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

  • 8:55   Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
  • 9:10  Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
  • 9:30  Meiji Shrine
  • 10:40 Imperial Palace
  • 11:30 Akihabara
  • 12:10 Lunch @ Tempura Hisago (Akihabara)
  • 13:20 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 14:30 Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho・Kabukicho
  • 15:15 Disband @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Tokyo began at 8:55, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, and finished at 15:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Tempura Hisago (Akihabara) at 12:10.

From there the group visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 9:10, Meiji Shrine at 9:30, Imperial Palace at 10:40, Akihabara at 11:30, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 13:20 and Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho・Kabukicho at 14:30.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (600JPY); Nijubashimae to Akihabara by subway (0JPY); Akihabara to Suidobashi by train (150JPY); Iidabashi to Shinjuku-nishiguchi by subway (220JPY); Shinjuku to Shibuya by train (170JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,290JPY per person.

What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Koishikawa Korakuen

The guests were visitors from Europe who were visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they listened attentively to explanations about the Edo Shogunate, the Meiji Restoration, and the Emperor. In Akihabara, some of the guests enjoyed browsing bookstores with anime books. At Koishikawa Korakuen, they appeared to be impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae600JPY
Section 3SubwayNijubashimae~Akihabara0JPY
Section 4TrainAkihabara~Suidobashi150JPY
Section 5SubwayIidabashi~Shinjuku-nishiguchi220JPY
Section 6TrainShinjuku~Shibuya170JPY
Total1,290JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya at 8:55, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya at 15:15.

How long does the tour last?

About 6 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 8:55 to 15:15.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho・Kabukicho.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,290JPY 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?

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

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