Tokyo in Half a Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa — Guide Koba
October, 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
- 11:50 Hotel
- 12:25 Meiji Shrine
- 13:40 Shibuya Crossing
- 14:15 Hamarikyu
- 15:35 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 16:45 Asakusa (Skytree photo)
- 18:15 Dismissal at your designated location at Shinjuku West Exit
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Meiji Shrine at 12:25, Shibuya Crossing at 13:40, Hamarikyu at 14:15, Imperial Palace East Gardens at 15:35 and Asakusa (Skytree photo) at 16:45.
**What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Hamarikyu, and Asakusa**
The weather was excellent, and the tour proceeded smoothly. At the request of the guests, I arranged a taxi, and the tour was extended by two hours. At Meiji Shrine, there were many weddings as well as Omiyamairi and Shichi-Go-San visits taking place. The guests took many photos and showed great interest. At Shibuya Crossing, we got out of the taxi to enjoy the sights, and they took many photos and videos. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they showed great interest in the garden's tea house and the shapes of the pine trees. At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, it was close to closing time, so I could not guide them to the model of the castle keep, but they showed interest in the plants and the ruins of Edo Castle. By the time we reached Asakusa it was 5 o'clock, and the incense smoke had died down, but I was able to guide them through Asakusa at dusk. I saw them off at their requested location in Shinjuku, where the tour concluded. A notable stop on the tour was Hamarikyu Gardens. Hamarikyu is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located near Tokyo Bay, originally developed as a feudal lord's residence and duck-hunting grounds during the Edo period. It is especially known for its tidal pond, whose water level changes with the sea, as well as its historic tea house where visitors can enjoy matcha in a peaceful setting.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
My name is Eiji Kobayashi (Mr.), and I will be your guide during your stay in Tokyo.
Please call me Koba.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of Japan and an expert in Japanese history and culture, and also in nursing and health. I usually work as a Public Health Nurse (PHN) at a Public Health Center in Tokyo, and I hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Additionally, I have a Ph.D. in medical science.
Born in 1957 and raised in Tokyo, I have worked for 33 years mainly in the research and development area for some pharmaceutical companies. Then, I changed my career to nursing and entered a university to obtain a PHN and RN license. I took the Licensed Guide for preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and volunteered in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly…
Jul 21, 2026
scottsD8777AR
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great Touring Tokyo
Koba is an excellent tour guide. We greatly appreciated his knowledge of the history of Tokyo and Japan and his very pleasant demeanor. He is a true gentleman and was a pleasure to tour with in Tokyo.
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit…
Jul 9, 2026
Quest36994121691
First visit to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
This was our first visit to Tokyo, and our tour with Koba made the experience truly exceptional. We’re a family of four with two teenage boys (14 and 16), and Koba was wonderfully kind, patient, and engaging with each of us. The experience started even before we arrived—his first communications laid out a thoughtful, customized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests as first-time visitors. Our six hours together were full, seamless, and incredibly rewarding. Koba’s deep knowledge of the city, his attention to detail, and his warm, easygoing approach made the tour an ideal fit for our family. It was the perfect way to get a broad yet meaningful introduction to Tokyo in a short time. We’re so grateful he was our guide and highly recommend him to anyone visiting the city.
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience…
Jul 8, 2026
Χρονης Π
A beautiful tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
It was a perfect experience see learned a lot about Tokyo and our guide Koba was perfect in every way and very helpful. We had a perfect time together.Thank you Koba
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family…
Jul 5, 2026
I3699SBjonathanw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
6hr Tokyo guide great experience
Koba was so nice to my family and I. He was patient and helped carry a large toy my daughter won. I wished we had another day. Having a guide saved us hours of navigating the subway and metro.