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 Aloft Tokyo Ginza (5 min from Ginza Station on the Ginza Line) meet up Kabukiza Theater Ginza 4-chome intersection
  • 1040 Asakusa Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1205 Nippori Yanaka Ginza Yomise Street Hebi-michi (Snake Road) Nezu Shrine
  • 1325 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Tatsumi Yagura Marunouchi Building pine piles Tokyo Station
  • 1440 Shinjuku 3D Cat Display Godzilla Head late lunch at Omoide Yokocho
  • 1550 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1610 Look down at the Scramble Crossing from the 2nd floor connecting passage of My City and disband

Meeting point at Hotel

The guests were a group visiting from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. Some of the guests had arrived a couple of days earlier and had visited TeamLab Planets and Tsukiji Market, while the others had arrived the previous night. Because of their itinerary, they were not interested in shopping or street food, and took relatively few photos. Their reactions were somewhat muted at first, so I proceeded while wondering about the reason. When I asked, I learned that one of their relatives was going to run the Tokyo Marathon the next day, and they had come to Japan to cheer them on. The itinerary we had arranged in advance turned out to closely follow the marathon course. I then explained the actual route they would run and pointed out the relevant metro stations along the way.

Along the actual course, the guests became quite interested and took many photos.

There were many visitors wearing Tokyo Marathon-related shirts, and many people with runner's markings, so everywhere was extremely crowded. With more than 30,000 runners alone, plus their families and supporters, the number of visitors was tens of thousands higher than usual.

The runner was staying in Shinjuku and planned to meet up with the group that evening at a sumo club in Asakusa.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassGinza~Asakusa700JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
Section 4Free PassNezu~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 5Free PassTokyo~Shinjuku0JPY
Section 6TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
Total1,020JPY

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…