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
- 10:15 Meet up @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit
- 10:25 Imperial Palace
- 11:30 Senso-ji Temple
- 12:30 Akihabara
- 13:25 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
- 13:45 Meiji Shrine
- 14:15 Disband @ Meiji Shrine
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit at 10:15, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 14:15. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Imperial Palace at 10:25, Senso-ji Temple at 11:30, Akihabara at 12:30, Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko at 13:25 and Meiji Shrine at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Yurakucho to Ginza-itchome by subway (180JPY); Ginza to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Suehirocho (Tokyo) by subway (180JPY); Akihabara to Shibuya by train (260JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (160JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 990JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, Akihabara, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and this was their first visit to Japan. Before arriving in Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Lake Kawaguchi, and after sightseeing in Tokyo and visiting Tokyo Disneyland, they planned to return to Europe at the end of the week. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were interested to hear about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about Kaminarimon Gate. In Akihabara, one of the guests showed interest in Pokemon cards and similar items. At Meiji Shrine, the guests seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was very different from Shibuya. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.
In addition, since the guests' accommodation was a hotel near Tokyo Disneyland, which was outside the pickup area, we had agreed that the meeting point would be at the Marunouchi Central Exit of Tokyo Station rather than at the guests' hotel. However, it seems it took them some time to find the meeting point within Tokyo Station, and the guests arrived 15 minutes later than the scheduled meeting time. For this reason, the tour started at 10:15. Also, at the guests' request, the tour was conducted without lunch.
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 | Yurakucho～Ginza-itchome | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Ginza～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa～Suehirocho (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Akihabara～Shibuya | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Total | 990JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Exit at 10:15, and the tour finished at @ Meiji Shrine at 14:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 10:15 to 14:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara, Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 990JPY 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?
Seizo 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 Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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