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
- 08:30 Meet at the hotel in Asakusa
- 08:30-9:30 Stroll around Asakusa
- 10:10-10:40 Visit Nezu Shrine
- 11:15-12:00 Stroll around Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 12:15-13:00 Ramen lunch in Kagurazaka
- 13:30-14:00 Visit Meiji Shrine
- 14:15-14:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 14:30 Tour ends at Shibuya Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 08:30, when the guide met the guests at hotel in Asakusa, and finished at 14:30. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Asakusa at 08:30, Nezu Shrine at 10:10, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 11:15, Ramen lunch in Kagurazaka at 12:15, Meiji Shrine at 13:30 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 14:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Asakusa to Ueno by train (180JPY); Yushima to Nezu by train (180JPY); Nezu to Shin-Ochanomizu by train (180JPY); Ochanomizu to Suidobashi by train (150JPY); Suidobashi to Iidabashi by train (150JPY); Iidabashi to Harajuku by train (180JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (150JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,170JPY per person.
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Meiji Shrine
The full-day private tour began at 8:30 in the morning in Asakusa, when there were still few visitors, so the guests could walk slowly while listening to the origins and history of Senso-ji Temple. We stopped by Asakusa Shrine, where I explained the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism and the Japanese view of religion, and the guests from Europe were surprised, saying such a way of thinking would be unthinkable in their region. As they were staying at a hotel in Asakusa, they were delighted when I introduced a good izakaya on Hoppy Street.
What the guests enjoyed most this time was Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. Since forest walking was already a hobby of theirs, they took a liking to the Kisoji path in the garden and were amazed, saying, "It's hard to believe there is such a tranquil place in the middle of the city."
They also seemed to enjoy the quiet atmosphere at Meiji Shrine and Nezu Shrine.
Since the guests wanted ramen for lunch, we stopped by Kagurazaka partway through the course and enjoyed a meal at a famous shop known for shio (salt) ramen. Here, guests could freely add toppings such as tororo kombu, iwanori seaweed, and yuzu kosho to change the flavor, so they tried changing the taste many times while eating and were delighted, saying it was "interesting."
After the tour, we exchanged the photos we had each taken by email, and I received the following message, which I would like to share (parts relating to the guests' private matters have been omitted):
Hi, Thank you for your email. It was so great to meet you too, and thanks again for being a wonderful guide. You really explained everything perfectly, we learnt so much and had a lot of fun with you. We feel set up nicely for the rest of our time in Japan now thanks to you. We will be happy to write a positive review in due course. We took your advice this evening and went back to Asakusa temple area. You were right it had a nice vibe and looked beautiful lit up. We also loved the Izakayas and the food was fantastic (although we were less hungry after the Ramen so it worked well small snacks!). Thank you for the photos too! Also for helping with our train tickets. We feel confident to book the rest now! Thanks again and take care,
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 | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Yushima～Nezu | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nezu～Shin-Ochanomizu | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Ochanomizu～Suidobashi | 150JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Suidobashi～Iidabashi | 150JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Iidabashi～Harajuku | 180JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 150JPY |
| Total | 1,170JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel in Asakusa at 08:30, and the tour finished at Tour ends at Shibuya Station at 14:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 08:30 to 14:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Asakusa, Nezu Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Ramen lunch in Kagurazaka, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,170JPY per person across 7 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?
Toru 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.
Hello, I am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a tour booked with Toru…
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a tour booked with Toru yesterday. He was extremely prompt and detailed with the meeting spot well in advance and he was precisely on time at 450 am to meet us at the designated site. He was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and easy to interact with. He took us to have sushi after the auction and then we took a bus to the outer Tsukiji market and we saw all the things that we typically like to explore at markets. Toru we would recommend as a superb guide, without reservation, and in the highest possible terms. Great morning!
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our travel date for this tour…
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our travel date for this tour came during Silver Week so sites were definitely crowded, but our guide, Toru, created an itinerary that allowed us to see the places we wanted to experience in an enjoyable way. We had no problems communicating with Toru during the lead up to the trip and he was so considerate of our wishes. Toru also shared a wealth of information about Japan and the spots we visited. The personal attention on this tour was such a welcomed change from the packed bus tours we had been on with our cruise excursions and the cost wasn’t any different! Thank you, Toru, for a wonderful, enlightening experience in Tokyo!
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Outstanding experience at the…
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Outstanding experience at the Toyosu tuna auction with Toru as our guide! From the start, Toru was incredibly clear with his instructions, making sure we arrived at exactly the right spots at the right times and giving us all the accurate details we needed to take part in the first-floor viewing lottery. As an English speaker, I really appreciated how easy he made the whole process — navigating the auction logistics on your own could be confusing, but Toru unlocked the full experience for us.
After the auction, we sat down for a sushi breakfast where we got to try every part of the tuna. It was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had, and having Toru explain each piece as we went made it so much more than just a meal — it was a genuine education in tuna and how the market works. His knowledge of Toyosu (and Tsukiji, which we explored together afterward) was clearly deep and came from real passion for the subject.
Toru was kind, patient, and generous with his expertise the entire time. This tour ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants a real, insider look at the tuna auction and market culture. Five stars, without hesitation.
Sep 7, 2026
Victor_G
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All the temples and shrines were fantastic. Our guide Toru, was excellent, very knowledgeable and his love of Japanese culture shone through.