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.
Tour Itinerary
- 12:00 Hilton Tokyo
- 12:30 Meiji Shrine
- 13:40 Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 15:10 Asakusa Ramen Tanaka Soba
- 15:50 Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street
- 17:20 Ginza Mitsukoshi
- 18:20 Hilton Tokyo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hilton Tokyo at 12:00, Meiji Shrine at 12:30, Harajuku Takeshita Street at 13:40, Asakusa Ramen Tanaka Soba at 15:10, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street at 15:50, Ginza Mitsukoshi at 17:20 and Hilton Tokyo at 18:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ginza to Nishi-Shinjuku by subway (210JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 210JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Tokyo Tour with Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Ginza
The guests were visitors from North America. I had heard beforehand that one of the guests had a knee condition, and just before the tour one of the guests sprained an ankle, arriving with a small folding chair that was used as a walking aid. Because of this, we traveled mostly by taxi and only used the subway once, at the end when returning to the Hotel. Since no treatment had been done, we stopped at a drugstore to buy a compress, and I applied it for them.
At Meiji Shrine, when I explained the ema votive plaques, one of the guests became interested and dedicated one. On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed a strawberry candy and brown sugar tapioca. For lunch, the guests said they wanted ramen, so I took them to a soba and ramen shop in Asakusa, and they were very satisfied. When I showed them how to find good restaurants using Google Maps, they were amazed at just how many ramen shops there were.
After having ice cream in Asakusa, we had planned to visit the Imperial Palace, but since walking seemed difficult, I took them to the basement food floor of a department store in Ginza, where they tasted and purchased matcha. I had many nice conversations with the guests, and at the end they told me it had been a very good tour.
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 | Ginza～Nishi-Shinjuku | 210JPY |
| Total | 210JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hilton Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku Takeshita Street, Asakusa Ramen Tanaka Soba, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Ginza Mitsukoshi and Hilton Tokyo.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 210JPY per person across 1 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?
Takako 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.
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Sep 30, 2026
16shelleyb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Great day in Toyko
Four of us spent an…
Sep 30, 2026
16shelleyb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Great day in Toyko
Four of us spent an enjoyable day touring Tokyo the day before our Japan cruise. Our guide, Takako, was great and ensured we saw what we wanted to see. Tokyo traffic is crazy but our driver, Mr. Isizuka, was amazing. Takako asked for our lunch preference and suggested a terrific steak house…so fun! She explained all the traditions and rituals at the shrine and temple so we felt at ease visiting these places. Because of traffic, we were running a little behind (no fault of hers or our driver) so we only got a drive through of the Ginza area. We will spend one more day in Tokyo at the end of the cruise and now have a better idea of where to concentrate our time. All in all, we had a great time, despite the rain.
Sep 29, 2026
982marvf
Yokohama Experience
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama…
Sep 29, 2026
982marvf
Yokohama Experience
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Takako is an outstanding tour guide who knows Yokohama real well. Despite miserable weather conditions, she was able to show us all the great sites and explain everything.
Sep 24, 2026
marshad422
A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
Tripadvisor…
Sep 24, 2026
marshad422
A great day of seeing so much and gaining knowledge of the historical and spiritual meaning to the places visited.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako was the perfect guide; extremely articulate and knowledgeable, friendly, passionate about Japan and giving her customers the best experience in gaining knowledge of the area and covering so much in one day. She showed a great understanding of her customers’s needs and desires and went out of her way to make you feel comfortable. She had a great sense of humour which made the day so very delightful and enjoyable.
Sep 18, 2026
7
770stefanieg
Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako, our guide…
Sep 18, 2026
7
770stefanieg
Wonderful, personalized tour of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Takako, our guide for the day, was an absolutely wonderful companion in Tokyo. She took the time in advance to understand our interests and wishes, and the whole day was tailored exactly to what we wanted to see and experience.
My mother isn’t very steady on her feet and can’t walk long distances, and Takako handled this beautifully, she adjusted the pace and made sure my mother could fully enjoy the day without feeling rushed or left out. It’s reassuring to know that a tour like this can be adapted so well for someone with limited mobility.
Her knowledge, warmth and preparation made the day truly special. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and can highly recommend her to anyone visiting Tokyo.