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
- 1. 9:20 Meet up @ Hotel Kyobashi
- 2. 9:50 @ Meiji Jingu
- 3. 11:30 @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 4. 13:20 Lunch @ Santei
- 5. 14:20 @ Asakusa (Kaminarimon, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine)
- 6. 15:50 Disband @ Ueno Station
Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa
We started from the hotel ten minutes ahead of schedule. Meiji Shrine, our first stop, happened to be holding its spring grand festival, so the guests were able to catch a glimpse of the kagura dance near the main hall, which they were delighted by. We then moved on to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where the guests were impressed by the massive stone walls of the former Edo Castle. Along the way, one of the guests became tired, so we took a ten-minute rest on a bench in the Ninomaru Garden. After arriving in Asakusa, since tempura had been requested for lunch, I took the guests to Sandaikin next to Kaminarimon. After a leisurely lunch break of about an hour, we strolled around Asakusa. Since one of the guests wanted to buy a kanzashi hair ornament, I took the group to a specialty kanzashi shop near Nakamise Street. Having found a kanzashi they liked, the guest was in high spirits. Although we had planned to part ways at Asakusa Station, the guests asked me to ride the train with them partway, so we boarded the Ginza Line together, went as far as Ueno Station, and there I got off and said goodbye.
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 | Kyobashi～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Otemachi | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Otemachi～Asakusa | 290JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Total | 890JPY | ||
Hello! My name is Tak. I am a government licensed guide interpreter since March 2017. I specialize mainly in Tokyo and Kawagoe/Saitama area. I have an extensive overseas experience, starting with my study abroad in the U.S. and continuing with expatriate experiences in both U.S. and Asia. I enjoy interacting and communicating with people from overseas, so I would be happy to use my knowledge and experience to help foreign guests enjoy Japanese culture, history, rich nature, and delicious food. I look forward to guiding you in creating wonderful memories of your time in Japan.
May 30, 2026
JamesL_S
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tak was great.
Tak our guide was wonderful. If you could get…
May 30, 2026
JamesL_S
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tak was great.
Tak our guide was wonderful. If you could get him as your guide, you would be very lucky.
He took us to a number of interesting areas of the city. He was very patient with us and got
us to the places we wanted to go.
May 24, 2026
scottdY5844QU
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Guided Tour
Tak was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable on all…
May 24, 2026
scottdY5844QU
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Guided Tour
Tak was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable on all the sites of Tokyo. I would highly
recommend him as your guide.
May 14, 2026
MartyCow
Great tours of Tokyo with Tak!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We booked 2 tours with our…
May 14, 2026
MartyCow
Great tours of Tokyo with Tak!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We booked 2 tours with our guide Tak who was a wonderful guide. He picked us up at our hotel both days and took us around the city to see the major sites as we had reviewed and agreed upon beforehand. He was super helpful with various tips in regards to transit system and other things to see and visit. He was very interesting and insightful of all the sites we visited. We highly recommend this tour and Tak as a guide
Apr 11, 2026
M8348RDalexw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Memorable day with Takashi
Tak was fantastic to spend the day with…
Apr 11, 2026
M8348RDalexw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Memorable day with Takashi
Tak was fantastic to spend the day with seeing spectacular parts of Tokyo. Our 2 boys aged 7 and 5 loved spending their time with Tak and Tak’s storytelling and outlook will be memorable forever. Great way to start our holiday giving us the confidence to embrace Tokyo afterwards.