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 Meet at Hotel Ginza (5 min from Ginza Station on the Ginza Line) Kabukiza Theater Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 1015 Asakusa Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine 
  • 1200 Ueno Lunch at Hinazushi in Sakura Terrace Shogitai Monument Statue of Saigo Takamori Kiyomizu Kannon-do View the Tokyo National Museum and more on the way to Ueno Station
  • 1330 Nippori Yuyake Dandan Yanaka Ginza Yomise-dori Nezu Shrine
  • 1430 Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building pine pillars Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1515 Guide to the Hibiya Line platform at Hibiya Station and disperse

The guests were a group visiting from North America. After traveling around the Kansai region, they arrived in Tokyo the previous night. One of the guests had visited Japan long ago but had only faint memories of it, while the others were visiting for the first time.

One of the guests had recently completed studies and said this was a graduation trip to make up for a student period spent unable to travel due to the pandemic, with plans to pursue further advanced studies. Another guest was also engaged in research and hoped to pursue advanced studies in the future.

Unlike many groups, only one of the guests took photographs, while the others were not particularly keen on it.

Since one of the guests needed to avoid gluten, I gave them a Japanese-made gluten-free soy sauce as a gift. They brought it along on the tour, and we had lunch at Hina Sushi in Ueno, where they enjoyed plenty of sushi. However, I let them know that the marinated toppings and the omelet might contain regular soy sauce, so those were exchanged for fatty tuna with another guest.

They love mochi, so at a dango shop called "Akitaya" in Nezu, after confirming that no wheat flour was used, they thoroughly enjoyed kusa-mochi. As an aside, I was impressed that they understood exactly why it was necessary to ask whether wheat flour was used even at such a shop.

The "Matsugui" (wooden pile) exhibit at the Marunouchi Building, which had been closed for some time, had reopened, so I was able to explain it again after a long while.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassTsukiji to Ueno~Asakusa700JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
Section 3TrainUeno~Nippori146JPY
Section 4Free PassNezu~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 5Free PassNijubashimae~Hibiya0JPY
Total846JPY

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…