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
- 9:00 Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu
- 9:40 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple
- 12:00 Skytree
- 13:30 Shibuya Sky
- 14:20 Meiji Shrine
- 15:00 Dismissal @ Shibuya Crossing
What Is a Private First-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Skytree, and Shibuya Sky
This was a private first-day tour in Japan for guests from Europe. After Tokyo, the group planned to visit Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa. At the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, there was a free event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government where visitors could try Edo woodblock printing. Since I had heard that a lunch break was not necessary and we had some extra time, and because it looked interesting, we decided to take part. It turned out to be quite authentic, the timing was good, and since it was indoors, the guests were very pleased. I had been told it would take 30 minutes, but it ended up taking about 50 minutes, so the latter half of the tour became a little rushed. For some reason, the group wanted to visit both Skytree and Shibuya Sky, and since Shibuya Sky had a reserved time slot, I felt a bit pressed. I adjusted by keeping the time spent at both places relatively short. After Shibuya Sky, the group suddenly said they wanted to visit Meiji Shrine, so we went there, and then they wanted to return to Shibuya, so we parted ways in Shibuya. They were quite free-spirited, but they were friendly and pleasant people, so the tour ended on a very good note.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Nihonbashi (Tokyo)～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Asakusa～Tokyo Skytree | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Oshiage～Shibuya | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.