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

  • 0900 Hotel Niwa Tokyo (5 min from JR Suidobashi Station, mostly Inbound guests)
  • 0930 Harajuku – Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine – Takeshita Street
  • 1130 Shibuya – Scramble Crossing – Hachiko Statue
  • 1220 Asakusa – Nakamise – Sensoji Temple – Asakusa Shrine
  • 1400 Shimbashi – Since you will head to Yokohama to meet your friend afterward, we will part ways at the JR Shimbashi Tokaido Line platform

Title: What Is a Private Rainy-Day Tour of Tokyo Like (Harajuku, Shibuya, Asakusa)? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, all on their first trip to Japan. Initially, Harajuku and Shibuya were fixed points, and depending on the time and the situation of the group, the plan was to guide them around Roppongi or Ginza. However, during the time from Takeshita Street to Shibuya the rain became heavy, so we decided to skip walking around Roppongi and Ginza and head to Asakusa for the time being. When we arrived in Asakusa it was cloudy but not raining, and the group enjoyed shopping at Nakamise, but around Hozomon Gate it began to rain heavily, so we took shelter while completing our visit to the main hall. Along the way, we had ice cream and melon bread in place of lunch. After this, the group planned to visit a friend in Yokohama, and since it overlapped with my own route home, I saw them off at Shimbashi Station and showed them to the Tokaido Line platform before we parted ways. They mentioned they would be traveling to Kyoto the next day. Today the Shinkansen was suspended between Mishima and Nagoya, and although there was an announcement that normal operation would resume from the first train the next day, I recommended that they confirm at the hotel front desk the next morning. Although the time ran slightly long due to taking shelter from the rain, the guests were very pleased.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainSuidobashi – Yoyogi~Harajuku178JPY
Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
Section 3SubwayShibuya~Asakusa252JPY
Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi209JPY
Total785JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…