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
- 1. 13:00 Meet up @ Hotel
- 2. 13:30 Meiji Shrine
- 3. 14:30 Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Omotesando
- 4. 15:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 5. 16:10 Disband @ Hotel
Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shibuya
At the hotel, a guide from another company was also waiting for the same guests. It appeared the guests had made a double booking, and they decided to proceed together with both guides. However, once we reached the first station, it was decided that two guides were not necessary, and the other guide was asked to return home. The group was a group of relatives visiting from North America. Two of them acted separately and did not join, so we started with the remaining members. Upon arriving at Meiji Shrine, one of the guests experienced back pain and returned to the hotel by taxi. The irises at Meiji Jingu Gyoen appeared to be in full bloom, and when I suggested visiting, the guests showed interest, but they decided to skip it out of consideration for the stamina of one member of the group. When I explained how to worship at Meiji Shrine, several of them offered prayers. We walked along Takeshita Street, where they purchased colorful cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory and happily took photos together. They showed interest in a capsule toy shop, prepared coins using a currency exchange machine, and enjoyed themselves. They were also delighted by the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and took photos there. The tour was scheduled until 5:00, but since they had also booked an evening tour and wanted to return to the hotel by 4:00, I escorted them back to the hotel and we parted a little early. The hotel is directly connected to Otemachi Station's C13b exit, but the station signage can be hard to see in places, so care was needed. Although it was a short tour, everyone expressed their thanks, and I was grateful for the wonderful encounter with such a lovely group.
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 | Otemachi～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Otemachi | 210JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
Hello!! I’m Takako. Thank you for seeing my page. I’ve been showing guests around Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura for over six years. There are various things from historic sites, shrines and temples to cultural spots, good restaurants and anime shops in Japan.
I love watching sumo wrestling, Japanese traditional sport.
My favorite place is Tsukiji food market. It’s really exciting and you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods.
I also like visiting Japanese gardens such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and Rikugien Gardens.
Please let me know what interests you.
I would be happy to make a suitable tour for you and help you stay in Japan comfortably.
Looking forward to meeting you!!
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide,…
Jul 21, 2026
Z222TCshannonr
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
6 hour guided tour of Tokyo
Our wonderful guide, Takako, took us on a tour of Tokyo. She helped us create a plan based on our interests and was flexible when we needed to change the itinerary a bit due to extreme heat. She was friendly, informative, and helpful. We enjoyed learning about Japanese culture and history from Takako, and we saw amazing temples and ate delicious sushi. I highly recommend this tour and Takako as a guide!
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with…
Jul 9, 2026
cronima2
Perfectly guided day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing day with Takako. Takako got in contact prior to our tour to create the perfect itinerary. She collected us from our hotel and helped us get our travel cards and showed us how to use the public transport. Takako altered our tour and took us to Harajuku Takeshite street, which our teenagers really enjoyed. Takako was really informative and friendly and made the day really enjoyable. We would have no hesitation in booking her again. Takako showed us more in 6 hours than we would have seen in a week if left to our own devices. Thanks Takako and we will watch The Transporter!
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on…
Jul 3, 2026
johnoD792VT
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely Guide!
Takako was an amazing guide! She gave strong insights on the places we visited and picked a delicious ramen shop for lunch. We really appreciated her thorough communication and friendly demeanor.
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main…
Jul 3, 2026
71nidhim
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Takako was extremely knowledgeable and showed us all the main attractions with care and detail. We would highly recommend doing this activity.