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
- Hotel 8:45 ~ Hamamatsucho 9:23 Kyu Shiba Rikyu ~ Zojoji Temple 10:40 ~ Meiji Shrine 12:00 ~ Lunch 13:00 ~ Takeshita Street 14:00 ~ Dismissal 14:50
What Are Some Less-Crowded Tokyo Sights for a Repeat Visitor? A Licensed Guide's Private Tour Report
I guided the guests again today, following the previous day. They are staying in Tokyo from mid-May to early June, and then heading to the Kansai region afterward. My assignment was for two days around the tenth day of their stay, so in advance I emailed to ask which places they had already visited so we could avoid overlaps, but the response was unclear. After a while, I received a reply saying they had already been to the places I had suggested. There were several occasions where I had to hurriedly change the course. When guests have just arrived in Japan, they haven't been anywhere yet, so they are less likely to go on their own even if you suggest a place, but after ten days they can get around by themselves. I confirmed repeatedly and guided them to places they said they had not yet visited. Today, Gotokuji Temple was originally the first stop, but since they had already been there, we discussed it and added the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden and Zojoji Temple. They were deeply moved, saying they had never visited a Japanese garden before and had never seen such a beautiful place. At Zojoji Temple, following the question about Jizo Bosatsu they had asked the previous day, I also talked about mizuko kuyo (memorial services for children). Since it is the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate, I was able to talk about the shoguns and daimyo in relation to the garden as well. As I had explained the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism at Asakusa the previous day, at Meiji Shrine they listened with interest to the history, the story of Emperor Meiji and his consort, and waka poetry. On Takeshita Street they enjoyed a plush toy shop, an animal cafe, and Korean food. Since we started early both yesterday and today, I ended a little earlier today to make up for it (by about ten minutes). I handed them a map of Omotesando and we said our goodbyes.
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 | Minami-Senju～Hamamatsucho | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kamiyacho～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Total | 410JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Hizuru.
I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and love for Japan with visitors from all over the world.
After teaching English and Japanese to Elementary school and Junior high school students for about 15
years, I got the National License of Guide and Interpreter in 2014 which allowed me to officially guide
tourists around Japan.
I have guided many tourists around Tokyo and its vicinities, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the
city and learn about its rich history and traditions.
Whether you’re interested in visiting historical landmarks, trying delicious Japanese cuisine, or experiencing
the vibrant pop culture scene, I can tailor a tour suit your interests.
My experience as a teacher greatly helped me in this role as I was able to efficiently communicate and engage
with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable and insightful experience for all my guests.
I look forward to welcoming you to in and around Tokyo and sharing the wonders of Japan with you.
Oct 14, 2025
vanessajK6787GS
Great day out and about in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hizuru was an absolute delight.…
Oct 14, 2025
vanessajK6787GS
Great day out and about in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hizuru was an absolute delight. Her communication from the beginning was wonderful. She tailored the tour to the things I wanted to see. Her local knowledge was invaluable at the shrines, she is also a wonderful story teller. An important thing for me was to learn how to use the train system and she went above and beyond to help me understand how it all works. Which I am happy to say I navigated well once on my own. I would highly recommend Hizuru to anyone, she was a great companion for the day.
May 23, 2025
Inspire25413313092
Tokyo walking tour 2025
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sally did a great job putting together a…
May 23, 2025
Inspire25413313092
Tokyo walking tour 2025
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sally did a great job putting together a program for us. She reached out early in the week to understand what we were looking for and experience.
I must admit it was nice to be guided through the subway system by a “professional”. That allows me to enjoy the experience and not worry about getting to the right train & connection.
Sally was very knowledgeable and my wife & I learned a lot about the history of Japan and Tokyo.
I would recommend Sally.
May 3, 2025
davidfZ3537PI
Great tour with Hizuru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the…
May 3, 2025
davidfZ3537PI
Great tour with Hizuru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the tour, she was in email contact with us to find out exactly what we wanted to do – then she arranged the perfect schedule. She met us in the lobby of our hotel, helped us navigate the Tokyo metro and took us to Gotokuji temple, Shinjuku crossing, the Azalea festival at Nezu shrine, then to Ginza (where she dropped us off for our dinner reservation). She gave us great information during the tour, good history lessons and cultural explanations, and was a pleasure to be around. At the end of the tour, she made sure we knew exactly how to navigate on our own back to our hotel. highly recommend the private tour, highly recommend our guide Hizuru!
Apr 17, 2025
Sharon_F
Sampling of everything in one day!
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great sampling of lots of different…
Apr 17, 2025
Sharon_F
Sampling of everything in one day!
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great sampling of lots of different places in the city! Did the palace garden, a Shinto shrine and Buhdist temple, along with Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jungu! I appreciated the instructions at the religious sites and the history at the palace. The gardens were unbelievably beautiful this time of year! Great job on a good combination of places and info!