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. 08:00 Meet at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
  • 2. 09:00 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 3. 10:40 Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 4. 12:40 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 5. 13:00 Lunch at Sushiman
  • 6. 14:00 Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine)
  • 7. 15:00 Dismissal at Harajuku Station

What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour When the Imperial Palace Is Closed? A Licensed Guide's Report

It felt a little cold on the day, but the weather was fine, and I believe the guests thoroughly enjoyed the tour itself.

We had originally planned to visit the Imperial Palace, but it was a public visiting day, so the outer garden was extremely crowded and the East Gardens were closed. Instead, I guided the guests to Hamarikyu Gardens.

Throughout the tour, I explained various aspects of Japanese culture and history, which the guests greatly appreciated.

For lunch, the guests requested sushi, so I had wanted to take them to "Misuji" in Shiodome, but as it was a fine weekend it was fully booked with reservations, so I took them to "Sushiman" in Shibuya instead.

It is located on the 8th floor of the Seibu Department Store, and it is often relatively empty even when the surrounding streets are crowded, so I think it is a good choice to keep in mind.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa356JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi220JPY
Section 3SubwayShimbashi~Shibuya178JPY
Section 4SubwayShibuya~Meiji-jingumae178JPY
Total932JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…