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
- 11:00 Meet with father and discuss the schedule
- 11:15 Whole family gathers
- 11:25 Take the hotel shuttle bus to Shinjuku Station
- 11:40 Arrive at Harajuku Station Visit Meiji Shrine
- 13:00 Visit Takeshita Street
- 13:40 Depart from Meiji-jingumae subway station
- 14:00 Arrive at Nijubashimae subway station Visit the Imperial Palace Nijubashi
- 14:30 Depart from Sakuradamon subway station
- 15:00 Arrive at Tsukiji Outer Market via Shintomicho subway Visit the market (including a visit to Tsukiji Hongan-ji along the way)
- 16:00 Depart from Tsukiji subway station
- 16:30 Arrive at Asakusa subway station Visit Nakamise from Kaminarimon
- 17:00 Disband at Nakamise
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Asakusa
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day tour of Tokyo for a group visiting Japan from North America. The guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture and religious architecture.
The first stop was Harajuku, where the group visited Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street. They were very intrigued by the contrast between the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine and the lively, youthful energy of Takeshita Street, and stayed for about two hours.
Next, we traveled by subway to the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, where we took commemorative photos. We then took the subway from Sakuradamon Station to Shintomicho Station and walked toward the Tsukiji Outer Market area. Along the way, we visited Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, which features an Indian-style exterior. The guests found it especially interesting, observing the similarities with Indian temple architecture.
After that, we had a somewhat late lunch at the Tsukiji Outer Market, where the guests enjoyed Japanese dishes such as sashimi and sushi and were very pleased.
We then transferred by subway to Asakusa. I guided the group from Kaminarimon Gate through Nakamise Street, allowing them to experience Japan's traditional atmosphere.
As about six hours had passed since the start of the tour, we concluded the tour in Asakusa. The guests had a dinner reservation at 6:30 p.m. and planned to make their own way there by taxi afterward.
Although the guests had only recently arrived in Japan, the entire group showed a strong interest in sightseeing and appeared satisfied throughout the tour.
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 | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae Station／Shibuya-ku, Tokyo～Nijubashimae | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sakuradamon～Shintomicho (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tsukiji～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Total | 760JPY | ||
Self-Background
During my university years, I lived in a dormitory for four years and had the opportunity to live with many international students.
Of course, we spoke English.
After graduating from university, I started working as an English teacher at a junior high school.
I was able to have a fun teaching life while interacting with many students. During that time, I continued to study English on my own and obtained the pre-1st grade English proficiency test.
After that, I worked for the Board of Education as a supervisor in charge of English education, and then managed a school as a vice principal, and later principal.
After retiring from teaching, I took the TOEIC (L&R) and achieved my highest score of 945.
I also obtained a license as a national guide-interpreter, and began working as a guide for overseas visitors in English.
Currently, I guide tourists to several places around the country.
Many customers have told me that I am a good guide, saying that my guidance is easy to understand and that I have a lot of knowledge about sightseeing spots and history.
Furthermore, I will continue to improve my skills and make efforts to give you a better experience in Japan, so please come and enjoy your trip in Japan with me.