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

  • 1100 Aloft Tokyo Ginza (6 min from Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line) was supposed to be the meeting point
  • 1040 While heading to the hotel, I was stopped by the Guest who was out for a walk (since I had sent them my photo), and the guide started from there. While strolling from Kabukiza to the Ginza 4-chome intersection, I explained a brief history of Edo/Tokyo covering the establishment of the Edo shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the Pacific War
  • 1140 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 1300 Asakusa, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1500 Visit to Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street
  • 1630 Shibuya, Hachiko statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1700 Explained the route to the Ginza Line and parted ways

Private Full-Day Tokyo Walking Tour with a Licensed Guide: Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine Report

The guests were visitors from North America who had recently arrived in Japan. Two days earlier they had arrived, and the previous day they explored Tokyo Station, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Akihabara while purchasing JR tickets and SUICA cards. From the next day they planned to travel to the Kansai region.

As mentioned above, while I was heading toward the hotel from Shimbashi Station, I was called out to from behind. Since I had sent my photo in advance, the guests, who were out for a walk, recognized me. It was a little earlier than scheduled, but we started the tour from there.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden was quite lovely, but due to unseasonably warm summer weather, the mosquitoes had returned, and one of the guests got quite a few bites on the legs. It is hard to predict the autumn season this year.

In Asakusa, the guests purchased a protective charm, and both drew omikuji fortunes that came out as "small blessing," which was a somewhat mixed result.

At Meiji Shrine, since the chrysanthemum festival was starting the next day, a great number of flowers had already been brought in, so we were able to enjoy viewing them.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayGinza – Ueno-hirokoji~Ueno-okachimachi – Iidabashi286JPY
Section 2SubwayIidabashi – Ueno-okachimachi~Ueno-hirokoji – Asakusa286JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa – Omotesando~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
Total970JPY

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…