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.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:30 – Depart Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-minamiguchi
- 10:30–11：30 – Tsukiji Outer Market
- Explore the market and enjoy local food.
- 11：30–12：40 lunch
- 13:00-14:30 Sensouji temple
- 15:10-16:10 Meiji shrine
- 16:30 tour end in Harajyuku
- 14:10–15:00 – Meiji Shrine
- Walk through the forested shrine grounds and visit the shrine.
- 15:00 – Tour ends at Harajuku
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 09:30, when the guide met the guests at Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-minamiguchi, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 11:30.
From there the group visited Tsukiji Outer Market at 10:30, Sensouji temple at 13:00 and Meiji shrine at 15:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Tsukiji by train (210JPY); Tsukiji to Asakusa by train (210JPY); Asakusa to Meiji Shrine (Harajuku Station) by train (360JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 780JPY per person.
What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Tokyo. As reported earlier, there was a 30-minute delay, so we departed at 9:30. Some of the guests enjoyed exploring Tsukiji Market, though they mentioned they could not eat sashimi. When I explained the historical background of Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, one of the guests was delighted and took many photos. Meiji Shrine involved quite a lot of walking, but the guests were very impressed. Some of the guests were interested in anime, so we parted ways at Takeshita Street as they planned to stop by an anime shop in Harajuku.
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 | Shibuya～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Asakusa～Meiji Shrine (Harajuku Station) / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo | 360JPY |
| Total | 780JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-minamiguchi at 09:30, and the tour finished at Tour ends at Harajuku at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 09:30 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tsukiji Outer Market, Sensouji temple and Meiji shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 780JPY per person across 3 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?
Mitch 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.
I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time…
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time to Japan. Mitch was a great guide, recommending the key sights in Tokyo. He contacted us before the trip so that he could set up an itinery that worked for our family. We learned about the culture and also how to navigate the trains! Mitch even took us back to our hotel at the end. Thank you for a great first experience in Japan!
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots of locations in one day. Mitch our guide is
very knowledgeable and the nicest person we have ever met.
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He was very polite and knew the city very well, so there wasn’t a lost minute in our day. He asked me what my preferences were so he could customize my itinerary, and it was great! I was taken to see some hidden gems out of the traditional touristic circuits (and for that Im really thankful). I feel I learnt a lot about the history and culture of Japan, and I got to listen to many good anecdotes from Mitch. I also had a great soba for Lunch, in a very small and cozy restaurant. Arigatou gosaimasu, Mitch!
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic…
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic day with our guide Mitch, he was very knowledgeable, a kind man & very generous with his time.
Mitch suggested sushi train for lunch pleasing our granddaughter greatly.
I would recommend Mitch for any type of tour, given he has excellent English.
Deb, Neil, Kate, Joel, Calla & Bodhi
Adelaide, South Australia 😃