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
- 08:30 Meet at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo lobby, head to Roppongi Station (on foot)
- 08:47 Depart Roppongi (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- 09:00 Arrive Tsukiji
- 09:10 Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market
- 10:00 End, head to Hama-rikyu Gardens (on foot)
- 10:15 Stroll through Hama-rikyu Gardens
- 11:00 End, head to Hinode Pier (on foot)
- 11:20 Arrive Hinode Pier
- 11:35 Depart (Tokyo Cruise Ship HOTALUNA)
- 12:15 Arrive Asakusa, Asakusa (Asakusa Underground Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
- 13:40 End
- 13:53 Depart Asakusa (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- 13:58 Arrive Ueno
- 14:05 Depart (JR Yamanote Line)
- 14:15 Stroll through Yanesen (Yanaka Ginza, Hebi-michi, Nezu Shrine, Otome Inari Shrine)
- 15:45 End, head to Nezu Station (on foot)
- 16:05 Depart Nezu (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- 16:22 Arrive Nogizaka, head to hotel
- 16:37 Arrive Grand Hyatt Tokyo, tour ends
One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Hamarikyu, a River Cruise, Asakusa, and Yanaka
The group chose this tour as the first tour of their trip to Japan. One member of the group was making a second visit to Japan, while the others were visiting for the first time.
At the suggestion of one of the guests, we started at Tsukiji. When I met the group in the lobby, it turned out that they had skipped breakfast at the hotel, intending to have breakfast at Tsukiji instead. Starting with tuna and salmon sushi outside the main branch of a well-known sushi restaurant along Tsukiji Nishi-dori, I guided them to several shops where they enjoyed snow crab, butter-grilled scallops, strawberries, and more. Everyone was full of praise, saying, "Everything was so delicious. This place (Tsukiji) was worth coming to."
After that, we moved on to Hamarikyu Gardens. Although we had a limited time of 45 minutes, we saw the 300-year-old pine, the flower fields, the Shinji duck hunting ground, the Matsu no Ochaya, the Taka no Ochaya, the Tsubame no Ochaya, and Mount Fujimi via the Otsutai Bridge. One of the guests took quite a lot of photos with a DSLR camera. Immersed in the quiet nature, so different from the bustle of Tsukiji, the guests marveled, "It's hard to believe this is the same Tokyo," and showed great interest in the historical background of the Tokugawa shogunal garden and the unique style of the tidal pond, asking many questions.
We chose to walk to Hinode Pier, taking about 20 minutes at a leisurely pace and arriving 15 minutes before departure.
The HOTALUNA, designed by Leiji Matsumoto, was very popular, but since the three guests and I had each made reservations in advance, we were able to secure seats without trouble. Heading upstream along the Sumida River, the boat proceeded at a relatively fast speed beneath a total of 14 bridges of various shapes from Tsukiji Ohashi to Azuma Bridge, and all three guests remarked that it "felt just like a spaceship." Unfortunately, the onboard announcements about the scenery through the windows were only in Japanese, and with the noise of the boat, they were hard to hear even for a Japanese speaker. One of the guests expressed some dissatisfaction, saying, "It's in Japanese, so I have no idea what they're saying," but they listened attentively to my explanations of the various spots along both banks and were satisfied.
In Asakusa, we passed through the Kaminarimon, along Nakamise-dori, and through the Hozomon, then paid our respects at the main hall and at the neighboring Asakusa Shrine. On the way to Asakusa Station, they showed interest in the Bentendo as well, so I guided them there. At Asakusa Shrine and the Bentendo, they enthusiastically imitated me in the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow style of worship.
