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
- 9:00 Hotel
- 9:30 Imperial Palace, Statue of Kusunoki Masashige, Nijubashi Bridge
- 10:30 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, Don Quijote, Salvatore Cuomo & Bar
- 12:50 Rikugien Garden
- 14:00 Dismissal @ The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and Rikugien
I guided a group visiting from North America. Our meeting point was a hotel in Akasaka, but I later learned they were staying at another hotel, and I mentioned that if they had told me in advance, I would have come to pick them up there. It was probably because the hotel had not been decided at the time of booking, and they said they didn't understand why that particular hotel had been set as the meeting point. Since one of the guests wanted to buy a hair iron, I took them to a Don Quijote in Asakusa, where they made the purchase. After that, they wanted to take a break just for drinks, and we first went into a café, but since they had neither zero-calorie cola nor beer, we went to a restaurant across the street. Before that, the two bars on Hoppy Street that I asked both required one drink and one meal per person. They enjoyed both Asakusa and Rikugien. Because they had arrived the previous day, fatigue set in during the latter half, so instead of going to Nezu Shrine, I saw them off to their hotel by taxi. One of the guests had lost a tooth just before the trip and had contacted the hotel by email, and had a dental appointment scheduled for 5:30 that day. Today I lost the cap I always wear somewhere, which made me a little sad, but since the tour ended smoothly, I'll count it as a good day.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Akasaka～Nijubashi | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Sakuradamon～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Ueno～Komagome | 170JPY |
| Total | 740JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.