Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Kei
August, 2024
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
- 1. 8:00 Meet at Hotel Amanek Shinjuku Kabukicho
- 2. 8:40 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
- 3. 9:50 Yanaka
- 4. 11:00 Nezu Shrine
- 5. 12:00 Lunch Soba Yanaka
- 6. 13:00 Ueno Ameyoko Yodobashi Camera
- 7. 13:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 8. 15:00 Meiji Shrine
- 9. 16:00 Disband at Meiji-jingumae
Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Yanaka, and Meiji Shrine
The guests had a deep interest in the transition from Japan's Warring States period to the Tokugawa shogunate, as well as the Westernization and modernization that accompanied the Meiji Restoration. We began in Asakusa, the origin of Edo, and then strolled through Yanaka, a district partly spared from the Tokyo air raids, where we explored prewar merchant houses, residences, and temples. Despite being so close to the Marunouchi city center, the guests were surprised by the quiet, peaceful, almost rural atmosphere. At Nezu Shrine, after explaining an overview of Shinto, I noted that the current shrine buildings feature the flamboyant decorations of the Genroku era, when Edo culture experienced its first great flourishing, making it somewhat different from a typical shrine. Because of the intense heat, we took an early break combined with lunch and relaxed at a soba restaurant. The guests greatly enjoyed not only the soba but also the dipping sauce and tempura. Walking through underground passageways as much as possible to avoid the blazing sun, we made our way to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, taking frequent breaks, and then took a shortcut to Takebashi Station. Thanks to the shade of the trees, Meiji Shrine was comfortable to visit, and we appreciated the characteristics of traditional Japanese architecture. Before parting, I thoroughly explained how to get back to the Hotel, since there was a risk of getting lost and running into trouble under the blazing sun.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Higashi-shinjuku～Kuramae | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Nezu～Yushima | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ueno～Tokyo | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Takebashi～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,070JPY | ||
Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.
Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who gave us really interesting insights into Japanese society and culture as well as explaining and interpreting what we were seeing. Our tour was relaxed and enjoyable, and he adapted it to our needs and interests both before and during the tour. I would highly recommend.
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was…
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable & professional. He provided in
depth knowledge of every location we visited.
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo…
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo and Kei provided a great experience for us! His knowledge of history
and the city was so valuable. Would highly recc this tour with him.
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had…
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Kei. He was most helpful all day with his local practical knowledge of using subways etc, and his extensive knowledge of Tokyo. We saw a variety of streets, temples and gardens and he patiently explained the significance of these, as well as features of their architecture. We also had a lovely ramen lunch and at the end he directed us to some suggested places for dinner. He was very friendly and his English was very good. All in all a great introduction to Tokyo