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 Residence Inn Yoyogi Park
- 9:20 Meiji Shrine
- 10:40 Ameyoko
- 11:00 Ueno: Statue of Saigo Takamori, Grave of the Shogitai, Kiyomizu Kannon-do, Toshogu Shrine
- 11:50 Lunch @ Azabu Sabo
- 13:00 Yanaka Cemetery, Tsuiji-bei Wall, Yanaka Ginza
- 14:20 Rikugien Garden
- 15:10 Dismissal @ Rikugien Garden
What's a Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Ameyoko, Ueno and Rikugien
I guided a group of guests visiting from Africa. The group seemed very interested in Japan; some could read hiragana, and one had a Japanese-character tattoo on their arm. They were a friendly group and asked many questions. When I explained the omikuji fortune slips at Meiji Shrine, everyone drew one and enjoyed it. At Ameyoko, they bought sweets such as Hi-Chew at a candy shop, sunglasses because of the bright sunlight, and tea bags of Japanese tea, which they liked. The admission fee at Ueno Toshogu had gone up to 700 yen. Since one of the guests was studying architecture and said they only knew of Kengo Kuma, I wrote down the names of other Japanese architects and some information on a note and handed it over. For lunch, thinking of a place that could accommodate a larger group, I had them choose a restaurant from the dining floor on the second floor of Atre at Ueno Station. Because I had taught them how to hold chopsticks, everyone selected and bought chopsticks in Yanaka. At Rikugien, they enjoyed matcha and sweets at a teahouse while looking at the garden. It was heartwarming to see them earnestly trying to memorize how to say "gochisousama deshita." On the way back, they arranged a large vehicle to their hotel themselves, so we parted ways at Rikugien.
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 | Subway | Yoyogi Park～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Yushima | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ueno～Nippori | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Sendagi 3-chome / Toei Bus～Kamifujimae / Toei Bus | 210JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.