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

  • 0800 HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO BAY (directly connected to Yurikamome Takeshiba Station)
  • 0840 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 0910 Harajuku, visit to Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
  • 1100 Kokyo Gaien National Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori, Marunouchi, Tokyo Station
  • 1215 Ginza, lunch at the underground food court of Sukiyabashi Tokyu Plaza, Ginza 4-chome intersection
  • 1305 Asakusa, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, the rain got stronger so we headed back
  • 1430 Since it was also on my way back, we stayed together until buying tickets at the Yurikamome station of Shimbashi Station, then parted ways

What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Asakusa

The guests came from Oceania. They arrived in Japan on March 21, boarded a cruise ship, and traveled around Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyushu, Busan, Hakodate, and Aomori, returning to Tokyo last night. Tomorrow they plan to go to Nikko.

Originally, the plan was to end the tour by guiding them to the Skytree ticket office after Senso-ji Temple, but since the afternoon forecast called for rain, we agreed to go up only if the weather held, and proceeded with the itinerary described above.

At Meiji Shrine, they were amazed that such a large green space could exist in the middle of the city. Today there were many inbound tour groups. As it was a "Taian" (an auspicious day on the Japanese calendar), several wedding ceremonies were taking place, and they photographed these as well.

At the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, it began to drizzle. In Ginza, the pedestrian paradise was in effect, and they were delighted to see this rare sight.

Senso-ji Temple was bustling with many inbound tour groups pouring in. However, as the rain began to intensify, we decided to skip the Skytree and headed back.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherTakeshiba~Shimbashi189JPY
Section 2Free PassShimbashi~Shibuya700JPY
Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 5Free PassTokyo~Ginza0JPY
Section 6Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
Section 7Free PassAsakusa~Shimbashi0JPY
Total1,035JPY

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…