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 Depart from Hotel → Board at Tochomae Station, guests purchase a one-day pass.
- 9:30-10-30 Asakusa sightseeing guide, stroll around Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Culture Center, etc.
- 11:15-12:15 Rikugien Garden sightseeing guide
- 12:40-13:20 Lunch at a ramen shop in Harajuku
- 12:20-13:30 Stroll along Takeshita Street
- 13:40-14:40 Meiji Shrine guide
- 15:00 Arrive at Hotel, end of tour
What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Rikugien, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were visitors from Europe. It was their first time in Japan, and they were looking forward to their trip. At first I suggested using taxis, but since the guests were all in good spirits, they preferred to travel by subway as much as possible. Initially they had hoped to visit the Imperial Palace and the East Gardens as well, but since these are closed on Mondays, I informed them of this and we chose the itinerary described above. In Asakusa, they listened intently to explanations about the historical background. Rikugien Garden was not very crowded, so we walked around at a relaxed pace. They were moved by the explanations given as we rested from time to time. In Harajuku, they wanted to eat ramen, so I introduced them to a popular shop. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Shinto in detail. I saw the guests off at their hotel. They were very pleased and expressed their deep gratitude.
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 | Train | Tochomae～Asakusa | 280JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Asakusa～Komagome | 350JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Komagome～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Tochomae | 290JPY |
| Total | 1,130JPY | ||
I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time…
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time to Japan. Mitch was a great guide, recommending the key sights in Tokyo. He contacted us before the trip so that he could set up an itinery that worked for our family. We learned about the culture and also how to navigate the trains! Mitch even took us back to our hotel at the end. Thank you for a great first experience in Japan!
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots of locations in one day. Mitch our guide is
very knowledgeable and the nicest person we have ever met.
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He was very polite and knew the city very well, so there wasn’t a lost minute in our day. He asked me what my preferences were so he could customize my itinerary, and it was great! I was taken to see some hidden gems out of the traditional touristic circuits (and for that Im really thankful). I feel I learnt a lot about the history and culture of Japan, and I got to listen to many good anecdotes from Mitch. I also had a great soba for Lunch, in a very small and cozy restaurant. Arigatou gosaimasu, Mitch!
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic…
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic day with our guide Mitch, he was very knowledgeable, a kind man & very generous with his time.
Mitch suggested sushi train for lunch pleasing our granddaughter greatly.
I would recommend Mitch for any type of tour, given he has excellent English.
Deb, Neil, Kate, Joel, Calla & Bodhi
Adelaide, South Australia 😃