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 the ticket gate of Yurikamome Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station
  • 1010 Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Marunouchi Building Matsugui, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tatsumi Yagura
  • 1135 Harajuku, Meiji Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
  • 1315 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1330 Guide to Tokyu Plaza and disband

# What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Cruise-Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Today was the final day of their cruise. The cruise had started in Tokyo, then continued to Osaka, Nagasaki, and Busan, after which the planned stop in Kagoshima was changed to Fukuoka due to the effects of a typhoon. After passing through Kochi, they arrived back in Tokyo this morning. They could stay on the ship tonight. Some of the guests would head home tomorrow, while the others planned to stay at a hotel in Nihonbashi and return home three days later. Those I was able to confirm were visiting Japan for the first time.

On the first day of the cruise in Tokyo, they had visited Ueno and Skytree, so today I arranged an itinerary covering Marunouchi and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, along with Harajuku and Shibuya.

Some of the guests were interested in anime-related things, but not everyone, so I introduced Tokyo Character Street at Tokyo Station.

At first there had been some hesitation about Meiji Shrine, but since I had explained the story of the Meiji Restoration at the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, and after they entered and paid their respects, they were moved by the richness of the forest.

Takeshita Street did not draw much of a reaction.

They intended to have a meal in Shibuya, but since their individual preferences did not come together, I took them to Tokyu Plaza, explained that they could choose from many restaurants, and we parted ways there.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainTokyo International Cruise Terminal~Shimbashi390JPY
Section 2TrainShimbashi~Tokyo160JPY
Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
Total920JPY

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…