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 in Otemachi (8 min from Metro Hanzomon Line Otemachi Station) Meet
  • 0940 Shinjuku Gyoen Enter from Shinjuku Gate Exit from Sendagaya Gate
  • 1055 Harajuku Meiji Shrine visit Takeshita Street
  • 1210 Shibuya Scramble Crossing Hachiko Statue
  • 1240 Shinjuku 3D Cat Display Godzilla Road Omoide Yokocho
  • 1300 Guide to the Metro Marunouchi Line ticket gate and disband

Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Japan the night before. They planned to stay in Japan for six days before continuing to another destination in Asia and then returning home.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private full-day tour of Tokyo for these guests. The Hotel is located next to a major office building, with its lobby on the 39th floor. Since it offers a full view of the Imperial Palace looking down, I spent about ten minutes explaining the Imperial Palace. Fridays are closed days for the grounds, but they mentioned they would visit the East Gardens tomorrow or the day after. They also planned to visit the Tokyo National Museum, and since they asked whether there were any art museums, I introduced the route to Ueno as well as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Museum of Western Art within Ueno Park. I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide and gave an overview of other places as well.

As they mentioned taking a day trip to Kyoto, I explained that while the Marunouchi Line is convenient, the station is within walking distance if they have little luggage.

On Takeshita Street, they were surprised by the crowds and did not go inside.

In the afternoon, as they appeared to have a meal reservation, they did not eat at Omoide Yokocho and returned by metro.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Shinjuku-gyoemmae210JPY
Section 2TrainSendagaya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Section 4TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
Total680JPY

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
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Family fun in Tokyo.
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ann r
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141yunb
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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…