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
- 8：00 Meet in front of Shinjuku 16 Building
- 8:30〜9:30 Meiji Shrine
- 10:00〜10:15 Break at "Excelsior" in Kamiyacho
- 10:30〜11:00 Tokyo Tower
- 11:30〜12:30 Tsukiji Market, lunch at Sushi Zanmai conveyor belt sushi
- 12:50〜13:30 Stop by the Asakusa Tourist Center, then Senso-ji Temple
- 13:00〜13:45 Break at "February Kitchen" in Asakusa
- 14:00〜14:20 Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond
- 14:50 Disband at the platform of Shinjuku Station
What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania. Since email communication had not been possible until just before the tour and I did not know their preferred destinations, I felt quite anxious, but as soon as we met they greeted me with big smiles, which put me at ease. Since they left the choice of destinations up to me, I planned a classic Tokyo sightseeing course. As they had already visited Kyoto and Osaka, at Meiji Shrine they performed the two bows and two claps without me needing to explain the proper way to worship. At the ema area, they wrote their wishes on paper and offered them. They truly value Japanese culture. They kindly suggested taking a coffee break at Kamiyacho Station, so we were able to rest for a while and forget the heat. It is always appreciated when guests suggest this themselves. They also viewed Tokyo Tower with great interest. As one of the guests enjoyed photography, they captured the urban skyline one shot after another with a single-lens reflex camera. At Tsukiji, they experienced conveyor-belt sushi. Both of them tried various kinds of sushi and were very satisfied. In Asakusa, we took our time exploring Nakamise Street, the main hall, and Yogodo Hall. Since we had been walking around for a long time in the heat, they again suggested taking a short break themselves. They were very considerate of my well-being throughout, which I greatly appreciated. Although it was not in the original plan, since we had cooled down and regained our energy, we also stopped by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. They were delighted by the large lotus leaves and flowers growing in abundance and took many photos. On the way back, I saw them off at Shinjuku Station as they headed to their hotel.
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 | Train | Okubo～Harajuku | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Kamiyacho | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Kamiyacho～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Higashi-ginza～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Ueno～Shinjuku | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,140JPY | ||
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.