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

  • 0800 Meet at Tokyu Stay Takanawa Shinagawa (3 min from JR Yamanote Line Takanawa Gateway Station)
  • 0830 Harajuku, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Takeshita Street stores are not open yet so just explain the location
  • 1025 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi, Tokyo Station
  • 1140 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple
  • 1155 As the lunch appointment time approaches, disband in front of the main hall

What's a Private Tokyo Family Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan. One member of the group was originally from Chiba Prefecture but had been living overseas in North America since 2005. The main purpose of this visit was to hold a wedding ceremony at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, something they had not done before. Initially, one member had considered doing a self-guided tour, but since they had not lived in Japan for many years and wanted the family, who were visiting Japan for the first time, to have the best possible experience, they signed up for this tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/).

One member of the group had been visiting Japan once or twice a year since 2019, except during the pandemic, to see family. Another member could speak Japanese but was more comfortable in English, loved Japanese culture, and took pride in having roots in both Japan and North America.

Some of the guests lived in North America and were making their first trip abroad. Others also lived in North America and were traveling to Asia for the first time.

At Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, I explained Japanese history and the background of the transition from Edo to Tokyo. The guests listened attentively.

I had planned to give a thorough explanation of Shinto and Buddhism at Senso-ji Temple, but since a lunch reservation had already been made behind Senso-ji at noon, I streamlined the explanation to some extent. One of the guests mentioned they could guide the group there themselves.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainTakanawa Gateway~Harajuku178JPY
Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae209JPY
Section 3TrainTokyo~Ueno167JPY
Section 4SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
Total732JPY

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…