After that, we changed trains and moved to Nippori. Initially, one of the guests, who has a strong interest in old townscapes and architecture, had wished to visit Nezu, but through our advance discussion I suggested touring the Yanesen area, which they gladly accepted. Passing along Goten-zaka, Kyoo-ji, Yuyake Dandan, Yanaka Ginza, the Yomise-dori shopping street, Okakura Tenshin Memorial Park, Sansaki-zaka, and Hebi-michi, they were fascinated by the old downtown townscapes and the way people live, taking many photos as we headed to Nezu Shrine. Nezu Shrine was in the middle of the Bunkyo Azalea Festival, and there was a long line, but I explained that the beautiful azaleas could be viewed from the grounds even without entering the azalea garden, so we bypassed the line and entered the grounds. Since there was a long line at the main hall of Nezu Shrine, we gave up on worshipping there. Instead, we walked beneath the vermilion torii gates of Otome Inari Shrine. Along the way, they listened attentively to my explanation of the placenta mound of Tokugawa Ienobu. There were many street stalls in the grounds, and they enjoyed candied strawberries. After that, they watched a dedicatory taiko drum performance by a local women's drum group with great interest, and seemed very satisfied.
As we parted at the hotel, they told me, "You showed us so much of Tokyo in just one day. It was truly wonderful. Thank you."
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 | Roppongi～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Hinode Pier (Water Bus)～Asakusa (Water Bus) | 1,400JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Ueno～Nippori | 160JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Nezu～Nogizaka | 210JPY |
| Total | 2,130JPY | ||
Hi everyone!
I am Tatsu Nakayama, Japan Licensed Guide (2009-), Certified Travel Supervisor (2025-) and Domestic Itinerary Manager (2024-).
I am originally from Kannami Town of Shizuoka Prefecture, which is located just south of Hakone.
My guiding areas cover all over Japan, but I mainly guide in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Enoshima, Yokohama, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, Izu and Chiba.
I am ready to help my guests have wonderful experiences and unforgettable memories in Japan.
I always make sure everyone is happy and joyful while your needs are fully met with my big smiles and warmest hospitality. Lots of fun and new discoveries are an essential part of my tours.
Here is my guide history:
(In 2025)
– DEC 31: Tokyo Tokyo private car tour for a group from USA & El Salvador (10 PAX) – Tokyo Character Street, Ginza, Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo, Asakusa
– DEC 30: Tokyo Tokyo private car tour for a group from USA & El Salvador (10 PAX) – Tsukiji Outer Market, teamLab Planets
– DEC 29: Tokyo Tokyo private car tour for a family from USA & El Salvador (5 PAX) – Shibuya, Omote Sando/Takeshita Street
– DEC 28: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Australia (4 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa (* Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– NOV 15: Kamakura & Enoshima private walking tour for a group from Ghana (9 PAX) – Enoshima Shrine, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
– NOV 14: Nikko private walking tour for a group from USA (3 PAX) – Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Kirifuri Falls (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– NOV 1: Nikko private walking tour for a family from Mexico (4 PAX) – Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple Shoyoen Garden, Shinkyo Bridge (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– OCT 27: Tokyo private car tour and airport transfer for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Sumo Show, Meguro, Haneda Airport
– OCT 16: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from UK & Norway (4 PAX) – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tsukiji Outer Garden, Imperial Palace Outer Garden & Nijubashi Bridge, Tokyo Tower
– OCT 12: Tokyo private car tour for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Asakusa (Kimono & tea ceremony experience), Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza
– OCT 11: Hakone private walking tour for a guest from USA (1 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, cu-mo Hakone, Hakone Open Air Museum
– OCT 7: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from USA (4 PAX) – Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza, Imperial Palace Outer Garden & Nijubashi Bridge (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– SEP 28: Fuji Hakone private car tour for a couple from India (2 PAX) – Oshino Hakkai, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
– SEP 27: Tokyo private car tour for a couple from India (2 PAX) – Imperial Palace Outer Garden & Nijubashi Bridge, Asakusa (Kimono & tea ceremony experience), Kappabashi Street, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya)
– AUG 7: Hakone private walking tour for a family from USA (2 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Open Air Museum (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– JUL 24: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Canada (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa
