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.
Tour Itinerary
- Changed to a 10:00 start at the customer's request.
- 10:00 Meet at the hotel
- 10:30-12:10 Tokyo National Museum
- 12:30-13:30 Asakusa
- 14:00-15:00 Imperial Palace, East Gardens
- 15:10-15:50 Tour around the city (from the car window)
- 15:50 Return to the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel, and finished at 15:50. The day ran to 5 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Tokyo National Museum at 10:30, Asakusa at 12:30, Imperial Palace, East Gardens at 14:00 and city (from the car window) at 15:10.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Rainy-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
Because rain was forecast from the morning, the guests asked on the day whether the start time could be pushed back. After checking with the driver, we delayed the start by 30 minutes to a 10:00 departure.
The guests did not want to walk in the rain, so I proposed several indoor spots, and they chose the Tokyo National Museum. Since I had explained Japanese history in the car, they viewed every exhibit with great interest.
I recommended purchasing knives and other items at Kappabashi, but the guests were not interested, so we headed to Asakusa.
I suggested having lunch in Asakusa, but the guests preferred to continue sightseeing. They purchased chopsticks and other items along Nakamise.
As the rain continued, we visited the Imperial Palace, which had caught the guests' interest, and they enjoyed the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and the East Gardens.
Since the guests seemed tired, I proposed sightseeing from the car, and they agreed. With the driver's cooperation, we returned to the Hotel while I explained the government district, the Prime Minister's Office, the National Diet, the US and UK embassies, and the National Diet Library along the way.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello! I’m TAKU.
Don’t worry I’m NOT TAX!
With an extensive knowledge of history and love for this amazing city, I am dedicated to giving unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of Tokyo and surrounding area. Tokyo offers such a variety of attractions and beautiful places such as historical and cultural places, parks, museums and modern buildings & towers.
I have deep knowledge to guide from the historical point of view, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, off-the-beaten-tracks and many other spots in Tokyo. In addition, I have specialized skills to explain Sumo, viewing tournaments or stable practice tour because I have been a fan of Sumo more than 50 years.
Beyond my tour guiding expertise, I hold a master’s degree in Medical administration and financial planning, and I had worked for health insurance societies and pension fund, I can explain Japanese Social Security system while my guiding.
Tokyo has convenient public transportation system, but it is still difficult for visitors to use without any difficulties because of using Japanese signs. That is when you need a guide, too.
Apr 5, 2025
michaelcD221JN
Perfect City Tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We were in Tokyo as…
Apr 5, 2025
michaelcD221JN
Perfect City Tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We were in Tokyo as part of a business trip and only had one day free to explore the city. This 6 hour tour with our guide Taku, was the perfect way to get to see the major sights, learn interesting historical facts and get an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and tradition. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and also flexible to our own specific interests. He also worked very well with our personal driver to maximise our time. I would highly recommend this tour and our guide Taku.
Mar 20, 2025
Lisa_H
The BEST Tokyo Tour!
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Touring Tokyo with our guide, Taku,…
Mar 20, 2025
Lisa_H
The BEST Tokyo Tour!
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Touring Tokyo with our guide, Taku, was amazing!! From the moment we booked, Taku was in touch via WhatsApp and inquired about our preferences for the tour and he absolutely delivered! He met us at our cruise ship right on time to begin our adventure. He is polite, friendly and incredibly knowledgable about Japan’s history, culture, art and religion. He knows the best places to see and how to navigate the crowds, not to mention the complex, but efficient subways and trains. We wanted to see as much as possible of Tokyo, so we decided to use the subways to avoid traffic and, because of Taku, it was fantastic! In one day, he showed us the Asakusa Temple, where we were purified with water and smoke and make offerings for blessings. We saw the beautiful Meiji Shrine and learned about the Emperor Meiji and his incredible impact on Japanese culture. We strolled through Ueno Park and Museums, At the Imperial Palace we learned about the Samari and Shogun era and enjoyed the most beautiful gardens in the middle of the city. Throughout the day, Taku even found us many early blooming Cherry Blossoms!!! We also did the sights and shopping on Takeshita Street, Ginza and the busy Shubaya Crossing with the Hatchi Statue!
Taku showed us many opportunities for unique street food and snacks such as springtime Strawberry Mochi! The vendors stalls and carts were very clean and they artistically presented their specialties, which was delightful to see!
Taku found us a tiny local restaurant for lunch that offered a variety choices from Sushi to Ramen to Tempura. The food was delicious with local Akira beer and not too expensive!
It was a whirlwind tour and when we were finished 8 hours later, Taku graciously escorted us on the train back to Yokohama port and our cruise ship. If you want to experience Tokyo in the best possible way, book this tour and make sure to ask for Taku-san as your guide!!!
Mar 14, 2025
michelle_r
Tokyo tour from cruise ship
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Communication with guide was exceptional…
Mar 14, 2025
michelle_r
Tokyo tour from cruise ship
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Communication with guide was exceptional leading up to tour. Answered all my questions and tailored stour for us and even met us at 2.30pm s that is when cruise ship arrived.
I changed my mind so many times even on day and he was so patient.
To top it off took us to an amazing ramen restaurant. Thanks.
Feb 22, 2025
Jia_R
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Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My tour guide is Taku-san who is a great…
Feb 22, 2025
Jia_R
Yokohama walking tour
Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My tour guide is Taku-san who is a great tour guide. He contacted me before the tour to get input on sightseeing interest and preference. On the day of the tour, we visited Yamate area and Harbor View Park, Yamashita park, Red Brick Warehouse and World Porters tower. I enjoyed the half-day walking tour.