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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:30 Meet the guests at the hotel
- 9:50 Shibuya Station Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue
- 10:20 Takeshita Street
- 10:30 Meiji Shrine
- 11:40 Rikugien Garden
- 12:50 Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Main Hall
- 13:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:30 at guests at the hotel and ended at 13:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Shibuya Station Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue at 9:50, Takeshita Street at 10:20, Meiji Shrine at 10:30, Rikugien Garden at 11:40 and Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Main Hall at 12:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ebisu to Shibuya by train (160JPY); Shibuya to Meiji-jingumae by subway (180JPY); Harajuku to Komagome by train (260JPY); Komagome to Asakusa by train (380JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 980JPY per person.
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shibuya, Meiji Shrine, Rikugien, and Asakusa
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They started by enthusiastically taking photos at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and in front of the Hachiko statue. As the Yamanote Line happened to be suspended at the time, we traveled by subway and headed to Meiji Shrine, passing through Takeshita Street on the way. After talking about an overview of Japanese history and the differences between shrines and temples, we walked along the approach with explanations at key points, and paid our respects at the main hall.
We then took the Yamanote Line to Komagome and strolled through Rikugien Garden, where at the teahouse the guests enjoyed a set of matcha and Japanese sweets and relaxed at their leisure. After that, we moved on to Asakusa, walking through the Culture and Tourism Center, Kaminarimon Gate, and the Nakamise shopping street, and paid our respects at the main hall. I guided them to a lunch spot, which concluded the tour.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Ebisu～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shibuya～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Harajuku～Komagome | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Komagome～Asakusa | 380JPY |
| Total | 980JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guests at the hotel at 9:30, and the tour finished at at 13:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 9:30 to 13:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Station Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine, Rikugien Garden and Asakusa Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Main Hall.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 980JPY per person across 4 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?
Shigeru 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 am a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.
Sep 29, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We were fortunate to have had Shigeru to guide us from Yokohama to Tokyo. He gave a lot of historical information about Japan, brought us to the places we wanted, and ensured that we were always within reach. He also broughr us to his favourite ramen restsurant in Tokyo. Excellent lunch. He is well versed on the intricacies of customs and modern societal influences, culture.
A very kind and patient man.
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
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Shigeru is a fantastic…
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, an excellent guide with great recommendations. I highly recommend this tour!
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very…
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very knowledgable. 10/10 would book again
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We had an excellent time being…
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an excellent time being guided by Shigeru. He was gracious and full of interesting information. Would definitely recommend. 😁