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

  • 0800 Meet at Hotel Nishi Shinjuku (5 min from Metro Nishi-Shinjuku Station)
  • 0830 Shibuya – Hachiko Statue – Scramble Crossing
  • 0850 Harajuku – Takeshita Street – Visit Meiji Shrine
  • 1020 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 1150 Ueno – Shogitai Monument – Kiyomizu Kannon-do – Ueno Toshogu – Saigo Takamori Statue
  • 1310 Asakusa – Azuma Bridge – Kaminarimon – Nakamise – Sensoji Temple
  • 1400 Tour ends within Sensoji Temple grounds
  • Since my return route is the same, I will accompany you to Nishi-Shinjuku Station and then part ways

Title: What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo Like Before a Yokohama Cruise? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. The booking was originally for 7 people, then changed to 5, and the day before yesterday it became 4, as some of the guests had to withdraw following a bereavement in the family. The group arrived the previous night and planned to board a cruise ship from Yokohama the next day.

Initially I had thought about starting at nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, but since an 8:00 start was too early, we followed the itinerary described above.

Takeshita Street was too early and the shops were not yet open, so I handed out an English map and gave an explanation.

At Shinjuku Gyoen, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees were about 80% in bloom, while the early-blooming cherry trees were in full bloom or beginning to fall, making it a perfect day for cherry blossom viewing. There were many visitors, and the Shinjuku Gate had been made entrance-only, with a separate exit created between it and the Okido Gate. Shinjuku Gyoen requires advance reservations this weekend.

Ueno Park was in a similar state of bloom, and hanami parties had also begun, making it truly ideal weather for cherry blossom viewing. In North America, drinking in public places is prohibited, so the guests were surprised by this.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassNishi-Shinjuku~Shinjuku700JPY
Section 2TrainShinjuku~Shibuya200JPY
Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Sendagaya160JPY
Section 5Free PassShinjuku-gyoemmae~Ueno0JPY
Section 6Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
Section 7Free PassAsakusa~Nishi-Shinjuku0JPY
Total1,220JPY

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…