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
- 9:30 meeting up with your guide in the lobby of Hotel Levant Tokyo
- 10:15〜11:00 Meji jingu shrine
- 11:15〜11:45 Shibuya (Shibuya crossing and Hachi statue)
- 12:10〜12:40 Imperial Palace Duble bridge and Sakurada gate (Seeing the House of Parliament from distance)
- 13:00〜14:00 Tsukijh outer market and sushi for lunch
- 14:20〜15:10 Asakusa(Sensoji temple, Nakamise shopping street)
- 15:30 〜16:00 Imado shrine
- 17:20 End of the tour at Hotel Levant Tokyo
Title: What's a First-Time Private Tokyo Introduction Tour Like, Including How to Use Trains and Subways? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. Since it was their first visit to Japan, they requested a tour that would provide a comprehensive introduction to Tokyo, especially guidance on how to use the trains and subways. For this reason, we held several meetings in advance and arranged the itinerary described above. They purchased SUICA cards at the airport beforehand. Because they were interested in the religious sensibilities of Japanese people, Japanese politics, and Japan-U.S. relations, I explained these topics in considerable detail. During the tour, I also learned that the guests were great cat lovers, so I added Imado Shrine at the end. Although the tour ran about 1 hour and 30 minutes over, I did not charge for the additional time. As they would be staying in Tokyo for a while, they were very grateful, saying it had been a meaningful introductory tour.
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 | Kinshicho～Harajuku | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 146JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shibuya～Nijubashimae | 209JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Hibiya～Tsukiji | 178JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 286JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Asakusa～Asakusabashi | 178JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Asakusabashi～Asakusa | 146JPY |
| Total | 1,373JPY | ||
My name is Takashi Koizumi. I work as a nationally licensed tour guide, based in Tokyo. Please allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. I obtained an MA in Peace Studies at University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, UK. I worked in war-torn areas in the former-Yugoslavia, including Croatia, Macedonia, and Kosovo for 15 years between 1996and 2011, engaging in peacemaking and inter-ethnic reconciliation issues through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. I worked in the Tohoku region affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake for four years from 2012 and 2016, engaging in a long-term NGO recovery program.
In 2019, I changed my career, starting to work as a licensed tour guide registered in Tokyo Metropolis. Since then, I have covered more than 180 one-day tours and 21 long tours lasting for more than 10 days. Regions where I have worked cover large parts of Japanese archipelago, including Tokyo, Kamakura, Hokkaido, Atami, Fuji, Hakone, Nagano, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Marugame and Fukuoka.
As an excellent tour guide for international tourists, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of religion, culture, and history in Japan. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a comprehensive and engaging experience that highlights the rich tapestry of these aspects.
I tailor my tours to suit the interest and preferences of each group. By understanding your preferences through informal conversation, I curate personalized itineraries that satisfy your needs.
Through my extensive oversea experience, I am well-versed in cross-cultural communication. I am also fully aware of the challenges that international tourists often face in Japan.
Furthermore, I am committed to fostering cultural sensitivity and respect throughout the tour. I educate guests on appropriate behavior, dress codes, and etiquette when visiting religious and cultural facilities such as Buddhis temples, Shinto shrines, and Japanese gardens.
In conclusion, through my in-depth knowledge of religion, culture and history, personalized itineraries, and commitment to cultural sensitivity, you can expect unforgettable and excellent experiences that deepen your understanding and appreciation of Japan’s rich religious, cultural, and historical heritage.
I am looking forward to meeting you.
Best regards,
Takashi
Nov 6, 2025
janhN5861ZU
Excellent way to see Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takashi was our travel guide for a…
Nov 6, 2025
janhN5861ZU
Excellent way to see Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takashi was our travel guide for a personalized 6-hour tour of Tokyo. He arrived on time to pick us up from the cruise terminal and impressed us with his expert knowledge of Japan, its shrines, temples, and surrounding areas. We loved exploring the bustling markets and enjoying a delicious sushi lunch. Takashi went above and beyond, even helping us with suggestions for arranging transport to the airport the following day. We would thoroughly recommend seeing Tokyo with him!
Aug 27, 2025
753lourdesh
Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking…
Aug 27, 2025
753lourdesh
Exploring Tokyo with Takashi
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Takashi Koizumi, was absolutely AMAZING!! Booking with him was one of the highlights of our Tokyo trip, and we’re so glad we did. Takashi was kind, patient, and incredibly helpful. His English was excellent, and he made us feel completely at ease the entire day. We learned so much about Japan while visiting amazing places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa. He put together the perfect itinerary that included everything we wanted to see, plus a bonus stop we hadn’t planned on. We left the day with a deeper appreciation of Japan and unforgettable memories. At the end of the night, even when we offered to head back to our hotel on our own, he insisted on accompanying us to make sure we got back safely. I would highly recommend Takashi to anyone visiting Tokyo—his passion and warmth made our experience truly special!
Jun 22, 2025
pkj1909
Wonderful & a memorable Trip
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We were assigned Mr.…
Jun 22, 2025
pkj1909
Wonderful & a memorable Trip
Tripadvisor review: Nikko Private Tour from Tokyo with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
We were assigned Mr. Takashi as our guide and Mr. Hayama Takahiro as our driver for our trip to Nikko. It turned out to be a delightful and unforgettable experience. Mr. Takashi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extraordinarily patient. He answered every question we asked, whether it was about Nikko’s rich history or broader Japanese culture. His thoughtful responses and genuinely helpful, cooperative approach made this trip one of the highlights of our time in Japan. A big thanks…..
Dec 31, 2024
andreslau84
Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What an amazing day with Takashi, he…
Dec 31, 2024
andreslau84
Fantastic tour of Tokyo !
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
What an amazing day with Takashi, he was kind, patient, flexible, and knowledgeable. I
definitely recommend this experience and tour to anyone visiting Tokyo. Enjoy !