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 Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
- 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 11:45 Tokyo Station
- 12:00 Ueno, Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Toshogu Shrine
- 14:30 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
- Break at Cafe "Veloce"
- 16:00 Disband at Shibuya Crossing
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba at 9:30, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Imperial Palace East Gardens at 10:00, Tokyo Station at 11:45, Ueno, Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Toshogu Shrine at 12:00 and Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Daiba to Takebashi by train (510JPY); Tokyo to Ueno by train (170JPY); Ueno to Asakusa by subway (180JPY); Asakusa to Shibuya by subway (260JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,120JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Ueno, Asakusa, and Shibuya
The guests were a group of friends visiting from Europe. We met at their hotel in Odaiba, and I helped them purchase PASMO cards at the station. It has become much easier now that PASMO can be bought from vending machines. At the Imperial Palace, we entered through the Hirakawamon Gate near Takebashi and exited through the Otemon Gate. As expected, there was a long line for the security check at the Otemon Gate, so our route turned out to be the right choice. On a Saturday during this season, everywhere is crowded. In the East Gardens, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll. Many people from Europe love plants, and the guests took their time appreciating each flower and tree. The cherry blossoms in Ueno were still in bud, but Sakura-dori was full of visitors, and some groups had already begun their hanami parties. I believe the guests were able to feel how deeply Japanese people cherish cherry blossoms. We took a break at a café in Asakusa, and the guests said they did not need lunch. After visiting the temple, they purchased chopsticks as souvenirs on Nakamise-dori. Afterward, they expressed a strong wish to see the Shibuya Crossing, so we headed to Shibuya and parted ways there. The narrow street from Shibuya Station on the Ginza Line to the crossing was very crowded, and I was worried about the guests getting separated, but I was relieved to finish the tour safely.
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 | Train | Daiba～Takebashi | 510JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tokyo～Ueno | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Shibuya | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,120JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba at 9:30, and the tour finished at Shibuya Crossing at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:30 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo Station, Ueno, Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,120JPY per person across 4 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.