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
- Take a taxi to Nezu Shrine
- 10:20-11:20 Nezu Shrine
- 11:45-12:45 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 13:00-13:40 Lunch at Omoide Yokocho
- 13:50-14:15 Golden Gai
- 14:30-14:45 Isetan
- Buy non-reserved seat for JR Shinkansen, and purchase Suica
- 15:30-15:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- End at Ginza Line Tawaramachi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Nezu Shrine at 10:20, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 11:45, Golden Gai at 13:50, Isetan at 14:30 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Todaimae to Iidabashi by Free Pass (900JPY); Iidabashi to Shinjuku-nishiguchi by Free Pass (0JPY); Shinjuku to Shibuya by train (170JPY); Shibuya to Tawaramachi (Tokyo) by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,070JPY per person.
Can You Take a Private First-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nezu Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Shinjuku
The guests were visitors from Europe. They had booked half a year in advance, and for their very first day in Japan they requested rather off-the-beaten-path spots such as Nezu Shrine and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, which was quite a knowledgeable choice for a first day.
After Tokyo, they planned to travel to Kyoto, Nara, Kanazawa, and Takayama, then tour the Izu area, and from Kanazawa onward they intended to use a rental car to reach Haneda. Their trip was to last three weeks.
In Shinjuku they requested Golden Gai, and along the way we also visited Omoide Yokocho, where we had lunch. They were very pleased.
During the tour, we made reservations for the Shinkansen. We booked non-reserved seats.
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 | Free Pass | Todaimae～Iidabashi | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Iidabashi～Shinjuku-nishiguchi | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shinjuku～Shibuya | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Tawaramachi (Tokyo) | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,070JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nezu Shrine, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Golden Gai, Isetan and Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,070JPY per person across 4 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?
Maki 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’m Maki. Nice to meet you.
I used to work at a travel agency as a tour escort so I have traveled to more than 50 countries and all 47 prefectures in Japan.
When I came back to Japan from abroad, I always noticed virtues in Japan anew.
I’m thrilled to introduce such kinds of stories and favorite places to you.
I like bar hopping, cooking, history, and outdoor activities such as camping, cycling.
I have a licence of International Sake Sommlier and Wine Expert. I’m happy if I would have a chance to introduce you about sake and wine.
I’m also a mother of junior high school girl. Let’s have fun together!
Oct 9, 2025
301catherinep
Fabulous customised tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised…
Oct 9, 2025
301catherinep
Fabulous customised tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki is a wonderful, well informed guide. She customised the tour for me and made six
hours fly by. I got a fabulous overview of the city and tips on where else to visit. Plus some
help with my onward travel. Highly recommended.
Oct 2, 2025
Gene L
Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and…
Oct 2, 2025
Gene L
Our 6 hour tour with Maki was fantastic
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My wife and I enjoyed this tour immensely. Maki was absolutely great. If you want to get oriented in Tokyo take this tour first. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and considerate to our needs for seeing the best of Tokyo in one day. I would recommend this tour on the first day to experience negotiating the Tokyo Metro and famous sights.
Aug 31, 2025
T
tmay2921
Maki is the best!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring…
Aug 31, 2025
T
tmay2921
Maki is the best!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had an absolutely wonderful day exploring Tokyo with Maki. She curated the tour perfectly to our interests, blending culture, history, and hidden gems that we never would have discovered on our own. We left the tour with a much deeper appreciation for Tokyo and Japanese culture.
Thank you so much, Maki, for such an amazing tour—we’re truly grateful and would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting!
Jul 12, 2025
O6400ONsaram
Maki san kakkoii desu
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki was generous and flexible! She met us…
Jul 12, 2025
O6400ONsaram
Maki san kakkoii desu
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Maki was generous and flexible! She met us at our hotel, helped us understand the subway
system, and made a dinner reservation. She made our first day in Japan memorable and
put us at ease for the rest of our trip. Thank you, Maki!