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

  • 0930 The Okura Tokyo (10 minutes from Tameike-Sanno or Toranomon on the Ginza Line) meeting
  • 1020 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine After that, guests experience a rickshaw ride (30 minutes)
  • 1310 Harajuku Meiji Shrine visit Takeshita Street
  • 1515 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  •    As the guests will now be heading to "Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Store,"
  • 1525 Dismissal after crossing the Scramble Crossing

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan. They told me that after arriving yesterday, they had gone to a "sumo show" in the evening. They would be staying in Tokyo for several days and then travel around the Kansai area and Mount Fuji.

During the pre-tour arrangements, the guests expressed a strong wish to ride a rickshaw in Asakusa, so after my guiding ended, they found an English-speaking rickshaw driver near Kaminarimon and experienced a 30-minute course for 10,000 yen. They did not do any particular shopping in Asakusa.

According to the original itinerary, the guests planned to go to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant in Shibuya after we parted ways there, so lunch had been skipped. However, on the way to visiting Meiji Shrine, near the offered sake barrels, they got hungry and took out a snack. Since eating while walking is not appropriate there, we took a short break at the cafeteria at Forest Terrace.

There, they had ramen and gyudon (beef bowl).

After that, they visited the main shrine, and I guided them to Takeshita Street.

In Shibuya, I thought perhaps they had had enough and no longer needed the conveyor-belt sushi, but they still wanted to go, so we crossed the scramble intersection and parted ways there.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno~Asakusa210JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae260JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Total620JPY

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
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Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
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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…