Tokyo: Asakusa→Suehirocho & Akihabara→Harajuku — Guide Kei

July, 2026

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

  • 10:00-10:40 Meet at the hotel lobby. Confirm the itinerary. Purchase a Welcome SUICA at Ueno Station. Purchase heatwave protection items.
  • 10:40-11:10 Ueno→Asakusa. Travel while teaching how to use the subway and JR.
  • 11:10-13:15 Asakusa. Stroll from Azuma Bridge to the Senso-ji Temple grounds.
  • 13:15-13:45 Asakusa→Suehirocho
  • 13:45-15:30 Stroll along Akihabara Chuo-dori. Lunch at a maid cafe.
  • 15:30-16:00 Akihabara→Harajuku
  • 16:00-16:15 Stroll along Takeshita Street. After guiding around the area and explaining the way home, disband at Harajuku.

What Is a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like in French? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, a Maid Cafe, and Harajuku

This was a private guided tour conducted in French for a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Since some of the guests communicated mainly in French while others used mainly English, I guided primarily in French, occasionally mixing in English. Based on the interviews conducted through prior email correspondence, I researched the group's makeup and interests, and proposed a program designed to keep the group entertained.

The group had only arrived in Japan around midday the previous day, and due to the long-distance travel, jet lag, and the intense summer heat, some of the guests appeared tired and restless from the morning. As they were planning to stay for about a week, I shared various tips for coping with the heat and had them purchase one handheld cooling fan to try out before we began the tour in earnest.

At Senso-ji Temple, I guided the group to a shop specializing in lucky cat (maneki-neko) goods and treated them to shaved ice, doing my best to lift the group's spirits.

I had made a reservation at a maid cafe, and when I guided the group there, their eyes lit up with delight, and the rest of the group happily watched and enjoyed the experience as well.

In Harajuku, we walked briefly along Takeshita Street and confirmed their route back. After that, the guests enjoyed the rest of the day on their own.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour with French-Speaking Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainUeno～Asakusa180JPY
Section 2TrainAsakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 3TrainAkihabara～Harajuku210JPY
Total570JPY

Tour Report by Kei

Hello, Bonjour, Buongiorno!

I’m Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, japanese freelance Government-licensed guide and interpreter in French and in English, speaking Italian as well. Having accompanied guests to all over Japan by now with whole 47 prefectures, all year round. 11 years and over 1500 days of experience as a professional guide since 2015, after 24 years of work at French Tourist Board in Tokyo in charge of promotion and marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Je suis Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, guide-interprète indépendant japonais, agréé par le gouvernement en langues française et anglaise, parlant également italien. Ayant accompagné des clients dans tout le Japon avec se 47 départements, toute l’année. 11 ans et plus de 1500 jours d’expérience en tant que guide professionel depuis 2015, après 24 ans de travail à l’Office de Tourisme Français à Tokyo en charge de la promotion et du marketing.
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Sono Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, un guida-interprete indipendente giappone e approvato dal governo per le lingue francese e inglese, parlo italiano anche. Avo accompagno i clienti in tutto il Giappone, con sue 47 province, tutto l’anno. 10 anni e piu di 1500 journi di esperienza come guida professionista dal 2015, dopo 24 anni di lavoro presso l’Ufficio del Turismo francese a Tokyo come responsabile della promozione e del marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Having lived mostly in Kawasaki city attached to Tokyo in the West, I have a good knowledge and profound experience of Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kamakura or Nikko.
A history lover and food lover, qualified as JSA Wine Expert, I’d like to help you choosing good restaurants and good drinks including Sake.
Let’s go together for a delightful discovery in Japan.
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Ayant vécu principalement dans la ville de Kawasaki rattachée à Tokyo à l’Ouest, j’ai une bonne connaissance et une profonde expérience de Tokyo et de ses environs comme le Mont Fuji, Hakone et Kamakura ou Nikko.
Passionné d’histoire et de gastronomie, diplômé JSA Wine Expert, j’aimerais vous aider à choisir de bons restaurants et de bonnes boissons dont le Saké.
Partons ensemble pour une délicieuse découverte du Japon.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Avendo vissuto principalmente nella città di Kawasaki, vicina a Tokyo, ho una buona conoscenza e una profonda esperienza di Tokyo e dei suoi dintorni, come il Monte Fuji, Hakone e Kamakura o Nikko.
Appassionato di storia e gastronomia, laureato Wine Expert presso la JSA, vorrei aiutarvi a scegliere buoni ristoranti e buoni bevande, tra cui il sakè.
Partiamo insieme per una deliziosa scoperta del Giappone.

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