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
- 1. 8:30 Meet at Hotel
- 2. 9:05 Tsukiji Outer Market
- 3. 10:10 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 4. 12:30 Lunch @ Shimbashi
- 5. 13:45 Ueno Park
- 6. 15:20 Imperial Palace Outer Garden・East Gardens
- 7. 16:35 Disband at Otemon Gate
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, Ueno, and the Imperial Palace
One of the guests came down to the lobby a little late, so we set off slightly behind schedule. It was raining, and at Tsukiji the guests did not eat anything but looked with great interest at the fish, vegetables, and meat. They were surprised to see fresh wasabi in its natural form. We then walked to Hamarikyu Gardens, where the guests took many photos while strolling in the rain. As the guests were a little tired, we rested at a tea house and enjoyed a set of matcha and Japanese sweets. We then walked again and had a lunch of fried chicken in the basement of a fairly old building in front of Shimbashi Station, mixing in with the office workers. Next we took the train to Ueno Park. I explained the history of Ueno Park, and since the National Museum of Western Art was closed, I explained its background from outside the wall and noted that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After explaining the exterior of the National Museum of Nature and Science, we skipped the Tokyo National Museum since the guests had visited it the previous day. After explaining the Kuromon Gate, and since the guests were interested in the architecture of Tadao Ando, we visited and introduced the International Library of Children's Literature. They took many photos there. After introducing the University of the Arts, the Sogakudo Concert Hall, the Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and the row of cherry trees, we took the subway to Nijubashimae. We joined the Inui Street public walkthrough, where the guests took many photos along Inui Street. Finally we entered the East Gardens, where I explained the donjon base, the cherry blossoms, the Ninomaru Garden, and more, ending the tour at the Otemon Gate. We rode the Chiyoda Line together from Otemachi Station to Hibiya Station, and after telling them which exit to use, we parted ways on the train. The rain had stopped by the time we reached the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. Along the way the guests talked a great deal and asked many questions, and they seemed very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Hibiya～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shimbashi～Ueno | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ueno～Nijubashimae | 180JPY |
| Total | 560JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.
Jun 5, 2026
Flyer544764
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
What an extraordinary 6 hr…
Jun 5, 2026
Flyer544764
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
What an extraordinary 6 hr ( plus and additional hour) tour of Tokyo with our amazing guide, Mac!
Mac contacted us when we booked our day trip and worked closely with us to develop a custom itinerary that would fulfill all our “must see” destinations.
We started our day at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where we meandered through the narrow alleyways and took in the sights and sounds of the vibrant atmosphere. Of course stopping to taste the delicious seafood and diverse cuisine offerings.
From there we went to the iconic Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, where we passed under the massive iconic red lantern at the Thunder Gate and then meandered along the centuries-old Nakamise shopping street leading to the main hall.
Lunch stop at a lovely Tempura restaurant ending our excursion at the truly magnificent Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine, nestled in the midst of 70 ha. forest located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo.
Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle of the city, and will find Japanese traditional scenery amidst the greenery of nature.
A truly unique and beautiful place where you are transported into a state of calm the moment you cross through the three enormous Tori gates.
A day outing that will not to be soon forgotten!
Apr 27, 2026
Eric_K
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mac was a very good tour…
Mac was a very good tour…
Apr 27, 2026
Eric_K
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mac was a very good tour…
Mac was a very good tour guide. I highly recommend him because he spoke English very well, was conscientious, positive, respectful, and highly knowledgeable. He was willing to take us to all the places we requested and made recommendations for changes based on our questions and his experience. We enjoyed spending the day with him and highly recommend him as a guide for Tokyo.
Apr 23, 2026
O4598GUpatriciat
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
We had…
Apr 23, 2026
O4598GUpatriciat
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
We had the absolute pleasure of exploring Tokyo with MAC as our private guide, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip.
From the very beginning, everything was seamless – communication was easy, responses were quick, and meeting up in such a busy city was completely stress-free. MAC is incredibly organized, attentive, and clearly very experienced navigating Tokyo.
What made this tour stand out was his ability to show us a completely different side of the city. Instead of crowded tourist hotspots, he took us to genuine hidden gems – places we would never have found on our own. One unforgettable highlight was a beautifully preserved, over 100-year-old hidden house with a stunning Zen garden. Despite it being a sunny Sunday, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.
Another memorable stop was the Institute of Nature & Science, located in what felt like the green heart of Tokyo. Again, it was peaceful and uncrowded – a rare experience in such a vibrant metropolis.
MAC’s recommendations throughout the tour were outstanding. His insights, local knowledge, and thoughtful suggestions made a huge difference. We enjoyed the experience so much that we ended up booking him again at the end of our trip – which says everything.
Beyond his expertise, MAC is a genuinely kind, respectful, and warm person. His calm and friendly Japanese manner made the entire experience feel very personal and relaxed.
If you are looking to discover Tokyo beyond the usual tourist paths and want a guide who truly elevates your experience, we can highly recommend MAC without hesitation.
Apr 2, 2026
V742WEsusans
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tour
Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…
Apr 2, 2026
V742WEsusans
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tour
Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at our hotel in Asakusabashi and helped us navigate the eastern part of the city of Tokyo. An informative tour through the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market (where he found us some sashimi to sample), the Imperial East Gardens, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shibuya Crossing, an excellent mix of history and culture. Midday we ate a lunch of tempura, again with much needed help from Mac. At the day’s close, Mac even provided us with a preprinted personalized guide for taking the train back to our hotel. Outstanding!