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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel
  • 11:00 Meiji Shrine
  • 12:00 Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
  • 13:00 Lunch @ Maisen Harajuku
  • 14:30 Ginza Mitsukoshi
  • 15:30 Asakusa
  • 16:30 Disband @ Nishisando Street

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 10:30 at @ Hotel and ended at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ Maisen Harajuku at 13:00.

Over the course of the day the route took in Meiji Shrine at 11:00, Harajuku (Takeshita Street) at 12:00, Ginza Mitsukoshi at 14:30 and Asakusa at 15:30.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (146JPY); Omotesando to Ginza by subway (178JPY); Ginza to Asakusa by subway (209JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 533JPY per person.

What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Ginza, and Asakusa

The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Meiji Shrine, they purchased a variety of omamori charms, and they enjoyed visiting a pig-themed café on Takeshita Street. For lunch they wanted either ramen or tonkatsu, so we went to a tonkatsu restaurant, and luckily we were able to get in without waiting. One of the guests enjoyed a double portion and was very satisfied.

After stopping by the food floor of a department store basement in Ginza, we headed to Asakusa. Despite the rainy weather, they were surprised at how crowded Nakamise was. Since they had a tea ceremony experience booked from 17:00, we parted ways at the west approach.

Even in the rain, the guests seemed to enjoy the day very much, and it was a pleasure to guide them.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku146JPY
Section 2SubwayOmotesando~Ginza178JPY
Section 3SubwayGinza~Asakusa209JPY
Total533JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?

The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:30, and the tour finished at @ Nishisando Street at 16:30.

How long does the tour last?

About 6 hours in total, from 10:30 to 16:30.

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Ginza Mitsukoshi and Asakusa.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 533JPY 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?

Rumi 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.

Hello,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.

Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took…

Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi…

Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…

Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very…