Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kei

April, 2026

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

  • 10:00 Meet at the 7-Eleven near Ochiai Station, where the guests are staying.
  • Ochiai → Sendagaya
  • 10:30-11:30 Shinjuku Gyoen, entering through the Sendagaya Gate
  • National Stadium → Tsukiji Market
  • 12:30-14:00 Tsukiji Outer Market, stroll and lunch
  • 14:00-14:30 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Flower Festival being held
  • Tsukiji → Ginza
  • 15:00-15:20 Ginza → Shibuya. View the Hachiko crossing from the pedestrian bridge, and take a commemorative photo at Hachiko. Experience crossing the intersection freely for 10 minutes.
  • 15:20-16:00 Shibuya → Takadanobaba, disband at the station front
  • 14:55-

**Title:**

What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Tsukiji, and Shibuya

**Body:**

The guests were a multi-generational group visiting Japan from North America, including one small child who moved by stroller.

We met at a convenience store near their accommodation in the Ochiai area and discussed the day's program. In contrast to the heavy rain the previous day, the weather turned to clear skies. Since temperatures were forecast to rise above 25°C in the afternoon, I decided to focus the itinerary mainly on outdoor activities.

First, we headed to Shinjuku Gyoen in search of cherry blossoms. Along the way, I shared tips on how to use the trains, in preparation for the days when the guests would explore on their own. As they were also interested in Nakano Broadway, we viewed the shopping street from within the ticket gates during a transfer. We entered Shinjuku Gyoen through the Sendagaya Gate and immediately came to an area planted with various cherry blossom trees. The early-blooming, deep red-purple azaleas were already in full bloom, and there were others bearing white flowers as well. We strolled along the waterside toward the Japanese garden while admiring the cherry blossoms still at their peak. The guests enjoyed taking photos from time to time.

Next, at their request, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. The crowds had settled down by that time, and we were fortunate to enter the sushi restaurant "Aozora Sandaime Honten" without waiting in line. Each of the guests enjoyed sushi to their own liking. During the food-walking, they particularly liked the sweet strawberries and even bought some as a souvenir. After the meal, some of the guests took a taxi back to the hotel first and departed from the group.

So that they could walk around on their own later, I gave a brief introduction to Ginza, pointing out landmarks from the Ginza 4-chome intersection.

For the remaining time, the guests wished to visit the Shibuya Crossing. We also took a commemorative photo at the Hachiko statue. Finally, I took them to the Tozai Line ticket gate at Takadanobaba Station, where we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainOchiai (Tokyo)～Sendagaya390JPY
Section 2TrainNational Stadium～Tsukiji Market220JPY
Section 3TrainTsukiji～Ginza180JPY
Section 4TrainGinza～Shibuya210JPY
Section 5TrainShibuya～Takadanobaba210JPY
Total1,210JPY

Tour Report by Kei

Hello, Bonjour, Buongiorno!

I’m Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, japanese freelance Government-licensed guide and interpreter in French and in English, speaking Italian as well. Having accompanied guests to all over Japan by now with whole 47 prefectures, all year round. 11 years and over 1500 days of experience as a professional guide since 2015, after 24 years of work at French Tourist Board in Tokyo in charge of promotion and marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Je suis Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, guide-interprète indépendant japonais, agréé par le gouvernement en langues française et anglaise, parlant également italien. Ayant accompagné des clients dans tout le Japon avec se 47 départements, toute l’année. 11 ans et plus de 1500 jours d’expérience en tant que guide professionel depuis 2015, après 24 ans de travail à l’Office de Tourisme Français à Tokyo en charge de la promotion et du marketing.
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Sono Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, un guida-interprete indipendente giappone e approvato dal governo per le lingue francese e inglese, parlo italiano anche. Avo accompagno i clienti in tutto il Giappone, con sue 47 province, tutto l’anno. 10 anni e piu di 1500 journi di esperienza come guida professionista dal 2015, dopo 24 anni di lavoro presso l’Ufficio del Turismo francese a Tokyo come responsabile della promozione e del marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Having lived mostly in Kawasaki city attached to Tokyo in the West, I have a good knowledge and profound experience of Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kamakura or Nikko.
A history lover and food lover, qualified as JSA Wine Expert, I’d like to help you choosing good restaurants and good drinks including Sake.
Let’s go together for a delightful discovery in Japan.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ayant vécu principalement dans la ville de Kawasaki rattachée à Tokyo à l’Ouest, j’ai une bonne connaissance et une profonde expérience de Tokyo et de ses environs comme le Mont Fuji, Hakone et Kamakura ou Nikko.
Passionné d’histoire et de gastronomie, diplômé JSA Wine Expert, j’aimerais vous aider à choisir de bons restaurants et de bonnes boissons dont le Saké.
Partons ensemble pour une délicieuse découverte du Japon.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Avendo vissuto principalmente nella città di Kawasaki, vicina a Tokyo, ho una buona conoscenza e una profonda esperienza di Tokyo e dei suoi dintorni, come il Monte Fuji, Hakone e Kamakura o Nikko.
Appassionato di storia e gastronomia, laureato Wine Expert presso la JSA, vorrei aiutarvi a scegliere buoni ristoranti e buoni bevande, tra cui il sakè.
Partiamo insieme per una deliziosa scoperta del Giappone.

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