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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 0930 Meet at Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi (3 min from JR Asakusabashi Station)
  • 0940 Higashi-Ginza, Kabukiza Theatre, Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 1100 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1130 Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Jingu Shrine visit, lunch at Forest Terrace
  • 1410 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Tower, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tokyo Station
  • 1500 Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1545 Tour ends after receiving the goshuin (temple seal stamp)
  • Since the return route is in the same direction, we will see you off to Asakusabashi Station and disband

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Report Covering Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America, gathering from several different areas. Some of the group had arrived in Tokyo by cruise the day before, and they had passed by Mount Fuji along the way, but it seems the weather was poor and they could not see it. The others in the group had arrived by air the previous night.

The Hotel where I went to meet them was, true to its name, a "weird" hotel. It seemed to be aimed at inbound visitors, as I did not see any Japanese guests. A doll was placed at the reception, and unless you called for assistance, check-in and check-out were done using a dedicated machine at the front desk.

Things went smoothly through Tsukiji and Takeshita Street, but one of the group did not want to walk much and waited at the Meiji Jingu Forest Terrace. After we reached the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, some of the group decided to return to the Hotel by taxi. At that time, one of the group who was not feeling well after the long flight also returned with them.

Some of the group wanted to obtain goshuin (shrine and temple stamps), and they collected them at Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple. Others in the group tilted their heads, wondering what was so interesting about it.

Although there was occasional light rain, the remaining members of the group completed the tour without any trouble. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Visitors approach the main hall through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its enormous red lantern, and then walk along Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. It remains one of the most popular and atmospheric sightseeing spots in Tokyo.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAsakusabashi~Higashi-Ginza180JPY
Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Shibuya210JPY
Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 4SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
Section 5TrainTokyo~Kanda (Tokyo)160JPY
Section 6SubwayKanda (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 7SubwayAsakusa~Asakusabashi180JPY
Total1,280JPY

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…