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. 8:30 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
  • 2. 9:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 3. 10:15 Asakusa
  • 4. 11:30 Akihabara
  • 5. 12:15 Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 13:15 Lunch (Kyushu Jangara, Harajuku branch)
  • 7. 14:00 Shibuya
  • 8. 14:30 Disband at Shibuya

What Can You See in a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group of four visiting from North America. They had arrived in Japan the day before and planned to spend about a week in the country, visiting the Fuji Five Lakes, Kyoto, and other destinations in addition to Tokyo. After that, they were scheduled to travel to Asia to attend an acquaintance's wedding.

Since today was the only day they could enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Tokyo, they had many places they wished to visit, so we set out with the aim of moving quickly and seeing as much as possible. The meeting time had originally been set for 8:00 when the guide was confirmed, but because the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, our first destination, opened at 9:00, we changed the meeting time to 8:30 during our prior discussion. By walking at a fairly brisk pace, we were ultimately able to cover almost all of their desired destinations.

They asked a variety of questions not only about the sightseeing spots but also about Japanese culture and daily life. They took photos at each location and clearly enjoyed themselves. They also seemed to enjoy the ramen we had for lunch. At the final destination of Shibuya, after seeing the scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue, I explained how to get back to their accommodation, and we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Otemachi600JPY
Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Suehirocho0JPY
Section 4TrainAkihabara~Yoyogi178JPY
Section 5Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya0JPY
Total778JPY

Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!

Jul 13, 2026
529gregj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
Haru (Haruhiko…

Jul 12, 2026
Felice R
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…

Jul 9, 2026
mariee530
An incredible walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This tour was beyond expectations!…

Jun 30, 2026
simonegN55VE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fabulous walking tour with Haru
Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…