– JUL 22: Hakone private walking tour for a family from Austria (3 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, cu-mo Hakone, Hakone Gora Park (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– JUL 9: Hakone private walking tour for a family from Canada (3 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, cu-mo Hakone (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– MAY 15: Hakone private walking tour for a couple from New Zealand (2 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, cu-mo Hakone
– MAY 3: Hakone private walking tour for a couple from Spain & Mexico (2 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine/Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Open Air Museum (*Received two 5-star evaluations on Tripadvisor)
– APR 30: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Scotland (4 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Asakusa, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Kabuki-za Tower, Ginza (*Received two 5-star evaluations on Tripadvisor)
– APR 18: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from USA (2 PAX) – Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, Akihabara Electric Town, Ginza, Kabuki-za Tower, Shibuya
– APR 13: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Asakusa, Shinjuku (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– APR 12: Hakone private car tour for a VIP couple from Canada (2 PAX): Onshi Hakone Park, Hakone Shrine, Hotel de Yama, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Owakudani Valley
– APR 7: Tokyo private car tour for a VIP family from USA (3 PAX) – Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Skytree, teamLab Borderless, Shibuya
– APR 6: Airport transfer for a VIP family from USA (3 PAX) – Narita Airport to Tokyo
– APR 5: Nikko private car tour for a couple from USA & Colombia (2 PAX) – Kegon Falls, Nikko Toshogu Shrine
– MAR 31: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers (Yokohama DEP.) from USA (22 PAX) – Tokyo Tower, Meiji Jingu Shrine & Asakusa
– MAR 30: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers from USA, UK, Canada, Mexico & the Philippines (40 PAX) – Asakusa & Ginza
– MAR 29: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from USA (4 PAX) – Asakusa, Kappabashi Kitchenware Street, Ameyoko Shopping Street
– MAR 22: Hakone private walking tour (Tokyo DEP.) for a family from USA (4 PAX) – Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Hotel de Yama, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Owakudani Valley, Choanji Temple (*Received two 5-star evaluations on Tripadvisor)
– MAR 20: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from Australia (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Skytree
– MAR 17: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from USA (3 PAX) – Hamarikyu Gardens, Shibuya, Daiba, Ginza
– MAR 16: Tokyo private tour with a vehicle for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, Asakusa
– MAR 2: Tokyo private walking tour for a guest from USA (1 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa
(In 2024)
– DEC 30: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Australia (4 PAX) – Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tsukiji Outer Market, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree (*Received two 5-star evaluations on Viator)
– DEC 29: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Australia (5 PAX) – Ueno, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Shinjuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street
– DEC 19: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– DEC 3: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from India (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Inui Street
– NOV 16: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from Mexico (4 PAX) – Shibuya, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– NOV 13: Nikko private walking tour for a family from Colombia (3 PAX) – Kegon Falls, Shinkyo Bridge, Rinnoji Temple, Nikko Toshogu Shrine
– OCT 27: Airport transfer for a couple from Mexico (2 PAX) as Spanish-speaking assistant guide – Tokyo to Narita Airport
– OCT 22: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from India (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– OCT 14: Hakone private walking tour a guest from Austria (1 PAX) – Hakone Open Air Museum, Choanji Temple, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
– OCT 13: Hotel transfer for a couple from Mexico (2 PAX) as Spanish-speaking assistant guide – Narita Airport to Tokyo
– OCT 9: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from USA (4 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa
– AUG 10: Tokyo private walking tour for a VIP family from Brazil (3 PAX) – teamLab Borderless, Tsukiji Outer Market, Asakusa, Nishiazabu, Omote Sando, Shibuya
– JUL 20: Tokyo private car tour for a VIP family from USA (8 PAX) – teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa
– JUL 19: Airport transfer and Tokyo private tour for a VIP family from USA (8 PAX) – Tokyo Haneda Airport Private Jet Terminal to Tokyo, Kamiyacho, Akihabara
– JUL 15: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Scotland (2 PAX) – Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa
– JUN 23: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from USA (5 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa
– JUN 1: Tokyo private walking tour for a group from USA & Albania (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Viator)
– MAY 15: Tokyo bus tour for VIP participants of “SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 – City Leaders Program (Hosted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government),” representing 41 world cities (some 120 PAX) as one of guide team members – teamLab Borderless, Happoen, Toyosu Fish Market & Senkyaku Banrai, Tokyo Big Sight
