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 Meet at ANA InterContinental Tokyo
  • 1115 Shibuya – Hachiko Statue – Scramble Crossing
  • 1135 Shinjuku – 3D Cat Display – Godzilla Head – Omoide Yokocho
  • 1115 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Floor
  • 1225 Koishikawa Korakuen
  • 1345 Imperial Palace Outer Garden – Tatsumi Yagura – Gyoko-dori – Marunouchi Building Pine Piles – Tokyo Station
  • 1500 Asakusa – Azuma Bridge – Kaminarimon – Kannon-dori – Late lunch at Tanaka Soba Shop – Nakamise – Sensoji Temple – Asakusa Shrine
  • 1615 Disband within the Sensoji Temple grounds

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from South America. The pickup was originally scheduled for 8:00, but at 5:00 in the morning I received a message through a messaging app saying that the reservation time for the Asakusa sumo club they had booked had been set for 18:00, and asking whether the tour, which was due to end in Asakusa, could be pushed later. When I confirmed whether they wanted an extension or a shift in timing, they confirmed they wanted to move everything back by two hours, which resulted in the itinerary above.

They had entered Japan via Asia after two nights there, arriving in Japan for the first time the previous night. They had only today in Tokyo, with Mount Fuji planned for the following day, followed by the Kansai region, making for a fairly busy itinerary.

One of the guests was comfortable in English, while another could understand a little English but spoke very little, so translation was provided among the group as needed.

Above all, their main goal was taking photos, and they had a long to-do list. They were satisfied to catch even a faint glimpse of Tokyo Tower from the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and took photos. They had wanted to see cherry blossoms, but I explained it was not yet the season and offered the plum grove at Koishikawa Korakuen as an alternative. However, the early-blooming cherry trees on the grounds of Sensoji Temple were about 80% in bloom, which delighted them greatly.

We parted ways just after 16:00, but since they planned to visit a character goods shop (which was mentioned suddenly, but I found it had opened on Orange Street) and do some other shopping, I expect they enjoyed themselves until 18:00.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassTameike-Sanno~Shibuya900JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Shinjuku170JPY
Section 3Free PassShinjuku West Exit~Tochomae0JPY
Section 4Free PassTochomae~Iidabashi0JPY
Section 5Free PassIidabashi – Kasuga~Otemachi0JPY
Section 6TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
Section 7Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
Total1,240JPY

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…