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
- 9:00 Meet at Hotel Okura, walk to Toranomon Hills Station
- 10:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, sightseeing (Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, cherry blossoms along the Sumida River embankment), head to Asakusa Station
- 11:50 Arrive at Tsukiji Station, free sightseeing at Tsukiji Market
- 13:30 Meet at "Glitch Coffee" in Higashi-Ginza, rest, then head to Higashi-Ginza Station
- 14:15 Arrive at Mitsukoshimae Station, head to "Kiya" at Nihonbashi Coredo Muromachi (purchase kitchen knives)
- 15:05 Disband at Nihonbashi Coredo Muromachi
What's a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Nihonbashi
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo tour for a group visiting from North America.
As rain was forecast for the day, the tour began after the group agreed in advance that the itinerary might be adjusted flexibly according to the weather.
We first headed to Asakusa by subway. During the ride, the guests were very surprised by the cleanliness of Japan's subway system. In Asakusa, they experienced the temple culture and the lively atmosphere of Nakamise, and afterward they were able to see cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Sumida River embankment, which delighted them greatly.
Next, we used the subway to move to Tsukiji Market. Since it was a larger group, they preferred to explore freely and split into two smaller groups. Later, one of the guests contacted me by email to say they were at a coffee shop, so we regrouped there.
Due to time and weather constraints, we decided to skip the originally planned visit to Meiji Shrine, and at the group's request we headed to Coredo Muromachi in Nihonbashi. They wished to purchase a knife at a specialty shop, and I provided supplementary explanations in English regarding the staff's descriptions. In the end, they purchased the knife they wanted, and as it was exactly the scheduled end time, we parted ways there.
On this tour, the guests showed strong interest in all three areas — Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Nihonbashi — and seemed satisfied overall. It was especially memorable that, through the knife purchase, they were able to experience the depth of Japanese culture.
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 | Toranomon Hills～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Higashi-Ginza～Mitsukoshimae | 180JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.