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
- 10：50 Meet up @ Nishi-Waseda Station
- 11：20 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 12：30 Lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building)
- 13：20 Imperial Palace
- 14：40 Sensoji Temple
- 15：30 Tokyo National Museum
- 17：00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 17：20 Disband @ Shibuya
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Nishi-Waseda Station at 10:50, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 17:20. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Numazu Uogashi Sushi (Marunouchi Building) at 12:30.
The itinerary covered Shinjuku Gyoen at 11:20, Imperial Palace at 13:20, Sensoji Temple at 14:40, Tokyo National Museum at 15:30 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 17:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nishi-Waseda to Shinjuku-gyoenmae by subway (700JPY); Shinjuku-gyoenmae to Tokyo by subway (0JPY); Yurakucho to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (0JPY); Ueno to Shimbashi by train (170JPY); Shimbashi to Shibuya by subway (0JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 870JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They had visited another destination in Asia before coming to Japan and were staying only a short time. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they appeared deeply impressed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the beautiful Japanese gardens. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were fascinated by explanations of the differences between temples and shrines. At the Tokyo National Museum, they showed a keen interest in Japanese culture and history. Although it rained on the day, I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.
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 | Nishi-Waseda～Shinjuku-gyoenmae | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoenmae～Tokyo | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Yurakucho～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Ueno～Shimbashi | 170JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Shimbashi～Shibuya | 0JPY |
| Total | 870JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Nishi-Waseda Station at 10:50, and the tour finished at @ Shibuya at 17:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:50 to 17:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shinjuku Gyoen, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo National Museum and Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 870JPY per person across 6 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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Seizo was a tremendously fabulous and friendly tour guide. He made us feel welcome and took great care to explain the tour and what we would be seeing during the day. It was a great way to see the city’s sights and a great help navigating the transit system. Loads of trains rides to get us to each new location.
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Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto. He was very knowledgeable, easy going, great sense of humour and taught us a lot about Japanese culture and history. We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our guide Seizo. Would highly recommend.
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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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