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

  • 0900 Meet in front of 7-Eleven Higashi-Shinjuku store
  • 0930 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1005 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Shrine visit
  • 1235 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Tatsumi Yagura Gyoko-dori Marunouchi Building pine piles Tokyo Station
  • 1355 Asakusa Kaminarimon Nakamise Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1515 Since there is a reservation for Tokyo Skytree at 1700, escort them to Solamachi and disband

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

The guests were a group visiting from North America who had arrived for their first trip to Japan the previous night. They seemed to have some acquaintances here, who had picked them up at the airport the night before and taken them to Shibuya after they checked in. Because it was late, they had returned without seeing much.

Their accommodation was an Airbnb, and since the building could not be identified, we met at a nearby convenience store instead.

Thunderstorms were forecast for the day, so I was concerned, but although there was a little rain at our first stop in Shibuya, the rest of the itinerary only had the sound of thunder without any actual rain. They had eaten a good breakfast, so they only had a soft serve ice cream at the Forest Terrace of Meiji Jingu and a melon bread at Nakamise, but since there was time before their 17:00 Skytree reservation, they planned to eat at Solamachi.

From the next day they would be exploring on their own, so I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide and metro/JR route maps, and explained the transportation network and other sightseeing spots.

One of the guests took an interest in the Mipig Cafe on Takeshita Street and said they would return. They also wanted to visit Gotokuji, so I explained the route from Higashi-Shinjuku to Meiji-jingumae to Gotokuji.

After three days of sightseeing in Tokyo, they were on a 20-day summer holiday trip that also included the Kansai area, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Sapporo, and a climb of Mount Fuji.

They also mentioned that they would visit HISUI Tokyo, which I had introduced to them.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Shibuya180JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
Section 4TrainTokyo~Kanda (Tokyo)160JPY
Section 5SubwayKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 6TrainAsakusa~Tokyo Skytree160JPY
Total1,050JPY

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…