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
- 10:00 Meet at hotel lobby
- 10:50 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 12:30 Rikugien Garden
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 15:45 To the hotel
- 16:10 Tour ends / Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel lobby, and finished at 16:10. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:30.
From there the group visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 10:50, Rikugien Garden at 12:30, Hamarikyu Gardens at 14:50 and To the hotel at 15:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku West Exit to Iidabashi by subway (220JPY); Korakuen to Komagome by subway (180JPY); Komagome to Hamamatsucho by train (210JPY); Shiodome to Shinjuku by subway (220JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 830JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Japanese Garden Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The hotel was located in Kabukicho, and although the surrounding area was a busy entertainment district, the guests were not particularly bothered by it, which was reassuring. The guests had hoped to take photos of autumn leaves, but the colors had not yet fully developed, so they seemed a little disappointed. However, they had a strong wish to visit Japanese gardens, so we first went to Koishikawa Korakuen, then Rikugien, and finally Hamarikyu. Since Shinjuku Gyoen, which we had originally planned to visit, was closed for the day, we changed the itinerary to Hamarikyu instead. At each garden, the guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, the trees, and the ponds, and took many photographs. For me as well, since my usual tours often involve walking through bustling city streets, this garden tour was a valuable experience.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shinjuku West Exit～Iidabashi | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Korakuen～Komagome | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Komagome～Hamamatsucho | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Shiodome～Shinjuku | 220JPY |
| Total | 830JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel lobby at 10:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends / at 16:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Rikugien Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens and To the hotel.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 830JPY per person across 4 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?
Yuki 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.
Hello, I’m Yuki.
With a decade of experience as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government volunteer guide, I embody the spirit of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. I’ve introduced Tokyo from the observatory at the height of 202 meters and guided visitors to popular spots in the city. I have also lived in several foreign countries for studying, working, and staying as an expatriate. Additionally, I guide both individuals and large groups of around forty people, primarily in the Kyoto and Tokyo areas.
I enjoy watching movies and visiting temples and shrines, both in Japan and abroad. Eager to share Japan’s seasonal beauty and culture, I invite you to join me in exploring the excitement of Japan and creating a memorable tour together.
Sep 20, 2026
7
713sharonh
Worth every penny. Great guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Superb experience. Our…
Sep 20, 2026
7
713sharonh
Worth every penny. Great guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Superb experience. Our guide Yuki took us to so many places, she had to change our itinerary last minute due to rain. She was so knowledgeable & made the tour very interesting. 10/10.
Sep 17, 2026
lauriceprudente
Tokyo city tour with driver
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful experience…
Sep 17, 2026
lauriceprudente
Tokyo city tour with driver
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful experience with our tour guide, Yuki, in Tokyo! She took us to Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and Harajuku and made the entire day easy and enjoyable.
Yuki was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and especially thoughtful with our group. We had two people using wheelchairs, and she coordinated with our driver on the best places to park and pick us up so getting in and out of the car was as comfortable and convenient as possible. We really appreciated the extra care she took to make sure everyone could enjoy the tour without feeling rushed.
Thank you, Yuki, for making our day in Tokyo so memorable and stress-free. We would definitely recommend her, especially for families traveling with elderly family members or anyone with mobility needs! ❤️
Sep 11, 2026
alicefV1886CG
A day with Yuki
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuki was brilliant! We agreed…
Sep 11, 2026
alicefV1886CG
A day with Yuki
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuki was brilliant! We agreed on the tour based on the attractions we already saw in the previous date. It was good to know about the japanese culture and manners as it is quite different from the italian one. As Yuki said: there is not enjoyment without knowledge
Sep 7, 2026
Venture659059
Shinjuku tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuki was a great guide. She…
Sep 7, 2026
Venture659059
Shinjuku tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuki was a great guide. She was on time and prepared with more than we could do in our time. She walked with me until we got back even though it was over our time, no extra charge. Very nice and concerned for my safety.