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 Shiodome Italia-gai (midway between JR Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station). Had trouble adjusting the smartphone SUICA which wasn't working in Hamamatsucho.
  • 1000 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, scramble crossing
  • 1030 Harajuku, overview explanation at Meiji Jingu First Torii, Takeshita Street
  • 1150 Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza
  • 1330 Asakusa, lunch at Hidakaya, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise
  • Originally we planned to disband at Akihabara afterward, but due to the extreme heat and jet lag, they wanted to return to the hotel once and go out again after sunset, so I saw them off to Shimbashi Station and we parted ways.

# What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like for a Group of Young Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report

Because a travel agency acted as an intermediary, the profile of the guests was completely unknown until we met. As I had neither an email address nor a phone number, there was no way to contact them even after arriving at the Hotel. Just as I was thinking of asking the front desk to make an in-house call, the guests appeared. (The SMS I had sent earlier had actually gone to the agency in North America.)

The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East. They had backgrounds from various countries and had just finished school.

There seemed to be a slightly delicate atmosphere within the group.

Since they came from the Middle East, I was mindful about whether there might be dietary restrictions such as Islamic ones, but there were no restrictions at all.

After arriving the night before and for breakfast this morning, they thoroughly enjoyed rice balls from a convenience store. During the tour as well, whenever they spotted a convenience store, they would go in to stock up on water, and each time they would also eat rice balls and fried chicken.

In the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, they did not eat anything besides convenience store items, so I thought lunch might not be needed. However, in Asakusa they asked, "What about lunch?" When I asked what they would like, they said ramen, so we ended up eating at a ramen restaurant.

After visiting Senso-ji Temple, the original plan was to guide them to Akihabara and then part ways. However, today was extremely hot, and they were overwhelmed by a level of humidity they had never experienced back home, so they decided to return to the Hotel once and go out again in the evening. We parted ways at Shimbashi Station.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Shibuya208JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku146JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nezu209JPY
Section 4TrainNippori~Ueno146JPY
Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa178JPY
Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi209JPY
Total1,096JPY

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…