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
- 1. 9:00 Meet in front of "Prince Smart Inn Ebisu" (Guests stay at a nearby Airbnb)
- 2. 9:45 Institute for Nature Study, National Museum of Nature and Science
- 3. 12:00 Former Asakura Family Residence
- 4. 13:45 Lunch @ Yanaka
- 5. 14:40 Stroll around Yanaka
- 6. 15:40 Disband at JR Nippori Station
Title: What's a Private Nature and Old-Architecture Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We met slightly before the scheduled time on the street in front of the Hotel. We then headed to the Institute for Nature Study (National Museum of Nature and Science), located near Shirokanedai Station. From my prior communication with the guest, I understood that there was little interest in shrines and temples, and that cherry blossom viewing was already planned for a separate tour the next day. Since the guest loves nature, I included this spot in the route. The guest was delighted, taking many photographs of plants with a large camera. The guest had mentioned eating ramen in Shibuya the previous day and had a mobile SUICA, so I felt reassured, but at the point of paying the admission fee it turned out there was no cash on hand. We went to a nearby convenience store to withdraw cash before entering.
After that, since the guest liked old things (such as houses) around 100 years old, we went to the former Asakura Residence in Daikanyama. Here too the guest was continually moved and took many photographs. Both the Institute for Nature Study and the former Asakura Residence were pleasantly uncrowded even on a Sunday in the middle of the spring holidays, which turned out to be a great choice.
Finally, we went to Yanaka. The wait was a bit long, but we had a late lunch at a shop renovated from an old traditional house and took a short stroll around Yanaka. Along the way, some used books had been placed in a cardboard box on the roadside with a note saying "Please take freely," and the guest was overjoyed, calling it "a gift from heaven" and stuffing them into a backpack despite the weight. As an artist, the guest said they would use them not for reading but as backgrounds for sculptures and such. The guest was moved throughout, which made things take longer and pushed back our parting time. The guest was very satisfied, and a tour on April 9 is also planned by personal request.
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 | Train | Ebisu～Meguro | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meguro～Shirokanedai | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shirokanedai～Meguro | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Meguro～Ebisu | 160JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Daikanyama～Shibuya | 140JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shibuya～Nippori | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,080JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Masaaki Kurata. I have been conducting walking tours in Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka and the East Garden of Imperial Palace since I joined an English guide volunteer club in 2016. I worked for 2 U.S. based companies in Tokyo for 41 years and retired in 2023. I developed good communication skills with people from other countries in my long career in those 2 companies. I was born in the suburb of Tokyo and I’m familiar with Tokyo pretty much. Since I retired and do not work for a company any longer, I can be flexible in making itineraries. I really want to make tourists happy by making fun and interesting communication.
Jun 5, 2026
Flyer544764
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
What an extraordinary 6 hr…
Jun 5, 2026
Flyer544764
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Extraordinary submersion into Japanese history and culture~
What an extraordinary 6 hr ( plus and additional hour) tour of Tokyo with our amazing guide, Mac!
Mac contacted us when we booked our day trip and worked closely with us to develop a custom itinerary that would fulfill all our “must see” destinations.
We started our day at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where we meandered through the narrow alleyways and took in the sights and sounds of the vibrant atmosphere. Of course stopping to taste the delicious seafood and diverse cuisine offerings.
From there we went to the iconic Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, where we passed under the massive iconic red lantern at the Thunder Gate and then meandered along the centuries-old Nakamise shopping street leading to the main hall.
Lunch stop at a lovely Tempura restaurant ending our excursion at the truly magnificent Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine, nestled in the midst of 70 ha. forest located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo.
Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle of the city, and will find Japanese traditional scenery amidst the greenery of nature.
A truly unique and beautiful place where you are transported into a state of calm the moment you cross through the three enormous Tori gates.
A day outing that will not to be soon forgotten!
Apr 27, 2026
Eric_K
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mac was a very good tour…
Mac was a very good tour…
Apr 27, 2026
Eric_K
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mac was a very good tour…
Mac was a very good tour guide. I highly recommend him because he spoke English very well, was conscientious, positive, respectful, and highly knowledgeable. He was willing to take us to all the places we requested and made recommendations for changes based on our questions and his experience. We enjoyed spending the day with him and highly recommend him as a guide for Tokyo.
Apr 23, 2026
O4598GUpatriciat
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
We had…
Apr 23, 2026
O4598GUpatriciat
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional Private Guide – Discovering the Hidden Side of Tokyo
We had the absolute pleasure of exploring Tokyo with MAC as our private guide, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip.
From the very beginning, everything was seamless – communication was easy, responses were quick, and meeting up in such a busy city was completely stress-free. MAC is incredibly organized, attentive, and clearly very experienced navigating Tokyo.
What made this tour stand out was his ability to show us a completely different side of the city. Instead of crowded tourist hotspots, he took us to genuine hidden gems – places we would never have found on our own. One unforgettable highlight was a beautifully preserved, over 100-year-old hidden house with a stunning Zen garden. Despite it being a sunny Sunday, we had the place almost entirely to ourselves.
Another memorable stop was the Institute of Nature & Science, located in what felt like the green heart of Tokyo. Again, it was peaceful and uncrowded – a rare experience in such a vibrant metropolis.
MAC’s recommendations throughout the tour were outstanding. His insights, local knowledge, and thoughtful suggestions made a huge difference. We enjoyed the experience so much that we ended up booking him again at the end of our trip – which says everything.
Beyond his expertise, MAC is a genuinely kind, respectful, and warm person. His calm and friendly Japanese manner made the entire experience feel very personal and relaxed.
If you are looking to discover Tokyo beyond the usual tourist paths and want a guide who truly elevates your experience, we can highly recommend MAC without hesitation.
Apr 2, 2026
V742WEsusans
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tour
Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at…
Apr 2, 2026
V742WEsusans
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Highly recommended tour
Excellent friendly guidance from Mac. He greeted us at our hotel in Asakusabashi and helped us navigate the eastern part of the city of Tokyo. An informative tour through the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market (where he found us some sashimi to sample), the Imperial East Gardens, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shibuya Crossing, an excellent mix of history and culture. Midday we ate a lunch of tempura, again with much needed help from Mac. At the day’s close, Mac even provided us with a preprinted personalized guide for taking the train back to our hotel. Outstanding!