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
- 11:00 The Westin Tokyo
- •Meet at Lobby floor (1st floor)
- (Transportation: Taxi)
- 11:15-11:40 Nakameguro
- •Enjoy viewing “SAKURA” cherry blossom.
- (Transportation: Subway)
- 12:20-13:10 Tsukiji Fish Market
- •A lively food market where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local street food.
- 13:20-14:10 Lunch at Sushi Restaurant
- •Lunch at Sushi Tomi.
- (Transportation: Taxi)
- 14:30 Imperial Palace
- (Transportation: Taxi)
- 15:10 – 16:00 Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
- (Transportation: Walk)
- 16:10-16:35 Ohta Museum
- (Transportation: Subway + Walk)
- 16:50 Aoyama Flower Market
- 17:10 Officially Tour end at Flower shop in Aoyama near Omote-sando.
- =============================
- 17:15-18:00 Guide supported the guests on how to get to the hotel by train and taxi, and accompanied them to the taxi stand in Shibuya.
- Even though plenty of taxis were passing by, they were all occupied, and we couldn't catch an empty one around Omote-sando.
- So we moved to Shibuya taxi stop.
- Since it was also the evening rush hour for the subway, it may have required quite a bit of patience from the guests.
Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Omotesando
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and they enjoyed all of the spots that had been planned. Because slower walking was requested, taxis were used frequently for getting around. Thanks to this, the Imperial Palace was also added to the itinerary.
The challenge came after the scheduled tour had ended. Given the circumstances, the guests did not seem confident about returning to their accommodation on their own, so I provided support until I could confirm that they would be able to get back safely. However, in the Omotesando area in the evening, no taxis could be found at all, so we gave up and took the subway to a taxi stand in Shibuya. Traveling on the crowded subway was likely a demanding time for the guests.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Nakameguro～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Omote-sando～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Total | 390JPY | ||
Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal guide, and we had an incredible day. He was so accommodating and willing to change plans to suit our needs. We had the best time and really loved everything he planned for us to do. He’s also a great conversationalist!
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
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Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
Tripadvisor review: Asakusa & Yanaka Local Street Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My family and I really enjoyed our tour of Senso-ji combined with a food tour. He made our trip special.
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
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Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my…
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
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Introduction to Tokyo
I was travelling with my mother & thought a walking tour in the heritage areas of Tokyo would be a great introduction on our first day. Our guide Asushi put together an itinerary based on our preferences & to suit the needs of my 83 yr old mother. Asushi was a caring & generous guide who wanted to make the most of our day. We enjoyed hearing about his life, family & faith, giving us a greater understanding of Japanese culture.
Apr 18, 2026
BrightonKennedys
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We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with…
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BrightonKennedys
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with Atsushi, who was very friendly and
knowledgeable. Half a day is only enough to scratch the surface but Atsushi was able to
accommodate and tailor the tour to our interests. Would recommend.