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 Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku). Help with purchasing Metro 24-hour ticket.
  • 0850 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center 8F Terrace, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1050 Ginza 4-chome Intersection, Kabukiza Theatre, Tsukiji Outer Market
  • 1250 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue
  • 1330 Harajuku, Overview explanation at Meiji Jingu First Torii, Takeshita Street
  • 1400 Shibuya, Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1420 Cross the Scramble Crossing and disband

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

The guests were a group visiting from North America who had stopped in Asia before entering the Kansai region, touring Kyoto and other areas, and had arrived in Tokyo the previous day. They planned to head home in a couple of days. The guests had a background connected to music.

In the pre-tour communication, they had mentioned bringing a stroller, but since they had managed to walk in Kyoto, we decided to proceed without one. The Marunouchi Line happened to be in the middle of the commuter rush, which understandably surprised the younger members of the group, but once we arrived in Asakusa, everyone walked energetically. At Nakamise, they enjoyed some strawberry daifuku.

A hozuki (ground cherry) market happened to be taking place, and they watched it with great curiosity.

From Ginza to Tsukiji, we walked while choosing shaded routes. Since only some of the guests eat raw fish, we had lunch nearby at a tempura restaurant. Some of the group still seemed full from the strawberry daifuku and did not eat much. Because the sunlight was strong at the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, we kept to a minimal course. From the pre-arrangement stage, it had been decided that a full visit to Meiji Shrine would be physically demanding for some of the group, so I gave an overview of Meiji Shrine in front of the first torii gate and then guided them to Takeshita Street.

Originally we were scheduled to part ways there, but as the group wished to see Shibuya, I guided them to Shibuya before we said goodbye.

After browsing a few shops in Shibuya, they returned to the Hotel by taxi.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassNishi-Shinjuku~Asakusa700JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa~Ginza0JPY
Section 3Free PassTsukiji – Hibiya~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 4Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Total850JPY

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…