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
- 9:30 Hotel New Otani Garden Tower
- 10:30 Tokyo National Museum
- 12:00 Lunch @ Tsurujiro
- 12:50 Sensoji Temple
- 13:40 Skytree
- 15:40 Hamarikyu
- 17:00 Meiji Shrine
- 17:40 Meiji-jingumae
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hotel New Otani Garden Tower at 9:30, Tokyo National Museum at 10:30, Sensoji Temple at 12:50, Skytree at 13:40, Hamarikyu at 15:40, Meiji Shrine at 17:00 and Meiji-jingumae at 17:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Akasaka-mitsuke to Ueno by subway (210JPY); Ueno to Asakusa by subway (180JPY); Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree by train (160JPY); Oshiage to Shimbashi by subway (220JPY); Shiodome to Meiji-jingumae by subway (290JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,060JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Skytree, and More
I guided the guests from North America on a private one-day tour of Tokyo. When we met at the hotel, the forecast was rain in the morning clearing up in the afternoon, so the guests asked me to change the order of the sites we would visit. I explained that this meant the Tokyo Skytree reservation would no longer be valid and we might have to wait in line, and once they agreed, I adjusted the route. They seemed quite dissatisfied with the previous day in Hakone, where neither the guide nor the weather had been good and they had been unable to see anything. As a result, our first stop, the Tokyo National Museum, had no wait, and admission was free for seniors. At Asakusa, the guests were pleased with okonomiyaki for lunch. In the afternoon, we were able to go up the Tokyo Skytree without waiting, the sun came out, and we were even able to see Mount Fuji. Hamarikyu Gardens were beautiful after the rain, and everything went very well. At the end, I saw the guests into a taxi in front of Meiji Shrine, and the tour concluded.
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～Ueno | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Asakusa～Tokyo Skytree | 160JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Oshiage～Shimbashi | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shiodome～Meiji-jingumae | 290JPY |
| Total | 1,060JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel New Otani Garden Tower, Tokyo National Museum, Sensoji Temple, Skytree, Hamarikyu, Meiji Shrine and Meiji-jingumae.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,060JPY 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?
Takako 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.
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.