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
- 8:30 Hotel
- 8:30-9:30 Shiomi→Tokyo
- Processing Japan Rail Pass (JR EAST Travel Service Center Tokyo)
- 9:30-11;00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 11:00-11:30 Tokyo Station→Omori
- 11:30-12:30 BOOKOFF BINGO Omori
- 12:30-13:00 Omori → Ginza
- 13:00-15:00 Ginza Area including Lunch at a soba restaurant
- 15:00-15:30 Kabuki-za Theater (Higashi Ginza)
- 15:30-16:00 Higashi Ginza→Hattchobori →Shiomi
- 16:00 Hotel
Title: What's a Private Shopping and Sightseeing Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania who had requested in advance to visit a BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR. I researched online and had planned to guide them to the BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR near Omori Station, but just before the tour I learned that there was a BINGO, operated by the same BOOKOFF, on the other side of the station. Since BINGO carries many brand-name items, I asked the guests which they would prefer, and they chose BINGO. In the store they looked intently at OMEGA and ROLEX watches, and then purchased two brand-name bags.
They also enjoyed shopping in Ginza, where they purchased a Japanese painting at Kyukyodo and a fountain pen at Itoya. They also seemed to love plants, and during our stroll around the Imperial Palace they observed a variety of plants with great interest. They gave me a high rating as well, and overall I believe they were satisfied.
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 | Shiomi～Tokyo | 200JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tokyo～Omori (Tokyo) | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Omori (Tokyo)～Tokyo | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tokyo～Ginza | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Higashi-Ginza～Hatchobori (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Hatchobori (Tokyo)～Shiomi | 200JPY |
| Total | 1,280JPY | ||
My name is Keiji Iwasaki. I am male holding the certification of National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. The members of my family are a wife , two daughters both of whom are married and four grandchildren. I have been a researcher in the field of pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. I have experience in working in the United States for 3 years when I was thirties and have Ph.D. degree from Kyoto University in biochemistry.
My interests are Japanese culture including Kabuki along with Japanese nature including climbing mountains such as Mt. Takao in the suburb of Tokyo and strolling Japanese traditional gardens. I also love Japanese cuisines such as Sushi and Tempura especially with beer or Japanese sake.
Let us enjoy Japanese culture, nature, and cuisines with me during your stay in Japan.
May 14, 2026
wibblephil
Great tailored tour.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide for Tokyo was Keiji Iwasaki and he…
May 14, 2026
wibblephil
Great tailored tour.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide for Tokyo was Keiji Iwasaki and he was excellent, providing a tailored experience that was drafted prior to the day with a full itinerary
Mapped out that suited our needs and interests. He helped us in shopping what we wanted, providing expert shopping tips and advice. A highlight was the palace gardens and the theatre building and lunch was just exceptional.
Great service and would recommend him.
Apr 3, 2026
Travelalerter
Wonderful Guided Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My husband and I had a wonderful tour with…
Apr 3, 2026
Travelalerter
Wonderful Guided Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My husband and I had a wonderful tour with Keiji Iwasaki. He took us to beautiful and
interesting places and provided insight into Japanese history and culture. Keiji is very
personable and considerate. We are so happy that we booked this tour.
Mar 28, 2026
A
Adventure66869898889
Good day in Tokyo.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great day with Keiji.…
Mar 28, 2026
A
Adventure66869898889
Good day in Tokyo.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great day with Keiji. He worked with us to map out where and what we wanted to
see and set a good pace for us. Took us to a good mix of touristy sites as well as everyday
Tokyo places. He also spent time helping us plan the rest of our trip.
Jun 19, 2025
C
Cydney_A
Great overview of the markets
Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great walking…
Jun 19, 2025
C
Cydney_A
Great overview of the markets
Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great walking tour and ability to see some key highlights of the markets. There’s
not a lot of time to grab something to eat — but if you book early in the am it’s perfect to
end the tour at the food court.