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

  • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Groove Shinjuku
  • 09:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
  • 09:40 Meiji Shrine
  • 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 11:40 Lunch @ Tokyo Imaiya Main Store (Marunouchi Building)
  • 12:40 Imperial Palace
  • 13:30 Sensoji Temple
  • 15:00 Disband @ Hotel Groove Shinjuku

What Is a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji

The guests were a group from North America visiting Japan for the first time. They had already visited Hamamatsu and Tokyo Disneyland, and were scheduled to return home the next day. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which contrasted greatly with Shibuya. They also purchased several omamori (protective charms) as souvenirs. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. 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 listened with interest to explanations about the differences between temples and shrines, as well as about Kaminarimon Gate. Since I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, I believe they were satisfied.

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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