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
- 08:45 AM: Standby at the reception on the 3rd floor of Hotel
- 09:00 AM: Met with the two of them. Reconfirmed the day's itinerary. At the same time, I was asked for advice about tourist spots in the Tokyo area for tomorrow and the day after, so I gave some advice/suggestions.
- 09:10 AM: Departed the hotel. Started moving on foot.
- Explained/introduced while walking through Shinjuku Station West Exit → Omoide Yokocho → Kabukicho → Golden Gai → Shinjuku Sanchome.
- 10:25 AM: Arrived at Shinjuku Gyoen. Toured the Japanese garden, rose garden, greenhouse, and the former imperial rest house, enjoying the quiet garden.
- Since they hadn't eaten breakfast and wanted a light meal, the two of them ordered temari sushi at Rakuutei.
- It was more filling than expected, so we decided to keep the lunch planned near Harajuku very light (preferably a cafe/matcha + something small).
- 12:10 PM: Departed Gyoen. Took the subway to Meiji-jingumae. Visited Meiji Shrine.
- 01:10 PM: Headed from Takeshita Street to explore the Ura-Hara area.
- Took a break at a matcha cafe.
- 01:40 PM: From Togo Shrine to Ura-Hara, then passed through Cat Street heading to Shibuya.
- 02:30 PM: Arrived at Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
- They wanted to take photos from atop MAGNET, but it is currently under renovation and we couldn't go. Instead, I guided them to the connecting passage between the Inokashira Line and JR.
- 03:00 PM: Dismissed. End of guide.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Tokyo for the guests, who were visiting Japan from Oceania and had arrived the previous night.
The guests enjoyed traveling but were visiting Japan for the first time. They had gathered a great deal of information about Japan in advance from friends and acquaintances, and were happily overwhelmed with adjusting their itinerary.
Both of the guests enjoyed taking photographs, and one of them took many photos enthusiastically with a single-lens reflex camera throughout the tour.
The guests were strong walkers. Apart from a café break, we were on our feet almost the entire time, but this was no problem at all. Their plan was to spend the first two days in Tokyo (and Kamakura), then head to Hakuba for skiing, after which they would view Mount Fuji before returning to Tokyo.
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 | Shinjuku Sanchome～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Total | 180JPY | ||
Discover the Heart of Japan: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Flavor.
Hello, I am Taichi, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
Having explored the depth and diversity of Japan’s culture, history, and cuisine-particularly in the vibrant regions of Tokyo and Kansai-I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
With its dynamic seasonal changes and centuries-old traditions, with its ever-changing seasons and profound history, Japan invites you to create moments that stir your imagination and awaken a deeper connection to its beauty.
And Japan is more than just a destination-its travel experience engages your all five senses.
From breathtaking landscapes to tantalizing culinary, every corner holds something to delight and inspire.
Let’s embark journey of discovery, where you’ll sharpen your sense, create unforgettable memory, and embrace the true essence of Japan.
I look forward to helping your wonderful trip.
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He spoke excellent English and knew a lot of history. We really enjoyed
the tour and are glad we splurged on it. It was really nice to have the taxi and guide on a
cold day. He had excellent suggestions and chose a quick fun restaurant for us for lunch!
May 15, 2025
TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t…
May 15, 2025
TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to make our
day even more perfect. We can’t recommend him enough.
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private…
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private tour of Kyoto. They were amazing! Our guide, Taichi, reached out to us ahead of our time and helped us create the perfect itinerary. We are vegetarian so he arranged a vegan lunch where we were able to try many different types of Japanese food. We had a perfect day and would highly recommend Japan Guide Agency and Taichi!
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to…
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to Kyoto. We wanted to see as much as possible but also get a good sense of the city. Taichi is a great guide, knowledge and communicates well. He was very caring to make sure we are able to take the best routes and avoid crowds where possible. Definitely recommend!