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
- 1.11:00 Meet up @Hotel Tokyo
- 2.12:30 @Shinjuku Gyoen
- 3.15:30 Lunch @McDonald's lunch in the car
- 4.16:00 @Kappabashi
- 5.16:40 @Asakusa ROX 3G. Shopping at Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
- 6.18:00 Disband @Hotel Tokyo
Can You See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo in Early April? A Private Shinjuku Gyoen and Kappabashi Tour Report by a Licensed Guide
The guests were a group visiting from Asia. One of the guests had difficulty walking for long periods after a knee operation and brought a folding wheelchair. They had visited Japan several times before and had already seen many of the major sightseeing spots, so this time they wanted to see the cherry blossoms and purchase some clothing. I was worried about whether the cherry blossoms would still be in bloom in early April, but a stretch of cold days meant the blossoms were still visible, which was wonderful. Due to the poor weather, the guests came down from their room close to noon. We first went to Shinjuku Gyoen, where one of the guests moved around by wheelchair. Although the rain sometimes fell heavily, there were also periods when it stopped, and we spent quite a long time in Shinjuku Gyoen taking various photos against the backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom, entering through the Shinjuku Gate and exiting through the Sendagaya Gate. After that, the guests wanted to purchase tableware, so we stopped at a fast food restaurant along the way, had lunch in the car, and then shopped for plates, various dishes, and chopsticks in Kappabashi. At Asakusa ROX they purchased a skirt, and at a shoe shop on Shin-Nakamise they purchased shoes. As they had quite a lot of luggage, we returned to the Hotel and parted ways. Since we extended by one hour, the tour ended at 18:00. The weather was not good, but with the breaks in the rain, I believe the guests were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.
Jul 27, 2026
zyarisa
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko tour good vibes only
Mrs. fumiko was very…
Jul 27, 2026
zyarisa
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko tour good vibes only
Mrs. fumiko was very kind, calm and lovely person. She give us a introduction before entering to the different places. She also help us to get the suica card and translate at specifics times around the city. We really enjoy the peaceful energy of mrs. fumiko. Me and my son are grateful for this tour around tokyo. ❤️ thank yiuuu fumiko
Jul 23, 2026
734mortenp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Nice tour of Tokyo
Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…
Jul 23, 2026
734mortenp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Nice tour of Tokyo
Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll need help to find the good restaurants and interesting spots.
We had a tour with Ms. Fumiko. She was a both knowledgeable and nice guide. She even contacted us days beforehand to design the tour to meet our specific needs and wishes. Much appreciated!
Jul 10, 2026
Jessica_A
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko was wonderful. …
Fumiko was wonderful. You can…
Jul 10, 2026
Jessica_A
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko was wonderful. …
Fumiko was wonderful. You can customize your day and see whatever you want. Very informative and having the local guide and knowledge was priceless.
Jun 28, 2026
alistairn2016
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…
Jun 28, 2026
alistairn2016
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well prepared.
Fumiko was a great tour guide given she was very knowledgeable about the key tourist sites that we visited and history of Japan. Fumiko was a great communicator who reached out very early to design our six-hour tour of Tokyo. Unfortunately we spent a lot of time on the underground to get to the sites that we wanted to visit. My advice is to test with Fumiko early the likely time that you will spend on transport over the course of the day so you do not spend unnecessary time on public transport. Probably do ot need a tour guide to go to the markets. Highly recommend Fumiko.