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
- 8:30 Meet at hotel (Knot Shinjuku)
- 8:30-8:45 Walk to Tochomae Station
- 8:45-9:15 Oedo Line (Tochomae to Tsukijishijo)
- 9:15-10:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
- 10:00-10:15 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
- 10:15-10:25 Walk to Higashi-ginza Station
- 10:25-10:40 Asakusa Line (Higashi-ginza to Asakusa)
- 10:40-10:50 Walk to Sensoji Temple
- 10:50-11:30 Explore Sensoji Temple
- 11:30-12:30 Explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street
- 12:30 Disband at Monja Shichigosan
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 8:30, when the guide met the guests at hotel (Knot Shinjuku), and finished at 12:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Walk to Tochomae Station at 8:30, Oedo Line (Tochomae to Tsukijishijo) at 8:45, Tsukiji Outer Market at 9:15, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple at 10:00, Walk to Higashi-ginza Station at 10:15, Asakusa Line (Higashi-ginza to Asakusa) at 10:25, Walk to Sensoji Temple at 10:40, Explore Sensoji Temple at 10:50 and Explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street at 11:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gotokuji to Sangubashi by train (167JPY); Tochomae to Tsukijishijo by subway (272JPY); Higashi-ginza to Asakusa by subway (220JPY); Asakusa to Shin-okachimachi by train (168JPY); Shin-okachimachi to Shinjuku-nishiguchi by subway (220JPY); Shinjuku to Gotokuji by train (199JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,246JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tsukiji, Ginza, and Asakusa Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The weather was clear and perfect for a walk. The guests were visiting from Europe, and they had saved Sensoji Temple for the end of their Japan trip, so they seemed like experienced travelers. Unfortunately it was a Wednesday, and many shops at the Tsukiji Outer Market were closed, while those that were open seemed very much aimed at tourists, which left them a little disappointed. However, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, which we stopped by before heading to Asakusa, was surprisingly well received. They came to their own conclusion, noting, "I see, because the architect who designed it had studied 1920s Indian architecture, the structure resembles a railway station designed by the British during the era of the Indian Empire." At Higashi-Ginza Station we stopped by the Kabukiza Theatre, and they were delighted to be able to get an English program. At Kappabashi they purchased some tableware, though it was a shame the shop did not offer tax-free shopping. Finally, I guided them to a monjayaki restaurant, where we parted ways.
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Click here for more details: Tsukiji Local Food & Culture Half-Day Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Gotokuji～Sangubashi | 167JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tochomae～Tsukijishijo | 272JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Higashi-ginza～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa～Shin-okachimachi | 168JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shin-okachimachi～Shinjuku-nishiguchi | 220JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shinjuku～Gotokuji | 199JPY |
| Total | 1,246JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel (Knot Shinjuku) at 8:30, and the tour finished at Monja Shichigosan at 12:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 8:30 to 12:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Walk to Tochomae Station, Oedo Line (Tochomae to Tsukijishijo), Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Walk to Higashi-ginza Station, Asakusa Line (Higashi-ginza to Asakusa), Walk to Sensoji Temple, Explore Sensoji Temple and Explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,246JPY per person across 6 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?
Ichiro 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.
Having taught at a national university with many international students, I have experience in intercultural communications. I hope you can enjoy my talk on Japanese culture and history. I am a novice as a guide, but having traveled around the world, I think I know what foreign travelers expect of a tour guide. One of the most impressive tour guides I have met is a lady in Chennai who told me everything about the Indian culture and history – from Hindu gods to how the British brought ice from North America to Madras and kept it all through the summer for their cold drinks. I hope to become an impressive guide like her.
Oct 20, 2025
GlobeTrotting155867
Hakone tour
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible…
Oct 20, 2025
GlobeTrotting155867
Hakone tour
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ichiro was a fantastic guide who was very flexible to ensure we had a bespoke tour. We
planned ahead and on the day it went very smoothly. Ichiro was very knowledgeable, kind
and looked after us well- we highly recommend him!
Mar 19, 2025
Kpldcols
Time well spent in Hakone
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable,…
Mar 19, 2025
Kpldcols
Time well spent in Hakone
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide (Ichiro) was friendly, knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, and was a pleasure to be with for six hours. Prior to our arrival in Japan, Ichiro contacted us and learned about our interests. He then tailored our tour accordingly. We highly recommend him as a guide in Hakone.