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
- 1. 09:55 Meet up@Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
- 2. 10:00 Travel∶Subway
- 3. 10:20 Stay@Sensoji Temple
- 4. 11:45 Travel∶Subway
- 5. 12:10 Stay@Tsukiji Uogashi
- 6. 12:35 Lunch@Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo, Stay@Tsukiji Nakadori
- 7. 13:45 Travel∶Subway
- 8. 14:00 Stay@Akihabara
- 9. 15:15 Travel∶Train
- 10. 15:45 Stay@Takeshita Street
- 11. 16:15 Travel∶Subway
- 12. 16:40 Disband@Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
Title: What's a Private Shopping-Focused Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Takeshita Street
The guests' hotel was conveniently located near Tokyo Station, but because the lobby is on the top floor, it sometimes causes confusion. This time I had let them know by email that I would be waiting in the lobby on the 15th floor, but it seemed they had not noticed the message, so the group was waiting near the entrance on the ground floor. Just as I was about to go down to check the ground floor, one of the guests came up to the 15th floor, so we managed to avoid any trouble.
So that everyone in the group could enjoy the day, the spots chosen were all places where shopping could be enjoyed. Recently at Tsukiji I often have lunch at the fish market dining hall, which is popular because even those who are not fond of raw fish can enjoy dishes like mixed fried food and chicken noodle soup. In Akihabara they did not end up making any big purchases, but since they were planning to stay in Tokyo for a few more days afterward, I hope it served as a helpful reference. After showing them around Takeshita Street, I saw them back to the Hotel and we parted ways.
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 | Nihonbashi Station～Asakusa Station | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa Station～Tsukiji Station | 290JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tsukiji Station～Akihabara Station | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Akihabara Station～Harajuku Station | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae Station～Nihonbashi Station | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations