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
- 8:30 Hotel
- 9:30 Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 Imperial Palace
- 12:00 Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi)
- 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 14:10 Caretta Shiodome
- 14:35 Disband at JR Shimbashi Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 9:30, Imperial Palace at 11:00, Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi) at 12:00, Hamarikyu Gardens at 13:30 and Caretta Shiodome at 14:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shiomi to Harajuku by train (320JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (210JPY); Sakuradamon to Shintomicho (Tokyo) by subway (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 710JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private Tour from Tokyo Station to Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania on their first trip to Japan, on the second day of a long trip. Originally we planned to visit Tokyo Station, but since they had already been there the previous day, we changed the plan to Meiji Shrine. Although it was a weekday, they were delighted to be able to see a wedding ceremony taking place. Next we went to the Imperial Palace, where I guided them from Nijubashi Bridge through to Sakuradamon Gate. The National Diet Building was also clearly visible, which made it easy to explain.
After that, we went to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Since the guests preferred to sit down and eat rather than eat while walking around, we went to Tsukiji Uogashi. One of the guests enjoyed a mixed fry (horse mackerel, scallop, and shrimp), while another enjoyed a crab cream croquette. Because it is set up as a food court, it is a real strength that everyone can choose different dishes to suit their own tastes. Afterwards, we visited Hamarikyu Gardens. Part of a bridge was under renovation, but the cosmos flowers were in full and beautiful bloom. Since the guests wanted to go somewhere with a nice view, I took them to the 46th floor of Caretta Shiodome, where they enjoyed the panoramic view.
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 | Shiomi～Harajuku | 320JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sakuradamon～Shintomicho (Tokyo) | 180JPY |
| Total | 710JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market (lunch at Tsukiji Uogashi), Hamarikyu Gardens and Caretta Shiodome.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 710JPY 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?
Ayaka 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! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.