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 Meet at Conrad Tokyo
- 9:45 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 11:20 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
- 12:05 Lunch @ Takesaburo
- 12:55 Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu
- 14:10 Meiji Jingu
- 15:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 15:55 Dismiss in front of Conrad Tokyo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Conrad Tokyo at 9:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 15:55. The day ran to 6 hours and 55 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Takesaburo at 12:05.
The itinerary covered East Gardens of the Imperial Palace at 9:45, Asakusa (Skytree photo) at 11:20, Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu at 12:55, Meiji Jingu at 14:10 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 15:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Takebashi by Free Pass (900JPY); Otemachi to Asakusa by Free Pass (0JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by Free Pass (0JPY); Yushima to Meiji-jingumae by Free Pass (0JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (150JPY); Shibuya to Shimbashi by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,050JPY per person.
What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
After explaining the itinerary at the Hotel, we purchased a one-day subway pass and set off. It was a very hot day with strong sunshine, so I provided a parasol and we proceeded while taking frequent breaks. I received many questions about history and culture. In Asakusa, the guests enjoyed shopping and sampling street food, and at their request we had lunch at a local ramen shop. I guided them through Ueno Park, which was also hot, and we were able to take a breather at Meiji Shrine. I gave many explanations related to religion. From Shibuya Scramble Crossing we returned to Shimbashi, and in front of the elevator leading to the Hotel, the guests said this was a good place to finish, so the tour came to an end. I received a tip.
This private full-day walking tour of Tokyo was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
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 | Free Pass | Shimbashi～Takebashi | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Otemachi～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Ueno | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Yushima～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 150JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Shimbashi | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,050JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Conrad Tokyo at 9:00, and the tour finished at front of Conrad Tokyo at 15:55.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 55 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:55.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa (Skytree photo), Ueno Park, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Ueno Toshogu, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,050JPY per person across 6 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?
Koba 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.
My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
Please call me Koba.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly appreciated his knowledge of the history of Tokyo and Japan and his very pleasant demeanor. He is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to tour with in Tokyo.
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit…
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit to Tokyo, and our tour with Koba made the experience truly exceptional. We’re a family of four with two teenage boys (14 and 16), and Koba was wonderfully kind, patient, and engaging with each of us. The experience started even before we arrived—his first communications laid out a thoughtful, customized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests as first-time visitors. Our six hours together were full, seamless, and incredibly rewarding. Koba’s deep knowledge of the city, his attention to detail, and his warm, easygoing approach made the tour an ideal fit for our family. It was the perfect way to get a broad yet meaningful introduction to Tokyo in a short time. We’re so grateful he was our guide and highly recommend him to anyone visiting the city.
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience…
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience see learned a lot about Tokyo and our guide Koba was perfect in every way and very helpful. We had a perfect time together.Thank you Koba
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family…
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family and I. He was patient and helped carry a large toy my daughter won. I wished we had another day. Having a guide saved us hours of navigating the subway and metro.