Tokyo in One Day: Shinjuku East Exit — Guide Masa

October, 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

  • 13:00 Meet at hotel
  • 13:00 Shinjuku East Exit walk
  • 14:00 Meiji Shrine
  • 14:40 Takeshita Street
  • 16:00 Asakusa
  • 17:50 Akihabara
  • 18:50 Shinjuku West Exit guidance
  • 19:00 Disperse in front of Omoide Yokocho

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 13:00 at hotel and ended at 19:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.

Over the course of the day the route took in Shinjuku East Exit walk at 13:00, Meiji Shrine at 14:00, Takeshita Street at 14:40, Asakusa at 16:00, Akihabara at 17:50 and Shinjuku West Exit guidance at 18:50.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Yoyogi by train (160JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Asakusa by subway (260JPY); Asakusa (TX) to Akihabara by train (230JPY); Akihabara to Shinjuku by train (210JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 860JPY per person.

Title: What's a First-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Akihabara

The guests were a group visiting from North America, on the first day of their sightseeing. At their request, we planned a tour of Golden Gai. Before that, we stopped by Hanazono Shrine, where an antique market happened to be taking place within the grounds, and the whole group was fascinated. We passed by department stores and bookstores and headed to a camera shop. Since one of the guests was fond of film cameras, I suggested returning alone another day, and we then made our way to Meiji Shrine. Although it was a Sunday, the visit went smoothly, perhaps because of the late hour. The display of sake barrels sparked lively interest. On Takeshita Street, the group seemed more interested in the fashion of the young people passing by than in the shops themselves.

Before going to Senso-ji Temple, we took many photos of the river surface in the fading evening light near the boat pier around Azuma Bridge. We paused for a break with matcha ice cream. By the time we headed from Nakamise toward the Hozomon Gate, the illuminations had begun, and since it was evening the flame of the large incense burner had been put out, so we enjoyed the faint lingering fragrance. As I gave the usual explanation of the temple's origins, it grew darker and darker, and when Skyline Tokyo Skytree lit up, the view from the western side of the grounds offered a contrast of old and new towers, and everyone began showing off their photos to one another. A truly close-knit group.

Finally, we searched for a vintage twin-lens reflex camera in Akihabara. After taking a look at retro games, we headed to Shinjuku. I guided the group to Omoide Yokocho, and the tour came to a close. I am grateful that they enjoyed such a fulfilling day. A notable stop on the tour was Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in the 7th century, and is one of the most visited religious sites in Japan. Visitors approach the main hall through the Kaminarimon Gate and the lively Nakamise shopping street, which has sold snacks and souvenirs for centuries. The temple grounds offer a striking contrast between traditional architecture and the modern skyline, including views of Tokyo Skytree nearby.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku～Yoyogi160JPY
Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae～Asakusa260JPY
Section 3TrainAsakusa (TX)～Akihabara230JPY
Section 4TrainAkihabara～Shinjuku210JPY
Total860JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at hotel at 13:00, and the tour finished at Disperse in front of Omoide Yokocho at 19:00.

How long does the tour last?

About 6 hours in total, from 13:00 to 19:00.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shinjuku East Exit walk, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Asakusa, Akihabara and Shinjuku West Exit guidance.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 860JPY 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?

Masa 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 Masa

Hello everyone, and welcome to Japan!
I obtained a national tour guide license back in 2001, while I have been busy teaching English full time for many years. Since 2018 I have enjoyed guiding guests from all over the world.

I live in a western suburb of Tokyo, so I can guide you around the wider Tama area as well as central Tokyo. I love introducing visitors to both the famous highlights and the hidden gems where you can take wonderful photos and experience authentic Japanese culture. Along the way, I enjoy sharing stories about Japanese history, traditions, and daily life.

I once worked in Australia as a teacher of Japanese language, which gave me many opportunities to communicate with people from different cultures.
I also enjoy golf — I even traveled alone to the UK for a golf tour.

I look forward to guiding you and helping your time in Japan both enjoyable and memorable.

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