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

  • 1000 Hotel Higashi-Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (3 min from Higashi-Shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line) meet up
  • 1020 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1200 Asakusa Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1345 Imperial Palace Otemon Gate Tatsumi Yagura Turret Gyoko-dori Avenue Marunouchi Building pine piles
  • 1520 Harajuku Overview explanation at Meiji Jingu's first torii gate Takeshita Street Explanation of the Harajuku area and the way back to Shinjuku
  • 1550 Disband

Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Tokyo? Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and a Japanese Garden — A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were from Europe, and it was the group's first sightseeing visit to Japan, though one of them had previously come to Japan a few times for work. They had arrived a couple of days earlier. The day before, not realizing a typhoon was passing through, they had visited Shibuya and Ginza. Due to the bad weather, they were unable to go up Shibuya Sky, and they ended up walking through Ginza in strong winds.

They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few more days and then travel to the Kansai region.

The guests had requested Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and a Japanese garden, which is how the above itinerary came about.

Originally, we had also planned to visit Meiji Shrine and Shibuya afterward, but since they had already been to Shibuya and were looking forward to shopping in Harajuku, we did not visit Meiji Shrine and instead ended with an overview explanation of it.

Since they still felt disappointed about missing Shibuya Sky the previous day, I suggested the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and explained how to get there.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-Shinjuku~Iidabashi180JPY
Section 2SubwayIidabashi~Asakusa290JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Total860JPY

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…