Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Kei
June, 2024
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
- 1. 9:00 Meet at Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
- 2. 10:00 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
- 3. 12:00 Lunch at Iwasa Sushi and the Toyosu Market fish market
- 4. 13:30 Disband at Akihabara
Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Toyosu, and Odaiba
Because it was raining and the guests wished to stay as dry as possible, we avoided the gardens. With only light rain, we took photos with character statues at the Bandai headquarters in Kuramae, and then strolled through Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise in Asakusa while enjoying omikuji fortunes, dog fortunes, and colorful koi. After that, we avoided the outdoor Tsukiji outer market and instead visited the sheltered Toyosu Market, where we experienced authentic sushi and Japanese food culture, including cooking tools, at Uogashi Yokocho. Staying dry, we rode the Yurikamome line to see the futuristic waterfront subcenter, and I explained the civil engineering that supports this city as well as the cannon batteries at Odaiba from the late Edo period. During this conversation, it turned out that one of the guests taught history, and they showed great interest in world history as seen from Japan. Finally, I advised them on how to explore Akihabara and how to make their way back to the hotel, and we parted 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 | Free Pass | Tochomae～Kuramae | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Ginza | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Ginza-itchome～Toyosu | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Toyosu～Shijo-mae | 190JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Shijo-mae～Shimbashi | 390JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Shimbashi～Suehirocho | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,480JPY | ||
Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.
Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who gave us really interesting insights into Japanese society and culture as well as explaining and interpreting what we were seeing. Our tour was relaxed and enjoyable, and he adapted it to our needs and interests both before and during the tour. I would highly recommend.
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was…
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable & professional. He provided in
depth knowledge of every location we visited.
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo…
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo and Kei provided a great experience for us! His knowledge of history
and the city was so valuable. Would highly recc this tour with him.
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had…
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Kei. He was most helpful all day with his local practical knowledge of using subways etc, and his extensive knowledge of Tokyo. We saw a variety of streets, temples and gardens and he patiently explained the significance of these, as well as features of their architecture. We also had a lovely ramen lunch and at the end he directed us to some suggested places for dinner. He was very friendly and his English was very good. All in all a great introduction to Tokyo