Tokyo in One Day: Tsukiji Outer Market — Guide Mitch
October, 2026
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
- 8:30 Leave the hotel
- 8:40-9:05 Travel on the Oedo Line
- 9:05-9:55 Stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market, breakfast
- 10:05-10:55 Guided stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens
- 11:15-12:30 Guide to Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, and Asakusa Shrine, then walk along Hoppy Street
- 12:40-13:10 Meal at a sushi restaurant
- 13:50-14:30 Guide to Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine
The tour was originally planned for a group, but one of the guests stayed at the hotel due to fatigue, so on this day I guided the remaining guests visiting from Africa. They had traveled for about 20 hours with a layover, so they were still feeling tired. Since they had not yet had breakfast, we set off right away and headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. We walked around the market and had breakfast there. After that, I guided them through the Hamarikyu Gardens. The grounds are quite large and it was not possible to see everything, so I showed them only the key highlights. As it began to rain, we bought umbrellas and headed to our next destination, Asakusa. I explained the historical background of places such as Senso-ji Temple and the five-story pagoda. They mentioned they wanted to eat sushi, so I took them to a sushi restaurant I frequent. Afterward, I guided them to Meiji Shrine, and we parted ways in Harajuku. The guests were very satisfied. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a spacious forested area in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a tranquil evergreen forest of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, it offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. Visitors often pass through the large wooden torii gates and may witness traditional Shinto ceremonies or seasonal events held within the grounds.
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 | Train | Azabu-Juban / Minato-ku, Tokyo～Tsukiji | 380JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tsukiji～Shimbashi | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shimbashi～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa～Meiji-Jingumae | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,030JPY | ||
I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time…
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time to Japan. Mitch was a great guide, recommending the key sights in Tokyo. He contacted us before the trip so that he could set up an itinery that worked for our family. We learned about the culture and also how to navigate the trains! Mitch even took us back to our hotel at the end. Thank you for a great first experience in Japan!
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots of locations in one day. Mitch our guide is
very knowledgeable and the nicest person we have ever met.
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He was very polite and knew the city very well, so there wasn’t a lost minute in our day. He asked me what my preferences were so he could customize my itinerary, and it was great! I was taken to see some hidden gems out of the traditional touristic circuits (and for that Im really thankful). I feel I learnt a lot about the history and culture of Japan, and I got to listen to many good anecdotes from Mitch. I also had a great soba for Lunch, in a very small and cozy restaurant. Arigatou gosaimasu, Mitch!
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic…
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic day with our guide Mitch, he was very knowledgeable, a kind man & very generous with his time.
Mitch suggested sushi train for lunch pleasing our granddaughter greatly.
I would recommend Mitch for any type of tour, given he has excellent English.
Deb, Neil, Kate, Joel, Calla & Bodhi
Adelaide, South Australia 😃