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
- 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
- 10:40 East Gardens
- 12:30 Lunch @ Asakusa Gonpachi & Sensoji Temple & Asakusa Shrine
- 14:10 Ueno
- 15:20 Ginza (Intersection)
- 16:00 Disband @ Shibuya
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 10:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ Asakusa Gonpachi & Sensoji Temple & Asakusa Shrine at 12:30.
The itinerary covered East Gardens at 10:40, Ueno at 14:10 and Ginza (Intersection) at 15:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Otemachi (Tokyo) by subway (210JPY); Otemachi (Tokyo) to Asakusa by subway (290JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (180JPY); Ueno to Ginza by subway (180JPY); Ginza to Shibuya by subway (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,070JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe, and their main goal for this visit was to see the cherry blossoms. I first took them to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. I had explained in advance that you cannot view the palace up close the way you can at other famous palaces abroad, but since only the ruins of the castle keep remain, they seemed a little disappointed. Even so, they took many photos in the Ninomaru Garden and enjoyed themselves.
After that, we went to Senso-ji Temple, where they selected and purchased various jinbei (traditional summer garments) as gifts at the Nakamise shopping street.
We walked along the row of cherry trees in Ueno Park, then saw the Ginza crossing, and parted ways at the Hotel in Shibuya.
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 | Shibuya～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa | 290JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Ueno～Ginza | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Ginza～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,070JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at @ Shibuya at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited East Gardens, Ueno and Ginza (Intersection).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,070JPY per person across 5 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?
Rumi 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.
Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.
Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took…
Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took us on an efficient and enjoyable afternoon tour. Very much enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend the tour
Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi…
Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi Hosoya, and it was a real pleasure. She introduced us to Japaneese culture and was a very skilled guide, indeed.
Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…
Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided a comprehensive overview and tour of the highlights of Tokyo, navigating the complex subway system with ease. It was a long day but well worth it!
Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very…
Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very knowledgeable and took us to major tourist attractions like Meiji Shrine Senso ji temple as well as Gina shopping district. She helped us navigate the confusing train and subway system