Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa — Guide Isao
February, 2025
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
- 10:30 Meiji Shrine
- 12:00 Tsukiji Market
- 13:30 Asakusa
- 14:30 Disband at Asakusa
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Meiji Shrine at 10:30, Tsukiji Market at 12:00 and Asakusa at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Meiji Jingumae to Tsukiji by train (210JPY); Tsukiji to Asakusa by train (210JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 420JPY per person.
**Title:** What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Tsukiji, and Asakusa
**Body:**
At the guests' request, we met at Harajuku Station. We were supposed to meet at the exit near Meiji Shrine, but the guests had gone toward the Takeshita Street exit, so it took a little time to meet up. At Meiji Shrine, I was surprised to find that the Yakult Swallows baseball team had come to pray for victory, and the guests were delighted by this. At Tsukiji, the guests seemed satisfied after enjoying strawberry daifuku, sashimi, and gyudon (beef bowl). They left the hormone (offal) bowl unfinished, so it seems it was not quite to their taste. At Senso-ji Temple, our time ran out around the point where we had walked from Nakamise shopping street to the main hall, so we parted ways there. The weather was pleasant and spring-like, making it a perfect day for a walking tour.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Meiji Jingumae～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Total | 420JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market and Asakusa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 420JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Isao is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello , my name is Isao.
I like cooking and eating while drinking wine and listening to the rock music sometime classical music, too.
I am a tour guide mainly around Tokyo. I have experience as an E-bike tour guide( Imperial palace, Tokyo station, Asakusa, Sumida river, Ningyocho, Odaiba area, Tsukishima Monja street ) and a food tour. I like to eat local Japanese food and drink many kind of alcohol.
Besides Tokyo, I also recommend Kamakura and Kawagoe where I was borne.
I will do my best to help you make good memories of Japan.
I am looking forward to meeting you soon.
May 21, 2026
Anne_A
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Enjoyable tour of the local markets and…
May 21, 2026
Anne_A
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Enjoyable tour of the local markets and fish auction
We had a great time touring the local markets and fish auction. We were lucky enough to
get the lottery tickets so we were able to view in the first floor. Either experience is
fascinating and the coordination and communication was easy and flexible.
May 18, 2026
Olivia_H
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience…
May 18, 2026
Olivia_H
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
An unforgettable Tokyo food and culture experience with an incredibly knowledgeable guide.
Mr. Isao Kito was a wonderful guide. He picked us up directly from our hotel, and together we took a taxi to the Toyosu Tuna Market. He encouraged us to apply for the lottery to watch the tuna auction from the second-floor viewing area, which we were lucky enough to experience. It was absolutely incredible.
Mr. Kito was highly knowledgeable and explained everything in a way that made the experience even more meaningful. After the auction, we enjoyed an amazing omakase sushi breakfast with some of the freshest fish we’ve ever had. The owner and head sushi chef prepared delicious sushi paired with sake, making it even more special.
Afterward, we explored the Tsukiji Market together, and Mr. Kito also shared great recommendations for restaurants and places to visit during our stay. I truly cannot say enough good things about this experience.
Beyond being an excellent guide, we genuinely felt like we gained a friend. The experience was warm, personal, and unforgettable. The next time we visit Japan, we absolutely plan to meet up with him again.
I highly recommend this tour and would definitely book with him again.
May 7, 2026
Susan C
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tuna auction tour
Iseo…
May 7, 2026
Susan C
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tuna auction tour
Iseo did a great job! We really appreciated his efforts (and success) in getting us lottery tickets for best viewing of the tuna auction. His recommendation that we go afterwards to the old site of the market/auction for a walking and shopping experience was excellent. he also helped us find the right subway to get back to our hotel. All and all, a most excellent experience.
Oct 25, 2025
TravelYes8
Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with…
Oct 25, 2025
TravelYes8
Highly recommended the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour with Isao!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
A friend highly recommended that we sign up for the Toyosu Tuna Auction tour and we are so glad we did. Our tour guide, Isao, met us at our hotel at 5:00 am and accompanied us on the taxi ride to the market. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, explaining the history of the market and providing insights of the auction itself. The auction was an amazing experience, which was followed by a delicious sushi breakfast at one of Isao’s favorite restaurants at the market. Then Isao led us on a tour of the many shops at the market. The auction and market tour with Isao has been a highlight of our Japan vacation. Don’t miss it!