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 toggle hotel suidobashi (3 min from JR Suidobashi Station West Exit) meeting
  • 0835 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1005 Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1205 Tokyo Station, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building Pine Piles, Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1315 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit
  • 1415 Escort to Takeshita Street, then dismissal

Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tsukiji and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America, having arrived the previous evening. Their accommodation was just across Sotobori-dori from Tokyo Dome, so it seemed to host many domestic visitors coming to watch games at the dome in addition to inbound travelers. This trip was a celebration, and they planned to stay for about a week, including one day trip to Kyoto.

At Tsukiji, just after entering Monzeki-dori, the guests eagerly went for candied strawberries and strawberry daifuku, and afterward enjoyed sashimi such as shrimp and scallops. Since there were things they did not get to try today, like oysters, they said they would return the following day.

At Asakusa, they enjoyed soft serve ice cream topped with strawberries.

Everyone was very enthusiastic about taking photos, so I guided them to as many photogenic spots as possible.

For the days ahead, I gave them a route map and a Tokyo Travel Guide. I obtained a Spanish-language version in Ginza to go along with the English one, and I explained the main sightseeing spots to them.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainSuidobashi~Akihabara160JPY
Section 2Free PassAkihabara~Tsukiji700JPY
Section 3Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Kanda0JPY
Section 5TrainKanda (Tokyo)~Tokyo160JPY
Section 6Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
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…