Tokyo: | Meiji Shrine Stroll — Guide Atsushi
July, 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
- 9:45 | Meet (HNO Garden Tower 6F Lobby), Ice Break, Itinerary Confirmation
- 10:00 – 10:20 | Purchase PASMO at Akasaka-mitsuke Station. Due to a machine malfunction, we were unable to purchase it in the end and gave up.
- 10:45 – 11:00 | Stroll along Takeshita Street.
- 11:00 – 11:40 | Capybara & Neko Cafe in HARAJUKU
- 11:40 – 11:55 | Shopping on Takeshita Street. Sanrio Shop
- 12:00 – 12:50 | Lunch: Gluten free T's Kitchen in Harajuku
- 13:00 – 14:00 | Meiji Shrine Stroll
- 14:10 – 14:25 | Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hachiko
- 14:45 – 15:15 | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
- 15:40 – 16:00 | Tokyo Midtown Supermarket Stroll, Shopping
- 16:00 | Tour ends at Tokyo Midtown
Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from Oceania visiting Japan for the first time during a school break. They had first entered through Osaka, enjoyed Kyoto and Tokyo Disneyland, and moved to their hotel on the morning of the tour.
They first wanted to purchase a children's transportation IC card (PASMO), so we attempted to buy one at Akasaka-mitsuke Station, but due to a machine malfunction it could not be issued. As a note, PASMO cannot be purchased from ticket machines and must be issued at the station office, and a passport must be presented for the purchase.
The main focus of this trip seemed to be the younger members of the group. The capybara café had been a strong request, so the guests were very delighted. At the Sanrio shop, they were impressed by the wide selection and bought souvenirs.
One of the guests could only eat gluten-free food, so we had lunch at a restaurant with gluten-free certification.
After that, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck also left a strong impression. Since we progressed faster than the original itinerary, we moved to a supermarket in Tokyo Midtown, where the guests enjoyed shopping while experiencing Japanese food culture firsthand.
The tour ended at Tokyo Midtown, but the guests wished to continue shopping within Midtown afterward. They returned to their hotel by taxi on their own.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Family-Friendly Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Akasaka-mitsuke～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Tochomae | 340JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Tochomae～Roppongi | 220JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal…
Jul 27, 2026
25stephn
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Highly recommend this tour!
Atsushi was an absolutely phenomenal guide, and we had an incredible day. He was so accommodating and willing to change plans to suit our needs. We had the best time and really loved everything he planned for us to do. He’s also a great conversationalist!
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
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Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My…
Jul 23, 2026
melanierK3084ZH
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Wonderful Senso-ji tour
Atsushi was a wonderful guide! My family and I really enjoyed our tour of Senso-ji combined with a food tour. He made our trip special.
May 30, 2026
M3248YQLinda
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I was travelling with my…
May 30, 2026
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I was travelling with my mother & thought a walking tour in the heritage areas of Tokyo would be a great introduction on our first day. Our guide Asushi put together an itinerary based on our preferences & to suit the needs of my 83 yr old mother. Asushi was a caring & generous guide who wanted to make the most of our day. We enjoyed hearing about his life, family & faith, giving us a greater understanding of Japanese culture.
Apr 18, 2026
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Half-day in Tokyo
We had a great half-day tour of Tokyo with Atsushi, who was very friendly and
knowledgeable. Half a day is only enough to scratch the surface but Atsushi was able to
accommodate and tailor the tour to our interests. Would recommend.