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 Hotel Hilton, head to Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line, transfer at Shinjuku-sanchome Station to the Fukutoshin Line for Meiji-jingumae Station
- 10:40 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station on the Fukutoshin Line, visit Meiji Shrine, walk to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, also see the Hachiko statue, head to Shibuya Station on the Hanzomon Line
- 12:00 Arrive at Shibuya Station on the Hanzomon Line, head to Otemachi Station on the Hanzomon Line
- 12:20 Arrive at Otemachi Station on the Hanzomon Line, walk to visit the Imperial Palace Outer Garden (Nijubashi Bridge, Sakuradamon Gate), head to Sakuradamon Station on the Yurakucho Line
- 13:00 Arrive at Sakuradamon Station on the Yurakucho Line, head to Shintomicho Station on the Yurakucho Line
- 13:20 Arrive at Shintomicho Station on the Yurakucho Line, pass by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple to the Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch), head to Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line
- 14:10 Arrive at Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line, transfer at Higashi-ginza Station to the Ginza Line for Asakusa Station
- 14:50 Arrive at Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line, walk to see Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, and the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River embankment, head to Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line
- 15:25 Arrive at Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line, transfer at Akasaka-mitsuke to the Marunouchi Line for Nishi-Shinjuku Station, walk to the hotel
- 16:10 Arrive at the hotel, disband
What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today I guided a group visiting from North America. The guests had just arrived in Japan the previous day, so today was their first day of sightseeing in Japan. Due to a malfunction in the app the guests were using, they had not been able to see the contents of my emails, so I put together a 6-hour sightseeing course on the day without any prior consultation.
Since the Hotel was in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, I decided to make use of a Tokyo Metro one-day pass. Using the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Fukutoshin Line, we first visited Meiji Shrine. The guests were greatly impressed by the tranquility of the grounds, the solemn architecture, the barrels of sake and wine offered as votive gifts, and the sheer size of the great torii gate. Afterward, we walked to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and also viewed the statue of the loyal dog Hachiko. The guests told me they had known the story of Hachiko for some time.
Next, we traveled from Shibuya via Omotesando to Otemachi. I guided them on foot from the Otemon Gate to the Nijubashi Bridge and Sakuradamon Gate, and they showed strong interest in the vast scale of the Imperial Palace, the history of Edo Castle, and the defensive functions that made use of the moats and stone walls.
After that, we moved to Shintomicho on the Yurakucho Line and visited the Tsukiji Outer Market. We shifted our lunch time slightly to enjoy a meal during a relatively calm period.
Furthermore, we headed from Tsukiji via Higashi-Ginza to Asakusa, where we visited Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Street, and Senso-ji Temple. Finally, we strolled along the Sumida River and enjoyed the atmosphere of Tokyo's traditional downtown district.
For the return journey, we took the Ginza Line and Marunouchi Line from Asakusa Station back to the Hotel in Nishi-Shinjuku, where we parted ways.
Although it was their first time sightseeing in Japan and I had to respond on the day without any prior consultation, I believe it turned out to be a fulfilling day that allowed the guests to experience a well-balanced mix of Tokyo's tradition, history, and modern 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 | Free Pass | Nishi-Shinjuku～Meiji-jingumae | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Otemachi | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Sakuradamon～Shintomicho | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Nishi-Shinjuku | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
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.