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 Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (Yurikamome Daiba Station 0) meet
  • 1030 Shimbashi
  • 1100 Asakusa Nakamise Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1250 Ueno Lunch at a soba restaurant in Sakura Terrace Shogitai Monument Saigo Statue Kiyomizu Kannon-do Stroll around the cherry blossom viewing area Stroll around Ameyoko
  • 1410 Tokyo Station~Marunouchi~Gyoko-dori Avenue~Tatsumi Yagura
  • 1600 Hatagaya Harley-Davidson dealership
  • 1630 See off to Akasaka-mitsuke Station, explain how to get to Shimbashi via the Ginza Line, and disband

Can You See Cherry Blossoms on a Private Tokyo Day Tour in Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting from Europe. They were on the final day of a two-week cruise. They had arrived in Tokyo by air at the start of the trip and stayed there before, it seemed, going to Mount Fuji. After that, they traveled through Kobe, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and a port in Asia before returning to Yokohama the previous night.

During the advance planning, we had talked about the cherry blossom season, and I had included Shinjuku Gyoen in the itinerary as a backup (in case Ueno did not work out), since it has multiple varieties of cherry blossoms that bloom over a long period. Fortunately, at Senso-ji Temple and Ueno Park, while the Okanzakura had already gone to leaf, the weeping cherry trees were in full bloom and the Somei-Yoshino were about seventy percent open. Ueno Park was also lively with cherry blossom viewing gatherings, and the original goal was fulfilled, to their delight.

In the morning, aboard the Yurikamome, they mentioned wanting to visit a Harley-Davidson shop, so I looked it up and found that Hatagaya on the Keio Line was nearby. Even now, the guests were still active riders. It seemed to be their custom to shop at local stores of that brand when traveling abroad.

Since they were satisfied with the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park, we decided to skip Shinjuku Gyoen and head to Hatagaya to make this happen.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherDaiba~Shimbashi325JPY
Section 2Free PassShimbashi~Asakusa700JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
Section 4TrainOkachimachi~Tokyo146JPY
Section 5Free PassNijubashimae~Kokkai-gijidomae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
Section 6SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Hatagaya298JPY
Section 7SubwayHatagaya~Shinjuku-sanchome298JPY
Section 8Free PassShinjuku-sanchome~Akasaka-mitsuke0JPY
Total1,767JPY

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…