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

  • 12:30 Hotel – 13:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 14:30 Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine – 15:00 Fukagawa Fudodo Temple – 16:00 Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit – 16:30 Disperse at Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit

Solo Private Tour of Tokyo for a First-Time Visitor to Japan: A Licensed Guide's Report

This was a private solo tour for a first-time visitor to Japan from Europe. Having heard from a friend how convenient it was, the guest already had the ICOCA app installed, which made getting around very smooth and was a great help. After visiting the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we went to Fukagawa Fudodo Temple, which happened to be in the middle of its summer festival, though the guest did not seem particularly interested in the festival. The guest planned to travel to Osaka by Shinkansen the next day and had already reserved a ticket, but just to be safe, we tried to issue the ticket at the automatic ticket machine and the ticket counter at Tokyo Station. Unfortunately, since it was unclear which credit card had been used online, we were unsuccessful. The guest ended up purchasing the ticket again and remarked that it was good this happened now rather than on the morning of departure.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayKayabacho~Otemachi178JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Monzen-nakacho178JPY
Section 3SubwayMonzen-nakacho~Otemachi178JPY
Total534JPY

Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

Oct 25, 2025
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
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We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
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Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
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