Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Shigeru
March, 2026
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 Meet the guests at the hotel
- 11:20 Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
- 13:10 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 14:30 Tour ends at Otemon Gate
What Is a Private Tokyo Tour of Asakusa and the Imperial Palace East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Having arrived in Japan only the day before the tour, they seemed to have a little jet lag. As this was their first visit to Japan, they were unsure about how to use public transportation. For this reason, issuing tickets from the Tokyo subway voucher the guests had brought, purchasing a PASMO card, and searching for a currency exchange location took some time, so the overall schedule ran longer than planned. In Asakusa, we first went to the culture and tourism center, where I explained the surrounding buildings, the history of Asakusa, Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, and the five-story pagoda. After that, walking from Kaminarimon through Nakamise, the guests enjoyed Japanese sweets such as ningyo-yaki and kinako dango before heading to the main hall. After praying at the main hall, they also visited Asakusa Shrine. They seemed to enjoy strolling around while eating sweets. We then took the subway to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, entered through the Otemon Gate, viewed the buildings within the grounds, and in the end they were deeply impressed by the beauty of the Japanese garden. We ended the tour just outside the Otemon Gate. It rained all day, making it a difficult day for walking.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Ikebukuro～Ueno | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
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