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
- 9:45 Meet at the hotel
- 10:10 Meiji Shrine
- 12:10 Shibamata Taishakuten
- 13:00 Lunch in Shibamata
- 14:20 Tokyo National Museum
- 15:50 Escort to Shibuya where the hotel is located and end the guide
Title: What Can You See on a Rainy-Day Private Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibamata, and the Tokyo National Museum
The guests were visitors from North America. Because a typhoon was approaching and heavy rain was falling, the plan to visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa was changed, and instead the [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) tour included the Tokyo National Museum. Meiji Shrine and Shibamata Taishakuten were visited as originally planned. At Meiji Shrine, after praying at the main hall, I introduced the "Meoto Kusu" (paired camphor trees). The guests happily took commemorative photos, and each dedicated an ema votive tablet. They also purchased protective charms. At Shibamata Taishakuten, I explained the differences between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, and we admired the magnificent carvings. We had lunch at "Toraya," famous as a filming location for the movie "Otoko wa Tsurai yo." The guests also tasted "kusa dango" and said it was delicious. At the Tokyo National Museum, I explained Japanese history, culture, and art from the Jomon period through the end of the Edo period. Although everyone got completely soaked, the guests were delighted.
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 | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku～Nippori | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nippori～Shibamata | 280JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shibamata～Nippori | 280JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Nippori～Ueno | 150JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Ueno～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,280JPY | ||
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
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Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge
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P9099TXkennethr
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A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
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A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
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Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
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yeseniag981
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
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Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.