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
- 12:00 Hotel, Ginza-itchome Station
- 12:30 Arrive at Sakuradamon Station, tour the Imperial Palace
- 13:15 Arrive at Otemachi Station
- 14:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station, sightseeing (Sumida River embankment, Kaminarimon, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
- 15:00 Arrive at Asakusa Station
- 15:30 Arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, sightseeing (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
- 16:40 Arrive at Harajuku Station
- 16:50 Arrive at Shibuya Station, sightseeing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
- 17:10 Disband
- 12:50 Arrive at Sakuradamon Station
- 13:10 Arrive at Higashi-ginza Station, to the hotel
Title: What Can You See on a One-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Harajuku, and Shibuya
Body: [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private one-day Tokyo tour for a group visiting Japan from Oceania.
The first destination was the Imperial Palace, where I explained not only structural features such as the moats and stone walls but also its history as the former Edo Castle and its present role as the Imperial Palace. The guests seemed deeply impressed by its historical transformation and its scenery.
Afterwards, we traveled by subway to Asakusa. Since the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River embankment were not yet in full bloom, we prioritized visiting Kaminarimon, Nakamise Street, and Senso-ji Temple, allowing the guests to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
We then continued by subway toward Harajuku. The guests were struck by the contrast between the solemn atmosphere of Meiji Shrine and the lively, youthful energy of Takeshita Street.
Next, we moved on to Shibuya to see the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue. They appeared especially moved by the story of Hachiko, who continued to wait for his master.
The guests mentioned that the rain had grown heavier and that they were tired, having arrived at Haneda Airport early that morning. They requested to have a meal at a restaurant and return to their hotel early. With their agreement, we concluded the tour earlier than originally planned.
Although it was their first day of sightseeing in Japan, the guests showed strong interest in each site, and overall they appeared very satisfied.
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 | Ginza-itchome～Sakuradamon | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi (Tokyo)～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 780JPY | ||
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.