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

  • 1000 The Peninsula Tokyo (directly connected to Hibiya Subway Station) Meeting
  • 1025 Tsukiji Outer Market Kabukiza Theater Ginza 4-chome Intersection
  • 1150 Asakusa Azumabashi Nakamise Sensoji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1405 Shibuya Scramble Crossing Hachiko Statue
  • 1430 Harajuku Takeshita Street Meiji Jingu Shrine Visit
  • 1630 Drop off at Hibiya and disband

Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Ginza, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, arriving from North America. Before the tour they had traveled around Osaka and Kyoto. Advance coordination was a bit challenging as responses were limited, but they finally replied to the itinerary I sent shortly before the tour. They had no trouble with conversation, though since English was not their first language, this may have accounted for the limited responses.

One of the guests often filmed videos on a smartphone, so I had to be careful not to lose sight of them during filming.

In Ginza, the Golden Parade 2025 (a marching band event) was taking place, and quite a bit of time was spent filming it.

When I asked in Asakusa whether they would like to eat something, one of the guests followed a vegetarian diet, so there were few options (even broth was a problem if it contained fish). For the time being they had some melon bread, and we hurried to Meiji Shrine to think things over at Forest Terrace. At Takeshita Street, we decided not to enter due to the enormous crowds, but there were many cosplayers preparing for Halloween, and the guests were delighted to be able to take photos.

As it began to grow dark at Meiji Shrine, I omitted the explanation of the Imperial Palace, saw the guests off at Hibiya Station, and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassHibiya~Tsukiji700JPY
Section 2Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
Section 4TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Hibiya0JPY
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…