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

  • 0930 Meet at Hotel Tokyo (2 min from JR Shimbashi Station), help purchasing SUICA
  • 0955 Tokyo Station ~ Gyoko-dori Avenue ~ Tatsumi Yagura Turret ~ Nijubashimae Station
  • 1110 Meiji-jingumae Station ~ Meiji Shrine visit ~ Takeshita Street
  • 1330 Take a Taxi (paid by Guest) to Nakano Broadway for a stroll
  • 1400 Support until boarding TAXI and disband

Title: What Is a Private Wheelchair-Accessible Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Nakano

Prior to the tour, the guests informed me that mobility support would be needed and that they could travel by public transportation or taxi, so I researched barrier-free access in advance.

The requested destinations were the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and the Murakami Shop in Nakano City. At first I was not sure what the "Murakami Shop" referred to, but I discovered it was a place called Tonari no Zingaro in Nakano Broadway. Upon investigating, I found that Nakano Station is one of only about three JR stations in central Tokyo not equipped with an elevator. For this reason, I decided we would travel from Harajuku to Nakano by taxi.

Since the guests were very keen on visiting Tonari no Zingaro, I took them there, but quite a few people were lined up, so I asked how they would like to proceed. They had wanted to visit because it had been strongly recommended by a friend, but it seemed they did not find it as interesting as expected. The tour was originally supposed to conclude at this point, but I accompanied them as they explored the various floors of Broadway, though they did not seem particularly interested in manga or anime.

After returning home, I looked into it and found that it is a space produced by Takashi Murakami (a Japanese contemporary artist, pop artist, and film director), a venue that attracts a certain type of clientele.

The guests planned to visit Tsukiji the next day, followed by another day of sightseeing in Tokyo, then travel to the Kansai region, and finally return to Tokyo, on an itinerary of about two weeks.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShimbashi~Tokyo146JPY
Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Meiji-jingumae209JPY
Total355JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Jul 2, 2026
Susan M
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Family fun in Tokyo.
A wonderful day. Ted customized our tour…

Jun 26, 2026
ann r
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Educational with kind, generous guide
My teenage sons and I learned…

Jun 14, 2026
141yunb
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Can’t believe all that we got to see in 6 hours
We…

May 18, 2026
B
Beth56646
Great tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Ted and I agreed upon what we would see…