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 hotel
- 10:10 Assistance with purchasing JR Central tickets (Nagoya-Matsumoto round trip) at Shinjuku Station
- 10:30 Visit Meiji Shrine
- 12:00 Explore Ameyoko and lunch
- 14:00 Explore Asakusa
- 1530 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 16:00 Disband in front of Shibuya Don Quijote
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Ameyoko, and Shibuya
1. The tour and the guests' reactions
The guests were a group visiting Japan from Europe. Soon after we met, the conversation started with soccer, as one of the guests mentioned that a certain national team was set to face Japan in a World Cup opener, and named a few players considered top-class back home. The mood was great, and the tour got off to a lively start.
One of the guests thoroughly enjoyed the quiet atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, expressing surprise and saying it was hard to believe such a peaceful place existed right in the heart of Tokyo. As it happened to be an auspicious Sunday, many wedding ceremonies were taking place, and we were able to see two bridal processions. Since each bride wore a different style of bridal costume, the guests were deeply moved. When I explained about ema (votive wooden plaques), some of the guests said they wanted to write their wishes on one, so I helped them pay the offering for the ema. They received two plaques, and while I thought two of the guests would each write one, they handed me one of the plaques and said, "You write on this one." As I was hesitating about what to wish for, they encouraged me to write "I will become the best interpreter guide in Japan," so, a little embarrassed, I did just that. The photo is a commemorative shot taken in front of our ema.
At Ameyoko, I guided them to an izakaya that is highly rated on review sites. They tried oden, tsukune, an assorted sashimi platter, and grilled hokke, and were very satisfied.
Some of the guests bought a goshuincho (stamp book) at Meiji Shrine and were delighted to receive goshuin stamps at both Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple.
At the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the guests were excited, saying there was no crossing back home where so many people crossed at once, and they enjoyed walking across it twice.
2. Other impressions and notes
It was the first time a guest had given me an ema, and since it was such a surprise, I was truly moved myself. I will aim to become "the best interpreter guide in Japan," though the road there seems quite long. (laughs)
I highly recommend Meiji Shrine on an auspicious weekend. The sight of a bride in a white shiromuku costume proceeding behind a formally dressed Shinto priest is beautiful, and the joyful, celebratory atmosphere really enhances the tour.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru…
July 2, 2026
David S
Tripadvisor : Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Incredible experience at the Markets!
Toru was an AMAZING host and tour guide. He went above and beyond with communication prior, during, and after to make sure my Son and I had an incredible experience. He was unbelievably knowledgeable and catered the tour to what we wanted as well. The sushi breakfast was unreal! Learning all about both Toyosu and Tsukiji markets was an experience we will never forget. 10 out of 10 for sure!!
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…
Jun 6, 2026
meltemg957
Unique experience with a highly knowledgeable guide
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
This was our first time visiting a fish market, and from the time we booked the experience, Toru-san has been amazing. He helped us get to Toyosu market, where the tuna auction takes place, at the right time to get the best views and explained everything about how the auction works and made sure we didn’t miss anything. (You will need a knowledgeable tour guide because everything happens so fast and you might miss it!) We learned so much during such a short time about how the delicious tuna you eat at a sushi restaurant ends up in front of you. After the auction Toru-san took us to Okame, a great sushi restaurant, where we got to experience delicious sushi breakfast. Our next stop was Tsukiji market, and again we got to try all sorts of food and learn more about the market and got to meet some of the vendors. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. If you are interested in cooking, Japanese cuisine, or know someone home, this tour will give you the opportunity to do some shopping for unique souvenirs.
We had to get to Toyosu market before 5 am, and while you might think it’s too early, but why not do something fun and delicious with your jetlag? It was so worth it and I’m glad we chose to spend our first morning in Tokyo with Toru-san. The other advantage of being so early was that the market was not as crowded and we got to enjoy our time without having to wait in line.
Thank you, Toru-san!
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction…
Jun 4, 2026
bluejerky1
Turo was knowledgeable and the tour was fun and fun and informative. Highly recommend.
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
The tour was great. We got to learn a lot about sushi and really enjoyed our time in the
market as well.
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was…
May 29, 2026
Eva P
Fabulous experience with Toru!
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Toru was a fantastic guide and made our experience one to remember. He picked us up
from the hotel and clearly knew how to be there early to get a good view. He also took us to
a delicious sushi place thereafter which the whole family enjoyed.