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

  • 0930 Meet at Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka (5 min from Metro Akasaka Station)
  • 0945 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
  • 1010 Harajuku, visit Meiji Shrine
  • 1200 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tatsumi Yagura, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Tokyo Station, check the meeting point for tomorrow's bus to Mt. Fuji (in front of Shin-Marunouchi Building)
  • 1305 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1420 Asakusa, Azumabashi Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1530 Tour ends at Sensoji Temple grounds
  • Since the return route was the same as mine, I saw them off to Akasaka Station.

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like from Asakusa to Ueno? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. Before retiring some years ago, they had lived and worked in North America. They had arrived at Haneda two days earlier and, adjusting to the time difference, had strolled around the Akasaka area including Hie Shrine the previous day, but today was their first time using the trains. They planned to visit Mount Fuji the next day, and after that intended to explore Tokyo on their own on Friday and Saturday before boarding a cruise ship at Yokohama Osanbashi Pier on Sunday. I handed them a Tokyo Travel Guide and introduced the main spots. Since they were interested in the Tokyo National Museum, I explained the route there. In addition, I let them know that the large Kanzakura cherry blossoms could be seen below the statue of Saigo Takamori.

In Asakusa, since they wanted a simple lunch, I guided them to Fuji Soba. They were delighted, saying it was several times more delicious than the ramen they had been recommended at their hotel the night before. I think the ramen had felt heavy for them.

Since they still had a long journey ahead on the cruise, they did not do any particular shopping.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassAkasaka~Shibuya900JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 4Free PassOtemachi~Iidabashi0JPY
Section 5Free PassIidabashi~Asakusa0JPY
Section 6Free PassAsakusa~Akasaka0JPY
Total1,050JPY

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…