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) 10:00 Meet up @ Janu Tokyo (1-2-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
  • 2) 10:20 Shibuya <Intersection & Hachiko Statue>
  • 3) 11:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens ※From Kitahanebashimon Gate
  • 4) 12:30 Light meal @ Hitohashi (2-27-1 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
  • 5) 13:50 Ueno (walking section from Yushima Station to Naka-okachimachi Station)
  • 6) 14:10 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Naka-okachimachi Station ticket gate

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Nezu and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their advance message had indicated no particular requests. The weather forecast the previous day had predicted rising temperatures and humidity, and at our meeting the guests mentioned that they had already visited the Mount Fuji area, Nikko, and Tsukiji, so I suggested the Nezu and Yanaka area, which they accepted. For convenience, they agreed to purchase a Tokyo Free Ticket (1,600 yen for adults), and we began the tour. After introducing the Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, we headed to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. On the train, the guests shared stories about their life and their approach to staying healthy, showing remarkable energy and vitality while still being actively engaged in work. They also shared their impressions of the various places they had visited in Japan and spoke of how moved they were by the kindness and hospitality of the people. On the way toward the Kitahanebashimon Gate of the Imperial Palace, we touched on the special exhibition "Hilma af Klint" at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and I could tell they had a deep appreciation for art. In the East Gardens, they showed great interest in the early-summer flowers and plants (such as Japanese dogwood, deutzia, floating heart, iris, and satsuki azalea), which reminded me of the diversity of Japan's nature. As forecast, the temperature and humidity rose, so once we arrived in Nezu we took a break. Since they wished to have Japanese food, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant. The guests ordered a mixed fry set meal (1,000 yen) and were surprised by its deliciousness, the quick service, and the low price. They had already reserved an organic restaurant in Meguro for that evening and, since they were heading to Kyoto the next day, they wanted to return to the hotel to finish packing beforehand. After sending them directions back to the hotel by email and confirming them, we left the restaurant, and I guided them to Naka-okachimachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, where we parted with smiles at the ticket gate.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kamiyacho Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Ebisu Station600JPY
Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Ebisu Station~JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station150JPY
Section 3Free PassTokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Takebashi Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Otemachi Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station0JPY
Section 5Free PassTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station0JPY
Total750JPY

Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!

Jun 19, 2026
Daniel_O
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 would do again!
Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…

May 24, 2026
Meander63637687943
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour guide Tachi is the best!
A most enjoyable and…

May 19, 2026
Jai_K
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
I would definitely…
I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…

May 5, 2026
Gary33556
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
Tachi was our guide. What…