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

  • 0900 Meet at Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand (5 min from Shinjuku Station)
  • 0945 Tsukiji Outer Market, Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1110 Asakusa, Azuma Bridge, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1330 Akihabara, Lunch at Wako on the 8th floor of Yodobashi Akiba
  • 1520 Shinjuku, Guide you to a spot where you can see the hotel, then disband

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Akihabara, Tsukiji, and Asakusa

The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan, having arrived the previous day. The previous evening they had gone food hopping in Shinjuku (they mentioned it was Okinawan cuisine).

Today's itinerary had been arranged around one guest's requests, but the planned Omoide Yokocho had already been visited on the previous night's tour. Also, Akihabara appeared to have been listed without any deep intention, and the guests were not particularly interested in it. In place of Omoide Yokocho, we decided to have lunch in Akihabara, but since it was a Sunday afternoon, everywhere was crowded. The guests chose from the restaurant floor on the 8th floor of the electronics store in Akihabara, and enjoyed a fillet cutlet set meal.

At Tsukiji, rather than seafood, they enjoyed matcha soft serve ice cream, and at Asakusa they enjoyed strawberry daifuku.

Tonight, after a short break, they plan to go bar hopping in Golden Gai. Over the weekend they plan to visit Kyoto before returning home.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTochomae~Tsukiji Market280JPY
Section 2SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 4TrainAkihabara~Shinjuku180JPY
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…