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
- 08：50 Meet ＠ Hotel
- 09：30 Meiji Shrine
- 10：20 Takeshita Street
- 11：20 Tsukiji Market
- 12：10 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 13：10 Dismissal ＠ Shimbashi Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at ＠ Hotel at 08:50, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 13:10. The day ran to 4 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 09:30, Takeshita Street at 10:20, Tsukiji Market at 11:20 and Hamarikyu Gardens at 12:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Suidobashi to Harajuku by train (180JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Tsukiji by subway (210JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 390JPY per person.
What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu Gardens
The guests were a group from Europe visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Hakuba, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they listened with great interest to the explanation about the differences between shrines and temples, and seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Takeshita Street and Tsukiji Market, they were surprised by the large number of international tourists and the lively bustle of the shops. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they were impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden and enjoyed matcha at the tea house on Nakajima Island. Since they said they could return to their hotel on their own after shopping and dining in Ginza, we parted ways at Shimbashi Station. As I responded exactly according to the guests' wishes, I believe they were satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Suidobashi～Harajuku | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Total | 390JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at ＠ Hotel at 08:50, and the tour finished at ＠ Shimbashi Station at 13:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 08:50 to 13:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Tsukiji Market and Hamarikyu Gardens.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 390JPY per person across 2 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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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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