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 Hotel Mystays Premier Omori (5 min from JR Omori Station) Meet up
  • 1040 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Tatsumi Yagura (Turret)
  • 1230 Kamiyacho Tokyo Tower
  • 1430 Koishikawa Korakuen
  • 1540 Harajuku Takeshita Street Explanation at Meiji Jingu First Torii Gate
  • 1610 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1630 Explanation of how to get to Parco, help with purchasing tickets to Omori, then disband

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, on their first trip to Japan. Originally the group was slightly larger, but part of the group had to return home earlier due to other commitments, so three of the guests joined the tour. During the planning stage, they had many places they wanted to visit, and we managed to put together the itinerary above. We had initially planned to visit Shinjuku Gyoen, but since it is closed on Mondays, we went to Koishikawa Korakuen instead.

They had arrived in Japan ten days earlier and had traveled around Hiroshima and Kyoto. This was their first visit to Japan.

For Tokyo Tower, the guests had booked tickets online in advance, but they had reserved the Top Deck Tour scheduled from 12:45. I waited on the main deck, but they did not come down for quite a while, and it took a considerable amount of time.

At Koishikawa Korakuen, the wisteria trellis was at its best, and the guests were delighted.

Since we had fallen quite far behind schedule, we did not go into Meiji Shrine to worship, but I explained about it at the first torii gate, and the guests understood.

In Shibuya, one of the guests had an interest in anime, so I introduced PARCO, and they decided to stop by. Since they did not have SUICA or similar cards, we had to purchase tickets each time.

At the end, I helped them purchase tickets from Shibuya to Omori, explained the route, and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainOmori~Tokyo230JPY
Section 2SubwayNijubashimae – Hibiya~Kamiyacho178JPY
Section 3SubwayOnarimon – Kasuga~Iidabashi220JPY
Section 4TrainSuidobashi – Yoyogi~Harajuku178JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
Total952JPY

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…