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
- 10:15 Meet up @ Hotel
- 10:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 11:15 Meiji Shrine
- 12:30 Imperial Palace
- 13:20 Lunch @ Yakiniku Toraji Marubiru Branch
- 14:40 Sensoji Temple
- 15:50 Disband @ Ikebukuro Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 10:15, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 15:50. The day ran to 5 hours and 35 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Yakiniku Toraji Marubiru Branch at 13:20.
The itinerary covered Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 10:45, Meiji Shrine at 11:15, Imperial Palace at 12:30 and Sensoji Temple at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ikebukuro to Shibuya by train (180JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (700JPY); Tokyo to Ueno by train (170JPY); Ueno to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (0JPY); Ueno to Ikebukuro by train (180JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,380JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kochi, Osaka, and Shimizu on a cruise tour departing from Asia. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. Since I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, 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 | Ikebukuro～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 700JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Tokyo～Ueno | 170JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Ueno～Ikebukuro | 180JPY |
| Total | 1,380JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:15, and the tour finished at @ Ikebukuro Station at 15:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 35 minutes in total, from 10:15 to 15:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,380JPY 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?
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
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Seizo was a tremendously fabulous and friendly tour guide. He made us feel welcome and took great care to explain the tour and what we would be seeing during the day. It was a great way to see the city’s sights and a great help navigating the transit system. Loads of trains rides to get us to each new location.
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Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto. He was very knowledgeable, easy going, great sense of humour and taught us a lot about Japanese culture and history. We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our guide Seizo. Would highly recommend.
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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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