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 at Hotel OMO3 Asakusa. After viewing the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River embankment, head to Tobu Asakusa Station
- 11:00 Arrive at Tokyo Skytree Station, sightseeing (around the base of Tokyo Skytree), then head to Tokyo Skytree Station
- 11:40 Transfer at Asakusa Station and arrive at Ueno Station, stroll through Ueno Park, walk from Shinobazu Pond to Yushima Station
- 13:15 Arrive at Otemachi Station, stroll through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden, walk from Nijubashi Bridge to Sakuradamon Station
- 14:25 Transfer at Yurakucho/Hibiya and arrive at Meiji-jingumae Station, visit Meiji Shrine
- 15:35 Disband at the entrance of Takeshita Street
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Ueno, and Meiji Shrine
I guided a group visiting from North America. Since their hotel was near Sensoji Temple, which can be visited at any time, we first viewed the cherry blossoms in full bloom along the Sumida River embankment before heading to Tokyo Skytree. As advance reservations were required to use the elevator at Tokyo Skytree, we viewed it only from the surrounding area, but the guests decided they could return later, so we moved on to the next destination, Ueno Park.
At Ueno Park, we enjoyed the rows of cherry trees in full bloom and the scenery of Shinobazu Pond, and the guests also enjoyed shopping at the food stalls and having lunch. Afterward, we walked to Yushima Station, took the subway to Otemachi, and I guided them to a distant view of Tokyo Station, the Nijubashi Bridge, and the Sakuradamon Gate.
We then transferred subways to head to Meiji Shrine, and the guests were very impressed by the cleanliness of the Japanese subway and the length of the trains. At Meiji Shrine, they were moved by the tranquil environment, the beauty of the architecture, and the size of the torii gate.
After that, I guided them to Takeshita Street, but since they wished to enjoy shopping freely, we parted ways there, although it was still within the scheduled time. The guests had just arrived in Japan the day before, and they showed strong interest in eating at the food stalls in Ueno Park. Overall, they appeared to be 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 | Train | Asakusa～Tokyo Skytree | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tokyo Skytree～Asakusa | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Yushima～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Sakuradamon～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Total | 860JPY | ||
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.