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
- 08:55 Depart from the hotel, heading to Shinjuku Gyoen.
- 09:20 Arrive at Shinjuku Gyoen, stroll around.
- 10:40 Head from Shinjuku Gyoen to Shibamata.
- 11:40 Arrive at Shibamata, visit Taishakuten (including the carvings and garden), Yamamoto-tei, and the Tora-san Museum. Lunch at the Tora-san Cafe.
- 14:30 Depart from Shibamata, heading to Ueno.
- 15:10 Arrive at Ueno, pass through Toshogu Shrine and the row of cherry trees to the National Museum.
- 16:00 Enter the National Museum, visit the 1st and 2nd floors of the main building.
- 17:00 Head from Ueno to the hotel.
- 17:45 Arrive at the hotel and disband.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests had walked about 28,000 steps the previous day, which I was a little concerned about, but today they walked roughly 15,000 steps as well. They had mentioned that they had already seen the cherry blossoms the day before and did not need to see more, but as planned we arrived at Shinjuku Gyoen and strolled through the garden, and they still remarked, "It's beautiful, wonderful." Since the guests wanted to see an old, traditional part of downtown Tokyo, I guided them to Shibamata. Their reactions were not always very clear, so there were parts I could not fully read, but they seemed to enjoy the garden at Taishakuten. At Ueno they were surprised by the crowds. They also asked whether there were always this many food stalls, and I answered as appropriate. I believe they came to understand at least a little about Japan's cherry blossom viewing culture (though at Ueno it seemed that perhaps more than half of the people were visitors from abroad).
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Okubo (Tokyo)～Shinjuku | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku～Shinjuku-gyoemmae | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoemmae～Yotsuya | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Yotsuya～Asakusabashi | 200JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | Asakusabashi～Shibamata | 380JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shibamata～Ueno | 280JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Ueno～Shin-Okubo | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,640JPY | ||
I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no need for us to do all the advance planning.
We had Mr. Toshihisa as a guide for a day in Hakone. We might have been able to do the route ourselves but it was great to have a day with no planning, it was all done ahead of time by Toshi. We got an early start to avoid spending too much time in queues, which was great. Toshi is very knowledgeable and shared many explanations, stories and anecdotes with us, which was most appreciated. The Hakone FreePass made it very easy to navigate all of the various styles of transportation – highly recommended. Overall for us, this was a great experience.
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a beautiful tour of places I would not have found on
my own.
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi San was a very well educated and friendly guide…
he took us to all the most beautiful and scenic places.. he also was very helpful person and
made sure we had a good vegetarian lunch
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are…
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are all 70+ with 1 guest using a walker, and the guide was very
accommodating and flexible to our restrictions. Guide was knowledgeable and interesting.
Excellent English. Very good at helping us navigate the trains and subway.