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
- 9:20 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.
Jul 8, 2026
Maria H
Tokyo an amazing city
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
First time in this…
Jul 8, 2026
Maria H
Tokyo an amazing city
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
First time in this amazing city of Tokyo, our guide Shigeru was more than excellent in providing a wealth knowledge on so many fronts from history, culture, food and more. Went to some touristy places but well worth it. We walked and caught subway/trains was great. Highly recommend this tour.
Jul 4, 2026
davidsM6670MT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…
Jul 4, 2026
davidsM6670MT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and attentive. We had a great tour of Tokyo with a local touch. Enjoyed our cultural and historical exchange. Would 100 recommend him!…
Jun 14, 2026
Q3961PBsaraf
History, Culture and Local Insight
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful half-day tour of…
Jun 14, 2026
Q3961PBsaraf
History, Culture and Local Insight
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful half-day tour of Tokyo with Shigeru and would thoroughly recommend him.
From our first communication, Shigeru was friendly, approachable and helpful. He listened carefully to our interests and suggested an itinerary that suited us perfectly, including Asakusa, Yanaka and Nezu. Rather than simply showing us the sights, he helped us understand the history, culture and atmosphere of each area, and was able to answer the many questions we had throughout the day.
What we particularly appreciated was that Shigeru was happy to talk not only about the places we visited, but also about everyday life in Japan, which was exactly what we were interested in learning more about. His knowledge added so much to the experience.
We were travelling to Japan partly to research our family history and to learn more about my great-grandfather, who was born in Tokyo. Shigeru took a genuine interest in our search and was very helpful in suggesting places and ideas that might assist our research, which we greatly appreciated.
His English was excellent and communication was easy throughout. He was patient, professional, knowledgeable and very good company.
The tour was one of the highlights of our time in Tokyo and we would not hesitate to recommend Shigeru to anyone looking for a guide who is both informative and personable.
Jun 7, 2026
abhinavg948
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
Shigeru is…
Jun 7, 2026
abhinavg948
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
Shigeru is an outstanding guide. We did a private tour as a couple. He was in touch a few days before our tour, and he customized our Tokyo tour according to our prior visit and our interests. He was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. Would highly recommend. Arigato gozaimasu, Shigeru-San! Sincerely, Shilpa and Abhi