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

  • 0930 Meet at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba (1 min from Yurikamome Daiba Station)
  • 1010 Okachimachi, Ameyoko, Shogitai Monument, Hanazono Shrine, Kiyomizu Kannon-do
  • 1130 Asakusa, Azumabashi, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1250 Otemachi, Otemon Gate, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Maru Building Pine Piles, Tokyo Station
  • 1340 See off at Shimbashi Station and disband

What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America who had arrived in Japan for the first time the previous night. They live in different regions during different seasons and had come from one of them this time. Their connecting flight had been delayed, and the journey had taken nearly a full day, so they were somewhat tired. They mentioned they would go food hopping the following evening, and the day after that they planned to board a cruise ship from Yokohama.

In our earlier conversation, the guests had expressed a wish to see cherry blossoms, but the Somei-Yoshino were less than one-third in bloom. However, the weeping cherry trees beside Keisei Station at Ueno Park and in front of the Hozomon Gate at Sensoji Temple were nearly in full bloom, which delighted the guests.

Since one of the guests had some difficulty going up and down stairs, we used elevators and escalators as much as possible. The Imperial Palace was lively with the special public opening of the Inui Gate, but as a short rest was needed, we took a break beside a Starbucks. Afterward, we strolled through the Marunouchi area. The guests had also considered a walk in Ginza in the morning, but decided to rest at the hotel instead, so I saw them off at Shimbashi Station, ending the tour.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainDaiba~Shimbashi330JPY
Section 2TrainShimbashi~Okachimachi200JPY
Section 3SubwayUeno~Asakusa180JPY
Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 5TrainTokyo~Shimbashi160JPY
Total1,050JPY

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…