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

  • 1000 Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi (2 min from Metro Ginza Line Kyobashi Station) Meeting. Explain the historical overview of Edo/Tokyo on Ginza Street
  • 1055 Gotokuji Temple
  • 1230 Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
  • 1430 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1535 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1615 Since going to the reserved restaurant, disband next to Sensoji Temple

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa

The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. During the advance planning, they strongly requested Gotokuji Temple, along with Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Nezu, Rikugien, and Asakusa, but since this was too much for one day, we agreed to remove Rikugien from the itinerary.

We met in the morning, and on the way from Odakyu Gotokuji Station to Gotokuji Temple, it became clear that one of the guests could only walk very slowly. We eventually reached Gotokuji Temple, which was extremely crowded with international visitors. Since they very much wanted to buy a beckoning cat figure and a goshuin stamp book, this took quite a bit of time. On the way back, we used the nearby Setagaya Line to save time.

Walking also took time at Meiji Shrine, so we had to drop Nezu from the plan. Instead, since one of the guests really wanted to see the Hachiko statue, we changed the itinerary to visit Shibuya.

At Senso-ji Temple, once we reached the main hall, the guests mentioned they had a restaurant reservation, so we parted ways there. It seems they had made the reservation while walking around Senso-ji Temple.

I found myself wondering what we would have done if we had gone all the way to Nezu, but since I adjusted to their wishes, it turned out well in the end.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherKyobashi (Tokyo)~Omotesando~Yoyogi-Uehara~Gotokuji380JPY
Section 2OtherMiyanosaka~Yamashita160JPY
Section 3OtherGotokuji~Yoyogi-Uehara~Meiji-jingumae350JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Section 5SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
Total1,300JPY

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…