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

  • 11:00  Subway Uchisaiwaicho → transfer at Hibiya to Tsukiji
  • 13:45 Hibiya Line and Ginza Line to Asakusa
  • 15:00 By taxi from Asakusa to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • 16:30 End at Otemachi Station on the Mita Line

Title: What's a Private Tokyo Tour of Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Oceania. They arrived at their hotel in the morning, but their room was not yet ready, and they sent a message urging me to come whenever convenient. We began our meeting at 10:45. The itinerary had already been decided in advance by email, including confirmation of eating sushi at Tsukiji. Since walking for long distances was difficult for one of the guests, I initially suggested a tour with a vehicle, but they decided to walk instead. At Tsukiji, we were very lucky to have been able to reserve counter seats the day before. Because ordinary soy sauce could not be used due to a dietary restriction, I had checked in advance with the sushi restaurant, and they confirmed that bringing gluten-free soy sauce was fine. So I purchased some at a nearby supermarket and brought it along. It was a perfect setting, and I expected them to eat a lot, but the guests shared a single portion between them, which was a little disappointing. Still, they had only just arrived that morning. The sushi chef kindly separated and pointed out the ingredients that contained gluten, which was very helpful and educational for me. We took the subway to Asakusa, but partway through the tour of Asakusa, the guests said they wanted to take a taxi to the Imperial Palace. We caught a taxi in front of Kaminarimon. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, they had been looking forward to the Japanese garden and the cherry blossoms and seemed pleased, but signs of fatigue began to show, and there was a sense that my explanations were only half-heard. I pointed out that we had not yet reached six hours, but they said it was enough, so we ended there. They listened attentively at Tsukiji and Asakusa, but given that it was their arrival day, this was understandable. In the East Gardens, the azaleas were beginning to bloom and several kinds of cherry blossoms were still in flower, and they enjoyed taking photographs and spending time there. Together with the sushi at Tsukiji, I think it turned out to be a good day.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayUchisaiwaicho~Tsukiji180JPY
Section 2SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa210JPY
Total390JPY

I have ten years guiding experience in Tokyo area. Historical spot such as Imperial palace, Japanese gardens, Buddhist temples,Shinto shrines and Fish market are my familiar tourism places.Usually I take my guest to these spot using public transportation and walk around there. Also I manage a hiking tour to Tama erea (west part of Tokyo) such as Mt.Takao, Okutama gorge, you will find that Tokyo has rich nature too. I would like to guide small group of 4 poeple max. because I want to talk to each one sufficiently. Just FYI, I had lived in the US and have engineering background. Let me guide you!

Oct 9, 2024
lilgoldie
Private Tour With Tack!
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Tack was an excellent tour guide. He helped…