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

  • 09:30 Meet @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon
  • 10:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
  • 11:00  Meiji Shrine
  • 12:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 14:20 Tenya (Tokyo Station Yaesu Branch)
  • 15:20 Imperial Palace
  • 16:50  Senso-ji Temple
  • 17:30 Dismissal @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Meeting at @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon at 09:30, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 17:30. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish.

The itinerary covered Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 10:30, Meiji Shrine at 11:00, Shinjuku Gyoen at 12:30, Tenya (Tokyo Station Yaesu Branch) at 14:20, Imperial Palace at 15:20 and Senso-ji Temple at 16:50.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Asakusa to Shibuya by subway (260JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Shinjuku-gyoenmae by subway (180JPY); Shinjuku-gyoenmae to Tokyo by subway (210JPY); Yurakucho to Ginza-itchome by subway (180JPY); Ginza to Asakusa by subway (210JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,200JPY per person.

What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to visit Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed the beautiful roses. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to the historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear the explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as about the Kaminarimon Gate. Since I accommodated the guests' requests as they wished, I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-gyoenmae180JPY
Section 4SubwayShinjuku-gyoenmae~Tokyo210JPY
Section 5SubwayYurakucho~Ginza-itchome180JPY
Section 6SubwayGinza~Asakusa210JPY
Total1,200JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon at 09:30, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon at 17:30.

How long does the tour last?

About 8 hours in total, from 09:30 to 17:30.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tenya (Tokyo Station Yaesu Branch), Imperial Palace and Senso-ji Temple.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,200JPY per person across 6 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?

Seizo 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 Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

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