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
- 1.10:00 Meet up @ HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Hamamatsucho
- 2.11:00 @ Maikoya Shinjuku Kimono Rental & Tea Ceremony Experience
- 3:12:40 @ Hanazono Shrine
- 4.13:00 Lunch @ Mo-Mo-Paradise Shinjuku Meiji-dori Branch
- 5.15:00 @ Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 6.15:40 @ Takeshita Street
- 7.16:00 Disband @ Takeshita Street
What's a Private Kimono and Tea Ceremony Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. Although they booked early, they did not let me know where they wanted to go until close to the date. They expressed interest in a kimono rental and a tea ceremony experience, so I recommended making reservations in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. They first put on kimono in Shinjuku and enjoyed a tea ceremony experience. Surprisingly, it was so cold that snow was falling in the morning, but it stopped partway through, so we went to nearby Hanazono Shrine in kimono and took photos. The kimono looked wonderful on them. After that, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant with an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu course. They really liked the restaurant, which was great. We then visited Meiji Shrine. They said the forest and the buildings of Meiji Shrine were very beautiful. They wrote wishes on ema plaques and purchased amulets. Finally, we went to Takeshita Street, where they bought souvenirs at a 100-yen shop. Since they wanted to visit a capybara cafe, I guided them to the shop and ended the tour. The weather gradually improved, and although it was cold, I believe they had an enjoyable time.
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 | Hamamatsucho～Shinjuku | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae | 180JPY |
| Total | 390JPY | ||
Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.
Jul 27, 2026
zyarisa
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko tour good vibes only
Mrs. fumiko was very…
Jul 27, 2026
zyarisa
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko tour good vibes only
Mrs. fumiko was very kind, calm and lovely person. She give us a introduction before entering to the different places. She also help us to get the suica card and translate at specifics times around the city. We really enjoy the peaceful energy of mrs. fumiko. Me and my son are grateful for this tour around tokyo. ❤️ thank yiuuu fumiko
Jul 23, 2026
734mortenp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Nice tour of Tokyo
Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…
Jul 23, 2026
734mortenp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Nice tour of Tokyo
Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll need help to find the good restaurants and interesting spots.
We had a tour with Ms. Fumiko. She was a both knowledgeable and nice guide. She even contacted us days beforehand to design the tour to meet our specific needs and wishes. Much appreciated!
Jul 10, 2026
Jessica_A
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko was wonderful. …
Fumiko was wonderful. You can…
Jul 10, 2026
Jessica_A
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Fumiko was wonderful. …
Fumiko was wonderful. You can customize your day and see whatever you want. Very informative and having the local guide and knowledge was priceless.
Jun 28, 2026
alistairn2016
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…
Jun 28, 2026
alistairn2016
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well prepared.
Fumiko was a great tour guide given she was very knowledgeable about the key tourist sites that we visited and history of Japan. Fumiko was a great communicator who reached out very early to design our six-hour tour of Tokyo. Unfortunately we spent a lot of time on the underground to get to the sites that we wanted to visit. My advice is to test with Fumiko early the likely time that you will spend on transport over the course of the day so you do not spend unnecessary time on public transport. Probably do ot need a tour guide to go to the markets. Highly recommend Fumiko.