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

  • 13:00 meeting in the lobby of your hotel – Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
  • 13:15〜14:05 Meji Jingu Shrine
  • 14:25〜15:45Tsukiji outer market (including lunch in a sushi restaurant)
  • 16:10〜18:10 Asakusa (Sensoji temple, Nakamise shopping street,
  • Asakusa Shrine and seeing
  • Sky Tree from the distance)
  • 19:00 End of the tour at Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya

What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America, coming to Japan for the first time. Because of this, we communicated in advance and set the itinerary described above. Before visiting Meiji Shrine, I explained Shinto, Buddhism, and the Japanese perspective on religion. In the shrine grounds, a Shinto-style wedding ceremony was taking place, and there were many families celebrating Shichi-Go-San, so I explained the related customs. In Tsukiji, the guests enjoyed Edo-style sushi at a well-known sushi restaurant. They appeared very satisfied. After that, I took them to Namiyoke Shrine. In Asakusa, we first went to the observation deck of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center to give them an overall view of Asakusa, and I explained the history of Sensoji Temple. We strolled along Nakamise Street, and the guests purchased souvenirs for their family. After that, I took them to Asakusa Shrine and explained the connection between the founding of Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. Before heading back to Shibuya, I took them to a spot along the Sumida River where there is a spectacular view of the Skytree, and we took photos. At that time, we passed a police box, and I explained how the Japanese koban system functions even more effectively than the so-called community policing systems in Western countries, and how much it helps in preventing crime. The guests listened with great interest. Overall, I believe it was a good tour. The guests said there was no problem with sharing photos, so I am sharing their photos.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 3SubwayTsukiji~Asakusa290JPY
Section 4SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Total910JPY

My name is Takashi Koizumi. I work as a nationally licensed tour guide, based in Tokyo. Please allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. I obtained an MA in Peace Studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK. I worked in war-torn areas in the former-Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo for 15 years between 1996and 2011, engaging in peacemaking and inter-ethnic reconciliation issues through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I worked in the Tohoku region affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for four years from 2012 and 2016, engaging in a long-term NGO recovery program.

In 2019, I changed my career, starting to work as a licensed tour guide registered in Tokyo Metropolis. Since then, I have covered more than 180 one-day tours and 21 long tours lasting for more than 10 days. Regions where I have worked cover large parts of Japanese archipelago, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Hokkaido, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Marugame and Fukuoka.

As an excellent tour guide for international tourists, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, culture, and history in Japan. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the rich tapestry of these aspects.

I tailor my tours to suit the interest and preferences of each group. By understanding your preferences through informal conversation, I curate personalized itineraries that satisfy your needs.

Through my extensive oversea experience, I am well-versed in cross-cultural communication. I am also fully aware of the challenges that international tourists often face in Japan.

Furthermore, I am committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and respect throughout the tour. I educate guests on appropriate behavior, dress codes, and etiquette when visiting religious and cultural facilities such as Buddhis temples, Shinto shrines, and Japanese gardens.

In conclusion, through my in-depth knowledge of religion, culture and history, personalized itineraries, and commitment to cultural sensitivity, you can expect unforgettable and excellent experiences that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.

I am looking forward to meeting you.

Best regards,

Takashi

Nov 6, 2025
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Excellent way to see Tokyo
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Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
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