Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku Gyoen — Guide Yumi
March, 2025
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
- 9:30 Meet at Hotel New Otani Garden Tower
- 10:00 Nezu Shrine, Yanaka
- 12:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
- 13:00 Lunch at Tsukiji Market "Sushi Zanmai"
- 14:00 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 15:00 Drop off at Akasaka-mitsuke (nearest station to the hotel) and finish
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel New Otani Garden Tower at 9:30, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Tsukiji Market "Sushi Zanmai" at 13:00.
The itinerary covered Nezu Shrine, Yanaka at 10:00, Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple at 12:00 and Shinjuku Gyoen at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nagatacho to Nezu by subway (210JPY); Nippori to Asakusa by train (330JPY); Asakusa to Tsukiji by subway (290JPY); Tsukiji to Shinjuku Gyoen by subway (210JPY); Shinjuku-sanchome to Akasaka-mitsuke by subway (180JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,220JPY per person.
What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Full-Day Private Tour Report
The guests were a lively group visiting from North America, who chatted constantly and were very cheerful. Since they had a cruise starting the following afternoon, their main wish was to see as much of Tokyo as possible in one day. We first visited Nezu Shrine, then walked through Yanaka to Nippori, and afterward headed to Asakusa. At Sensoji Temple, they took many photos at the five-story pagoda and the main hall. They did not seem particularly interested in Nakamise Street and passed through it quickly on the way to Tsukiji. They really enjoyed the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant at Tsukiji Market and ate a great deal. By this point they appeared quite tired, but we proceeded as planned to Shinjuku Gyoen. They were disappointed that the cherry blossoms were not yet in bloom, but they loved the Japanese garden and took many photos around the pond. They then wished to visit a discount store, so we headed toward Shinjuku Station, but they said they were tired and wanted to return, so I saw them off near their hotel around Akasaka-mitsuke, ending the tour. They walked quickly and briskly, so we managed to complete the packed itinerary. Since they planned to visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace the next day, I wrote down the nearest station and exit on a note and gave it to them, which they were very happy to receive.
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 | Nagatacho～Nezu | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nippori～Asakusa | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Tsukiji | 290JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tsukiji～Shinjuku Gyoen | 210JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shinjuku-sanchome～Akasaka-mitsuke | 180JPY |
| Total | 1,220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel New Otani Garden Tower at 9:30, and the tour finished at Akasaka-mitsuke (nearest station to the hotel) and finish at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:30 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nezu Shrine, Yanaka, Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Shinjuku Gyoen.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,220JPY per person across 5 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yumi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Tokyo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.