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

  • 0800 Meet at Hilton Tokyo (3 min from Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line). Help with purchasing SUICA (the version for 10-year-old children can only be bought at the Midori no Madoguchi ticket office)
  • 0840 Harajuku. Visit Meiji Shrine. Takeshita Street
  • 1030 Shibuya. Hachiko Statue. Scramble Crossing. PARCO. Shopping at Pokemon Center Shibuya
  • 1300 Asakusa. Quick lunch at Fuji Soba. Nakamise. Sensoji Temple
  • 1420 Hikifune. Since you will be going to Cafe Capyba after my tour, we will disband here. https://cspace.co.jp/

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanesen, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were a group visiting from North America. According to information found online, one of the guests appeared to be a well-known medical professional. The younger members of the group were quite quick-witted.

When the tour was first booked, the itinerary was quickly finalized to include Asakusa, Yanesen, Harajuku, and Shibuya, but as the trip approached, the group's preferences seemed to change. Instead of the animal café in Harajuku, they really wanted to see capybaras, so they made a reservation for after my tour hours (14:30). As a result, we ended the tour in Asakusa and I took them to Hikifune.

Originally they had planned to visit Tsukiji and teamLab Planets on a different day, but in the end they had also made a reservation for this after my tour, at 18:00. I provided as much information as possible, including a subway route map, but since it was quite a demanding schedule, I suggested they take a taxi from Hikifune to teamLab Planets and back to Shinjuku afterward, and they seemed quite satisfied with that.

Also, I heard that for the end of the day they had made a dinner reservation at Ninja Shinjuku in West Shinjuku. After the capybara café, since they would have some time before teamLab Planets, they mentioned they might also stop by Skytree.

My portion of the tour ended at Hikifune, but with this "packed" itinerary, I was a little concerned about the stamina of one of the younger members of the group.

They seemed to be heading to Nikko the next day, and after that would be traveling around Kyoto and Hiroshima.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)180JPY
Section 2TrainShinjuku~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Section 4SubwayShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
Section 5TrainAsakusa~Hikifune160JPY
Total900JPY

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…