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 up @Conrad Tokyo
- 9:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 11:30 Meiji Shrine
- 12:30 Harajuku
- 13:30 Lunch @
- 14:30 Shibuya
- 15:20 Disband @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at @Conrad Tokyo and ended at 15:20. The day ran to 6 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ at 13:30.
Over the course of the day the route took in Shinjuku Gyoen at 9:30, Meiji Shrine at 11:30, Harajuku at 12:30 and Shibuya at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shiodome to National Stadium by subway (220JPY); Sendagaya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (150JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 520JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. At the guests' request, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shibuya. After viewing the Ghibli clock at the television station building near the hotel, we traveled from Shiodome Station to the stadium area, so we were also able to see the Olympic Stadium from the outside. I let them know in advance, just in case, that the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen were no longer in bloom, and then guided them there. One of the guests loves flowers and grows roses in their own garden, and viewed the roses with great enthusiasm. We spent more time than expected at the rose garden, but I also briefly guided them through the Japanese garden. One of the guests was delighted, saying it was the first time they had seen such a spacious Japanese garden.
At Meiji Shrine, the guests listened attentively to my explanations and mentioned that there were aspects similar to Hinduism. We received an ema at the shrine office and dedicated it. Some of the guests were eager to buy a good-fortune charm, while another kept saying it was not needed, and the exchange was heartwarming to watch. Other guests in the row in front who overheard the exchange could not help but smile as well.
After eating soba in Shibuya, we saw the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the Hachiko statue, and a Star Wars exhibit. I was glad the guests enjoyed Star Wars.
Finally, at Shibuya Station, I helped them purchase Shinkansen tickets, explained how to get to Loft, Hands, and Parco, and how to return to the hotel, before saying goodbye. I was able to spend a wonderful and enjoyable time with such a warm and lovely group.
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 | Shiodome～National Stadium | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sendagaya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 150JPY |
| Total | 520JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Conrad Tokyo at 9:00, and the tour finished at @Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 15:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shibuya.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 520JPY 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?
Yoko 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.
I’m Yoko Kusumoto, a government lisenced English-speaking guide.
I have been living in Tokyo for more than 20 years, and it’s my pleasure to show you around Tokyo. I recommend Meiji Shrine and Asakusa if you are first time in Japan. I also recommend off-the-beaton path spots like Fukagawa Fudodo and Gotokuji Temple(lucky cat temple).
I was born and brought up in Kamakura, where the first shogun’s government was established. It will be my pleasure to introduce you my hometown as well.
I live with my husband and one teenage son.
I like traveling, flowers, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and exploring Tokyo.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some…
Jun 2, 2026
ericahT6840AD
Awesome!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our day with Yoko was great! She took us to some great spots in Tokyo and was so helpful.
We would highly recommend her as a guide. If we are back, we will certainly request her
again!
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with…
May 20, 2026
CharKris17
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Tokyo Walking Tour
We did a six-hour walking tour of Tokyo with Yoko and she was an exceptional guide. We saw multiple shrines (Meiji Shrine is a must see), the Imperial Palace, the “crossing” (there is a similar intersection in the Ginza shopping district which was also cool), the Tokyo Station, and the outer market where we ordered some fatty toro nigiri which was an etherial experience. Can’t say enough good things about Yoko. She taught ys a ton about the history of Japan and had a great sense of humor. A+
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and…
May 3, 2026
jefftK1794VZ
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fantastic day exploring Tokyo
This was our first time visiting Tokyo and spending a day with Yoko as our guide was perhaps the best decision we could have made. Even before we arrived we traded messages with Yoko about what we might like to do. She offered valuable tips which made not only our time in Tokyo more efficient but while in Japan as a whole. We saw so many amazing things but Yoko also gave us a primer in using the Tokyo subway system and navigating some of the stations. I could go on and list all the things we did but each tour will be different. However I would highly recommend Yoko as a guide. Perhaps serendipitous, but we were stopped on the street the day after we toured with Yoko by a couple who had a list of things to do but was unsure how to go about doing the things on their list and where those things were located. I was thankful we chose the best guide so we didn’t have that problem.
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour…
Oct 23, 2025
Y6401BOshaunam
Knowledgable, engaging guide Yoko Kusmoto made day of Tokyo history, architecture and insights exceptional. le.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Yoko Kusmoto is exceptional . Her deep knowledge of Japan history, Tokyo’s
architecture and interesting Tokyo places made us appreciate all Tokyo has to offer. Her
smile, infectious laugh, kindness and interest added to our wonderful day.