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 Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- 10:40 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 12:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- 12:30 Lunch @ Tsune Sushi
- 13:10 Senso-ji Temple
- 14:10 Kappabashi Kitchen Town
- 15:20 Umegen
- 16:00 Dismissal @ Kappabashi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Gracery Shinjuku at 10:00, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 10:40, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center at 12:00, Senso-ji Temple at 13:10, Kappabashi Kitchen Town at 14:10 and Umegen at 15:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Suidobashi by train (210JPY); Suidobashi to Asakusa by train (340JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 550JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Kappabashi
I guided a friendly group visiting from Europe. It was their second day in Japan after touring Korea, and they planned to travel around Hakone, Takayama, Osaka, and Kyoto before returning to Korea. Since they wanted to activate their JR Pass, we did so at Shinjuku Station. Although it rained unfortunately, Koishikawa Korakuen was beautiful and full of atmosphere. Some azaleas and Japanese irises were in bloom. We had lunch in Asakusa at a sushi restaurant, where the guests enjoyed one plate of nigiri, two seafood rice bowls, sake, and beer, and were very satisfied. As they wanted to buy a knife as a souvenir, we went to Kappabashi, which had not been on the original plan. Since they wanted to look around various shops before deciding, they chose to do the rest of the planned itinerary on their own the following day, and enjoyed shopping. They purchased many items, including tableware such as plates, tongs, scissors, three knives, and a sharpener. They liked the service of having their name engraved on the knives in katakana, and while waiting, they said they were tired and wanted to rest, so we took a break at a nearby cafe. After receiving the knives, they said they would look around a little more and then take a taxi back, so we parted ways at Kappabashi.
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 | Shinjuku～Suidobashi | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Suidobashi～Asakusa | 340JPY |
| Total | 550JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Senso-ji Temple, Kappabashi Kitchen Town and Umegen.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 550JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Takako is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.