– APR 13: Tokyo bus tour & Narita Airport transfer for a group of cruise passengers from USA (30 PAX) – Tokyo Tower
– APR 12: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers from UK & USA (14 PAX) – Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Asakusa
– APR 7: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Ireland & USA (4 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– APR 6: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from the Netherlands (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street/Omote Sando, Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– APR 4: Tokyo private car tour for a group from India (10 PAX) – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shibuya, Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Decks Beach Tokyo Odaiba, Ginza Six
– MAR 31: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers from New Zealand & USA (25 PAX) – Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Tower
– MAR 30, 2024: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers from USA & Australia (28 PAX) – Imperial Palace Outer Garden & Nijubashi Bridge, Asakusa
(In 2023)
– JUL 8: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from India & USA (4 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa
– JUN 7: Tokyo private walking tour for a guest from Ireland (1 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace East Garden, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– MAY 18: Tokyo private walking tour for a family from Germany (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa (*Received a 5-star evaluation on Tripadvisor)
– MAY 14: Tokyo private walking tour for a guest from USA (1 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa
– MAY 5: Tokyo bus tour for cruise passengers from France, Sweden, UK, USA, etc. (16 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Hamarikyu Gardens, Yokohama Hammer Head
– APR 23: Tokyo private walking tour for a guest from the USA (1 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa
(In 2019)
– SEP 21: Tokyo private walking tour for a couple from USA (2 PAX) – Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Marunouchi, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa
(In 2014)
– APR 6: Tokyo bus tour & airport transfer for top executives from a German company (10 PAX) – Odaiba, Narita Airport
– APR 5: Hakone bus tour for top executives from a German company (10 PAX) – Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Sengokuhara
Apart from my experience as a professional guide, I traveled to, worked, studied, volunteered in approx. 50 countries and regions of the world. It includes 1-year travel in North America and Europe, 4-year work experience in Viet Nam and 1-year study in Spain.
I have worked for a non-profit organization for 25+ years, working extensively with foreign ambassadors and diplomats from over 100 countries.
From my rich experience of communication with people from all over the world, I look forward to serving you for your unforgettable memories in Japan.
I am highly skilled in photo-shooting. So, you can return home with some great photos!
I hope to see you all soon !
May 10, 2025
P8195NRcaroliner
A Truly Special Day in Japan – Unforgettable Experience!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Private Tour(Tokyo DEP.) with Government-Licensed Guide
We had…
May 10, 2025
P8195NRcaroliner
A Truly Special Day in Japan – Unforgettable Experience!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Private Tour(Tokyo DEP.) with Government-Licensed Guide
We had such a special and memorable day—our experience with Tatsu exceeded all expectations. Tatsu’s warmth, knowledge, and friendliness created a truly welcoming and enriching atmosphere from start to finish.
We learned so much about Japanese culture in a way that was both meaningful and accessible, and the entire day felt relaxed yet deeply engaging.
One of the highlights was a visit to Choan-ji Temple, a peaceful spot off the beaten path. There were no tourists—just local families visiting the graves on the grounds for the spring equinox. We even had the chance to meet the head monk. The temple is home to over 200 unique Buddha statues (and growing), each with its own character. It was incredibly special and serene, and something we would never have found on our own.Afterward, we shared stories with others from our business group who also visited Hakone that day—and they were genuinely jealous of the experience we had!
Thank you again for making our time in Japan so personal and unforgettable. We’ll be talking about this day for a long time to come.
May 4, 2025
PabloCarrionFlo
Excellent Guide Made Our Hakone Trip Unforgettable
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing…
May 4, 2025
PabloCarrionFlo
Excellent Guide Made Our Hakone Trip Unforgettable
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day in Hakone thanks to Tatsu, our fantastic guide! From the moment we met, he was friendly, organized, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area’s history, nature, and cultural spots.
Tatsu helped us navigate the Hakone loop effortlessly, including the ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, and even timed our visit to open air museum perfectly to avoid the crowds.
Tatsu also bought for us some black eggs to extend our lifetimes. It felt like a truly authentic experience.
Highly recommended if you want to make the most of Hakone without any stress. Worth every yen!