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
- 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Asakusa
- 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway, train
- 3. 10:50 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 4. 11:35 Travel: Train
- 5. 12:00 Stay @ Marunouchi, Wadakura Fountain Park
- 6. 12:30 Travel: Subway
- 7. 13:00 Lunch @ Sansada
- 8. 13:35 Stay @ Asakusa
- 9. 15:00 Travel: Subway
- 10. 15:10 Stay @ Ueno Park
- 11. 16:35 Travel: Subway
- 12. 16:50 Disband @ Asakusa Kannon-dori
What Does a Private Tokyo Day Tour of Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Ueno Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since they had Suica cards, we used the JR Chuo Line for the round trip toward Harajuku to save time.
The spots the guests wished to visit were three places: Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Because the East Gardens were closed that day, I was considering how to use the extra time, but during our stay in Asakusa I learned that the guests were both interested in goshuin (temple and shrine seal stamps), so I decided to guide them to some small shrines and temples within Ueno Park at the end. In addition to Ueno Toshogu Shrine, we were able to efficiently collect goshuin at five places: Hanazono Inari Shrine, Gojoten Shrine, Shinobazunoike Bentendo, and Kiyomizu Kannondo. It was also helpful that it did not take as long as at the Yogodo Hall of Sensoji Temple. After strolling through Ueno Park, I saw them back to Asakusa again before we parted ways.
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 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Kanda Station | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kanda Station～Harajuku Station | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Harajuku Station～Tokyo Station | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Ueno Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Ueno Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,090JPY | ||
Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations