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

  • 0930 Meet at Hotel
  • 10:45 Imperial Palace East Gardens~Tokyo Station
  • 13:15 Asakusa (Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple)
  • 14:45 Shibuya (Scramble Crossing, Hachiko Statue)
  • 15:15 Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street)
  • 16:15 Dismiss at Meiji-jingumae Station

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour with JR Pass Support Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe on their first trip to Japan, planning to stay for about two weeks. On this day, in addition to the tour itself, the guests had requested support with purchasing public transport tickets and learning how to use them, as well as help exchanging their JR Pass and making Shinkansen reservations. After visiting the Imperial Palace, I took them to Tokyo Station and assisted with the JR Pass exchange and reservations. The guests appeared to be studying Japanese history and culture, listened attentively to my explanations, and seemed to understand them well. Overall, I believe the guests were satisfied with the day.

P.S. Recently, it seems many guests skip lunch. If I know in advance, I can plan accordingly, but it is often mentioned on the spot, and running a tour without a lunch break can be a little tough.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayHigashi-shinjuku~Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Asakusa180JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
Section 4SubwayShibuya~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Total840JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…