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

  • 0930 Meet at Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai (midway between JR Hamamatsucho Station and Shimbashi Station)
  • 1000 Akihabara: Radio Kaikan~Animate~Suehirocho
  • 1050 Asakusa: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise
  • 1250 Nippori Station~Yanaka Ginza~Yomise Street~Nezu Shrine
  • 1450 Meiji Shrine First Torii~Takeshita Street
  • 1530 Shinjuku: 3D Cat Display~Godzilla Road~Omoide Yokocho
  • 1540 Disband at Omoide Yokocho

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like for Visitors from Europe? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. I did not ask in detail about their relationships. Their mother tongue appeared to be German, and conversation within the group was in German. At the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, I obtained and handed them a German-language Tokyo Travel Guide.

They had arrived late the previous night and, after staying in Tokyo, planned to visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, with some of the guests returning home via Okinawa.

Since they had requested Akihabara during our prior arrangements, I asked what they were interested in, but they said nothing in particular—just a general interest. However, once we got off at the station, the expressions of some of the guests changed. It was before opening hours, so few shops were open, but at the Radio Kaikan building they were delighted with the shops that were open. It seems they plan to return there later today.

When we arrived in Asakusa the weather had cleared up (the forecast had been for rain), which gave us hope for the day ahead.

However, it began to rain as we came down from the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi area, and by the time we reached Meiji Shrine the rain had become quite heavy.

Given the timing, visiting Meiji Shrine itself was difficult, so I gave an overview at the first torii gate. Because a Vietnam Festival was being held at Yoyogi Park, the area around Harajuku Station was extremely crowded. We only glanced at Takeshita Street before retreating.

At Omoide Yokocho, the guests said they would explore on their own, so we parted ways here.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShimbashi~Akihabara167JPY
Section 2SubwaySuehirocho~Asakusa178JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Ueno178JPY
Section 4TrainUeno~Nippori146JPY
Section 5SubwayNezu~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shinjuku146JPY
Total1,024JPY

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…