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
- 10:00 Hotel
- 10:20-10:30 Shibuya Hachiko, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 10:40-11:40 Meiji Shrine
- 12:00-12:45 Lunch in the basement of the Hotel building
- 12:45-14:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- -14:15 Break at a convenience store rest area
- 14:45-16:00 Asakusa After sightseeing, guide to the restroom, explain the way back, and finish
Title: What's a Standard One-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were friends visiting from Europe who had met during their travels. Since they were happy with the itinerary I had proposed in advance and had no particular requests regarding food, I had not worked out the details too specifically. As it was their first day after arrival, they wanted to take breaks as needed, so I guided them along a standard sightseeing course while including rest stops. For lunch, due to timing, we ate in front of the Imperial Palace, and since there were not many options there, I took them to a restaurant serving chilled ramen.
Their arrival in Japan the previous day was apparently not very early, but they showed no signs of fatigue and enjoyed the sightseeing energetically. After spending two days in Tokyo, they plan to board a cruise ship, stopping at Kochi and Kagoshima before returning via Asia. As we were of similar generations and both come from places with an imperial system, we talked about many things. Since they were fine with parting at the final sightseeing spot, we met in Asakusa, though having to transfer once at Ueno may have been a bit of a hassle for them.
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 | Train | Ikebukuro～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Otemachi | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Asakusa | 290JPY |
| Total | 830JPY | ||
Hello!
I’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!
Oct 9, 2025
301catherinep
Fabulous customised tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…
Oct 9, 2025
301catherinep
Fabulous customised tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised the tour for me and made six
hours fly by. I got a fabulous overview of the city and tips on where else to visit. Plus some
help with my onward travel. Highly recommended.
Oct 2, 2025
Gene L
Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and…
Oct 2, 2025
Gene L
Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I enjoyed this tour immensely. Maki was absolutely great. If you want to get oriented in Tokyo take this tour first. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and considerate to our needs for seeing the best of Tokyo in one day. I would recommend this tour on the first day to experience negotiating the Tokyo Metro and famous sights.
Aug 31, 2025
T
tmay2921
Maki is the best!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…
Aug 31, 2025
T
tmay2921
Maki is the best!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring Tokyo with Maki. She curated the tour perfectly to our interests, blending culture, history, and hidden gems that we never would have discovered on our own. We left the tour with a much deeper appreciation for Tokyo and Japanese culture.
Thank you so much, Maki, for such an amazing tour—we’re truly grateful and would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting!
Jul 12, 2025
O6400ONsaram
Maki san kakkoii desu
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…
Jul 12, 2025
O6400ONsaram
Maki san kakkoii desu
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki was generous and flexible! She met us at our hotel, helped us understand the subway
system, and made a dinner reservation. She made our first day in Japan memorable and
put us at ease for the rest of our trip. Thank you, Maki!