Tokyo: Hie Shrine & Meguro River — Guide Seizo
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 07:50 Meet up @ Hotel Century Southern Tower
- 08:30 Hie Shrine
- 09:30 Tokyo Tower
- 11:10 Tsukiji Market
- 11:50 Lunch @ Sushisei (Tsukiji)
- 13:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 14:20 Odaiba Seaside Park
- 15:30 Meguro River
- 16:30 Disband @ Hotel Century Southern Tower
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel Century Southern Tower at 07:50, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 16:30. The day ran to 8 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Sushisei (Tsukiji) at 11:50.
The itinerary covered Hie Shrine at 08:30, Tokyo Tower at 09:30, Tsukiji Market at 11:10, Hamarikyu Gardens at 13:00, Odaiba Seaside Park at 14:20 and Meguro River at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Akasaka-mitsuke by subway (700JPY); Akasaka-mitsuke to Kamiyacho by subway (0JPY); Kamiyacho to Tsukiji by subway (0JPY); Shiodome to Odaiba Seaside Park by train (330JPY); Odaiba to Shimbashi by train (330JPY); Shimbashi to Ebisu by train (210JPY); Ebisu to Naka-meguro by subway (0JPY); Naka-meguro to Ebisu by subway (0JPY); Ebisu to Shinjuku by train (170JPY). Across 9 sections the fare came to 1,740JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, and other destinations. At Hie Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples, and were fascinated by the approach lined with red torii gates. At Tokyo Tower, they appeared deeply impressed by the magnificent view of Tokyo. At Tsukiji, they enjoyed a sushi lunch. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they seemed moved by the beautiful cherry blossoms and the Japanese garden. At Odaiba, they showed interest in the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Along the Meguro River, they appeared impressed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I responded to the guests' wishes throughout the day, so I believe they were satisfied.
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Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shinjuku～Akasaka-mitsuke | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Akasaka-mitsuke～Kamiyacho | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Kamiyacho～Tsukiji | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shiodome～Odaiba Seaside Park | 330JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Odaiba～Shimbashi | 330JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shimbashi～Ebisu | 210JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Ebisu～Naka-meguro | 0JPY |
| Section 8 | Subway | Naka-meguro～Ebisu | 0JPY |
| Section 9 | Train | Ebisu～Shinjuku | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,740JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Century Southern Tower at 07:50, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Century Southern Tower at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 07:50 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hie Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, Hamarikyu Gardens, Odaiba Seaside Park and Meguro River.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,740JPY per person across 9 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?
Seizo 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 am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
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