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
- 9:20 Meet the guest at the hotel
- 10:00 Rikugien Garden
- 11:30 Meiji Shrine
- 12:30 Takeshita Street
- 13:40 Gotokuji Station, lunch
- 14:40 Gotokuji Temple
- 15:30 Tour ends at Gotokuji Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 9:20, when the guide met the guests at guest at the hotel, and finished at 15:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Rikugien Garden at 10:00, Meiji Shrine at 11:30, Takeshita Street at 12:30, Gotokuji Station, lunch at 13:40 and Gotokuji Temple at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akihabara to Komagome by train (180JPY); Komagome to Harajuku by train (210JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Gotokuji by train (330JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 720JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour of Rikugien, Meiji Shrine, and Gotokuji? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. At Rikugien Garden, which was quiet and uncrowded, they strolled leisurely and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the peaceful scenery. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, and the significance of Meiji Shrine, and the guests took photos at key spots, prayed at the main hall, and drew omikuji fortunes. On Takeshita Street, after enjoying a parfait, they took in the open views from the rooftop garden of Harakado. We then moved to Gotokuji Station, had lunch at a shop in the shopping street, and arrived at Gotokuji Temple. At Gotokuji, I explained the origin of the beckoning cat (maneki-neko) and the relationship between the Ii family and the shogun, after which they took commemorative photos with the many beckoning cat figurines in front of the Shofukuden hall. The tour concluded at Gotokuji Station.
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 | Akihabara～Komagome | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Komagome～Harajuku | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Gotokuji | 330JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guest at the hotel at 9:20, and the tour finished at Tour ends at Gotokuji Station at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 9:20 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Rikugien Garden, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Gotokuji Station, lunch and Gotokuji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 720JPY per person across 3 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?
Shigeru 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 a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.
Sep 29, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We were fortunate to have had Shigeru to guide us from Yokohama to Tokyo. He gave a lot of historical information about Japan, brought us to the places we wanted, and ensured that we were always within reach. He also broughr us to his favourite ramen restsurant in Tokyo. Excellent lunch. He is well versed on the intricacies of customs and modern societal influences, culture.
A very kind and patient man.
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic…
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, an excellent guide with great recommendations. I highly recommend this tour!
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very…
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very knowledgable. 10/10 would book again
Sep 23, 2026
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We had an excellent time being…
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an excellent time being guided by Shigeru. He was gracious and full of interesting information. Would definitely recommend. 😁