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

  • 09:45 Meet at Hotel
  • 11:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
  • 11:30 Meiji Shrine
  • 12:50 Imperial Palace
  • 14:15 Sensoji Temple
  • 15:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 18:05 Disband at Hotel

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Tokyo began at 09:45, when the guide met the guests at Hotel, and finished at 18:05. The day ran to 8 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.

From there the group visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko at 11:00, Meiji Shrine at 11:30, Imperial Palace at 12:50, Sensoji Temple at 14:15 and Hamarikyu Gardens at 15:50.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Yokohama to Shibuya by train (310JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (700JPY); Yurakucho to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Shimbashi by subway (0JPY); Shimbashi to Shiodome by train (190JPY); Shiodome to Shimbashi by train (190JPY); Shimbashi to Yokohama by train (490JPY). Across 8 sections the fare came to 2,030JPY per person.

Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, and Hamarikyu

The guests were visitors from Europe, and it was their first time in Japan. They planned to take a cruise tour from Yokohama after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. 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, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Hamarikyu, they seemed impressed by the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainYokohama~Shibuya310JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae700JPY
Section 4SubwayYurakucho~Asakusa0JPY
Section 5SubwayAsakusa~Shimbashi0JPY
Section 6TrainShimbashi~Shiodome190JPY
Section 7TrainShiodome~Shimbashi190JPY
Section 8TrainShimbashi~Yokohama490JPY
Total2,030JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at Hotel at 09:45, and the tour finished at Hotel at 18:05.

How long does the tour last?

About 8 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 09:45 to 18:05.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Hamarikyu Gardens.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 2,030JPY per person across 8 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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