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
- 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel
- 10:30 Tsukiji Market
- 11:20 Imperial Palace
- 12:20 Lunch @ Kaiten Sushi Maguro Ton'ya Megumi Harakado (Harajuku)
- 13:00 Takeshita Street
- 13:25 Meiji Shrine
- 14:15 Disband @ Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 09:50, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 14:15. The day ran to 4 hours and 25 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Kaiten Sushi Maguro Ton'ya Megumi Harakado (Harajuku) at 12:20.
The itinerary covered Tsukiji Market at 10:30, Imperial Palace at 11:20, Takeshita Street at 13:00 and Meiji Shrine at 13:25.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Tsukiji by subway (210JPY); Tsukiji to Nijubashimae by subway (180JPY); Nijubashimae to Meiji-jingumae by subway (210JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 760JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto and Osaka. At Tsukiji, they showed great interest in the many shops of the outer market and the tuna stores at Tsukiji Uogashi. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Takeshita Street. They also listened with interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. Although it was unfortunately rainy today, I responded exactly as the guests wished, so I believe they were satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shibuya～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tsukiji～Nijubashimae | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 760JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 09:50, and the tour finished at @ Hotel at 14:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 25 minutes in total, from 09:50 to 14:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tsukiji Market, Imperial Palace, Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 760JPY per person across 4 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
Jul 10, 2026
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Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。