Tokyo: Kiyosumi Garden & Shibuya Station — Guide Shigeru
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
- 10:00 Meet guest at hotel
- 10:40 Kiyosumi Garden
- 12:00 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:50 Meiji Shrine
- 15:40 Takeshita Street
- 16:20 Shibuya Station
- 16:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at guest at hotel and ended at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:30.
Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyosumi Garden at 10:40, Hamarikyu Gardens at 12:00, Meiji Shrine at 14:50, Takeshita Street at 15:40 and Shibuya Station at 16:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Asakusa to Kiyosumi-shirakawa by subway (290JPY); Kiyosumi-shirakawa to Shiodome by subway (220JPY); Shinbashi to Meiji-jingumae by subway (180JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 850JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Gardens and Meiji Shrine Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. At Kiyosumi Garden, which we reached by subway, large carp and many turtles could be seen in the pond, drawing the attention of the group. They also enjoyed watching the movements of the creatures at the water's surface, such as a little egret skillfully catching small fish. At the next stop, Hamarikyu Gardens, they took photos of the cosmos fields and the pond banks, and fully enjoyed their stroll. After leaving the garden, we had lunch in Shiodome, then moved on to Meiji Shrine. At the entrance gate, I gave an overview of Japanese history, the difference between Shinto and the martial arts, and the origins of Meiji Shrine. We passed through the South Torii and walked along the approach while I provided explanations as we went, then worshipped at the main hall. We took a break at the Forest Terrace within the shrine grounds, walked along Takeshita Street, and then took the train to Shibuya Station. We took photos next to the Hachiko statue, viewed the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and ended the tour at the Shibuya subway station.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Asakusa～Kiyosumi-shirakawa | 290JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kiyosumi-shirakawa～Shiodome | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shinbashi～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 850JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guest at hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kiyosumi Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street and Shibuya Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 850JPY 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?
Shigeru 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.
I am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.
Sep 29, 2026
532yeldarbs
Insights to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We were fortunate to have had…
Sep 29, 2026
532yeldarbs
Insights to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We were fortunate to have had Shigeru to guide us from Yokohama to Tokyo. He gave a lot of historical information about Japan, brought us to the places we wanted, and ensured that we were always within reach. He also broughr us to his favourite ramen restsurant in Tokyo. Excellent lunch. He is well versed on the intricacies of customs and modern societal influences, culture.
A very kind and patient man.
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic…
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, an excellent guide with great recommendations. I highly recommend this tour!
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very…
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very knowledgable. 10/10 would book again
Sep 23, 2026
scottmR2068WG
Tokyo walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an excellent time being…
Sep 23, 2026
scottmR2068WG
Tokyo walking tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an excellent time being guided by Shigeru. He was gracious and full of interesting information. Would definitely recommend. 😁