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. 09:45 Meet up @the b ginza
  • 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 10:30 Stay @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • 4. 11:35 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 12:00 Stay @Asakusa
  • 6. 13:20 Lunch @Aoi Marushin
  • 7. 14:20 Travel: Subway
  • 8. 15:05 Stay @Meiji Shrine
  • 9. 15:55 Travel: Subway
  • 10. 16:10 Stay @Shibuya
  • 11. 17:00 Travel: Subway
  • 12. 17:15 Disband @Tokyo Metro Ginza Station

What Does a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine

The guests were a group from Europe. Since some of the guests preferred a relaxed walking pace, I made sure to include frequent rest breaks at each spot.

I guided them mainly to the three spots they had requested: the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine. At the East Gardens, I showed them only the Ninomaru Garden in consideration of their energy levels. By the time we finished strolling through Meiji Shrine, there was not much time left, but since I heard they would be traveling to Hakone the next day, I took them to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing while we had the chance. They had also wished to activate their Japan Rail Pass, so I guided them to the ticket counter at JR Shibuya Station.

After activating the Japan Rail Pass, I saw them off to Ginza Station and we parted ways. The extra guiding time beyond the scheduled hours was kindly provided separately as a tip.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassGinza Station~Otemachi Station600JPY
Section 2Free PassOtemachi Station~Asakusa Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station~Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station0JPY
Section 5Free PassShibuya Station~Ginza Station0JPY
Total600JPY

Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…

Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…