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

  • 0900 Hotel Kaminarimon (3 min from Metro Asakusa Station) meet up Senso-ji Temple Asakusa Shrine
  • 1015 Yanaka Ginza Yomise Street Nezu Shrine
  • 1245 Imperial Palace Outer Garden Tatsumi Yagura Turret Gyoko Street Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building pine pilings
  • 1325 Harajuku Meiji Jingu Shrine visit Takeshita Street entrance (did not enter due to the crowds)
  • 1440 Shibuya Hachiko Statue Scramble Crossing
  • 1510 Disband at Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square

What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Japan the previous night. After Tokyo, they planned to visit Mount Fuji, the Kansai region, and Hiroshima.

They had reportedly strolled around Senso-ji Temple the night before, but just to be sure, I explained each spot in detail. Since one of the guests wanted to buy crafts, and although the shops were not yet open due to the early hour, I introduced places such as Kurodaya for washi paper, Sakai Kokodo for ukiyo-e prints, Seisuke knives, maneki-neko, and daruma dolls.

Because it was early, we were able to walk smoothly. Since the guests would be staying in Asakusa for three days, they planned to shop on another day.

The Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area involved a bit of a long walk, but fortunately it was cloudy, so there was no direct sunlight, which was a relief. At Yanaka Ginza, the guests purchased ceramic accessories.

The guests seemed intrigued, noting that they would not usually walk through such back streets on a typical sightseeing route.

At the Meiji Jingu Forest Terrace, the guests also purchased accessories.

Takeshita Street was so crowded on a Sunday afternoon that the guests did not feel like entering, so we simply took photos at the entrance and skipped it.

After the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I took the guests to the Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, as they had requested, and we parted ways there. They said the return trip would be no problem, as it was a single ride on the Ginza Line.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassAsakusa~Ueno700JPY
Section 2TrainUeno~Nippori160JPY
Section 3Free PassNezu~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 4Free PassNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
Section 6Free PassShibuya~Aoyama-itchome0JPY
Total1,020JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…