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

  • 1300 Hotel Tavinos Asakusa (10 min from Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station) Meeting Guide within Sensoji Temple grounds
  • 1445 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building Matsugui Gyoko-dori Avenue Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1555 Meiji Jingu Shrine visit Takeshita Street
  • 1710 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing Explanation of the route to PARCO and guidance to Ginza Line Shibuya Station, then disband

Title: What Can You See on a Private Afternoon Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Before arriving in Tokyo, they had spent about two weeks traveling through Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Yamagata, Akita, and Aomori, and were scheduled to return home in two days. In Yamagata and Akita, they had completed an 80 km trail. They arrived in Tokyo this morning, and the guiding request was for the afternoon. One of the guests had previously visited Japan through work connections, while for the other it was their first visit to Japan.

Since their accommodation was along Kototoi-dori, I guided them from Hanayashiki toward Senso-ji Temple, the reverse of my usual route. There were more questions than expected about Buddhism and Shinto, which took some time. At a knife shop, they purchased a kitchen knife. For the other shops, I recommended that they take their time to browse the following day.

The Imperial Palace Outer Garden went smoothly. They said they would like to see the East Gardens the next day. Since Meiji Shrine closes at 4:40, the visit was quite rushed, but they were able to see the chrysanthemum festival and were very pleased.

In Shibuya, they wanted to visit shops such as the Pokémon store, so I let them know about PARCO and MAGNET.

Afterward, they mentioned wanting to visit places like Golden Gai in Shinjuku. I explained how to get there, but when I mentioned that a similar experience could probably be had at Center Gai as well, they headed straight there after we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
Section 2TrainUeno~Tokyo170JPY
Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Total710JPY

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…