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
- 9:00 Meet up @ Hotel
- 9:20 Tochomae Station
- 9:25 Yoyogi Station
- 9:30 Harajuku Station
- 9:35 Meiji Shrine
- 10:25 Takeshita Street
- 10:45 Meiji-jingumae Station
- 11:00 Nijubashimae Station
- 11:10 Nijubashi
- 11:45 Lunch @ Hotel Building
- 13:05 Tokyo Station
- 13:15 Akihabara Station
- 13:45 Suehirocho Station
- 13:55 Asakusa Station
- Asakusa Tourist Center, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple
- 15:00 Disband @ near Senso-ji Temple
What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and Asakusa
The guests were visitors from North America. Due to a flight delay, they had arrived at their hotel late the previous night, so I was concerned about their condition, but they were cheerful throughout and enjoyed the diverse character of Tokyo's many neighborhoods. At Meiji Shrine first thing in the morning, they said they felt a deeply sacred atmosphere and were very pleased. As we had a little time, I then introduced part of Takeshita Street before heading to the station.
They had originally hoped to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but as it was a closed day, I introduced Nijubashi Bridge and the outer moat, and guided them to the Otemon Gate so they could visit later, before having lunch in the basement of a hotel. At Tokyo Station, I helped them reserve Shinkansen tickets. Although it was not part of the original itinerary, since we had time to spare, we decided to stop by Akihabara before Asakusa. They were amazed by the completely different streetscape. Afterward, we strolled through Asakusa, and the tour came to an end.
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 | Tochomae Station～Yoyogi Station | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Yoyogi Station～Harajuku Station | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae Station～Nijubashimae Station | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Tokyo Station～Akihabara Station | 150JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Suehirocho Station～Asakusa Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 870JPY | ||
Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.
I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.
I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.
I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.
I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
The following is my contact information:
lilyjapanguide@gmail.com
I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!
Sep 17, 2025
785hongc
Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a…
Sep 17, 2025
785hongc
Wonderful 6 hour Tokyo tour with Lily in September
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour with our guide Lily. Lily speaks excellent English and thoughtfully designed our tour itinerary based on our preference on leaning culture and history of Japanese. She brought history and culture information booklets full of historic photos and literature making sure that we understand the content and key historic facts. She also brought us along a Tokyo maps and attraction guide carefully explained how the Tokyo public transportation system along with more attraction recommendations for our planning purpose. Lily introduced us to some lovely authentic Japanese food and artwork shop including an incense shop that we could never found by ourselves. She is extremely knowledgeable and also patiently answering a variety questions that we had and also navigate timing and traffic perfectly. We could not have asked a better guide, thank you Lily!
Sep 16, 2025
H
Hong_C
A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best relaxed educational…
Sep 16, 2025
H
Hong_C
A wonderful day tour of Tokyo in September
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best relaxed educational experience about historic Tokyo! Lily is a wonderful guid who had designed a perfect tour itinerary for our 6-hour tour for a hot humid day in September. Her English skill is perfect and she is very thoughtful about introducing Japanese history, cultures, art work and authentic food to us. She is also extremely helpful to explain Tokyo public transportation system to us and provided us step by step instructions on some JR line ticket purchase options to make sure that we could catch a chance to see Mt Fuji on our way to Kyoto. Most amazingly she was also able to locate an incense shop that we could never found it ourselves. Perfect time management too! Perfect tour!
Jul 18, 2025
Venture26940872209
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit…
Jul 18, 2025
Venture26940872209
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lilly was an excellent guide .. lots of communication before the visit to understand what we
liked .. and then a very enjoyable 4 hours
Highly recommend
Jul 1, 2025
michaellG938KC
Lily is the best. Highly recommended
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lily is an amazing guide and…
Jul 1, 2025
michaellG938KC
Lily is the best. Highly recommended
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lily is an amazing guide and her tour was the highlight of our trip. Lily was friendly, knowledgeable, and perfectly tailored the experience to my teenage kids. From trendy boutiques in Shibuya to hidden vintage gems in Harajuku, every stop felt special. They helped with translations, provided helpful advice and made the whole day fun and stress-free. My daughters found pieces we never would’ve discovered on my own at vintage thrift stores. Highly recommend for anyone who loves fashion and wants a local’s guide!