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.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:30 Meet at Hotel Celestine Shiba
- 11:00 -11:40 Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market (egg skewer)
- 12:10 -12:50 Lunch in Asakusa (soba)
- 12:50 -14:55 Stroll around Asakusa
- 14:55 -15:25 Take the water bus to Hamarikyu
- 15:25-16:20 Stroll around Hamarikyu
- 17:00 Return to the hotel and disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:30, when the guide met the guests at Hotel Celestine Shiba, and finished at 17:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch in Asakusa (soba) at 12:10.
From there the group visited Tsukiji Outer Market (egg skewer) at 11:00, Asakusa at 12:50, Take the water bus to Hamarikyu at 14:55 and Hamarikyu at 15:25.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shiba Park to Tsukiji by train (290JPY); Tsukiji to Asakusa by train (210JPY); Shimbashi to Tamachi (Tokyo) by train (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors to Japan planning to stay in Tokyo before traveling on to Takayama. Since they felt uneasy about getting around Tokyo by train, I explained everything from how to purchase a PASMO card to detailed instructions on how to use the trains. As they preferred a vegetarian diet, they enjoyed grilled egg skewers at Tsukiji, and for lunch they had soba with mountain vegetables. Since one of the guests was interested in samurai culture, I explained in detail the connections between Senso-ji Temple and the samurai, as well as the ties between Hamarikyu and the shogunate family. At their request, we used the water bus, which was perfect for a little rest, but there was not enough time left to visit our fourth destination, Meiji Shrine. Overall, I believe the guests were very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shiba Park～Tsukiji | 290JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shimbashi～Tamachi (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel Celestine Shiba at 10:30, and the tour finished at hotel at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:30 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tsukiji Outer Market (egg skewer), Asakusa, Take the water bus to Hamarikyu and Hamarikyu.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yosh is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi I am Yosh, very nice to meet you!
I am a tour guide around Tokyo and surrounding areas including Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji area with qualification of nationwide professional tour guiding.
I have been practicing Japanese martial arts, Karate and Aikido, from my childhood and I teach kids and beginners at Dojo school as an instructor.
From my background I am especially into a tour guiding about Samurai, Sumo and Zen style temples deeply related with Japanese martial arts.
I was born, raised and live in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture for over 50 years, so I am familiar with Tokyo capital area and I can arrange the free choice tour for you based on your taste and interest.
I also want you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and Sake at traditional or modern restaurants as part of Japanese precious culture experience.
I really like my profession of tour guide because I am always shared with happy emotion of the guests through the tour.
I am really look forward to seeing you soon!
Yosh
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo…
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo with Yosh was like being shown around town by an old friend. Yosh was great company and fun to be with. He planned our route well, was informative, offered thoughtful suggestions that were always spot on, found a great lunch place and went out of his way to get us on the right train at the end of the tour. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. The Meiji Shrine was a highlight.
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative…
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative and flexible responding to the weather and what we wanted to do.
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our…
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our host Yosh while in Tokyo. Yosh took the time to develop our tour based on our interests. He provided history and background to all the places we visited, seamlessly guided through the route. Highly recommend his professional services. It was the perfect tour to start our visit to Japan
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful…
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful Japanese gardens and seeing a temple. Our guide
was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend.