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
- 9:00 Hotel
- 9:40 Meiji Shrine, Gyoen Garden
- 11:40 Ueno Station, Statue of Saigo Takamori, Shogitai Grave, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
- 12:40 Lunch @ Haruka
- 14:00 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Sensoji Temple, etc.
- 15:20 Dismissal @ Toei Asakusa Line Asakusa Station
What's a Private Family Tour of Meiji Shrine and Ueno in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting from Asia. Due to the extreme heat continuing from the previous day, I changed the plan from Rikugien Garden to the shaded Meiji Shrine and began the tour. The group showed interest in the irises and the Kiyomasa Well in the Meiji Shrine Inner Garden, so I showed them around. Along the way, they bought water several times from vending machines and also enjoyed ice cream. Since they wanted to activate Shinkansen tickets they had purchased online, we exchanged the QR codes for paper tickets for the entire route at a ticket machine in Ueno Station, and I added English readings next to the station names shown in Japanese. We decided to have lunch in Ueno, and since the guests eat only fish and vegetables, I suggested a Japanese restaurant with set meals, but they preferred an Asian restaurant that had suitable menu options, so we went there. The group seemed quite tired from the heat, but they were very well-behaved and did not complain at all. At Meiji Shrine, they dedicated an ema votive plaque, and the guests listened attentively to the historical explanations. I saw them off at the ticket gate of the Toei Asakusa Line, received words of gratitude, and the tour came to an end.
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 | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Ueno | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Total | 540JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.