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 Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
- 11:00〜12:15 Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Shrine)
- 12:40〜13:40 Tsukiji Outer Market, lunch at Kagura Sushi Main Store
- 14:10〜14:40 Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- 15:00〜15:30 Meiji Shrine
- 16:00〜16:20 Keisei Ueno Station
- 17:00 Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Cruise-Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Asakusa, Tsukiji, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were from Oceania and were visiting Japan for the first time, arriving by cruise ship. I proposed the itinerary in advance, and the tour proceeded as planned. After giving an overview of Japanese history and explaining Japanese views on religion, I began the tour at Senso-ji Temple. As it was the first day of a three-day weekend, it was already quite crowded even at 11:00. For lunch, the guests enjoyed sushi and tempura at a well-known sushi restaurant in the Tsukiji Outer Market. They had long wanted to see the Shibuya Crossing, but were understandably astonished by the sheer number of people. Just before heading to Meiji Shrine, I learned for the first time that the next day they would disembark from the cruise and fly home from Narita Airport via Taipei. They had received rather unreliable advice, either on the cruise ship or at the terminal, that it would be easy to travel by train from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport. Together with the driver, I explained that "even a Japanese person from a rural area would find it difficult to go to Tokyo Station for the first time, board the Narita Express, and reach Narita Airport. It would be far more difficult for a foreign visitor who cannot speak any Japanese and has no sense of the area. On top of that, they would also need to find somewhere to store their suitcases, making it extremely challenging." After considering various options, I explained that the best route would be to take the Skyliner from Keisei Ueno Station, which is a smaller and more manageable station, to Narita Airport. They then asked me to take them to Keisei Ueno Station before returning to the cruise ship, so they could check the luggage storage and ticket counter. I explained that no extra fee for me would be necessary, but that after 16:30 a taxi charge of 2,500 yen per 30 minutes would apply. They understood and agreed, and we returned to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal via Keisei Ueno Station. The guests were very grateful, not only for the guiding but also for the help in preparing for the next day. The taxi driver was also very cooperative, and I believe it turned out to be a good tour. The additional taxi charge came to the minimum of 2,500 yen.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My name is Takashi Koizumi. I work as a nationally licensed tour guide, based in Tokyo. Please allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. I obtained an MA in Peace Studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK. I worked in war-torn areas in the former-Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo for 15 years between 1996and 2011, engaging in peacemaking and inter-ethnic reconciliation issues through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I worked in the Tohoku region affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for four years from 2012 and 2016, engaging in a long-term NGO recovery program.
In 2019, I changed my career, starting to work as a licensed tour guide registered in Tokyo Metropolis. Since then, I have covered more than 180 one-day tours and 21 long tours lasting for more than 10 days. Regions where I have worked cover large parts of Japanese archipelago, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Hokkaido, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Marugame and Fukuoka.
As an excellent tour guide for international tourists, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, culture, and history in Japan. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the rich tapestry of these aspects.
I tailor my tours to suit the interest and preferences of each group. By understanding your preferences through informal conversation, I curate personalized itineraries that satisfy your needs.
Through my extensive oversea experience, I am well-versed in cross-cultural communication. I am also fully aware of the challenges that international tourists often face in Japan.
Furthermore, I am committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and respect throughout the tour. I educate guests on appropriate behavior, dress codes, and etiquette when visiting religious and cultural facilities such as Buddhis temples, Shinto shrines, and Japanese gardens.
In conclusion, through my in-depth knowledge of religion, culture and history, personalized itineraries, and commitment to cultural sensitivity, you can expect unforgettable and excellent experiences that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.
I am looking forward to meeting you.
Best regards,
Takashi
Nov 6, 2025
janhN5861ZU
Excellent way to see Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takashi was our travel guide for a…
Nov 6, 2025
janhN5861ZU
Excellent way to see Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takashi was our travel guide for a personalized 6-hour tour of Tokyo. He arrived on time to pick us up from the cruise terminal and impressed us with his expert knowledge of Japan, its shrines, temples, and surrounding areas. We loved exploring the bustling markets and enjoying a delicious sushi lunch. Takashi went above and beyond, even helping us with suggestions for arranging transport to the airport the following day. We would thoroughly recommend seeing Tokyo with him!
Aug 27, 2025
753lourdesh
Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking…
Aug 27, 2025
753lourdesh
Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking with him was one of the highlights of our Tokyo trip, and we’re so glad we did. Takashi was kind, patient, and incredibly helpful. His English was excellent, and he made us feel completely at ease the entire day. We learned so much about Japan while visiting amazing places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa. He put together the perfect itinerary that included everything we wanted to see, plus a bonus stop we hadn’t planned on. We left the day with a deeper appreciation of Japan and unforgettable memories. At the end of the night, even when we offered to head back to our hotel on our own, he insisted on accompanying us to make sure we got back safely. I would highly recommend Takashi to anyone visiting Tokyo—his passion and warmth made our experience truly special!
Jun 22, 2025
pkj1909
Wonderful & a memorable Trip
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We were assigned Mr.…
Jun 22, 2025
pkj1909
Wonderful & a memorable Trip
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We were assigned Mr. Takashi as our guide and Mr. Hayama Takahiro as our driver for our trip to Nikko. It turned out to be a delightful and unforgettable experience. Mr. Takashi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extraordinarily patient. He answered every question we asked, whether it was about Nikko’s rich history or broader Japanese culture. His thoughtful responses and genuinely helpful, cooperative approach made this trip one of the highlights of our time in Japan. A big thanks…..
Dec 31, 2024
andreslau84
Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What an amazing day with Takashi, he…
Dec 31, 2024
andreslau84
Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What an amazing day with Takashi, he was kind, patient, flexible, and knowledgeable. I
definitely recommend this experience and tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. Enjoy !