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
- 11:00 & Here Meet at Hotel 11:45 Shinjuku Gyoen 13:00 Harajuku 13:20 Lunch break 14:30 Imperial Palace 15:45 Sensoji Temple 16:15 Tour ends at guest's request (they wish to spend the rest of the time as a family)
Title: What Is a Private Family Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan. Before the tour, I suggested that we walk at a relaxed pace and take breaks along the way as needed. As it turned out, at our first destination, Shinjuku Gyoen, the group saw about half of the garden before asking to stop for a meal somewhere. I had suggested trying street food along Takeshita Street in Harajuku, but upon arriving they were taken aback by the crowds and declined. We quickly changed plans and went to the food court at "Harakado," but the group indicated they preferred to dine on their own, so we ate separately. Throughout the tour, most of the conversation was led by one of the guests, while others spoke very little. As mentioned above, after visiting Sensoji Temple, just before I was about to see the group off to their accommodation, they expressed a wish to end the tour so they could spend time on their own. I have guided several tours that included young children, and a six-hour walking tour can be physically demanding, which is often a source of concern for the accompanying guests. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
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 | Inaricho (Tokyo)～Shinjuku-gyoenmae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Total | 630JPY | ||
Before I started the guiding job in 2022, I had worked for private companies and been engaged in overseas business, which led me to be stationed in various English-speaking countries. Taking advantage of such experiences and also wishing to reciprocate the kindness extended to me during my career, I have decided to help visitors to Japan enjoy their stay and obtained a national guide license.
I am very honored and pleased to assist guests from overseas and enjoy seeing them having a great time visiting interesting spots in Japan and learning about the country. I look forward to serving more new guests and seeing them smile at the end of my private tours.
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they…
Jun 8, 2025
T1516LOmarkg
Tokyo tour
Tripadvisor review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour, Shinji was great, they are flexible throughout the day. The transportation was
nice and clean and more than enough room for our family of 7.
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Feb 28, 2025
LaToya_S
Mr. Shinji is so nice and…
Viator review: Kamakura 4hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Shinji is so nice and patient. The tour was incredible and a great cultural experience. The
entire family enjoyed the tour.
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly!…
Feb 27, 2025
Edward_M
Friendly and Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly! What a memorable day. This tour was the
perfect way to get oriented to the city.
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to…
Feb 17, 2025
Trip29223434750
Heavenly Hakone with an angelic guide
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
For those not wanting to read my entire post, let me say if you are going to Hakone, consider hiring Shinji. He is marvelous!
We went to Hakone, a notable spa town and a popular tourist destination due to its many hot springs being within view of nearby Mount Fuji, the most visited mountain in Japan. With our guide Shinji we visited the Hakone open air Museum, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Japan, and took the Lake Ashi Cruise. Shinji’s knowledge about the sites, trains, cable cars, cruise, history, culture and languages (Japanese and English) made for a most efficient and memorable experience. Lastly, Shinji was very patient, as our getting to Hakone took more time than we expected, and adaptable, as we made the necessary adjustments to visit every relevant site we had hoped for. Great trip with a great guide!