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
- 8:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
- 9:20 Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara
- 10:50 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 12:20 Meiji Shrine, lunch
- 14:00 In front of Hachiko in Shibuya, Scramble Crossing
- 14:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at guests at the hotel and ended at 14:30. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara at 9:20, Shinjuku Gyoen at 10:50, Meiji Shrine, lunch at 12:20 and In front of Hachiko in Shibuya, Scramble Crossing at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Asakusa (TX) to Akihabara by train (210JPY); Akihabara to Shinjuku by train (180JPY); Sendagaya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Shibuya by train (180JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 720JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. We started at Asakusa Station, where I assisted them with purchasing PASMO cards. We then went to Akihabara and stopped at a specialty store to consult about repairing a smartphone that was malfunctioning. After moving to Shinjuku, we strolled through the Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen. A chrysanthemum exhibition happened to be taking place, and the guests enjoyed the chrysanthemums and seasonal flowering trees. At Meiji Shrine, after I explained an overview of Japanese history, the difference between temples and shrines, the origins of Meiji Shrine, the torii gate, the masugata layout, and the camphor trees, the guests offered a prayer, drew an omikuji fortune, received a goshuin seal, and experienced the customs of a Shinto shrine. We then walked along Takeshita Street and had lunch in Harajuku. Finally, we moved to Shibuya, where the guests took photos in front of the Hachiko statue and the Scramble Crossing, and the tour came to an end.
This private one-day tour of Tokyo was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
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 | Asakusa (TX)～Akihabara | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Akihabara～Shinjuku | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Sendagaya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guests at the hotel at 8:30, and the tour finished at at 14:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 8:30 to 14:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Smartphone repair shop in Akihabara, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, lunch and In front of Hachiko in Shibuya, Scramble Crossing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 720JPY 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?
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
532yeldarbs
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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
scottmR2068WG
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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. 😁