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
- 9:00 Meet at the hotel
- 9:35 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 10:45 Shinjuku Godzilla Head, 3D advertisement
- 11:30 Meiji Shrine
- 12:45 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 13:45 Ueno Zoo
- 14:00 Guide ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Shinjuku Gyoen at 9:35, Shinjuku Godzilla Head, 3D advertisement at 10:45, Meiji Shrine at 11:30, Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 12:45, Ueno Zoo at 13:45 and Guide ends at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akasaka-mitsuke to Shinjuku-gyoemmae by subway (180JPY); Shinjuku-gyoemmae to Shinjuku by subway (180JPY); Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (150JPY); Shibuya to Ueno by subway (210JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 870JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Cherry Blossoms, Meiji Shrine, and Ueno Zoo
Body:
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Tokyo for guests visiting from North America. The guests keep a flower garden at home and hoped to see cherry blossoms and plum blossoms, and they were delighted to see them just as they had hoped.
At the Godzilla Head, the guests mentioned having only seen the very first Godzilla film (1954), and found it wonderfully nostalgic. When they saw the 3D advertisement of a cat appearing to leap out at Shinjuku East Exit, they laughed heartily and exclaimed how fun it was.
The guests enjoyed the atmosphere of Meiji Shrine, took a commemorative photo by the camphor trees, and purchased a lucky charm. They were also thrilled at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and were deeply moved to see the pandas, giraffes, flamingos, and other animals at Ueno Zoo.
The itinerary had been carefully planned in advance, and it was a pleasure to guide such enthusiastic guests throughout the day.
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 | Akasaka-mitsuke～Shinjuku-gyoemmae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoemmae～Shinjuku | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 150JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shibuya～Ueno | 210JPY |
| Total | 870JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Godzilla Head, 3D advertisement, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Ueno Zoo and Guide ends.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 870JPY 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?
Shuji 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.
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
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A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
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AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
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Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
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yeseniag981
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Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.