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

  • 1. 10:00 Meet up at Hilton Tokyo
  • 2. 11:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 3. 12:20 Lunch at Tsurukameya
  • 4. 13:30 Shibamata Taishakuten
  • 5. 14:50 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
  • 6. 15:20 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
  • 7. 16:30 Disband at Hilton Tokyo

What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour Beyond Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America who were interested in Japanese culture and traditions and wanted to see old buildings and streets as well.

After Asakusa, the original plan was to take them to Hamarikyu Gardens, but since I heard about their interests during lunch, I quickly changed the destination to Shibamata and took them to Shibamata Taishakuten.

They were very moved by the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten and were delighted.

I guided them along Takeshita Street and explained how to get back to their hotel, but they seemed quite anxious, so even though we had gone over time, I escorted them all the way to the hotel and ended the tour.

While it is preferable not to go over the scheduled time, I believe the impression of a tour is often determined by how it ends, so I think there are times when going over is unavoidable in order to finish on an enjoyable note.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayNishi-Shinjuku~Asakusa260JPY
Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shibamata380JPY
Section 3TrainShibamata~Shibuya490JPY
Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 5SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nishi-Shinjuku180JPY
Total1,460JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…