Tokyo: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara — Guide Leo
September, 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
- 8:30 Meet @ Hotel
- 8:55 Meiji Shrine
- 10:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 11:00 Senso-ji Temple
- 12:30 Lunch @ Yoroiya
- 14:00 Yanaka Ginza Stroll
- 14:30 Nezu Shrine
- 15:00 Akihabara Stroll
- 16:30 Dismissal @ Akihabara
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at @ Hotel and ended at 16:30. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ Yoroiya at 12:30.
Over the course of the day the route took in Meiji Shrine at 8:55, Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 10:15, Senso-ji Temple at 11:00, Yanaka Ginza Stroll at 14:00, Nezu Shrine at 14:30 and Akihabara Stroll at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY); Shibuya to Asakusa by train (260JPY); Asakusa to Nippori by train (340JPY); Nezu to Akihabara by train (380JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,300JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Nezu Shrine, and Akihabara
The guests came from Europe and were visiting Japan for the first time, and they seemed very much looking forward to the trip. In particular, one of the guests had extensive prior knowledge, being familiar with the general origins of Shinto and Buddhism as well as basic terminology. They were also interested in collecting goshuin (shrine and temple stamps), and purchased a goshuin book at Meiji Shrine. As a result, they were able to collect three stamps in a single day. They were especially impressed by Nezu Shrine, where they could feel a more local atmosphere, and took many photographs. Since they also love card games, we went to Akihabara in line with a request made in advance. As they planned to stay in Akihabara even after the tour, we parted ways on site. They kindly told me, "This was a great start to our tour of Japan."
A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a vast forested area of over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. Visitors often experience traditional rituals here, and it is one of the most popular shrines in Japan, drawing millions of worshippers, especially during the New Year period.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa～Nippori | 340JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Nezu～Akihabara | 380JPY |
| Total | 1,300JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 8:30, and the tour finished at @ Akihabara at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 8:30 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Yanaka Ginza Stroll, Nezu Shrine and Akihabara Stroll.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,300JPY 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?
Leo 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.
Hello! I’m Ryosuke—please call me Leo.
I’d love to help you create great memories in Japan, especially around Tokyo and my hometown, Hiroshima.
I once traveled 44,000 km by bicycle across four continents (every continent except Australia!). There’s a chance I might even have passed through your hometown. Through that journey, I learned not only how wonderful travel can be, but also the things travelers should watch out for.
With that experience, I’m sure I can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Let’s have a great time exploring Japan together!
Sep 23, 2026
MarouschkaV3
Go Leo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Leo is the best guide we have…
Sep 23, 2026
MarouschkaV3
Go Leo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Leo is the best guide we have had! Knows many good places, very flexible in changing routes, and knows how to adjust to our pacing. He is a very nice guy with a very calm presence.
Aug 16, 2026
El_Hombre_Aleman
Great day, thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted…
Aug 16, 2026
El_Hombre_Aleman
Great day, thank you!
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Full-Day Customized Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had a fantastic day! Ryosuke contacted is in advance to hear what we‘d like to See and do and matched his suggestions perfectly! We spend a lovely day exploring with the friendly, knowledgeable, and kind young man. We feel lucky to have him as our Guide!
Aug 6, 2026
antoinemC9893MM
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
Nous sommes particulièrement ravis…
Aug 6, 2026
antoinemC9893MM
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excursion d’une journée à Hakone
Nous sommes particulièrement ravis de cette journée d’excursion autour d’Hakone et du Mont-Fuji avec notre guide Ryosuke. Le programme et le rythme étaient parfaitement adaptés à nos attentes, Ryosuke nous a permis de vivre une excellente expérience en famille, ses explications se sont révélées intéressantes et précises, le choix des lieux à visiter, des points de vue et les endroits où effectuer des pauses nous ont beaucoup plu !
Jul 30, 2026
BrianBurnette
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Memories
We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our…
Jul 30, 2026
BrianBurnette
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Memories
We really enjoyed this tour. Leo, our guide, was very knowledgeable regarding the culture and history of each site we visited. And for lunch he found a delicious authentic Ramen counter restaurant. It was a really nice day with great memories.