Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Sensoji Temple — Guide Seizo
September, 2025
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
- 12:50 Meet at Hotel Ginza Premier
- 13:25 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 13:45 Meiji Shrine
- 15:25 Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
- 15:45 Tsukiji Market
- 16:35 Sensoji Temple
- 17:30 Disband at Hotel Ginza Premier
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 12:50, when the guide met the guests at Hotel Ginza Premier, and finished at 17:30. The day ran to 4 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 13:25, Meiji Shrine at 13:45, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple at 15:25, Tsukiji Market at 15:45 and Sensoji Temple at 16:35.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Shibuya by subway (180JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Tsukiji by subway (210JPY); Tsukiji to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Shimbashi by subway (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 960JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagano, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they planned to join a cruise tour around Japan. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was so different from Shibuya. At Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, they showed great interest in the Indian-style temple design. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about Kaminarimon Gate. They also purchased goshuin seals at both Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so 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 | Subway | Shimbashi～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Asakusa～Shimbashi | 210JPY |
| Total | 960JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel Ginza Premier at 12:50, and the tour finished at Hotel Ginza Premier at 17:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 12:50 to 17:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Market and Sensoji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 960JPY 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
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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。