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
- 8:30 Meet at the hotel 1F. Since the lobby was small, they were apparently waiting on the 1F, so we missed each other for about 10 minutes, and it was actually 8:40.
- 9:00 Head to the Imperial Palace Inui Gate Sakura Street.
- 10:00 Kitanomaru Park and coffee break
- 11:00 Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom viewing
- 12:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko Statue
- 12:40 Lunch at Parco Tempura Takao
- 13:50 Meiji Shrine
- 15:00 Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 15:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at hotel 1F. Since the lobby was small, they were apparently waiting on the 1F, so we missed each other for about 10 minutes, and it was actually 8:40. and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 7 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at Parco Tempura Takao at 12:40.
Over the course of the day the route took in the Imperial Palace Inui Gate Sakura Street. at 9:00, Kitanomaru Park and coffee break at 10:00, Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom viewing at 11:00, Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko Statue at 12:00, Meiji Shrine at 13:50 and Harajuku Takeshita Street at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kudanshita to Shibuya by subway (210JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Kyobashi to Nijubashi by subway (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 540JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Rainy Cherry Blossom Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania who appeared to be close friends enjoying their trip together. Although it rained, I guided the group through the Inui-mon cherry blossom passage, which is only open once a year. Afterward, we strolled through Kitanomaru Park while viewing the cherry blossoms, took a coffee break, and then fully enjoyed the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi. The group took many photos and seemed very satisfied. Next, we visited the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue, then had lunch at a tempura restaurant, which they found very delicious and enjoyable. We then moved on to Meiji Shrine, where I explained Shinto and Buddhism. Finally, we walked through Takeshita Street and took a taxi to the Hotel to end the tour. Despite the poor weather, the group seemed very pleased to have been able to visit the places they wanted to see.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kudanshita～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Kyobashi～Nijubashi | 180JPY |
| Total | 540JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel 1F. Since the lobby was small, they were apparently waiting on the 1F, so we missed each other for about 10 minutes, and it was actually 8:40. at 8:30, and the tour finished at at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours in total, from 8:30 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited the Imperial Palace Inui Gate Sakura Street., Kitanomaru Park and coffee break, Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom viewing, Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko Statue, Meiji Shrine and Harajuku Takeshita Street.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 540JPY per person across 3 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?
kozee 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.
Hi ! I’m Kozee.
I obtained license of guide interpreter in 2018 and started guiding in 2019 Jan.
The reason why I got this license is that I have strong passion to introduce Japan to foreign people.
Japan has a lot of attractions to be proud of in the world, fascinating historical places, culture, food, and beautiful nature like Mt.Fuji, and expertise that has been preserved through long history.
As a guide, I always keep it on my mind how to satisfy my guest and make their trip unforgettable.
I’m sure that I will be able to help you by making use of my extensive guiding experience.
Why don’t you enjoy your trip in Japan with me.
Apr 2, 2025
ianmW4480OY
A day out with Kozee.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Kozee…
Apr 2, 2025
ianmW4480OY
A day out with Kozee.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Kozee today, very much tailored to our wishes, we learned a
lot, saw the beautiful cherry blossoms which we came for, delighted.
Apr 1, 2025
536maureent
Kozee number guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Our trip was wonderful,Kozee was the best…
Apr 1, 2025
536maureent
Kozee number guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Instagram Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Our trip was wonderful,Kozee was the best guide and wonderful and caring man ,paying for Taxi ,buying us coffee ,going to the chemist to buy hand warmers for me ,He was very informative and gave us plenty of of time to take photos and appreciate the sights
Maureen ,Janene ,Judy .
Australia
Mar 31, 2025
Getaway23071133490
A Wonderful Time with a Wonderful Guide
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Kozee…
Mar 31, 2025
Getaway23071133490
A Wonderful Time with a Wonderful Guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kozee was a wonderful guide. He was genuinely interested in sharing his country with us and answered all questions with knowledge. He was very flexible and tailored our day to fit our interests and needs. He had some great suggestions.
Kozee was extremely knowledgeable about not only the history of Japan but the current economic and geopolitical conditions as well. We learned so much about the country. We would highly recommend using this wonderful man as your guide.
May 20, 2024
Norma_P
Highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great tour of Tokyo with our guide,…
May 20, 2024
Norma_P
Highly recommend
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great tour of Tokyo with our guide, Kozee. He efficiently organized our tour to
cover requested sites. We learned a lot about Tokyo – the tour was a great introduction to
Japan. Highly recommend Viator and Kozee