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. 9:30 Meet at WPU Tokyo Shinjuku
  • 2. 10:15 Gotokuji
  • 3. 12:30 Shibamata
  • 4. 13:30 Lunch (Shibamata Monzen Toraya)
  • 5. 14:45 Asakusa
  • 6. 15:30 Disband at Asakusa

What Is a Private Tour of Traditional Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Gotokuji, Shibamata, and Asakusa

The guests were visitors from Europe. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had arrived a few days earlier. After visiting Osaka, they traveled to Tokyo the previous day, and they planned to stay in Tokyo for several days before returning home.

They wanted to see traditional Tokyo, so I guided them to Gotokuji, Shibamata, and Asakusa. The weather was fairly comfortable today, and I was able to conduct the tour without much concern. One of the guests had a goshuincho (stamp book), and enjoyed receiving temple seals at the temples we visited and collecting stamps at the stations.

As I had explained during our itinerary discussion beforehand, since we visited Gotokuji on the western edge and Shibamata on the eastern edge, there was no time to return to the accommodation. At our final stop in Asakusa, I explained how to get back to the accommodation, and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Gotokuji200JPY
Section 2TrainGotokuji~Shibamata760JPY
Section 3TrainShibamata~Asakusa380JPY
Total1,340JPY

Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

Jul 13, 2026
529gregj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
Haru (Haruhiko…

Jul 12, 2026
Felice R
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

Jul 9, 2026
mariee530
An incredible walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This tour was beyond expectations!…

Jun 30, 2026
simonegN55VE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fabulous walking tour with Haru
Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…