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 InterContinental – ANA Tokyo Meeting Point
  • 1030 Shibuya – Hachiko Statue – Scramble Crossing
  • 1110 Harajuku – Meiji Shrine Visit – Takeshita Street
  • 1420 Marunouchi – Marunouchi Building Pine Piles – Tatsumi Yagura Turret – Otemon Gate
  • 1520 Nihonbashi – Takashimaya SC Pokemon Center

What Is a Private Family Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Pokémon Center

The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived two days earlier, and on the previous day they visited the Roppongi Hills observation deck and TeamLab Planets by taxi. Today was their first day of sightseeing using the subway and other public transportation.

The trip to Shibuya went smoothly, but just before the large torii gate on the approach to Meiji Shrine, one of the group wanted to sit down, so we took a short break at the food court at Forest Terrace. It seemed they had not had breakfast, so after refueling a little, we resumed our visit. They were very pleased with the main shrine building and other sights, but then the group wanted to have lunch, so we ate again at Forest Terrace. Because of this, they agreed to skip the planned visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market and Ginza.

The temperature rose quite a lot today, and some of the guests tended to sit down along the way. We hurried from the Imperial Palace Outer Garden to the Pokémon Center. Here everyone's expression changed and they became very excited. When I offered to wait for them there, they said they did not want to be limited by time, so at 15:40 — a little earlier than planned — I explained the way back, and we parted ways.

Tomorrow they plan to visit Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, and other spots, and over the weekend they will travel to Kyoto and Osaka.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Shibuya178JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae209JPY
Section 4SubwayOtemachi~Nihonbashi178JPY
Total711JPY

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…