Tokyo in One Day: Shibuya Crossing — Guide Tommy

April, 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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 8:00 AM Meet inside the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (2nd floor), in front of the Information Desk
  • 8:20 – 9:05 AM Train from Nihon-odori Station to Shibuya
  • 9:05 – 9:30 AM Visit Shibuya Crossing
  • 9:30 – 9:35 AM Train from Shibuya to Harajuku
  • 9:35 – 10:30 AM Visit Meiji Shrine
  • 10:30 – 10:40 AM Walk from Meiji Shrine to Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 10:40 – 11:30 AM Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  • 11:40 – 12:10 PM Train from Sendagaya to Asakusa
  • 12:10 – 1:00 PM Visit Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa area
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM Lunch in Asakusa – Japanese BBQ restaurant (reserved) Whole-Cow Yakiniku Gen Asakusa Main Store
  • 2:00 – 2:20 PM Explore Asakusa
  • 2:20 – 3:30 PM Train from Asakusa to Nihon-odori
  • 3:45 PM Return to Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Tokyo began at 08:00, when the guide met the guests at side the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (2nd floor), in front of the Information Desk, and finished at 15:45. The day ran to 7 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch in Asakusa – Japanese BBQ restaurant (reserved) Whole-Cow Yakiniku Gen Asakusa Main Store at 1:00.

From there the group visited Train from Nihon-odori Station to Shibuya at 8:20, Shibuya Crossing at 9:05, Train from Shibuya to Harajuku at 9:30, Meiji Shrine at 9:35, Walk from Meiji Shrine to Shinjuku Gyoen at 10:30, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at 10:40, Train from Sendagaya to Asakusa at 11:40, Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa area at 12:10, Asakusa at 2:00 and Train from Asakusa to Nihon-odori at 2:20.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nihon-odori to Shibuya by train (540JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Sendagaya to Asakusa by train (390JPY); Asakusa to Nihon-odori by train (860JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,950JPY per person.

Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo During Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan as a stop on a round-the-world cruise, and had already visited western Japan. Since each port had only offered bus tours, this was their first time using public transportation and taking a private tour after arriving in Japan, and they found it very worthwhile. They were looking forward to seeing cherry blossoms in Japan, and although the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in Tokyo had already turned to leaf, they were delighted by the fully bloomed double-flowered cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen (see attached photo). As they would continue on to the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions afterward, they can look forward to Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom there. We also visited Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa. The guests were strong walkers and enjoyed every location. Since they enjoyed beef, I took them to a yakiniku restaurant in Asakusa, which they were very pleased with.

Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainNihon-odori～Shibuya540JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya～Harajuku160JPY
Section 3TrainSendagaya～Asakusa390JPY
Section 4TrainAsakusa～Nihon-odori860JPY
Total1,950JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at side the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (2nd floor), in front of the Information Desk at 08:00, and the tour finished at Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal at 15:45.

How long does the tour last?

About 7 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 08:00 to 15:45.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Train from Nihon-odori Station to Shibuya, Shibuya Crossing, Train from Shibuya to Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Walk from Meiji Shrine to Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Train from Sendagaya to Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa area, Asakusa and Train from Asakusa to Nihon-odori.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,950JPY 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?

Tommy 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.

Tour Report by Tommy

I take pride in my robust leg and overall physical strength, enabling me to complete a full marathon in under 4 hours. With a deep understanding of the Tokyo/Kanagawa area, I’ve resided in Kanagawa Prefecture for over 40 years. My expertise extends to places like Kamakura, including lesser-known hiking trails not typically found in guidebooks. With close to 30 years in a foreign IT company and over a decade in a Japanese firm, I possess extensive knowledge of the IT industry. Despite being certified as a tour guide in February 2023, I’ve already led numerous tours, earning high praise from my guests.

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Apr 18, 2026
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