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
- 1.5:00 Hotel
- 2.5:15 Toyosu by Taxi
- 3.6:10 Auction watching finish, then sushi breakfast
- 4.6:35 Visit intermediate wholesale building, shopping
- 5.8:00 Visit Tsukiji
- 6.8:30 Finish at Tsukiji
What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Toyosu and Tsukiji Fish Markets Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
After picking up the guests at the Hotel, we took a taxi to Toyosu Market. There we watched the auctions of both fresh and frozen tuna. Recently the number of guided visitors has increased, and the best window-side positions were extremely crowded. Some guides were explaining in very loud voices, which was quite bothersome. After watching the auction, the guests said they wanted to eat sushi, so we went to a sushi restaurant I visit regularly. In addition to the standard set menu, they ordered octopus, eel, salmon and more, and were very satisfied. After that, although I was a little worried it might be tough since one of the guests had some difficulty walking, we walked to the intermediate wholesale building and looked around the greengrocer, the sake shop, and the knife shop. They found many things they liked and bought shine muscat grapes and sake — here the conversation livened up over the shop owner's love of basketball — and even bought a knife and had a name engraved on it. They also bought matcha chocolate, and I was surprised by their strong enthusiasm for shopping. After that, we returned to Tsukiji, where I showed them the flow of tuna after the auction, and we parted ways on site. They were delighted.
Click here for more details: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
[FRANCAIS]
J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance of our trip until we parted ways, his communication and attentiveness to our wants and needs was amazing. We were able to say where we wanted to explore and he found some great spots for us. He helped us figure out Tokyo’s train system, gave great facts about the area, gave us travel tips, and provided us with an unforgettable day. Oh, and we walked about 23,000 steps that day and he was only about 3 weeks post op from a knee replacement! That’s dedication!
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour, at my request, to visit older (traditional) Temples/Shrines in the Tokyo area. The 6-hour tour included: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon) Temple, Zuirin-ji Temple, Temples in the Taito – Yanaka Area, Daien Ji Temple (lunch break at the neighborhood festival), Nezu Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Kyu Asakura House. Kazuyasu Hakata was very informative about each site and answered all my questions.
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was a great guide. It is very informative to get a
personalized tour from a Japanese local. The 6 hours flew by! Definitely a recommendation
to do early on in your time in Tokyo to learn the city. Kazuyas was great!
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The absolute best guy. We had kazuyasu Hakata. He was absolutely wonderful. Showed us
all around Tokyo. Took us where ever we wanted to go and recommended a bunch of
places for us. Highly recommend!! We had the best day.