shinjuku～Tsukiji Market | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tsukiji～Shibuya | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Higashi-Shinjuku | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower at 10:30, and the tour finished at at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours in total, from 10:30 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market and Shibuya Crossing & stroll.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY 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?
Ayaka 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! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.