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

  • 11:00 Meet up @ Hotel
  • 12:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
  • 12:35 Meiji Shrine
  • 13:45 Lunch @ Aoyuzutora (Marunouchi Building)
  • 14:40 Imperial Palace
  • 15:50 Sensoji Temple
  • 17:10 Yanaka Ginza
  • 19:05 Dismissal @ Hotel

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Meeting at @ Hotel at 11:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 19:05. The day ran to 8 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Aoyuzutora (Marunouchi Building) at 13:45.

The itinerary covered Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 12:15, Meiji Shrine at 12:35, Imperial Palace at 14:40, Sensoji Temple at 15:50 and Yanaka Ginza at 17:10.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Minatomirai to Shibuya by train (510JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (210JPY); Yurakucho to Ginza-itchome by subway (180JPY); Ginza to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (180JPY); Ueno to Nippori by train (150JPY); Nippori to Yokohama by train (580JPY); Yokohama to Minatomirai by train (200JPY). Across 9 sections the fare came to 2,370JPY per person.

What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was a visitor from North America who was visiting Japan for the first time. They mentioned that after sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to join a cruise tour departing from Yokohama the following day. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested in explanations about the differences between temples and shrines and about Kaminarimon Gate, and they purchased a T-shirt and a hat as souvenirs along Nakamise Street. At Yanaka Ginza, which we visited at the guest's strong request, they were very pleased to see the old townscape and shopping street of Tokyo. Since I responded exactly as the guest wished, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainMinatomirai~Shibuya510JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae210JPY
Section 4SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
Section 5SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
Section 7TrainUeno~Nippori150JPY
Section 8TrainNippori~Yokohama580JPY
Section 9TrainYokohama~Minatomirai200JPY
Total2,370JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 11:00, and the tour finished at @ Hotel at 19:05.

How long does the tour last?

About 8 hours and 5 minutes in total, from 11:00 to 19:05.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Yanaka Ginza.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 2,370JPY per person across 9 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?

Seizo 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 Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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