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
- 9:30 Meet at Hotel
- 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 11:30 Tsukiji
- 12:20 Lunch at Tsukiji
- 13:30 Ginza
- 14:20 Shibuya
- 15:40 Return to hotel and end tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel at 9:30, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 15:40. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Tsukiji at 12:20.
The itinerary covered Imperial Palace East Gardens at 10:00, Tsukiji at 11:30, Ginza at 13:30 and Shibuya at 14:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Otemachi by subway (209JPY); Otemachi to Tsukiji by subway (178JPY); Ginza to Shibuya by subway (209JPY); Shibuya to Shinjuku-sanchome by subway (178JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 774JPY per person.
What's a Private Walking Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We met at the hotel lobby as planned and started the tour. The guests were visitors from Oceania. Although I had some slight concern about whether long-distance walking might be difficult, they walked with great energy, and my worry turned out to be unnecessary. In addition to explaining the tour sites, we were able to proceed with the tour while having enjoyable conversations about each other, including work and hobbies. Although it began to drizzle in the afternoon, there were no major issues, and I believe the tour was carried out smoothly.
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 | Shinjuku～Otemachi | 209JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi～Tsukiji | 178JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ginza～Shibuya | 209JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Shibuya～Shinjuku-sanchome | 178JPY |
| Total | 774JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel at 9:30, and the tour finished at hotel and end tour at 15:40.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 9:30 to 15:40.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tsukiji, Ginza and Shibuya.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 774JPY per person across 4 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?
Takeshi 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.
Welcome to Japan!
My name is Takeshi Yamada, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in the vibrant city of Yokohama, Kanagawa.
Born and raised in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, renowned for its exquisite rice and sake, I deeply appreciate Japan’s culinary delights. I love sharing laughs, exploring diverse cultures and histories, and playing tennis.
I specialize in guiding tours around Yokohama, Kamakura, Fuji-Hakone, Tokyo, and the surrounding Kanto areas. With years of experience in multinational corporations, I excel in English communication and making foreign visitors feel at home.
Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, authentic cultural experiences, savoring Japanese cuisine, enjoying lively Izakaya spots, or soaking in urban energy, my tours are tailored to your interests. I am committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring each guest receives personalized attention and creates unforgettable memories.
My greatest joy is seeing my guests fall in love with Japan, taking home cherished memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
I look forward to meeting you and being your friendly, knowledgeable guide.
See you soon!
Jun 5, 2026
cathywB8167WE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
Takeshi was great with…
Jun 5, 2026
cathywB8167WE
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Great 8 hour tour of Tokyo
Takeshi was great with us. He communicated with us beforehand about what we wanted to see, then made arrangements where we would meet. He was there on time to meet us. Our day was fabulous. He took us to see all of the things we talked about and helped us navigate through Tokyo. He was very knowledgeable and interesting, yet he kept it fun. We only had one day in Tokyo and this tour really helped us maximize pur time! Great tpur, would highly recommend
May 13, 2026
Kim_T
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Experience Tokyo like a local…,
It was a wonderful way…
May 13, 2026
Kim_T
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Experience Tokyo like a local…,
It was a wonderful way to experience Tokyo and get a real feel for the city. Takeshi was friendly, easy to talk to and yet very professional. He answered our millions of questions and took us to an amazing place for lunch! We had a full day riding the train the train to various highlights. A really fantastic tour.
May 11, 2026
Trenee_J
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takeshi did an amazing…
Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan…
May 11, 2026
Trenee_J
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Takeshi did an amazing…
Takeshi did an amazing job helping us plan the itinerary and made some great suggestions. He took us to some out of the way unique places. But the highlight was a request for an artisan samurai sword and he toon me to a local artist and helped me fu fill a dream! Thank you so much for a fabulous and personalized experience!!!!
Apr 17, 2026
Dianne_L
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Takeshi was our guide. He…
Takeshi was our guide. He…
Apr 17, 2026
Dianne_L
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Takeshi was our guide. He…
Takeshi was our guide. He was very informative and helpful in getting us from Yokohama to Tokyo via trains. We were able to customize exactly want we wanted to do for our itinerary.
Highly recommend.