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
- 9:00 Meet at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
- 9:15 Hamarikyu
- 10:20 Shibuya Crossing, Tokyu Plaza
- 11:10 Meiji Shrine
- 12:10 Lunch at GON PACHI
- 13:00 Takeshita Street, Omotesando and back streets
- 14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 15:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple
- 16:30 Akihabara
- 17:00 End of service at JR Akihabara Station
Title: What Can You See in a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on 7 Sights Including Hamarikyu and the East Gardens
The guests were a very energetic group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and since they wanted to see as many sightseeing spots as possible, I guided them to seven locations. At Hamarikyu Gardens and the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, they were captivated by the Japanese gardens and took many photos of each other. For lunch at a restaurant, the gluten-free options were excellent, which they greatly appreciated, and they also enjoyed some sake. In Akihabara, they said they had discovered new inspiration and mentioned they would like to bring their family next time. Although the latter half of the day became quite busy, they were very grateful and said they had a wonderful time.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shimbashi～Shibuya | 178JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 146JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Otemachi | 209JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Otemachi～Asakusa | 286JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Asakusa Tsukuba Express～Akihabara | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,029JPY | ||
My name is Kris,
Before becoming a tour guide, I worked for a major steelmaking company as an engineer for many years. During my career, I lived and worked in both Germany and the United States for a total of five years. These experiences helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking, which now helps me connect easily with guests from around the world.
After retirement, I chose a second career as a tour guide because I truly enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing Japanese culture, history, and daily life. I have been working as a guide for more than nine years and continue to enjoy every tour.
I currently live in Tokyo, but I was born and raised in Kobe, near Osaka, and my family roots are in Kyoto. As a result, I have extensive knowledge not only of Tokyo but also of Kyoto, Osaka, and many other parts of Japan. I enjoy introducing both famous landmarks and hidden local gems that many visitors might otherwise miss.
I am energetic, friendly, and very sociable. I always try to create tours that are relaxed, flexible, and tailored to my guests’ interests.
Travel is one of my greatest passions, especially visiting hot spring resorts. I have visited more than 80 onsen destinations throughout Japan, giving me a deep appreciation of Japanese culture and regional traditions.
Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning for another adventure, I would be delighted to help you discover the real Japan from a local perspective.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you create wonderful memories in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
See you in Japan!
Kris
May 10, 2026
Matt_B
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
We were so lucky to have Kris-San…
May 10, 2026
Matt_B
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Wonderful Introduction to Tokyo
We were so lucky to have Kris-San as our guide for our first full day in Tokyo. He was great about communicating before the trip, and he even left our hotel a beautiful note welcoming us to the city. He met us at our hotel early the day of the tour and showed us how to use the subway. We toured Senso Ji, the Tobacco and Salt Museum, the Honjo Disaster Prevention Center, and the Kiyosumi Gardens. He also recommended a fantastic noodle restaurant close to one of our tour spots where the duck soba noodles were incredible. Kris-San was warm, personable, and funny, it was hard to say goodbye after such a wonderful tour.
Apr 29, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour
We had such a wonderful…
Apr 29, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour
We had such a wonderful tour with Kris! He was very knowledgeable and kept things so fun.
Meeting and transport were seamless and stress-free. This was a wonderful memory of our
time in Tokyo!
Apr 21, 2026
jacquir581
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We love Kris
Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our…
Apr 21, 2026
jacquir581
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We love Kris
Kris was awesome! He was very flexible when our flight was cancelled and we weren’t able
to make our original tour.
Apr 2, 2026
Frank_B
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A great day in Tokyo
Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris.…
Apr 2, 2026
Frank_B
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A great day in Tokyo
Great tour with an excellent guide, Kris. He made suggestions in advance, we were able to tweak the schedule before the tour adjusted as we went along. He had a restaurant in mind for lunch but when we got there the wait time was more than we wanted to spend. So he came up with other alternatives that worked well. He knows his stuff and added interesting bugs of information, making the visits special.