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
- 10:00 Meeting point Keio Plaza
- 10:50 Asakusa (Sky Tree photo)
- 12:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 14:15 Meiji Shrine
- 15:20 Dismissal Keio Plaza
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at Keio Plaza, and finished at 15:20. The day ran to 5 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Asakusa (Sky Tree photo) at 10:50, Imperial Palace East Gardens at 12:45 and Meiji Shrine at 14:15.
Title: What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine
The weather was clear and there were no problems. The drive went smoothly with no traffic jams. We first went to Asakusa, and following the driver's instructions we parked at a lot near Nitenmon Gate. From there we proceeded to Azumabashi Bridge, Kaminarimon Gate, and the main hall, then exited through Nitenmon Gate and returned to the bus. During this time, we spent quite a lot of time, as one of the guests got separated from the group and shopping at Nakamise took a while. The driver paid the 6,000 yen parking fee, which was charged to the guests. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we entered through Hirakawamon Gate and headed toward the main citadel, but as some of the guests mentioned they could not walk up the steep slope, we strolled only through the garden area. At Meiji Shrine, we walked from the parking lot to the Second Torii Gate, but some of the guests said they did not want to walk any further and returned to the bus, so I guided the remaining guests to the main hall before returning to the hotel. We returned to the hotel early, as the walking time was much shorter than expected and there were no traffic jams.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
Please call me Koba.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly appreciated his knowledge of the history of Tokyo and Japan and his very pleasant demeanor. He is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to tour with in Tokyo.
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit…
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit to Tokyo, and our tour with Koba made the experience truly exceptional. We’re a family of four with two teenage boys (14 and 16), and Koba was wonderfully kind, patient, and engaging with each of us. The experience started even before we arrived—his first communications laid out a thoughtful, customized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests as first-time visitors. Our six hours together were full, seamless, and incredibly rewarding. Koba’s deep knowledge of the city, his attention to detail, and his warm, easygoing approach made the tour an ideal fit for our family. It was the perfect way to get a broad yet meaningful introduction to Tokyo in a short time. We’re so grateful he was our guide and highly recommend him to anyone visiting the city.
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience…
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience see learned a lot about Tokyo and our guide Koba was perfect in every way and very helpful. We had a perfect time together.Thank you Koba
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family…
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family and I. He was patient and helped carry a large toy my daughter won. I wished we had another day. Having a guide saved us hours of navigating the subway and metro.