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

  • 1100 ANA InterContinental Tokyo (8 min from Metro Tameike-Sanno Station) Meeting
  • 1125 Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 1155 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tokyo Station
  • 1300 Nezu Shrine
  • 1345 Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1500 Tokyo Tower
  • 1515 Guide ended below Tokyo Tower
  • The vehicle and guests headed to Yokohama

What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Originally the group was expected to be larger, but only some of the guests were present this morning, so the meet-up took a little extra time. One member of the group had a change in the party size due to circumstances that arose just before the tour, and they were making arrangements regarding their upcoming plans. Since the change occurred after we met and posed no problem for me or the vehicle, I am simply noting it here in this report.

There had been advance communication that some of the guests preferred no stairs and easy walking. They had been looking forward to the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, but since the blossoms had already mostly turned to leaves when I guided there two days earlier, I contacted them and proposed either the Tokyo National Museum or Nezu Shrine, and we changed the plan to Nezu Shrine. Shinjuku Gyoen would have had late-blooming cherry blossoms at their peak, but it involves a fair amount of walking, so I left it out.

At Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed sashimi and Kobe beef skewers. At Nezu Shrine, the azalea festival had just begun and the flowers were at their best, which delighted them. However, as they were tired, at Senso-ji Temple we entered and exited through the Nitenmon Gate rather than the Kaminarimon Gate. They said they only needed photos at Tokyo Tower, and since check-in had become available at their hotel in Yokohama, they asked to be dropped off early, so my guiding ended at 15:15.

The driver informed me that they arrived at the hotel at 16:00. Tomorrow they will board a cruise ship.

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…