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
- 10:25 Meet at hotel
- 11:00-12:10 Asakusa
- 12:40-13:20 Lunch at Tsukiji
- 13:20-14:00 Tsukiji
- 14:30-14:50 Shopping in Ginza
- 15:10-16:00 Meiji Shrine
- 16:05-16:20 Takeshita Street
- 16:25-16:35 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Asakusa at 11:00, Tsukiji at 13:20, Shopping in Ginza at 14:30, Meiji Shrine at 15:10, Takeshita Street at 16:05 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 16:25.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akasaka-mitsuke to Asakusa by train (209JPY); Asakusa to Tsukiji by train (209JPY); Tsukiji to Ginza by train (178JPY); Ginza to Meiji-jingumae by train (178JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Shibuya by train (178JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 952JPY per person.
What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Shibuya
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. At Nakamise in Asakusa, they purchased matcha goods, enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes, and bought many omamori charms. At Tsukiji, they wished to visit a high-end sushi restaurant, so I took them there and they were delighted to eat there. In Ginza they looked at pearls as a gift for a family member, but decided against it as the prices were higher than expected. At Meiji Shrine, they enjoyed the historical explanations and the sake barrels, and had matcha ice cream. As they wanted to buy souvenirs for a family member, we added Takeshita Street on short notice, where they bought many souvenirs at a 100-yen shop and a Sanrio character goods shop. We walked around the Hachiko statue and the Shibuya scramble crossing, ending the tour slightly over time. One of the guests was interested in Japanese samurai through games, and was pleased when I explained the difference between a taiko and a shogun.
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 | Akasaka-mitsuke～Asakusa | 209JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Asakusa～Tsukiji | 209JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Tsukiji～Ginza | 178JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Ginza～Meiji-jingumae | 178JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya | 178JPY |
| Total | 952JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Asakusa, Tsukiji, Shopping in Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street and Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 952JPY per person across 5 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Taku is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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.
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