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

  • 0900 Meet at Hotel (directly connected to JR Shibuya Station)
  • 0950 Asakusa – Nakamise – Senso-ji Temple – Asakusa Shrine
  • 1140 Ueno – Shogitai Monument – Statue of Saigo Takamori – Kiyomizu Kannon-do – Ueno Toshogu Shrine – Lunch at Hinazushi in Sakura Terrace – Stroll through Ameyoko
  • 1350 Visit Meiji Shrine – Takeshita Street
  • 1515 Shibuya – Hachiko Statue – Scramble Crossing
  • 1530 Guide to Pokemon and Nintendo on the 6th floor of Parco, then disband

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Ueno Park

The guests were a group visiting Tokyo, arriving the night before. One of the guests had spent a short time in Japan long ago, but that was over twenty years earlier. The others were visiting Japan for the first time. Their plan was two days of sightseeing in Tokyo, followed by a trip to the Kansai region, and then a return to Tokyo for two more days of sightseeing.

Since it was their first day, they arranged a guide through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). They asked many questions about places to visit in the coming days, so I gave them a Tokyo Travel Guide and explained some possible destinations.

Senso-ji Temple was decorated in a special style for the Flower Festival.

When we were adjusting the schedule in early March, the cherry blossoms seemed likely to be late, and I had mentioned that Ueno Park might be at its best around April 8. However, the blossoms had recently reached full bloom, so I headed there with some anxiety. Although they had just begun to fall, we were still able to see the cherry blossoms in nearly full bloom.

As expected, the group was surprised by the drinking parties held beneath the cherry trees.

By the time we were strolling through Meiji Shrine, some of the guests began to feel tired from jet lag and all the walking, so I encouraged them by mentioning the Pokémon Nintendo store we would visit afterward. We had matcha soft serve ice cream at Mori no Terrace, which helped restore some energy. Takeshita Street was so crowded that we decided to save it for another day, and instead headed to Shibuya. I guided them to the Pokémon Nintendo store on the 6th floor of Parco, where we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShibuya~Asakusa252JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
Section 3SubwayUeno-hirokoji~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
Total785JPY

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

Jun 14, 2026
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…