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

  • 1. 10:00 Meet at The B Akasaka
  • 2. 10:20 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
  • 3. 12:20 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 4. 13:20 Lunch at Towada
  • 5. 14:30 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 6. 15:00 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
  • 7. 16:10 Disband at Akasaka Station

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, and they asked me to teach them about Japanese culture, history, customs, and how to use the subway. When I explained that the Tokyo subway network was modeled on the London Tube, they seemed a little surprised but understood the connection. Although the weather was unfortunately a bit rainy at times, it did not significantly affect the tour, and we were able to complete the entire planned itinerary, which pleased the guests very much. Since they had requested something Japanese for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant where they could enjoy soba and tendon, and they were delighted with this as well. When they mentioned that they had once lived in a town in Europe, I told them that I had lived in a neighboring town, which surprised them greatly. We were able to finish the tour in a warm and friendly atmosphere from beginning to end.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAkasaka (Tokyo)~Nijubashimae180JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Akasaka (Tokyo)180JPY
Total950JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…