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 Hotel Tokyo (5 min from JR Shinjuku Station) meet
  • 0935 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 1045 Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1205 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1320 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1520 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
  • 1540 Disband at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Citizens' Plaza (2 min to Keio Plaza)

Title: What's a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji and Asakusa

The guests were on their honeymoon, visiting Japan for the first time from North America and having arrived only the night before. Because they arrived late, they did not go out anywhere and instead enjoyed the projection mapping on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as seen from their room.

They planned to stay in Tokyo for several nights, then travel around Hakone and Kyoto before returning to Tokyo. They had booked a packed schedule including a tea ceremony experience, and had reservations at famous restaurants for sushi, beef, and other cuisine in the evenings.

Since it was their first day, they arranged for a guide partly because they wanted to understand the local transportation system.

One of the guests had trouble installing the SUICA app on an Android phone, so we tried to purchase a card at Shinjuku Station. However, they had no cash at all, and the station ticket machines only accepted cash, which was taking time, so I lent them my own cash to complete the purchase. They then withdrew cash at the Seven-Eleven ATM near Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station and repaid me. Afterward, they were surprised at how convenient SUICA was to use.

At Tsukiji they enjoyed sashimi and white strawberries, but since they had a reservation at a famous sushi restaurant that evening, they did not eat any more than that.

At Asakusa, they wanted a stamp book, so they purchased a goshuincho (temple stamp book) at Kurodaya. When I explained about goshuin, they became interested and happily collected the stamps from Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. It took a little extra time, but I was glad they enjoyed it so much.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Sendagaya146JPY
Section 2Free PassShinjuku-gyoemmae~Tokyo900JPY
Section 3Free PassNijubashimae – Hibiya~Tsukiji0JPY
Section 4Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
Section 5Free PassAsakusa – Ueno-hirokoji~Ueno-okachimachi – Tochomae0JPY
Total1,046JPY

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…