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

  • 08:50 Meet at b Hotel
  • 09:40 Sensoji Temple
  • 11:20 Imperial Palace
  • 12:20 Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building)
  • 13:30 Meiji Shrine
  • 14:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
  • 15:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 16:50 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
  • 18:00 Disband at Shinjuku

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Tokyo began at 08:50, when the guide met the guests at b Hotel, and finished at 18:00. The day ran to 9 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.

From there the group visited Sensoji Temple at 09:40, Imperial Palace at 11:20, Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building) at 12:20, Meiji Shrine at 13:30, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 14:30, Shinjuku Gyoen at 15:20 and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck at 16:50.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Asakusa by subway (700JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by subway (0JPY); Ueno to Tokyo by train (170JPY); Nijubashimae to Meiji-jingumae by subway (0JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (150JPY); Shibuya to Shinjuku-gyoemmae by subway (0JPY); Shinjuku-gyoemmae to Nishi-shinjuku by subway (0JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,020JPY per person.

What Does a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe, visiting Japan for the first time. They planned to travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima after sightseeing in Tokyo. At Sensoji Temple, they listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At the Imperial Palace, they were fascinated by the historical explanations regarding the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they were moved by the beautiful cherry blossoms and the Japanese garden. From the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, they seemed impressed by the vast view of Tokyo. I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShimbashi~Asakusa700JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
Section 3TrainUeno~Tokyo170JPY
Section 4SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 5TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
Section 6SubwayShibuya~Shinjuku-gyoemmae0JPY
Section 7SubwayShinjuku-gyoemmae~Nishi-shinjuku0JPY
Total1,020JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at b Hotel at 08:50, and the tour finished at Shinjuku at 18:00.

How long does the tour last?

About 9 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 08:50 to 18:00.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Sensoji Temple, Imperial Palace, Hakata Menbo Akanoren (Marunouchi Building), Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Shinjuku Gyoen and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,020JPY per person across 7 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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