Tokyo in Half a Day: Shimbashi station — Guide Hideaki
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:40 Shimbashi station (starts early)
- 10:00 Asakusa
- 11:15 Asakusa station
- 11:40 Tokyo station
- 12:10 Imperial Palace
- 13:00 Ohtemachi station
- 13:30 Shibuya station
- 14:00 Shimbashi Yurikamome station to drop off
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Shimbashi station (starts early) at 09:40, Asakusa at 10:00, Asakusa station at 11:15, Tokyo station at 11:40, Imperial Palace at 12:10, Ohtemachi station at 13:00 and Shibuya station at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Asakusa by subway (220JPY); Asakusa to Tokyo by subway (330JPY); Ohtemachi (Tokyo) to Shibuya by subway (210JPY); Shibuya to Shimbashi by subway (180JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 940JPY per person.
What Are Common Conversation Topics on a Private Tour in Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. We build houses on the landfilled, too. 2. I drove 40 minutes each way. The person took a bus and a train for 35 minutes to work in schools in North America. 3. The person had saved money over the years to travel while still able to walk. 4. 100-year war. History repeats itself. 5. Shibuya crossing is equivalent to Times Square. 6. We have bamboo, too, but we must cut the top off, they spread and go wild. 7. We don't have problems with monkeys or bears, we have deer. 8. (Someone is watching your house while you are cruising?) No one cares. Family lives about 5 minutes' drive away to pick up mail. No one cares while we are here. 9. We have 50 states; how many do you have? 10. We have two houses, very large, and stairs, we don't need them. The guests have grandchildren. I made a will. You have to have a good lawyer in North America. 11. Scam? – we have the same problem. A relative received a call saying "Hello grandma, I'm your grandson" asking for money. The person recognized it and said "I don't have a grandson," even though there are grandchildren.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shimbashi～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Tokyo | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ohtemachi (Tokyo)～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Shibuya～Shimbashi | 180JPY |
| Total | 940JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shimbashi station (starts early), Asakusa, Asakusa station, Tokyo station, Imperial Palace, Ohtemachi station and Shibuya station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 940JPY per person across 4 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?
Hideaki 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, welcome to Japan you all.
I’m a resident of Ebina, Kanagawa, and am a national government licensed guide and interpreter.
I enjoy showing travelers both the new and old of central Honshu, primarily Tokyo and Kanagawa, ranging from Meiji Shrine, Edo Castle, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ueno, Asakusa, Ginza, Ginza Sky Farmstead, Shibuya Zebra Crossings, Yokohama, Kamakura, to Hakone, not to mention Mt. Fuji, and sharing views with my guests on Japanese homes and their surroundings, Japan’s labor productivity and labor market, among others.
I also enjoy introducing travelers to Japanese culture through home visits with Japanese families, touring Zen temples, and explaining the intricacies of Japanese culture.
I am happy to arrange personalized tours to other places of your interest.
I am making the most of my long experience as a foreign language education service, escorting VIPs at the Sony showroom in Ginza, Tokyo.
I also offer services to help families and individuals relocating to Japan with immigration VISA applications.
My hobbies are movies, strolling along the river in my neighborhood and am a novice at la lingua Italiano.
Let’s enjoy touring together, shall we?
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Hideaki was our guide today and he did an outstanding job. We walked in the rain but he did the best to show us as much of Tokyo as possible.
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Private guide – a very good experience
We spent a half day with Hideaki Wada, which can be highly recommended. He was on time on the spot, very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and spoke good English. We made a plan, followed it and ended up with a little extra time.
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Unforgettable day in Tokyo with Hideaki — incredible with kids
Hideaki was the highlight of our time in Tokyo. We were a group of six — two grandparents and two young kids — and he handled every dynamic with ease. Patient, warm, and endlessly accommodating, he read the energy of the group and adjusted the pace so no one ever felt rushed or left behind. He was especially wonderful with our kids, keeping them engaged and curious all day — from the grandeur of the Imperial Palace, to shopping, to the wonderful craziness of Shinjuku. As a licensed guide his knowledge was deep, but what set him apart was how genuinely kind and thoughtful he was with our whole family. If you want a guide who treats you like family and makes Tokyo come alive for all ages, book Hideaki. Highest possible recommendation — thank you, Hideaki!