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
- 8:55 Meet at Hotel
- 9:15 JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office
- 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 12:00 Lunch (Pasta Sabrina @ Shibuya Hikarie)
- 12:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 13:20 Meiji Shrine
- 14:40 Imperial Palace
- 15:40 Disband at Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 8:55, when the guide met the guests at Hotel, and finished at 15:40. The day ran to 6 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (Pasta Sabrina @ Shibuya Hikarie) at 12:00.
From there the group visited JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office at 9:15, Shinjuku Gyoen at 10:30, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 12:50, Meiji Shrine at 13:20 and Imperial Palace at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ueno to Shinjuku-gyoenmae by subway (600JPY); Shinjuku-gyoenmae to Shibuya by subway (0JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (0JPY); Yurakucho to Ueno by subway (0JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 750JPY per person.
What Can You Do on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. The guests asked for help exchanging their JAPAN RAIL PASS and making Shinkansen reservations, so we first went to the JAPAN RAIL PASS office at Ueno Station to complete the exchange and book the Shinkansen. After that, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed deeply impressed by the beauty of the rose garden and the Japanese garden. They also showed great interest in the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, which contrasted with the lively energy of Shibuya. Since I responded to all of the guests' requests, I believe they were satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Ueno～Shinjuku-gyoenmae | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoenmae～Shibuya | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Yurakucho～Ueno | 0JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel at 8:55, and the tour finished at Hotel at 15:40.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 8:55 to 15:40.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Ueno Station JAPAN RAIL PASS Office, Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 750JPY per person across 5 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?
Seizo 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.
I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
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Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
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May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。