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

  • ①9:00 Meet at the hotel [Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo]
  • ②From the hotel, go to the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge via the Nihonbashi and Ginza areas (9:40)
  • ③Go to Meiji Shrine via the front of the State Guest House, Shinjuku Kabukicho, and Harajuku (10:40–11:20)
  • ④Shibuya Crossing (11:35–11:45)
  • ⑤Go to Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai via Tokyo Tower and Odaiba Rainbow Bridge (12:30–13:00)
  • ④Asakusa・Sensoji Temple (13:40–14:35)
  • ⑤Via Kappabashi, drop off at the Tokyo National Museum and end the tour (15:00)

What Does a Private Tokyo Tour with a Car Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Toyosu

The guests were visitors from North America who were business associates in the chemical industry. One of them had visited Japan many times, while the other was on a second visit but experiencing sightseeing for the first time. Since a vehicle was provided this time, I built an efficient route centered on strolls at Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, allowing the guests to view the main spots of Tokyo from the car windows. For lunch, they enjoyed takeout from Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai while on the move, which helped save time. As they also wished to visit the National Museum, I purchased tickets at the counter before we parted ways. For the return, they planned to take a taxi back to their accommodation on their own. The weather was wonderful, and both of the guests seemed very satisfied, taking many photos throughout the day.

A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a lush forested area of central Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, the shrine is surrounded by an evergreen forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, offering a peaceful retreat from the surrounding city. Visitors can observe traditional Shinto customs, pass through grand torii gates, and sometimes witness traditional wedding ceremonies held on the grounds.

Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification

Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most…

Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very…

Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…

Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…