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 Premier Ginza 8:00 meet→walk→8:30 Ginza Station→8:33 Tokyo Station→Imperial Palace Outer Garden, East Garden walking tour
- 10:00 Otemachi Station→10:25 Tochomae Station (visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building South Tower 45F)→11:43 Harajuku Station→visit Meiji Shrine→13:44 Shibuya Station (lunch at Shibuya Scramble Square)→14:30 after experiencing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, see off to the Ginza Line at Shibuya Station→14:50 disband.
Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
From the morning it rained, sometimes lightly and sometimes heavily. I explained Tokyo Station from the outside, described Gyoko-dori Avenue, and we viewed the fountain park. We entered the outer garden through Wadakura Gate and I guided the group around the moat, the Tatsumi Yagura turret, and Nijubashi Bridge. When we returned to Wadakura Gate the rain grew heavy, so we sheltered for a while at a coffee shop. Afterward, the guests said they still wanted to walk, so we went from Wadakura Gate to the East Gardens, admired the Ninomaru Garden where the irises were in full bloom, marveled at the colorful koi carp, and I guided them to the Tokagakudo Concert Hall and the castle ruins before returning to Otemachi. The Metropolitan Government Building was indoors, which was a relief. At Meiji Shrine the rain was still light, and the guests also experienced offering a prayer. I had worried that restaurants might be crowded, but we were able to enter a kushikatsu restaurant right away without waiting, which was a relief. After the meal, since we had the chance, I had the guests experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing as well, and they were delighted.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello,Mr.A,
Thank you for choosing our tour. I would like you to enjoy your tour as much as possible.
If you have any ideas to see or to eat in your mind, please tell me.
If not, I will suggest traditional Japanese culture like Meiji-shrine, Tokyo Tower, Asakusa and beautiful traditional Japanese gardens like Rikugien and Hakone. If you want to try to eat typical Japanese food, I will introduce the Japanese restaurants. I woulld like to make an itinerary, including your request.
Please enjoy Japanese traditional and leading-edge culture or beautiful nature
I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Best regards, Yoriko Ishibashi
Apr 5, 2026
887maisyw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Good overview of Tokyo gardens
Great experience. On our first…
Apr 5, 2026
887maisyw
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Good overview of Tokyo gardens
Great experience. On our first day in Tokyo, our guide Yoriko took us to several locations around the city to see various gardens and cherry blossom locations. She reached out ahead of time to coordinate and was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour, topping it off with a delicious sushi lunch.
Apr 3, 2026
Karen_P
Viator review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Gardens are everywhere in Tokyo.
You will see a variety…
Apr 3, 2026
Karen_P
Viator review: Tokyo Japanese Garden Lover’s Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Gardens are everywhere in Tokyo.
You will see a variety of gardens. Be ready to travel extensively on the subway- very clean
and efficient! Guide told me to get a pass card in advance so it was quick and easy to use
the system ! Went to a great restaurant she knew for lunch!
Mar 28, 2025
AColoradian
Great Day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We are all active so we chose the…
Mar 28, 2025
AColoradian
Great Day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We are all active so we chose the walking tour which included the subway. This is a great introduction to getting around the city. Our guide Yoriko brought us to several places we hadn’t thought to go and are very happy we went to. She was a perfect and thoughtful guide! We all had a great day! Thank you!