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
- 9:00 Depart from hotel
- 9:20 Arrive at Hamarikyu, sightseeing
- 10:20 Arrive at Shimbashi Station
- 10:40 Arrive at Asakusa Station, sightseeing (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Sumida River embankment)
- 12:20 Arrive at Otemachi Station, sightseeing (Otemachi, Nijubashimae, Sakuradamon)
- 12:50 Arrive at Sakuradamon Station
- 13:10 Arrive at Higashi-ginza Station, to hotel
What's a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a group visiting from Europe on a private tour. They were traveling in Japan and had already visited Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, and Kanazawa before this day.
Today's tour was a 4-hour course. We departed from a hotel in East Ginza and walked to Hamarikyu Gardens. Inside the garden, I explained the garden culture and history of the Edo period, and the guests enjoyed a relaxed sightseeing experience.
After that, we walked to Shimbashi Station and took the Ginza Line subway to Asakusa. In Asakusa, I guided them through Kaminarimon, Nakamise-dori, and Senso-ji Temple, and along the Sumida River we viewed the Asahi Breweries headquarters building and the cherry blossom scenery. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom, but the guests seemed to enjoy the atmosphere of spring in Japan.
Next, we transferred subway lines and strolled from Otemachi to Sakuradamon. I explained the history of the former Edo Castle and the present-day Imperial Palace, and we took a commemorative photo in front of Nijubashi Bridge.
After that, we returned by subway to the hotel in East Ginza, and the tour concluded.
Since all transportation today was by subway, it was a little unfortunate that there were fewer opportunities to view the scenery above ground, but the guests showed a strong interest in sightseeing and appeared satisfied overall.
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 | Shimbashi～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sakuradamon～Higashi-ginza | 180JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.