Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Ginza — Guide Rumi
September, 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
- 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel
- 10:30 Meiji Shrine
- 11:50 Shibuya Crossing
- 12:40 Asakusa Lunch @ Gonpachi Senso-ji Temple
- 14:50 Ginza (Mitsukoshi, Matsukiyo)
- 15:40 Disband @ Ginza
What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. The weather forecast had predicted heavy rain, and many schools and train services were closed or suspended, so I was worried, but the rain was not as heavy as expected, and the trains in the city center were not delayed too much. Although the tour was scheduled to start at 9:00, we moved it to a 10:00 start to avoid the crowded time.
At Meiji Shrine there was almost no rain, so we were able to take our time and take photos. For lunch, at the request of the guests, we had soba noodles at a restaurant. The guests who enjoy sushi had a seafood rice bowl. We had also planned to visit a store in Ginza, but since the guests said they were a little tired, I saw them into a taxi at the Ginza crossing and said goodbye.
Although I had worried about the heavy rain, it was a very enjoyable tour. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in a large forested area in the heart of Tokyo. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine was completed in 1920 and is surrounded by an evergreen forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Its peaceful grounds and towering torii gates offer a striking contrast to the busy city, making it one of the most visited shrines in the country.
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 | Subway | Otemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shibuya～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Ginza | 210JPY |
| Total | 840JPY | ||
Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.
Aug 6, 2026
madisonf392
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
A successful stopover
I only had a stopover in Tokyo, but…
Aug 6, 2026
madisonf392
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
A successful stopover
I only had a stopover in Tokyo, but Rumi made sure I got to see as much as possible of the city within that time. Our main visits were at Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. Rumi brilliantly explained a brief history of Japan as well as the differences between Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. On top of these two amazing sights, Rumi also ensured to stop at Ginza and Harajuku for a walk through so that I was able to see more areas of the city. No one can do a city in only one day, but Rumi made sure to show me the best highlights. I look forward to my next visit to Japan, so that I can give the country the time that it deserves!
Jun 29, 2026
898clausw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Really helpfull guide
Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…
Jun 29, 2026
898clausw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Really helpfull guide
Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide first day in overwhelming Tokyo
Jun 27, 2026
sallypO7128PM
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
My family had an excellent…
Jun 27, 2026
sallypO7128PM
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
My family had an excellent tour around Tokyo with Rumi as two adults and two older teenagers. Rumi met us at our hotel and dropped us back there afterwards, which was really helpful as we were struggling with Shinjuku station. She was knowledgeable in the fish market and suggested food we might want to try from the best stalls. She showed us a great place for lunch where the kids enjoyed katsu curry. Rumi was very kind at the temple, showing us how to test our luck and providing offerings as well as walking us around the streets to buy souvenirs. She also helped with printing train tickets, checked up on us after an earthquake and sent through photos she had taken, none of which she had to do- she really went above and beyond expectations and made our first day in Japan a day to remember.
Jun 15, 2026
Scott P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Terrific Tour and Guide
We had an incredible day! Rumi was…
Jun 15, 2026
Scott P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Terrific Tour and Guide
We had an incredible day! Rumi was our guide for a six hour tour. We visited Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple), Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku (Takeshita Street) and Shibuya….