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
- 1. 9:00 Meet at Otemon Gate, East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 2. 10:30 Asakusa
- 3. 11:45 Lunch (Nippori Kawamura)
- 4. 12:45 Yanaka
- 5. 13:15 Nezu Shrine
- 6. 14:00 Koishikawa Korakuen
- 7. 15:00 Disband at Iidabashi Station
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Japanese Gardens
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had arrived in Japan separately, and after spending a few days in Tokyo, they planned to visit Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and other destinations.
On this private one-day tour, I guided the guests through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Yanaka, Nezu Shrine, and Koishikawa Korakuen. I had a preliminary meeting with a travel agency representative, and since the guests wished to visit as many places as possible efficiently, we arranged to meet at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the first destination, rather than at their hotel. I sent a map of the Imperial Palace to the representative and designated Otemon Gate as the meeting point. Since I had not been in contact with the guests directly before the day of the tour, I was a little concerned about whether we would actually be able to meet, but we met almost on time. They told me they had come from their hotel by taxi.
At their request, we focused mainly on traditional sites, and the guests asked many enthusiastic questions at each location. They seemed to enjoy Japanese gardens, and the Ninomaru Garden in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Koishikawa Korakuen appeared to be their particular favorites. As they wished to return to their hotel on their own, I explained how to get back from Iidabashi Station, the nearest station to Koishikawa Korakuen, and we parted ways.
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 | Otemon Gate～Asakusa | 178JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 178JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ueno～Nippori | 146JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Todaimae～Korakuen | 178JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
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!
Sep 29, 2026
S77OGjoyh
Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day…
Sep 29, 2026
S77OGjoyh
Excellent Guided walking tour of temple, shrine and outdoor food market Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Haruhiko was a very friendly and knowledgable guide who enriched our walking tour of the Senso-ji Buddhist temple, Shinto shrine, the Tsukiji outer food market. We had a great day and experienced the train travel on the subways, historic buildings and shops. Highly recommend him as a guide
Sep 16, 2026
Kerry_M
10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota…
Sep 16, 2026
Kerry_M
10/10 tour with Haruhiko Yokota
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We toured Tokyo with Haruhiko Yokota and had an amazing time. Haru was an excellent guide: extremely knowledgeable, so delightful to talk to and helpful by providing post-tour suggestions. We can’t thank Haru enough for putting together a great, customized tour. Highly recommend the 4 hour tour.
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.