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

  • 10:00 Hotel-10:45 Meiji Shrine-11:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street-12:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing-13:30 Tsukiji Outer Market-14:15 Lunch-15:00 Kappabashi Kitchen Town-16:10 Senso-ji Temple Dismissal

Day 1 of a Private Tokyo Tour for First-Time Visitors: A Licensed Guide's Report

This was the first day of a private tour for guests visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since they planned to stay for a little over ten days, including the Kansai region, we started with a lecture on an overview of Tokyo and the history of Japan. The first destination was Meiji Shrine, and the guests seemed deeply moved by the shrine's forest, which is a little over 100 years old. On the other hand, they also showed interest in animal cafes with many small animals, stopping at spots featuring hedgehogs, mini pigs, and even an otter cafe. Afterward, they enjoyed a large beef sandwich at a nearby sandwich shop and were very satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke~Yoyogi330JPY
Section 2BusJingumae 1-chome / Toei Bus~Shibuya Station West Exit / Toei Bus210JPY
Section 3SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji Market290JPY
Section 4BusTsukiji 6-chome / Toei Bus~Ginza 4-chome / Toei Bus210JPY
Section 5SubwayGinza~Tawaramachi (Tokyo)210JPY
Total1,250JPY

Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

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