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

  • 1000 Hilton Tokyo (3 min from Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku) Meet-up
  • 1025 Meiji Jingu Shrine (assemble from Kita-Sando, drop off nearby) Visit
  • 1115 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
  • 1145 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, view Nijubashi Bridge from the car, get off at Gyoko-dori to see Tatsumi Yagura, restroom break at Starbucks
  • 1245 Asakusa, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine (drop off at Kaminarimon, board at Nitenmon)
  • 1425 Akihabara, Radio Kaikan, shopping under the elevated tracks
  • 1450 Pokemon Center Tokyo (Takashimaya SC Annex)
  • 1600 Return to hotel

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Akihabara

The guests were a group visiting from North America on a family trip. They had entered Japan three days earlier and had enjoyed two days at Disneyland. They mentioned that the following day they would experience a ninja show and a tea ceremony tour. After that, they planned to head to Kyoto and return home over the weekend. Since the group included a young member (who was actually the most energetic of all), we visited Meiji Shrine from the Grand Torii gate to the main hall. As the group was very keen on the Pokémon Center, with their understanding we skipped lunch in Asakusa and instead had strawberry candy, mitarashi dango, and melon bread. However, they were also quite delighted with Akihabara, and including the gachapon machines, it took more time than expected.

I had been concerned because checkout at the Pokémon Center usually involves long lines, but it was less crowded than usual, and I was able to return them to their Hotel on schedule.

For the next day, the group said they wanted to visit Takeshita Street, which they had passed by, and Shibuya Parco, so I gave them a map and a Tokyo Travel Guide.

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…