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 Meet at Onsen Ryokan Yuen
- 11:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
- 12:30 Tsukiji Market
- 14:30 Meiji Shrine
- 15:30 Disband in front of the torii gate of Meiji Shrine
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:30 at Onsen Ryokan Yuen and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 5 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple at 11:00, Tsukiji Market at 12:30 and Meiji Shrine at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku-sanchome to Asakusa by subway (260JPY); Asakusa to Higashi-ginza by subway (220JPY); Tsukiji to Meiji-jingumae by subway (210JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 690JPY per person.
What Is a Private Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe who had a deep interest in Japanese culture and traditions, and had gathered a great deal of information from friends familiar with Japan before their trip. There was no shortage of topics to talk about, and the conversation flowed pleasantly throughout the tour. In Asakusa, the guests took an interest in a maneki-neko (beckoning cat) shop along Nakamise Street, and after confirming the different meaning of each cat, they purchased a favorite black beckoning cat. At the main hall, they paid their respects politely before purchasing an omamori charm. They mentioned that they had studied Japan's unique customs before arriving. At Tsukiji, the guests happily enjoyed sampling many foods together, including yakitori, wagyu beef, and tuna sushi. They were delighted that every shop was both cheaper and more delicious than what they were used to. At Meiji Shrine, we happened to come across a wedding ceremony. The guests were deeply moved by the bride in a white shiromuku kimono and the attendants dressed in kimono. Since they planned to travel around the country and then return to Tokyo, I introduced a railway route search app and the Hakone Navi website before parting ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shinjuku-sanchome～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Higashi-ginza | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tsukiji～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Onsen Ryokan Yuen at 10:30, and the tour finished at front of the torii gate of Meiji Shrine at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours in total, from 10:30 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Market and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 690JPY per person across 3 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?
Yumi 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.
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.