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
- 11:00 Hotel Grand Bach → ＜Tokyo Metro: Higashi-ginza – Hibiya – Meiji-jingumae＞→11:30 Meiji Shrine →＜JR: Harajuku – Yoyogi – Iidabashi＞→12:50 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden→1:30 Lunch (Dotonbori Kamukura, Tokyo Dome City)→＜Toei Mita Line: Suidobashi – Otemachi＞→2:50 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace→＜Tokyo Metro: Otemachi – Asakusa＞→4:20 Asakusa→17:00 Dismissal (Senso-ji Temple)
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Gardens and Shrines Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
When I arrived at the second-floor lobby of the Hotel five minutes early, the guests were already waiting. Having already traveled around Japan for some time, they were skillfully using their SUICA cards not only for trains but also at vending machines. Although it was an unseasonable near-30-degree heat, the wisteria was in full bloom at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, and double cherry blossoms and azaleas were in full bloom at the Imperial Palace. At Meiji Jingu Shrine there was plenty of shade so the heat was not felt, but at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and the East Gardens we tried to walk seeking shade. Since one of the guests mentioned back pain, we used escalators and elevators as much as possible, and at the East Gardens we skipped the castle keep foundation. On the other hand, at Meiji Jingu Shrine they bought and dedicated ema votive tablets, and at Sensoji Temple they purchased ofuda charms, actively trying to embrace Japanese culture without being bound by cultural differences. At the end, I explained how to return to Ginza and the transportation for the next day, and we parted ways at Sensoji Temple.
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 | Higashi-ginza～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Iidabashi | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Suidobashi～Otemachi | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Otemachi～Asakusa | 180JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Thank you for requesting a tour guide during your upcoming visit to Japan. I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
I am Teizo Tsuruyama. Please call me Teizo.
I am a long-time resident of Tokyo and I started tour guide in 2017. I have a family of four and I like growing vegetables. In our walking tour, we visit historic sites such as temples and beautiful Japanese gardens as well as popular shopping streets and food markets. We also explore the narrow backstreets to find little galleries, quiet cafes and cozy food stands.
I look forward to traveling around Tokyo with you soon.
Mar 31, 2026
Teresa_M
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Teizo was amazing. He…
Teizo was amazing. He contacted us before our…
Mar 31, 2026
Teresa_M
Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Teizo was amazing. He…
Teizo was amazing. He contacted us before our trip asking what we wanted to see and came up with some options for us to choose from. We were able to ask him tons of questions which he answered patiently. I would absolutely recommend Teizo as your guide.
Teresa
Apr 19, 2025
markY514NH
Great day checking out some of the most beautiful, peaceful parts of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…
Apr 19, 2025
markY514NH
Great day checking out some of the most beautiful, peaceful parts of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Teizo was the perfect guide. Plenty of email correspondence before the trip to tailor exactly what we wanted to see around Tokyo along with some great suggestions. The tour was exactly what we wanted, taken at our pace, with some lovely thoughts to our needs during the trip. Such a beautiful day in Tokyo, with a great lunch and cold beer. Arigato
Mar 29, 2025
X1993SMkrisp
Great Way to See Real Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had…
Mar 29, 2025
X1993SMkrisp
Great Way to See Real Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had the pleasure of having Teizo guide us on the Off The Beaten Path tour of Tokyo. First off, Teizo was very responsive in communicating with us prior to our tour and rearranged the sites so we could visit Asakusa Temple before it closed. Teizo has a wealth of information and happily answered all our questions. He made sure we were comfortable during our six hour tour. Teizo is a wonderful representative of Japan and its culture. Thank you Teizo, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with you.
Mar 14, 2025
gaberwhite
Great tour throughout Tokyo with Teizo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour was amazing. Our tour…
Mar 14, 2025
gaberwhite
Great tour throughout Tokyo with Teizo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour was amazing. Our tour guide Teizo was wonderful and helped plan a great
itinerary to see several great sites throughout the Tokyo area. He was so kind and patient
and took us to a great lunch spot as well.