I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
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
- 08:55 Meet up @ Hotel Toranomon Hills
- 09:30 Imperial Palace
- 10:45 Sensoji Temple
- 12:40 Meiji Shrine
- 14:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 14:30 Shibuya Mark City (Tokyu Food Show)
- 15:00 Disband @ Shibuya
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 08:55, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel Toranomon Hills, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Imperial Palace at 09:30, Sensoji Temple at 10:45, Meiji Shrine at 12:40, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 14:10 and Shibuya Mark City (Tokyu Food Show) at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Toranomon Hills to Nijubashimae by subway (180JPY); Yurakucho to Ginza-itchome by subway (180JPY); Ginza to Asakusa by subway (210JPY); Asakusa to Meiji-jingumae by subway (260JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 990JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting from North America, and it was their first time in Japan. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Takayama, and they planned to return home the next day. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were intrigued by explanations about the difference between temples and shrines, as well as the Kaminarimon Gate. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. In Shibuya, they showed interest in the lively scene at the scramble crossing. At Shibuya Mark City, they purchased Japanese whisky as a souvenir. Since they had a reservation for Shibuya Sky after the tour, we parted ways in Shibuya.
I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.
Also, since they had eaten a large breakfast at the hotel and were not yet hungry, we did not have lunch.
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 | Toranomon Hills～Nijubashimae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Yurakucho～Ginza-itchome | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Ginza～Asakusa | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 990JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Toranomon Hills at 08:55, and the tour finished at @ Shibuya at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 5 minutes in total, from 08:55 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko and Shibuya Mark City (Tokyu Food Show).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 990JPY per person across 5 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?
Seizo 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.
I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
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Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto. He was very knowledgeable, easy going, great sense of humour and taught us a lot about Japanese culture and history. We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our guide Seizo. Would highly recommend.
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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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