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 YOTEL Tokyo Ginza (3 min from JR Shimbashi Station) meeting. Explained the history of Ginza's development along Ginza Street. Could not set up the SUICA app, so we ended up purchasing one.
  • 1030 Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Building pine piles, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tatsumi Yagura Turret (Explained that the East Gardens are closed on Fridays. We had not planned to enter anyway.)
  • 1140 Nezu Shrine. Experienced kusa-mochi and imo-yokan at "Akitaya" near Nezu Station
  • 1305 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, statue of Saigo Takamori
  • 1345 Asakusa, Azumabashi Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
  • 1630 As they wished to shop at Nakamise, we parted ways

What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, who had arrived in Japan two days earlier. The day before, they had visited Mount Fuji, but it seems they were unable to see the mountain itself. They had only today left in Japan, as they would depart early the next morning on a flight to Hong Kong, and then return home via Singapore — quite a busy itinerary. One of the guests was very keen on taking photographs, but we kept on schedule and completed today's itinerary smoothly without any delays.

Since the guests were interested in food, I suggested that for fine dining they could head from the Hotel toward the Ginza area, and for something more casual they could go in the opposite direction from Shimbashi Station toward the SL Square area. When I explained about a restaurant called "Kisoji" that we passed along the way, they said they would like to go there for dinner. Since today was the only day they could buy Japanese souvenirs, I introduced them to the main spots along Nakamise. After we parted ways, they planned to take time for shopping.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShimbashi~Tokyo150JPY
Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu180JPY
Section 3SubwayNezu~Nishi-Nippori180JPY
Section 4TrainNishi-Nippori~Ueno150JPY
Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
Total840JPY

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…