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
- 09:50 Meet up @ 5-3-8 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku (Airbnb)
- 10:30 Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 11:50 Imperial Palace
- 12:30 Lunch @ Mr. Farmer (Hibiya)
- 14:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- 15:00 Disband @ Shinjuku Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 09:50, when the guide met the guests at @ 5-3-8 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku (Airbnb), and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Mr. Farmer (Hibiya) at 12:30.
From there the group visited Meiji Jingu Shrine at 10:30, Imperial Palace at 11:50 and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Asagaya to Harajuku by train (180JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (700JPY); Nijubashimae to Hibiya by subway (0JPY); Hibiya to Shinjuku-gyoemmae by subway (0JPY); Shinjuku-gyoemmae to Shinjuku by subway (0JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 880JPY per person.
What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Shinjuku Gyoen
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the difference between shrines and temples, and they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At the Imperial Palace, they were fascinated by the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed strolling through the beautiful Japanese garden and rose garden. Since I responded exactly to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Asagaya～Harajuku | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 700JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijubashimae～Hibiya | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Hibiya～Shinjuku-gyoemmae | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoemmae～Shinjuku | 0JPY |
| Total | 880JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ 5-3-8 Asagaya Kita, Suginami-ku (Airbnb) at 09:50, and the tour finished at @ Shinjuku Station at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 09:50 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 880JPY 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?
Seizo 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 am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
Seizo Kamiuto was out…
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
Jun 9, 2026
stacy_grana
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
Jun 9, 2026
stacy_grana
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
Jun 6, 2026
U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。