Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa — Guide Ayaka
November, 2025
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 Hotel
- 9:40 Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 Imperial Palace
- 12:00 Asakusa
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Meiji Shrine at 9:40, Imperial Palace at 11:00 and Asakusa at 12:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Meiji-jingumae by Free Pass (900JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashi by Free Pass (0JPY); Hibiya to Asakusa by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
Title: What Does a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa
The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. Having just arrived the previous night, they wanted a basic itinerary for their first day of touring.
In central Tokyo, they requested Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa, and I guided them accordingly.
After Meiji Shrine, they wanted to exchange cash, so I took them to Takeshita Street. Since many guests are unable to exchange money at the airport on their first day, I realized it would be wise to keep a few reliable places for cash exchange in mind.
Due to time constraints, we only visited Nijubashi Bridge, but they planned to visit the East Gardens on their own.
Afterward, I guided them to Asakusa. A cute dog happened to be strolling around dressed in a kimono, and they took many photos. In addition to the main Nakamise shopping street, I also guided them along Denboin Street and other areas.
After the tour, they planned to head to Ueno to visit the park and the Tokyo National Museum, and if they still had energy, to go shopping in Ginza.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Meiji-jingumae | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashi | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Hibiya～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace and Asakusa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY 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?
Ayaka 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.
Hello! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.