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

  • 1) 8:50 Meet @ Hotel Lobby
  • 2) 9:30 Meiji Shrine
  • 3) 11:00 Kagurazaka
  • 4) 11:40 Akihabara
  • 5) 13:00 Lunch @ Freshness Burger Asakusa Kokusai-dori Branch (1-6-5 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
  • 6) 13:30 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
  • 7) 14:30 Asakusa
  • 8) 15:00 Disband @ In front of the Main Hall of Senso-ji Temple

Tour Title: What Can You See on a Private Tour of Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Kappabashi? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests, residents of North America, were shown around Tokyo. Before the tour, they had expressed interest in the Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, and the Kappabashi area, so I replied with a proposed itinerary. I had also informed them in advance to arrive at the Hotel ten minutes before the meeting time, along with a clear description of how to recognize the guide. When we met, I reconfirmed the itinerary with the guests and started the tour on time. We visited and prayed at Meiji Shrine, where we were lucky enough to come across a wedding photo session. The guests seemed interested in shopping as well, and during our walk we touched on topics such as hygiene masks, matcha, pottery, UNIQLO, and Don Quijote. In Kagurazaka, we found that a pharmacy along the main street carried many kinds of beauty face masks, and the guests said they planned to look at them carefully and purchase some another day. We also stopped by a Japanese tea shop. When the guests showed the staff a photo of a matcha product recommended by someone who had visited Japan before, the staff explained that the brand was very famous among Uji matcha and currently hard to obtain, and recommended a matcha of the same or higher grade instead. The guests purchased a slightly higher-grade matcha and seemed very pleased. On the way toward Ueno, we stopped in Akihabara, strolled along Chuo Street, and entered a Don Quijote store. The guests were amazed by the enormous variety of products and seemed satisfied (perhaps planning to visit another Don Quijote later). The guests mentioned a specific wagyu steak restaurant where they wished to have lunch, which turned out to be located in Nishi-Asakusa. On the way, the guests spotted a "wagyu burger" sign and requested a lunch break at a hamburger shop. Over lunch, they shared stories about chili-powdered dried strawberries and a famous brewery. At Kappabashi, the "Kappabashi Tool Festival" was being held, and every shop was even more crowded than usual, which surprised us, but the guests were able to purchase the items they wanted. Finally, I guided them to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple to pray, and we then visited the grounds of Asakusa Shrine. We rested for a while on the artificial lawn in front of the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, and parted ways with smiles.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayKokkai-gijidomae~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Section 2TrainYoyogi~Takadanobaba200JPY
Section 3SubwayTakadanobaba~Kagurazaka180JPY
Section 4TrainIidabashi~Akihabara160JPY
Section 5SubwaySuehirocho (Tokyo)~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Total900JPY

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

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