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

  • 1000 Meet at Hilton Tokyo (Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku, 2 min)
  • 1040 Tokyo Station ~ Marunouchi Building ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura Turret
  • 1145 Kabukiza Theatre ~ Ginza 4-chome
  • 1240 Asakusa Kannon-dori Street, lunch with soba at "Towada" ~ Nakamise ~ Sensoji Temple ~ Asakusa Shrine
  • 1525 Shibuya ~ Hachiko Statue ~ Scramble Crossing
  • 1550 Shinjuku ~ 3D Cat Display ~ Godzilla Head
  • 1610 Explanation of return route at Omoide Yokocho, then dismissal

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, Asakusa, and Shopping

The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan. Their overall journey lasted about a month, traveling through Bangkok, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with Japan as their final destination. They had arrived early yesterday morning and then went on a guided tour of Tsukiji.

Since today was their last day, they wanted to visit some of the most iconic spots, which is how the above itinerary came about.

The morning was quite chilly, but once the sun came out it became warm enough to break a sweat. The guests wore short sleeves and shorts from the start, which turned out to be just right as the day went on.

Because they have a large family, today was their last chance to buy souvenirs. They purchased Japanese-style hair ornaments and lucky cat figurines at the underground shop of the Kabukiza Theater and at the Nakamise shopping street of Sensoji Temple, and bought four kitchen knives at a knife shop. They also bought many other small items.

Yesterday, after returning to their accommodation from Tsukiji, they had fallen asleep, so tonight they planned to return to their accommodation once to change clothes before heading out to Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassNishi-Shinjuku~Tokyo600JPY
Section 2Free PassNijubashimae ~ Hibiya~Higashi-Ginza0JPY
Section 3Free PassGinza~Asakusa0JPY
Section 4Free PassAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
Section 5TrainShibuya~Shinjuku167JPY
Total767JPY

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
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Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
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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…