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
- 9:00 Meet at Grand Nikko Tokyo 9:30 Hamarikyu 10:30 See off 2 people at Shiodome Station Rest at a cafe with the remaining 2 people 12:00 Ginza (Uniqlo) 13:00 Sensoji Temple 14:30 Hotel
What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu, Ginza, and Senso-ji
The day was extremely cold due to a cold wave, and unfortunately it rained. We walked through Hamarikyu Gardens, but only one of the guests had an umbrella. Part of the group got soaked through their clothes in the rain and felt too cold, so they decided to return to the hotel; since others were also quite wet, I saw them off to the station. The remaining guests wanted to dry off and warm up, so we took a break at a café. I made significant changes to the plan and we headed to Ginza. They tried to buy warm hats and gloves at Uniqlo, but the winter items were already sold out, and none were available at the department store either. We moved on to Senso-ji Temple. On Nakamise-dori Street they were finally able to purchase a hat and gloves and settled down. They were deeply impressed by Senso-ji Temple. The rain did not let up, so we ended the tour and I saw the guests off to their hotel.
I had informed the guests in advance that the day would be cold, but as they were on a cruise trip through Southeast Asia, they were not adequately prepared for winter weather. It was a miscalculation that they had not borrowed umbrellas at the hotel. Since all the destinations were outdoors, it was difficult to respond to the rain. That said, the guests who stayed were not only impressed by Senso-ji Temple but also engaged enthusiastically in conversation with me, and they seemed very satisfied.
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 | Odaiba～Shiodome | 325JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shimbashi～Ginza | 178JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ginza～Asakusa | 209JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa～Odaiba | 534JPY |
| Total | 1,246JPY | ||
Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they…
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they are flexible throughout the day. The transportation was
nice and clean and more than enough room for our family of 7.
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and patient. The tour was incredible and a great cultural experience. The
entire family enjoyed the tour.
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! What a memorable day. This tour was the
perfect way to get oriented to the city.
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to…
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to read my entire post, let me say if you are going to Hakone, consider hiring Shinji. He is marvelous!
We went to Hakone, a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan. With our guide Shinji we visited the Hakone open air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Japan, and took the Lake Ashi Cruise. Shinji’s knowledge about the sites, trains, cable cars, cruise, history, culture and languages (Japanese and English) made for a most efficient and memorable experience. Lastly, Shinji was very patient, as our getting to Hakone took more time than we expected, and adaptable, as we made the necessary adjustments to visit every relevant site we had hoped for. Great trip with a great guide!