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. 10:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Tokyo
- 2. 11:25 Shibamata
- 3. 12:30 Asakusa
- 4. 14:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 5. 16:00 Meiji Shrine
- 6. 16:10 Dismiss at Meiji Shrine
Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? Shibata, Hamarikyu Garden, and Meiji Shrine — A Guide's Report
After a full day of rain the day before, we were blessed with fine weather, though it was as hot as summer, so I conducted the tour while taking care to avoid heatstroke.
For the destination, the guests had initially wished to visit Nezu, but when I asked again about their preferences before we began, they said they wanted to see old Japanese towns and shopping streets. So I quickly changed the destination to Shibamata and guided them there.
The guests were very fond of the old approach road and Daikyoji Temple (Shibamata Taishakuten).
Also, since I changed the originally planned Rikugien to Hamarikyu Garden, the final stop at Meiji Shrine ended up being only a briefing at the entrance, but we managed to cover the spots I had planned.
After the tour, the guests told me it had been an amazing tour, so 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 | Train | Yakuendai～Nishi-Shinjuku | 916JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tochomae～Shibamata | 471JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibamata～Asakusa | 377JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Shimbashi | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shimbashi～Meiji-jingumae | 178JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Harajuku～Yakuendai | 738JPY |
| Total | 2,900JPY | ||
Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…
Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He showed us the hight lights of Tokyo and was very
helpfull with getting us a Suica card.
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…
May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide who showed us around our selected 4
destinations and their surroundings.
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…
May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide. It was a great introduction to Tokyo – a busy and vastly interesting city. We learned about Japanese history and toured some of the major sites including the Imperial gardens, a Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing. Nobu helped us get familiar with the subway system and explained some of Japanese cuisine. We greatly enjoyed our tour and recommend it to others!
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…
Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable and patient. Perfect start to our
Japan trip.