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
- 09:00 Hotel
- 09:40 Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Inui Street Walkthrough
- 12:30 Asakusa
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 09:40, Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Inui Street Walkthrough at 11:00 and Asakusa at 12:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Shinjuku to Meiji-jingumae by subway (180JPY); Meiji-jingumae Station by subway (210JPY); Takebashi to Asakusa by subway (290JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa
We met at the hotel. The guests had not purchased an IC card, so after discussing options, we bought a PASMO at the ticket machine at Higashi-Shinjuku Station. As planned, we visited Meiji Shrine at a relaxed pace. We came across a family holding a traditional shrine visit ceremony, and the guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere of the shrine set within the forest. Some of the guests became quite absorbed in the shop at a rest house we stopped by, which took a little time. We then headed to the Imperial Palace. Since the Inui-dori passage was being opened to the public, we discussed the viewing route in detail and decided to view the main gate of the Imperial Palace from a distance before heading to the passage. The guests enjoyed the atmosphere of the Imperial Palace grounds, which are not usually accessible. As the cherry blossoms toward Chidorigafuchi were not yet in bloom, we skipped that area and headed from Takebashi to Asakusa. By the time we reached the tourist and cultural center, the guests were a little tired. I gave an overview of Senso-ji Temple from the 8th-floor terrace, and since our time was nearly up, we ended the tour there for the time being. As the guests had mentioned wanting to buy a Japanese kitchen knife during the tour, I took them to Kappabashi on the way back before saying goodbye.
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-Shinjuku～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo～Nijubashimae | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Takebashi～Asakusa | 290JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Inui Street Walkthrough and Asakusa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY per person across 3 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?
Matt 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.
Hi,I’m Matt.
Let’s enjoy together and learn a little bit more about Tokyo and Japan.
I have many experiences in private tour and can be flexible in planning the tour itinerary. To see everything in Tokyo may be difficult in few days. Historical points,seasonal view point,most trendy places,there are so many to choose. Please let me know your interest or whatever you want to see,and I will try my best to fulfill your request.Off course those who do not have a choice is most welcome. I will come up with the most recommended points to visit at the time.
So,see you soon.
Apr 18, 2025
S3270IProbertj
MATT is a great guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We were guided the whole day by…
Apr 18, 2025
S3270IProbertj
MATT is a great guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We were guided the whole day by MATT. He is a wonderful guide, explained so much to us
all the time and met our very wish. We could not have hoped for better.
Mar 25, 2025
R
Resort23969735918
Amazing experience with an amazing guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing experience. Matt is extremely…
Mar 25, 2025
R
Resort23969735918
Amazing experience with an amazing guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing experience. Matt is extremely knowledgeable, he took everything we wanted and
made an amazing itinerary for us. Took us to a great local restaurant for our lunch.
Oct 15, 2024
Vacation651871
Tokyo walking around
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a very interesting and detailed tour wirh…
Oct 15, 2024
Vacation651871
Tokyo walking around
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a very interesting and detailed tour wirh Matt. Nice insights in japanese culture.
Tokyo walking around was delighful.
Aug 30, 2024
Peter_G
Great tour with Matt
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Matt our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable…
Aug 30, 2024
Peter_G
Great tour with Matt
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Matt our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable about Japan and Tokyo’s history. He made contact immediately that i booked the tour. He took us to the fish markets, gardens, Takeshita St and Shibuya crossing amongst others. Matt was very friendly and accommodating about what we wanted to see also helping understand the subway and bullet train ticketing machine. We managed to fit a lot into the 4 hrs. If you’re lucky enough to get Matt as your guide you will have a great time.