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
- 10:30 Meet at Hotel New Otani The Main
- Travel to Omotesando by taxi
- 11:00 Kiddy Land
- 12:00 Meiji Shrine
- 13:00 Takeshita Street
- Travel to Tsukiji Market by taxi
- 14:00 Lunch at Sushi Zanmai
- Travel by subway
- 15:00 Shibuya Crossing
- Travel by Inokashira Line
- 15:30 Shimokitazawa
- Disband at Shimokitazawa Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kiddy Land at 11:00, Meiji Shrine at 12:00, Takeshita Street at 13:00, Shibuya Crossing at 15:00 and Shimokitazawa at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Ginza to Shibuya by subway (210JPY); Shibuya to Shimokitazawa by train (140JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 350JPY per person.
What's a Rainy-Day Private Family Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Tsukiji, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. In response to a request from one of the guests who loves stationery and cute characters, I took the group to Harajuku and Kiddy Land, and they were delighted. They were able to experience both the lively side of Tokyo and its quieter side, such as Meiji Shrine. Because it was raining, the tour began with a taxi ride, but partway through the group wanted to experience the Tokyo subway, so for the latter half we used the Ginza Line and the Inokashira Line. At Tsukiji, since we arrived after the lunchtime peak, we were able to enter Sushi Zanmai right away and enjoy a relaxed meal. The group really liked the conveyor-belt sushi. After that, at the request of one of the guests who wanted to see the Shibuya crossing, we headed to Shibuya and crossed the intersection several times to take photos. Another of the guests wished to see Shimokitazawa, so I took the group to the station and we parted ways there. Although it was unfortunately rainy, I believe the group was satisfied that we were able to visit so many places in a short time.
In the taxi, one of the guests asked me to call their accommodation in Hakone for the next day to confirm the reservation, so I made the call to confirm and also arranged a dinner reservation for them. Since it is an accommodation with a shuttle bus running from Odawara Station, I passed along that information as well, and they were very pleased to make the booking.
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 | Higashi-Ginza～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Shimokitazawa | 140JPY |
| Total | 350JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kiddy Land, Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Shibuya Crossing and Shimokitazawa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 350JPY per person across 2 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?
Yumi 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’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.