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
- 8:40 Meet at Hilton Tokyo
- 9:15 Sightseeing at Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings
- 10:00 Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple
- 12:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 14:00 Lunch, Marunouchi Building "Aoyuzu Tora"
- 15:20 Meiji Shrine
- 16:20 Takeshita Street
- 16:50 Disband at the entrance of Takeshita Street
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:40 at Hilton Tokyo and ended at 16:50. The day ran to 8 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch, Marunouchi Building "Aoyuzu Tora" at 14:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Sightseeing at Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings at 9:15, Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple at 10:00, Imperial Palace East Gardens at 12:00, Meiji Shrine at 15:20 and Takeshita Street at 16:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Shibuya by train (170JPY); Shibuya to Asakusa by train (260JPY); Asakusa to Otemachi (Tokyo) by train (290JPY); Nijubashimae to Meiji-jingumae by train (210JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 930JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since it was the first day of their trip to Japan, I explained how to ride the trains and use Suica. One of the guests was unable to have a mobile Suica, so they traveled using a physical card. The Shibuya crossing was quiet because it was early in the morning, but the guests took many photos and videos there. In Asakusa, they enjoyed shopping for souvenirs along Nakamise Street, praying at the main hall, and having matcha at a tea shop. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were relatively uncrowded, so we enjoyed a leisurely stroll. At a Japanese restaurant in the Marunouchi Building, the guests were delighted with a grilled fish set meal, saying it was delicious. They mentioned they love the flavor of miso so much that they finished every bit of the clam miso soup. At Meiji Shrine, preparations for the New Year's first shrine visit were underway, so the guests could experience the atmosphere of a Japanese New Year a little early. I saw them off at Takeshita Street, where we parted ways. They were very cooperative throughout, and I was relieved that we were able to visit all of their requested spots.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku～Shibuya | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Asakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 290JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Total | 930JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hilton Tokyo at 8:40, and the tour finished at entrance of Takeshita Street at 16:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 8:40 to 16:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Sightseeing at Shibuya Crossing and its surroundings, Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 930JPY 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?
Yumi 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’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.