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
- 9:00 Meet at Hotel Okura Tokyo
- 9:45 Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 Takeshita Street (Mameshiba Cafe)
- 12:50 Lunch at Sushisei
- 13:30 Tsukiji Outer Market
- 14:30 End at Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at Hotel Okura Tokyo and ended at 14:30. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Sushisei at 12:50.
Over the course of the day the route took in Meiji Shrine at 9:45, Takeshita Street (Mameshiba Cafe) at 11:00 and Tsukiji Outer Market at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Toranomon Hills to Meiji-jingumae Station by Free Pass (900JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Tsukiji by Free Pass (0JPY); Tsukiji to Tameike-sanno by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the group were visiting Japan for the second time, while others were on their first visit. Although there are Japanese restaurants where they live, they had wanted to try authentic dishes at local establishments in Japan.
It was unfortunately rainy, but the guests said Meiji Shrine was the biggest highlight of the day. The Mameshiba (dog) café was especially enjoyable for the group as well.
At the Tsukiji Outer Market, I took them to Sushisei, a place I always bring guests to, and they liked it very much. The staff kindly cut the sushi pieces in half so they would be easier to eat.
We had originally planned to visit Asakusa at the end, but since the group had another appointment at 14:30, we decided to skip it.
Guiding such a calm, smiling group felt like a Christmas present to me, and this tour truly made my day.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Toranomon Hills～Meiji-jingumae Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Tsukiji | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tsukiji～Tameike-sanno | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel Okura Tokyo at 9:00, and the tour finished at Hotel at 14:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 14:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street (Mameshiba Cafe) and Tsukiji Outer Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Ayaka is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.