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. 9:00 Meet at Hotel
- 2. 9:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 3. 11:00 Asakusa
- 4. 12:15 Lunch (Asakusa Handmade Soba Towada Metro-dori Branch)
- 5. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
- 6. 15:00 Dismissal at Metro Meiji-jingumae Station
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were visitors from North America, both making their first trip to Japan and having arrived the day before. From the following day, they were scheduled to join a group tour of about a week, planning to visit Kyoto and Osaka in addition to Tokyo.
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guided the group on a private one-day tour of Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine. Because it was raining, I made sure they walked carefully in places where footing could be slippery, such as Koishikawa Korakuen. They asked a wide range of questions at each location and enthusiastically enjoyed taking photos and shopping, so we gradually fell behind schedule. We had originally planned to visit Shibuya as well, but during lunch I consulted with the guests about whether to keep Shibuya in the itinerary or skip it. Since they preferred not to return to their accommodation too late, they agreed to skip Shibuya. As they wished to make their own way back, I explained how to return to the hotel from Meiji-jingumae Station on the metro, and we parted ways there.
After the tour, before I could send a thank-you email, I received a thank-you email from the guests. I believe they enjoyed the tour.
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 | Higashi-Ikebukuro～Iidabashi | 178JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Iidabashi～Asakusa | 286JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 252JPY |
| Total | 716JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Haruhiko Yokota, a certified tour guide based in Tokyo and a top-ranked guide registered with JGA Inc. Please feel free to call me Haru.
I’ve been living in Tokyo for about 30 years and conducted close to 200 tours between 2023 and 2025. I’m very familiar with most major sightseeing spots in and around Tokyo, ranging from traditional temples and shrines to modern attractions. I also enjoy traveling throughout Japan, which has given me extensive knowledge of popular destinations across the country.
I’m happy to customize your tour to match your interests and preferences. If you have any requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do my best to make your tour both enjoyable and memorable!
Jul 13, 2026
529gregj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
Haru (Haruhiko…
Jul 13, 2026
529gregj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Haru is an excellent guide in Tokyo
Haru (Haruhiko Yokota) was a consummate professional from the first comment he made contact with us. He asked for our visit priorities and designed an interesting and engaging tour over the several hours we spent together. Very polite, he escorted and taught us through Japanese culture and sights, which was exactly what we wanted to see and learn about. We highly recommend Haru as a guide in future.
Jul 12, 2026
Felice R
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru…
Jul 12, 2026
Felice R
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Touring gardens in Tokyo with the perfect guide , Haru
Haru was an amazing tour guide. His communication skills from the first email to his tour presentation was superb! He was able to fine tune our tour with incredible precision. Haru was extremely professional and friendly! He was able to conduct our tour in a very organized, interesting and fun way. We would highly recommend Haru to give you the perfect tour of Tokyo.
Jul 9, 2026
mariee530
An incredible walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This tour was beyond expectations!…
Jul 9, 2026
mariee530
An incredible walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This tour was beyond expectations! Haru, my tour guide, was knowledgeable, kind and friendly. I feel like I learned so much from him throughout the day! I loved that I was able to choose from so many different sightseeing options. I simply gave Haru my list of preferred places and he did the rest! His patience with me as I took 4638 pictures was abundant! I would highly recommend this tour and I will certainly hope you have Haru as your guide!
Jun 30, 2026
simonegN55VE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fabulous walking tour with Haru
Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour…
Jun 30, 2026
simonegN55VE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fabulous walking tour with Haru
Haru was fabulous! We booked the tour for our first full day in Tokyo, and Haru provided us
with a perfect overview of the city. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely
accommodating to our needs. I would highly recommend him to others.