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
- 1) 12:30 Meet @ Hotel Sunroute Ginza (1-15-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
- 2) 13:10 Shibuya <Intersection & Hachiko Statue>
- 3) 14:00 Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 4) 14:30 Hibiya Park → Imperial Palace Main Gate
- 5) 15:20 (On the way to Asakusa) Ueno
- 6) 15:50 Disband @ JR Ueno Station Taxi Stand

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like from Asakusa to Shibuya? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body:
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private Tokyo tour for guests based in North America. In our pre-tour communication, the guests requested to visit Asakusa (including Sensoji Temple), Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. Based on this, I proposed an itinerary in advance, which the guests happily accepted.
On the morning of the tour, the guests asked whether it would be possible to change the schedule to start at 8:00 the next day due to bad weather. I replied that I had been recovering from a lingering cold, so a change to the following day would be fine if we could start at 9:00. The guests then decided to keep the original plan and start at 12:00 that day as scheduled.
Because of the bad weather, the train to the meeting point (Tsukuba Express) was delayed by about 25 minutes. I informed the guests of this and let them know that I would likely arrive at the Hotel around 12:30, and they replied "OK." I arrived at the Hotel and met the guests without any trouble, and we began the tour by reviewing the itinerary together (the guests had downloaded the PASMO app in advance).
I had been told in advance that one of the guests had some back discomfort but was fine with using public transportation and walking, so I guided them at a slow and comfortable pace through Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, and the main gate of the Imperial Palace. On the way to Asakusa, our final destination, as I was explaining the transfer at Ueno, the guests said that fatigue had built up and, although there were still about 30 minutes left until the scheduled end of the tour, they wished to return to the Hotel.
When I asked whether the walking had been difficult, the guests said, "We have another 2-hour tour tomorrow, and after that we plan to fly home from Narita. Today's tour was wonderful, so please don't worry." I guided the guests to the taxi stand at Ueno Station, told the driver the name and address of their accommodation, received permission to use photos, and we parted ways with smiles.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Kyobashi Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Shibuya Station~Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Hibiya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nijubashimae Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
Hi! I’m a local guide in Tokyo and have been working as a licensed tour guide for almost 10 years. I love helping guests discover the “real Japan” beyond the guidebooks. I enjoy showing guests both famous sights and places that many tourists miss. My tours are based on your interests and can include not only famous sightseeing spots, but also local neighborhoods, culture, history, and everyday life in Japan. I also help guests enjoy Japanese cultural activities and make communication easier. If you’d like vegan or gluten-free meals, let me help you find suitable restaurants in Tokyo. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please feel free to let me know in advance. I look forward to showing you around Tokyo!
Jun 19, 2026
Daniel_O
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 would do again!
Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and…
Jun 19, 2026
Daniel_O
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 would do again!
Our guide, Tachi was incredibly accommodating, friendly, and patient with our group. Their
expertise made our vacation fun, educational, and stress-free!
May 24, 2026
Meander63637687943
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour guide Tachi is the best!
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Meander63637687943
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tour guide Tachi is the best!
A most enjoyable and personalized tour . Tachi was most professional and knowledgeable.
She provided very very thorough historical information about the 4 gardens we visited. I
would highly recommend her!
May 19, 2026
Jai_K
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
I would definitely…
I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi…
May 19, 2026
Jai_K
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
I would definitely…
I would definitely recommend this tour. Our guide Tachi was so helpful in showing us around and answering all our questions. It was a great idea to do this on the first day since we covered most of the popular cultural sights and areas with her leaving the ret of our days for other specific interests.
May 5, 2026
Gary33556
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
Tachi was our guide. What…
May 5, 2026
Gary33556
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful tour of the highlights of Tokyo
Tachi was our guide. What a wonderful experience. She communicated very effectively before our departure to plan a very nice tour around the city. On the day of departure, it was raining very heavily in Tokyo and we considered rescheduling, but went ahead anyway. She met us at our hotel just as planned and set out on a very nice tour that visited all the sites we wanted to see. We used the subway system to move about the city. We we very happy with the tour and would book with her again in the future if we return to Tokyo. Hint: download PASMO to your phone to pay for subway rides.
