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

  • 0930 Meet at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
  • 10:00 Yushima Seido, Kanda Myojin
  • 11:00 Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza
  • 13:00 Lunch at Hirugao Tokyo Station branch
  • 14:00 Tokyo National Museum
  • 16:20 Disband at Hotel Blossom Shinjuku

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Yushima Seido, Kanda Myojin at 10:00, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza at 11:00 and Tokyo National Museum at 14:00.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Ochanomizu by train (180JPY); Shin-Ochanomizu to Nezu by subway (180JPY); Nippori to Tokyo by train (170JPY); Tokyo to Ueno by train (170JPY); Ueno to Shinjuku by train (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 910JPY per person.

Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno and Tokyo Station

The guests were visitors from Europe who had previously studied about Japan and were very much looking forward to this trip. The weather was very rough that day due to the effects of a typhoon, but as it was still early in their stay in Japan, they wanted to learn many things such as how to ride the subway and about Japanese culture and customs, so they preferred to follow the planned itinerary. I guided them according to their earlier requests.

Since they wanted ramen for lunch, I initially planned to take them to a ramen shop near Ueno Station, but it had closed, so I changed the plan to a ramen restaurant on Ramen Street at Tokyo Station.

After that, as the rain grew even stronger, I suggested and took them to the Tokyo National Museum.

When we left the Tokyo National Museum, they mentioned they wanted to return to their accommodation, so I saw them back to the Hotel and ended the tour.

They seemed a little tired, but they appeared to be satisfied with the tour itself and were very pleased.

(Information) It seems that two ramen shops inside Ueno Station have closed and will be replaced by a convenience store. In particular, one of them was popular for its plant-based menu options, which is a shame.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Ochanomizu180JPY
Section 2SubwayShin-Ochanomizu~Nezu180JPY
Section 3TrainNippori~Tokyo170JPY
Section 4TrainTokyo~Ueno170JPY
Section 5TrainUeno~Shinjuku210JPY
Total910JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Yushima Seido, Kanda Myojin, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza and Tokyo National Museum.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 910JPY per person across 5 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?

Nobu 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.

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
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Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
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Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
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Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
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Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…