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

  • 8:00 Meet at OyadoNene Heiwajima
  • 9:00 Asakusa (Skytree photos)
  • 10:30 Kappabashi, spent quite a lot of time looking at shops and shopping
  • 12:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, took many photos
  • 13:30 Snacks @ Seven-Eleven Palace Building Store
  • 14:10 Disband at Otemachi Station Hanzomon Line platform

What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Kappabashi, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Although it was unfortunately raining, the group set out from the hotel, each carrying a clear plastic umbrella. Almost everyone in the group had a Suica card, which made getting around easy. Many of the guests took a lot of photos. One person carried two DSLR cameras and also took pictures with a smartphone. At Asakusa, the guests enjoyed activities such as drawing omikuji fortunes. They also had a matcha drink and some snacks. At Kappabashi, they bought many kitchen tools, including a rectangular pan for making rolled omelets (dashimaki tamago), and they also looked at knives. They said they would like to come again. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, they took many scenic photos as well. We had planned to go from Otemachi to Shibuya and Harajuku, but they spent so much time taking photos that, after having some snacks, we ran out of time, so I guided them to the train bound for Shibuya and ended the tour there. I received a tip.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainHeiwajima~Asakusa510JPY
Section 2TrainTawaramachi (Tokyo)~Takebashi180JPY
Total690JPY

My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
Please call me Koba.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.

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A beautiful tour
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6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family…