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
- 10:00 Meet at the hotel
- 10:15 Guide through Shibuya Crossing
- 10:40 Meiji Shrine
- 12:00 Stroll through Shinjuku Golden Gai
- 12;40 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 14;00 Stroll through Asakusa
- 14:50 Senso-ji Temple
- 15:40 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel, and finished at 15:40. The day ran to 5 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Guide through Shibuya Crossing at 10:15, Meiji Shrine at 10:40, Stroll through Shinjuku Golden Gai at 12:00 and Senso-ji Temple at 14:50.
What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa
The guests were a group from North America. They were staying at a hotel in central Shibuya, but since they had arrived late the previous night, they had not yet seen anything, so I took them to the crossing to experience it. When I explained that it becomes even more impressive on weekend nights, they said they would like to come back again in the evening.
They planned to stay in Tokyo for a few days and then head to Kyoto, so I purchased PASMO cards for the whole group and explained how to use them, along with the fact that they can be used for public transportation throughout Japan.
Although we had not originally planned to visit Shinjuku's Golden Gai, some of the guests wanted to see the "3D cat" advertisement and the Godzilla building, so I guided them to the east exit of Shinjuku, and they enjoyed it.
They also wanted to see cherry blossoms, so we walked to Shinjuku Gyoen, where they admired the early cherry blossoms along with the Japanese garden and seemed very satisfied.
After that, we headed to Asakusa and strolled around Senso-ji Temple, where they appeared to enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere and charm.
Since some of the guests seemed tired, I wrapped up the tour a little early and we headed back to their accommodation.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello and welcome to Tokyo!
I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.
I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time…
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time visit to Tokyo. Our guide Atsushi took great care to acclimate us with navigating through busy train stations efficiently with a group of eight family members. Along the way and at each site he explained various cultural practices and associated histories that made the tour very immersive and enjoyable. We will highly recommend Atsushi and Viator to our family and friends for future tours.
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and friendly tour guide. His knowledge allowed us to explore and get to the historical significance of the various locations we visited. His explanations were simple but comprehensive. The six hours flew by and included some off-the-beaten opportunities including coffee at a very austere but memorable location near the fish market. I would highly recommend him as well as this tour for anyone with limited time in Tokyo wanting see as much as possible
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had…
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had an amazing knowledge of culture and attractions!
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon walk! We also navigated through the Shinjuku station
which was no walk in the park! Thank you to Atsushi!
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met us at our hotel in Hakone and took us clockwise to tour all the sites. He was informative and taught us a lot. Our group was two adults and a 14 year old. We saw Mt Fuji from the rope way, but unfortunately the pirate ship was canceled because of high wind. We would absolutely use Atsushi again for this tour, or any other tour he provides.