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
- JR Shinjuku Station 10:50
- JR Harajuku Station 11:15
- Ginza Line Shibuya Station 13:50
- Ginza Line Asakusa Station 14;30
- Ginza Line Asakusa Station 15:45
- Hanzomon Line Otemachi Station 16:1０
- JR Tokyo Station 17;20
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour began by meeting the guests at a hotel in Shinjuku. The group enjoys traveling together regularly and had requested no lunch break, as they had eaten a late and hearty breakfast.
Although it was a walking tour in the rain, the guests seemed to enjoy everything, remarking, "The weather forecast really was accurate," "It's a quiet, steady rain," and "The greenery in the rain is beautiful." They said their feet were "not so wet after all," and apart from the time spent on the train, they walked for nearly six hours straight.
Guided by a guide from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), the private walking tour covered Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Cat Street, and Miyashita Park, then took in the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue, before heading to Asakusa on the Ginza Line, and afterward walking through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The guests paid attention to a wide variety of things, listened to my explanations, and took many photos even in the rain. When changing from the Ginza Line to the Hanzomon Line at Mitsukoshimae, I introduced the reproduction of the "Kidai Shoran" scroll, which caught their interest. They were particularly moved that Mount Fuji was depicted in it, reflecting, "Back then there were no buildings, and you could see Mount Fuji from around here."
Finally, at Tokyo Station, the guests asked me to show them how to use the Shinkansen in preparation for a later date, so I guided them through it.
There was a request to extend the tour, and following [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/)'s guidance, I agreed at my own discretion and extended the tour by one hour.
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 | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shibuya～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Hello!
I’m Maddie, an English-speaking tour guide.
As a guide, I have been attending bus tours, Tokyo walk-around tours, and also, sumo wrestling tournaments tours.
I have lived in Tokyo for nearly 30 years and have enjoyed walking around this city, full of wonder, mixture of nature and artificial structures. I am happy to share my experience with you.
My hobbies are reading books including Manga, watching films including Anime. I like to watch various sorts of sports. I like to visit museums. And I am a tea ceremony practitioner, so I am quite familiar with green tea (matcha) and Japanese sweets.
I am looking forward to seeing you!
Jun 4, 2026
vadk2026
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo2026
We had an excellent 6-hour walking tour around Tokyo with Maddie.…
Jun 4, 2026
vadk2026
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo2026
We had an excellent 6-hour walking tour around Tokyo with Maddie. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the city’s history and culture come alive with interesting stories and local insights. The tour was well-paced, organized, and tailored to our interests. We saw so much in a short time and learned things we would never have discovered on our own. Highly recommend Maddie for anyone visiting Tokyo!
May 30, 2026
Heather_O
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Perfect intro to Japan!
We had a 4 hour private tour on…
May 30, 2026
Heather_O
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Perfect intro to Japan!
We had a 4 hour private tour on our first morning in Tokyo, and it was the perfect introduction to Japan! We had been contacted by our guide Maddie before the tour, and we told her a few of the places we wanted to visit. She helped us navigate the train station and walked us through all the areas we wanted to see, as well as many other stops along the way that we wouldn’t have seen without her. Maddie was very knowledgeable and friendly, and spoke very clear English. She knew exactly which routes to take, and we would have taken at least twice as long if we tried to go to all those areas without her. She was a great guide and we wished we could have taken her along for the rest of our trip!
May 29, 2026
jasonbO4660LV
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Afternoon in west Tokyo
Maddie was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who maintained…
May 29, 2026
jasonbO4660LV
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Afternoon in west Tokyo
Maddie was an excellent, knowledgeable guide who maintained flexibility as requirements
changed dynamically.
May 8, 2026
sebastianzO2366GR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great
We had a good time walking with Maddie through Tokio. She…
May 8, 2026
sebastianzO2366GR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great
We had a good time walking with Maddie through Tokio. She provided us with a lot of
interesting facts and was always kind and helpful. Even with spontaneous ideas.