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
- 9:00 Meet at the hotel
- 9:30 Meiji Shrine
- 10:30 Takeshita Street
- 11:00 Shibuya Crossing
- 11:30 Chidorigafuchi
- 12:30 Imperial Palace・Nijubashi Bridge
- 14:00 Asakusa・Sensoji Temple
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Meiji Shrine at 9:30, Takeshita Street at 10:30, Shibuya Crossing at 11:00, Chidorigafuchi at 11:30, Imperial Palace・Nijubashi Bridge at 12:30 and Asakusa・Sensoji Temple at 14:00.
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Asakusa
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Unfortunately it rained all day, but the guests energetically completed the schedule. We started at Meiji Shrine, where I explained the differences between Buddhism and Shinto, the influence each has had on Japanese culture, and how to worship. The guests had done some studying before their trip, but said this was the first time they truly understood the differences. They purchased several protective charms.
Despite the rain, we happened to be able to observe a purification ceremony being held as part of a company's new-employee welcome event, which delighted the guests greatly. The guests were also collecting goshuin (temple and shrine seal stamps), and were thrilled to add a new one at Meiji Shrine.
On Takeshita Street, the guests were surprised by the animal cafés. Guests seem to fall into two clear groups: those who are delighted by them and those who dislike them from an animal welfare perspective. Today the guests were the latter.
Since the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, I guided the guests to Chidorigafuchi. They also wanted to see the front of the Imperial Palace, so despite the rain we ended up walking halfway around the Imperial Palace on foot.
Finally, I took the guests to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where they were again pleased to receive a goshuin.
Toward the end of the tour, I received word that an urgent matter had come up at home, and with the guests' understanding, I concluded the tour a little earlier than planned.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello and welcome to Tokyo!
I have been working for business with American companies for many years. I have many experiences guiding customers from around the world in Japan and taking Japanese customers to the USA and Europe.
I now have a national license as a guiding interpreter, and I want to introduce the unique gigantic city of Tokyo and the traditional Japanese culture, which is not shown in the guidebooks, to people worldwide who are interested in it. In addition, I want to introduce various Japanese foods you can enjoy only in Japan.
Unique experiences such as the Sumo Training Viewing and Tea Ceremony are optionally available.
Depending on your preference and itinerary, I can guide you in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Hakone so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time…
Jul 26, 2026
Kevin_B
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tokyo Tour
Highly recommend this tour for first time visit to Tokyo. Our guide Atsushi took great care to acclimate us with navigating through busy train stations efficiently with a group of eight family members. Along the way and at each site he explained various cultural practices and associated histories that made the tour very immersive and enjoyable. We will highly recommend Atsushi and Viator to our family and friends for future tours.
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and…
Jun 22, 2026
Ashish_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best Tour for a Short Visit
Atsushi-san was an incredibly well-researched and friendly tour guide. His knowledge allowed us to explore and get to the historical significance of the various locations we visited. His explanations were simple but comprehensive. The six hours flew by and included some off-the-beaten opportunities including coffee at a very austere but memorable location near the fish market. I would highly recommend him as well as this tour for anyone with limited time in Tokyo wanting see as much as possible
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had…
May 27, 2026
jackie m
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking tour of Tokyo
Our guide was really interesting and had an amazing knowledge of culture and attractions!
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon walk! We also navigated through the Shinjuku station
which was no walk in the park! Thank you to Atsushi!
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met…
Apr 9, 2026
Lindsey_W
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Atsushi, was…
Our guide, Atsushi, was great! He met us at our hotel in Hakone and took us clockwise to tour all the sites. He was informative and taught us a lot. Our group was two adults and a 14 year old. We saw Mt Fuji from the rope way, but unfortunately the pirate ship was canceled because of high wind. We would absolutely use Atsushi again for this tour, or any other tour he provides.