Tokyo in Half a Day: Ginza & Meiji — Guide Rumi
April, 2026
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
- 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
- 10:15 Asakusa (Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
- 11:30 Ginza (Mitsukoshi Depachika)
- 12:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 12:50 Harajuku Lunch @ Gonpachi
- 13:20 Meiji Shrine
- 14:20 Disband @ Harajuku
Title: What's a Half-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. They had already traveled to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Kanazawa before arriving in Tokyo. Since this was a half-day tour, we visited the classic spots of Asakusa, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine, stopping along the way at the Mitsukoshi department store in Ginza. As expected, they were amazed by the basement food floor. In Shibuya, they mentioned they wanted to see Hachiko because they had been moved by the Hachiko movie, but since there was a long line, we took photos from the side. I told them that there is a statue of the professor and Hachiko at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo, and showed them photos as well. Since they were fond of animals, after Meiji Shrine I introduced them to an animal cafe on Takeshita Street before we said 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 | Ueno～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa～Ginza | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ginza～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Total | 760JPY | ||
Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.
Jun 29, 2026
898clausw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Really helpfull guide
Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide…
Jun 29, 2026
898clausw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Really helpfull guide
Extremely helpfull to have a friendly and competent guide first day in overwhelming Tokyo
Jun 27, 2026
sallypO7128PM
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
My family had an excellent…
Jun 27, 2026
sallypO7128PM
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo- family with older teens
My family had an excellent tour around Tokyo with Rumi as two adults and two older teenagers. Rumi met us at our hotel and dropped us back there afterwards, which was really helpful as we were struggling with Shinjuku station. She was knowledgeable in the fish market and suggested food we might want to try from the best stalls. She showed us a great place for lunch where the kids enjoyed katsu curry. Rumi was very kind at the temple, showing us how to test our luck and providing offerings as well as walking us around the streets to buy souvenirs. She also helped with printing train tickets, checked up on us after an earthquake and sent through photos she had taken, none of which she had to do- she really went above and beyond expectations and made our first day in Japan a day to remember.
Jun 15, 2026
Scott P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Terrific Tour and Guide
We had an incredible day! Rumi was…
Jun 15, 2026
Scott P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Terrific Tour and Guide
We had an incredible day! Rumi was our guide for a six hour tour. We visited Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple), Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku (Takeshita Street) and Shibuya….
Jun 12, 2026
Tonya O
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Rumi is a great guide!
Rumi was a wonderful guide. She…
Jun 12, 2026
Tonya O
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Rumi is a great guide!
Rumi was a wonderful guide. She helped us tailor our itinerary so we could make the most
of our time on the tour. She was very kind and helped us learn a lot about the many
beautiful sites in Tokyo on our list. Thank you, Rumi! 💕