Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Imperial Palace — Guide Toru
September, 2025
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
- 08:00 Meet up at the hotel in Shinjuku
- 08:40 Stroll around Asakusa
- 10:15 Walk around Ueno Shinobazu Pond, then visit Nezu Shrine
- 11:15 Stroll around Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 12:15 Lunch with grilled fish cooked over an irori hearth in Kagurazaka
- 13:20 Stroll around the Imperial Palace
- 14:00 Disband at Sakuradamon
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 08:00 at hotel in Shinjuku and ended at 14:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch with grilled fish cooked over an irori hearth in Kagurazaka at 12:15.
Over the course of the day the route took in Asakusa at 08:40, Ueno Shinobazu Pond, then visit Nezu Shrine at 10:15, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 11:15 and Imperial Palace at 13:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tochomae to Asakusa by train (280JPY); Asakusa to Ueno by train (180JPY); Yushima Station by train (180JPY); Todaimae to Korakuen by train (180JPY); Suidobashi to Iidabashi by train (150JPY); Iidabashi to Tokyo by train (170JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,140JPY per person.
3．当日のツアールート
Title: What Is a Private Cultural Walking Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
1. Tour Highlights and Guest Reactions The guests had studied Japanese culture well in advance and asked a variety of questions, ranging from history to the lifestyles of modern-day Japanese people. As I answered their questions, the conversation flowed naturally, and we were able to enjoy the tour in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. In Kagurazaka, the guests tried robatayaki-grilled ayu (sweetfish) and enjoyed it very much.
2. Other Comments and Notes I already reported this in my reply to the positive review, but since it is an important matter, I am writing it again here. This time the pickup was at a hotel on the west side of Shinjuku. Since there are many hotels on the west side of Shinjuku Station, I checked the location on Google Maps on my way there just to be sure. However, Google Maps was showing a completely different location, and even when I looked up directions on the hotel's official website, that website also used Google Maps, so it was of no help. I called the hotel directly to confirm the address, entered it into Google Maps, and then the correct location was displayed. Because of this process, I arrived just barely in time and felt rushed. It seems that Google Maps information can sometimes be deliberately altered by someone to be incorrect. I would recommend alerting fellow guides at [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) about this. I also explained the situation to the hotel and requested that they correct their website.
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 | Tochomae～Asakusa | 280JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Asakusa～Ueno | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Yushima Station / Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo～Nezu | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Todaimae～Korakuen | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Suidobashi～Iidabashi | 150JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Iidabashi～Tokyo | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,140JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel in Shinjuku at 08:00, and the tour finished at Sakuradamon at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 08:00 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Asakusa, Ueno Shinobazu Pond, then visit Nezu Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Imperial Palace.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,140JPY per person across 6 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?
Toru 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 am Toru, a certified National Guide. I have been guiding since 2017, primarily in the Tokyo area, which includes Hakone, Kamakura, and Yokohama. To make your stay in Japan unforgettable, I always discuss a tour plan with my guests via email before their arrival. Please share your preferences, including the places you’d like to visit and the experiences you’d like to try during your stay in Tokyo. If this is your first visit to Japan, I’m excited to help make your time in Tokyo even more enjoyable by suggesting sample itineraries and offering travel tips.
For more information about me, please visit my profile site.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/hello-welcome-to-japan/
For your reference, please feel free to visit my blog, which features popular sightseeing spots and interesting experiences.
https://japan-cultural-traditional-experience.com/
I look forward to meeting you soon!
Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
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Sep 25, 2026
robert_s
Fantastic experience!
Viator review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
We had a tour booked with Toru yesterday. He was extremely prompt and detailed with the meeting spot well in advance and he was precisely on time at 450 am to meet us at the designated site. He was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and easy to interact with. He took us to have sushi after the auction and then we took a bus to the outer Tsukiji market and we saw all the things that we typically like to explore at markets. Toru we would recommend as a superb guide, without reservation, and in the highest possible terms. Great morning!
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
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Our travel date for this tour…
Sep 24, 2026
Pamela_S
Ask for Toru!
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our travel date for this tour came during Silver Week so sites were definitely crowded, but our guide, Toru, created an itinerary that allowed us to see the places we wanted to experience in an enjoyable way. We had no problems communicating with Toru during the lead up to the trip and he was so considerate of our wishes. Toru also shared a wealth of information about Japan and the spots we visited. The personal attention on this tour was such a welcomed change from the packed bus tours we had been on with our cruise excursions and the cost wasn’t any different! Thank you, Toru, for a wonderful, enlightening experience in Tokyo!
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
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Outstanding experience at the…
Sep 13, 2026
S4579HLmaxf
An unforgettable morning at Toyosu
Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Tuna Auction & Tsukiji Local Food Tour, Licensed Guide
Outstanding experience at the Toyosu tuna auction with Toru as our guide! From the start, Toru was incredibly clear with his instructions, making sure we arrived at exactly the right spots at the right times and giving us all the accurate details we needed to take part in the first-floor viewing lottery. As an English speaker, I really appreciated how easy he made the whole process — navigating the auction logistics on your own could be confusing, but Toru unlocked the full experience for us.
After the auction, we sat down for a sushi breakfast where we got to try every part of the tuna. It was hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had, and having Toru explain each piece as we went made it so much more than just a meal — it was a genuine education in tuna and how the market works. His knowledge of Toyosu (and Tsukiji, which we explored together afterward) was clearly deep and came from real passion for the subject.
Toru was kind, patient, and generous with his expertise the entire time. This tour ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip, and I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants a real, insider look at the tuna auction and market culture. Five stars, without hesitation.
Sep 7, 2026
Victor_G
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All the temples and shrines were fantastic. Our guide Toru, was excellent, very knowledgeable and his love of Japanese culture shone through.