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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1100 The Prince Park Tower Tokyo (5 min from Shibakoen Station on the Toei Mita Line) Meeting
  • 1015 Tsukiji Outer Market (Kabukiza, from the car window) (Ginza 4-chome intersection, from the car window)
  • 1100 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori, Tokyo Station
  • 1130 Ueno Park, Shogitai Monument, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Kiyomizu Kannon-do
  • 1225 Asakusa, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Kannon-dori, lunch at "Towada", Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1415 Kappabashi Kitchenware Street (from the car window)
  • 1450 Harajuku, Takeshita Street
  • 1515 Shibuya, Scramble Crossing (from the car window)
  • 1550 Return to hotel

When Visiting Lake Ashi: A Tokyo Private Tour Report by a Japan Guide Agency Licensed Guide

The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had started a cruise in Asia and traveled around various parts of Japan, arriving at their final destination of Yokohama the day before, then moving on to Tokyo for their first day of sightseeing in the city. For the next day, some of the guests planned to go shopping in Ginza, while others had no particular plans and expressed a wish to try riding the Shinkansen, so after my explanation about the Shinkansen, they decided to make a round trip to Nagoya. They would be returning home the day after next.

During the advance arrangements, the travel agency acting as an intermediary had listed up many Tokyo sightseeing spots, so the list of requested destinations was overflowing, which made coordination difficult. Even so, they wanted to have a proper lunch, so at a restaurant where reservations could be made, they were delighted with tempura (rice bowl and soba). At Senso-ji Temple, the autumn Golden Dragon Dance was being performed, so they were able to see something rare.

Since one of the guests had a bad knee, they waited in the vehicle at places that required some walking. On Takeshita Street, everyone was surprised at just how crowded it was. As everyone was quite tired, and since Tokyo Tower could be seen from their room, we only took photos from the car window right nearby without getting off.

I was glad we were able to finish safely within the scheduled time. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the city's most visited religious sites. The approach to the temple, Nakamise-dori, is a bustling shopping street lined with stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs, leading up to the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern.

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.

Sep 24, 2026
Leslie_R
Good tour on first day
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