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
- 9:00 Meet the guests at the hotel
- 9:30 Kiyosumi Garden
- 11:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 13:30 Meiji Shrine
- 15:30 Tour ends at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at guests at the hotel and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyosumi Garden at 9:30, Shinjuku Gyoen at 11:20 and Meiji Shrine at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kinshicho to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa by subway (180JPY); Kiyosumi-Shirakawa to National Stadium by subway (280JPY); Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Harajuku to Kinshicho by train (260JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 880JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Garden and Shrine Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyosumi, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were an older group from North America. As one of the guests used a walking frame, I assisted with walking throughout the tour as we moved from place to place. We first took the subway to Kiyosumi Garden and strolled slowly around the grounds. We then took the subway to the National Stadium and entered Shinjuku Gyoen through the relatively uncrowded Sendagaya Gate. The Somei-Yoshino and Oshima cherry blossoms were in beautiful bloom, which the guests enjoyed very much. As it began to rain, we took a break and had tea at a teahouse. Afterwards, we walked through the Japanese garden in the rain, left the park, and took the JR line to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained Japanese history, the difference between shrines and temples, the emperor and Meiji Shrine, and the key points within the shrine grounds, and we offered prayers at the main hall. After leaving through the Harajuku Gate, since the guests were concerned about traveling in the rain, I accompanied them by train to their hotel, ending the tour.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kinshicho～Kiyosumi-Shirakawa | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kiyosumi-Shirakawa～National Stadium | 280JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku～Kinshicho | 260JPY |
| Total | 880JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guests at the hotel at 9:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends at the hotel at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kiyosumi Garden, Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 880JPY 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?
Shigeru 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 a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.
Jul 8, 2026
Maria H
Tokyo an amazing city
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
First time in this…
Jul 8, 2026
Maria H
Tokyo an amazing city
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
First time in this amazing city of Tokyo, our guide Shigeru was more than excellent in providing a wealth knowledge on so many fronts from history, culture, food and more. Went to some touristy places but well worth it. We walked and caught subway/trains was great. Highly recommend this tour.
Jul 4, 2026
davidsM6670MT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and…
Jul 4, 2026
davidsM6670MT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent professional and attentive Tokyo Tour
Shigeru was extremely professional, knowledgeable and attentive. We had a great tour of Tokyo with a local touch. Enjoyed our cultural and historical exchange. Would 100 recommend him!…
Jun 14, 2026
Q3961PBsaraf
History, Culture and Local Insight
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful half-day tour of…
Jun 14, 2026
Q3961PBsaraf
History, Culture and Local Insight
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful half-day tour of Tokyo with Shigeru and would thoroughly recommend him.
From our first communication, Shigeru was friendly, approachable and helpful. He listened carefully to our interests and suggested an itinerary that suited us perfectly, including Asakusa, Yanaka and Nezu. Rather than simply showing us the sights, he helped us understand the history, culture and atmosphere of each area, and was able to answer the many questions we had throughout the day.
What we particularly appreciated was that Shigeru was happy to talk not only about the places we visited, but also about everyday life in Japan, which was exactly what we were interested in learning more about. His knowledge added so much to the experience.
We were travelling to Japan partly to research our family history and to learn more about my great-grandfather, who was born in Tokyo. Shigeru took a genuine interest in our search and was very helpful in suggesting places and ideas that might assist our research, which we greatly appreciated.
His English was excellent and communication was easy throughout. He was patient, professional, knowledgeable and very good company.
The tour was one of the highlights of our time in Tokyo and we would not hesitate to recommend Shigeru to anyone looking for a guide who is both informative and personable.
Jun 7, 2026
abhinavg948
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
Shigeru is…
Jun 7, 2026
abhinavg948
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shigeru is an outstanding guide for an outstanding Tokyo tour
Shigeru is an outstanding guide. We did a private tour as a couple. He was in touch a few days before our tour, and he customized our Tokyo tour according to our prior visit and our interests. He was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible. Would highly recommend. Arigato gozaimasu, Shigeru-San! Sincerely, Shilpa and Abhi