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

  • 1100 APA Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (3 min from Higashi-Shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line) Meeting
  • 1120 Ameyoko, Ueno Park, Shogitai Monument, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Assistance with purchasing Shinkansen tickets at Ueno Station
  • 1230 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1410 Akihabara
  • 1500 Harajuku, Overview explanation at the First Torii of Meiji Shrine, Explanation of the route from Omotesando through Cat Street to Shibuya
  • 1515 Dismissal at the entrance of Takeshita Street

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Asakusa to Harajuku

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania, having arrived the previous day. After Tokyo, they planned to visit Kyoto and Osaka the following week before returning to Tokyo and heading home.

During our prior communication, they mentioned they wanted to become comfortable with the transportation system, so I gave them a metro route map, a JR route map, and a Tokyo Travel Guide, and explained possible destinations for days other than today. Since they had already booked TeamLab Planets, which is a little tricky to reach, I explained the route (TeamLab Borderless would have been easier).

They were delighted by Ameyoko, and when I explained the museums and art galleries in Ueno Park, they said they would come back another day to see them all together.

At the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, they enjoyed strawberry candy and melon bread. In Akihabara, there were so many things they wanted to buy that they decided to return another day to take their time.

Originally, I had planned to take them to Ginza afterward and part ways there, but since some of the guests wanted to see Harajuku while others wanted to shop, I took them to Harajuku. I gave a brief explanation of Meiji Shrine, guided them along the shopping routes of Omotesando and Cat Street, and took them to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, where, after giving an overview, we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Ueno-okachimachi220JPY
Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 4OtherAkihabara~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Total790JPY

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…