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
- 14:00 Meet at Yurikamome Shimbashi Station
- 14:15 Arrive at Hamarikyu, sightseeing
- 15:30 Arrive at Shimbashi Station
- 16:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, sightseeing (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple)
- 17:15 Break at a coffee shop
- 17:35 At the customer's request, the tour ended
What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Walking Tour from Shimbashi to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a group visiting Japan through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). The guests were from Europe and North America. All of them had just arrived in Japan, and since one of them arrived very early in the morning, we took flight conditions into account and delayed the start time by three and a half hours from the original plan.
We set Shimbashi Station as the meeting point and, as a 4-hour course, first walked to Hamarikyu Gardens. Inside the garden, I explained the garden culture and history of the Edo period while we toured at a relaxed pace, and the guests enjoyed the sightseeing in a calm atmosphere, taking an interest in the scenery and history of the Japanese garden.
After that, we walked back to Shimbashi Station and took the Ginza subway line to Asakusa. In Asakusa, I guided them to Kaminarimon, Nakamise Street, and Sensoji Temple, and they also viewed Tokyo Skytree, the Asahi Beer headquarters building, and the cherry blossom scenery. They took photographs at various spots and showed a high level of interest overall.
During the sightseeing, the guests requested a break at a coffee shop, which we accommodated, but by that time it was past 17:00, and since it was confirmed that many shops in the Kappabashi shopping street were reaching closing time, we decided to skip that area. After that, the guests planned to have dinner in Ginza and return to their hotel in Nakano, so although we were still within the contracted time, we ended the tour a little earlier than scheduled at their request.
Although the guests appeared somewhat tired right after arriving in Japan, they showed a particularly strong interest in Hamarikyu Gardens and Asakusa, and overall they seemed satisfied. Throughout the tour, I was able to respond flexibly and carry out the tour smoothly.
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 |
| Total | 210JPY | ||
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.