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

  • 1030 Meet at Hilton Tokyo (3 min from Metro Nishi-Shinjuku Station)
  • 1050 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 1145 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1305 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Lunch at "Towada" on Kannon Street
  • 1525 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1555 Harajuku, Overview explanation at the First Torii of Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
  • 1630 Transfer to Nishi-Shinjuku Station and disband

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Before a Cruise Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, arriving in Japan yesterday morning for a cruise, their second time joining one. After arriving, they took a walk around the neighborhood, but due to jet lag they had fallen asleep at an unusual time, so when I arrived to pick them up and sent an email, there was no response. When I called their room, I learned they had fallen asleep, so we started 30 minutes late.

When the itinerary was adjusted last year, we had noted that cherry blossoms might be visible at Shinjuku Gyoen. This year the mountain cherry trees were mostly turning to leaf, but we were just able to catch the last of the falling blossoms. In their place, the azaleas were at their peak.

At the Tsukiji Outer Market, one of the guests does not eat raw fish, so they enjoyed melon and red-and-white strawberries instead.

One of the guests had a back issue, so I made sure to use elevators and escalators as much as possible.

The cruise route departs from Tokyo, then passes through the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions before continuing to Alaska and Seattle, and they remarked that it was fortunate the earthquake and tsunami had happened the day before.

Tomorrow they will go to Hakone, and the day after they depart on their cruise, so I can only hope there are no aftershocks.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shinjuku-gyoemmae180JPY
Section 2SubwayKokuritsu-kyogijo~Tsukijishijo220JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Section 5TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
Section 7SubwayShinjuku (Tokyo Metro)~Nishi-Shinjuku180JPY
Total1,370JPY

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…