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 Mandarin Oriental Tokyo (1 min from Mitsukoshimae Station on the Ginza Line) Meet
  • 1010 Imperial Palace Otemon Gate – Tatsumi Yagura Turret – Gyoko-dori Avenue – Marunouchi – Tokyo Station
  • 1115 Shibuya Scramble Crossing – Hachiko Statue
  • 1200 Koishikawa Korakuen – Lunch at Kantokutei – Stroll through the garden
  • 1345 Nezu Shrine
  • 1410 Tokyo Skytree Tower
  • 1500 Sensoji Temple – Enter from Kaminarimon Gate, exit at Niten-mon Gate
  • 1600 Return to hotel

Title: What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. They were on a longer journey that included a cruise through Asia before arriving in Tokyo by air the previous night. Since it was their first visit to Japan, they chose a guided tour with a vehicle. The next day, they were scheduled to visit Mount Fuji with a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide. The day after that, they planned to explore the city on their own and shop for souvenirs, before departing Japan by air the following day.

I received their own Tokyo Travel Guide (English version) and tried to explain the plan for their third day, but since they were more comfortable in French than in English, I considered obtaining a French version at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Fortunately, a French version was available at the entrance of Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, so I used it to explain today's destinations and possible future sightseeing spots.

As they wished to have a lunch that felt authentically Japanese, they seemed very satisfied with the meal at Kantokutei within Koishikawa Korakuen Garden.

Today's driver mainly specializes in sightseeing, which was very helpful. They handled the Shibuya crossing smoothly as well. Around Nezu Shrine we were more than 20 minutes behind schedule, but we managed to hurry afterward and completed the entire itinerary.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherMandarin Oriental Tokyo~Mandarin Oriental Tokyo0JPY
Total0JPY

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
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Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

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ann r
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Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

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141yunb
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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…