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
- 10:30 Meet at Hyatt Regency Tokyo (travel by car) 11:00 Sakuradamon Gate ⇒ Imperial Palace Plaza 11:45 Tsukiji Outer Market 12:45 Sensoji Temple 13:30 Kappabashi 15:45 Meiji Shrine 16:45 Shibuya 17:00 Dismissal
What's a Full-Day Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Kappabashi
The guests were a group of three visiting from North America and the Middle East. A car had been arranged in advance, so we traveled by car throughout the day. Unfortunately it rained, and since the views at the Imperial Palace were limited, we wrapped up early there, which meant we kept moving ahead of schedule for a while. At Tsukiji, the guests bought far more ingredients than I had expected and enjoyed sampling and eating various foods as they strolled around. Since they wanted to buy a kitchen knife, we made an unplanned stop at Kappabashi. The driver knew the area well and introduced us to a good shop, where they bought a knife and were also able to purchase a Nambu ironware teapot, which delighted them greatly. Because of this, the schedule then began to run a little behind, and in the end we finished about 30 minutes over time before parting ways. In the car, the conversation was lively, touching on issues abroad and comparisons with Japan. By the time we said goodbye, I felt we had truly connected.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they…
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they are flexible throughout the day. The transportation was
nice and clean and more than enough room for our family of 7.
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and patient. The tour was incredible and a great cultural experience. The
entire family enjoyed the tour.
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! What a memorable day. This tour was the
perfect way to get oriented to the city.
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to…
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to read my entire post, let me say if you are going to Hakone, consider hiring Shinji. He is marvelous!
We went to Hakone, a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan. With our guide Shinji we visited the Hakone open air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Japan, and took the Lake Ashi Cruise. Shinji’s knowledge about the sites, trains, cable cars, cruise, history, culture and languages (Japanese and English) made for a most efficient and memorable experience. Lastly, Shinji was very patient, as our getting to Hakone took more time than we expected, and adaptable, as we made the necessary adjustments to visit every relevant site we had hoped for. Great trip with a great guide!