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

  • 1100 Hotel Ueno Inaricho ekikita (5 min from Metro Inaricho Station)
  • 1115 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Lunch at "Tanaka Soba" on Kannon-dori Street
  • 1320 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1445 Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine visit, Takeshita Street
  • 1650 Shinjuku, 3D Cat Display, Godzilla Head
  • 1710 Disband at Omoide Yokocho

What Is a Private Tokyo Orientation Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, arriving in Japan for the first time late the previous night. They planned to stay in Tokyo for about a week, then travel to places such as Kyoto and Kanazawa before returning to Tokyo and departing two days later.

Originally, they had planned to come earlier in the year with others in their group, but the trip was cancelled due to conditions in the Middle East affecting their route via Istanbul. They mentioned it was a pity they could not see the cherry blossoms.

The purpose of today's tour was to help them get used to Tokyo's transportation network. They intended to decide on their upcoming destinations while staying in Tokyo, and said they might also visit Nikko if the weather improved.

I handed them an Italian-language Tokyo Travel Guide and explained other possible destinations as well as how to use the public transportation system.

In Shinjuku, I explained Kabukicho and took them to Omoide Yokocho, suggesting they might have dinner at one of the two. In the end, they decided to visit both.

A notable stop on the tour was Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. Omoide Yokocho is a narrow network of alleyways near Shinjuku Station lined with small eateries and yakitori stalls, many dating back to the postwar era. It offers a nostalgic, retro atmosphere and is a popular spot for enjoying grilled skewers and local drinks in a lively, intimate setting. The area is especially atmospheric in the evening, when lanterns light up the tightly packed lanes and the smell of grilling fills the air.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayInaricho (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku160JPY
Total730JPY

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.

Sep 24, 2026
Leslie_R
Good tour on first day
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