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
- 10:30 Meet up @Grand Hyatt
- 11:00 Meiji Shrine
- 12:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 14:15 Lunch @Namiki Yabu Soba
- 15:00 Asakusa
- 17:00 Disband @Grand Hyatt
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:30, when the guide met the guests at @Grand Hyatt, and finished at 17:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @Namiki Yabu Soba at 14:15.
From there the group visited Meiji Shrine at 11:00, Imperial Palace East Gardens at 12:30 and Asakusa at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Roppongi to Ebisu by subway (180JPY); Ebisu to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Otemachi by subway (210JPY); Takebashi to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Roppongi by subway (290JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,040JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa
The guests were a group visiting from North America. In our prior communication, they mentioned they would be staying in Tokyo and requested a tour of the major sightseeing spots where they could learn about history and culture, as well as how to use public transportation. I guided them through the classic route of Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, and Asakusa.
The guests had joined a Toyosu and Tsukiji tour the previous day, but after it ended they could not find the subway station in Higashi-Ginza and gave up, returning by taxi. So we started the tour with the goal: "Today, let's master how to use the trains!"
Even though it was May, the day of the tour reached 30 degrees, a summer-like heat. Worried about the heat, I brought a fan from home for the guests to use, and I reminded them to stay hydrated. Fortunately there was a breeze and the shade was cool, so I tried to give my explanations in shaded areas whenever possible.
For lunch, the guests wanted to eat at an authentic, non-touristy restaurant, so after considering several options we went to Namiki Yabu Soba in Asakusa. I had the impression it was a place with long lines, but I figured it would be fine after 2:00 pm, and when we arrived there was no line and we were lucky to get a table. While we were eating, more and more customers came in, and by the time we finished, around 3:00, a line had formed. The guests were delighted with the atmosphere and the flavor of the restaurant, and they even ordered additional tempura.
We ran a little over time as they did some shopping in Asakusa, but I saw them off to their hotel and said goodbye. From tomorrow, they should be able to sightsee on their own using Google Maps.
I had a wonderful and enjoyable tour with such cheerful and friendly guests.
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 | Roppongi～Ebisu | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Ebisu～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Otemachi | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Takebashi～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Asakusa～Roppongi | 290JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Grand Hyatt at 10:30, and the tour finished at @Grand Hyatt at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:30 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace East Gardens and Asakusa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,040JPY per person across 5 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?
Yoko 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 Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.
I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some great spots in Tokyo and was so helpful.
We would highly recommend her as a guide. If we are back, we will certainly request her
again!
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with Yoko and she was an exceptional guide. We saw multiple shrines (Meiji Shrine is a must see), the Imperial Palace, the “crossing” (there is a similar intersection in the Ginza shopping district which was also cool), the Tokyo Station, and the outer market where we ordered some fatty toro nigiri which was an etherial experience. Can’t say enough good things about Yoko. She taught ys a ton about the history of Japan and had a great sense of humor. A+
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and spending a day with Yoko as our guide was perhaps the best decision we could have made. Even before we arrived we traded messages with Yoko about what we might like to do. She offered valuable tips which made not only our time in Tokyo more efficient but while in Japan as a whole. We saw so many amazing things but Yoko also gave us a primer in using the Tokyo subway system and navigating some of the stations. I could go on and list all the things we did but each tour will be different. However I would highly recommend Yoko as a guide. Perhaps serendipitous, but we were stopped on the street the day after we toured with Yoko by a couple who had a list of things to do but was unsure how to go about doing the things on their list and where those things were located. I was thankful we chose the best guide so we didn’t have that problem.
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Yoko Kusmoto is exceptional . Her deep knowledge of Japan history, Tokyo’s
architecture and interesting Tokyo places made us appreciate all Tokyo has to offer. Her
smile, infectious laugh, kindness and interest added to our wonderful day.