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 METROPOLITAN TOKYO MARUNOUCHI (Directly connected to JR Tokyo Station Nihombashi Exit)
  • 0905 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Otemon Gate (from the car window) Tatsumi Yagura Turret Gyoko-dori Avenue Tokyo Station
  • 1005 Visit to Meiji Shrine
  • 1055 Shibuya Scramble Crossing (from the car window)
  • 1135 Yanaka Ginza
  • 1225 Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate Nakamise Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1340 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
  • 1430 Akihabara
  • 1500 Arrival at hotel and dismissal

# What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like When a Cruise Ship Visits? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were traveling on a cruise ship touring Japan after departing from Asia. The previous week the ship had been able to reach Hiroshima, but due to the effects of a typhoon, Osaka and Kyoto had been skipped. The next day, some of the guests planned to take the Shinkansen toward Mount Fuji (likely Hakone via Odawara), and they were scheduled to fly home the day after next.

Today it drizzled from the morning, and even when the rain briefly stopped, a light misty rain continued.

During prior arrangements, the guests mentioned they did not want to spend much time on lunch. At Yanaka Ginza, they enjoyed curry bread from a bakery very much and also tried fried chicken.

In Asakusa, the misty rain meant the Skytree was visible on and off. There were fewer people around. Here the guests also experienced melon bread and strawberry daifuku. They purchased ten daruma dolls as souvenirs.

At the request of one of the guests, we visited Kappabashi Kitchen Town. They were looking for a titanium frying pan; there was a titanium wok, but no frying pan could be found.

In Akihabara, one of the guests waited in the vehicle. We finished in a short time and arrived back at the Hotel right on schedule.

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…