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
- 9:00 Meet guests at the hotel
- 9:40 Kiyosumi Garden
- 10:40 Reiganji Temple
- 10:50 Fukagawa Edo Museum
- 11:50 Harajuku (lunch)
- 12:40 Meiji Shrine
- 13:40 Takeshita Street
- 14:00 Yoyogi National Gymnasium
- 14:40 Shibuya, in front of Hachiko
- 15:00 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at guests at the hotel, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Kiyosumi Garden at 9:40, Reiganji Temple at 10:40, Fukagawa Edo Museum at 10:50, Harajuku (lunch) at 11:50, Meiji Shrine at 12:40, Takeshita Street at 13:40, Yoyogi National Gymnasium at 14:00 and Shibuya, in front of Hachiko at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kokkai-gijidomae to Kiyosumi-shirakawa by subway (210JPY); Kiyosumi-shirakawa to Meiji-jingumae by subway (210JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 420JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyosumi Garden, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting from North America. After traveling by subway, we strolled through Kiyosumi Garden. The park was uncrowded, and the guests enjoyed a full loop of the grounds, including crossing the stepping stones along the pond. We then walked around the surrounding area, where I explained the Six Jizo statues and the grave of Matsudaira Sadanobu at Reiganji Temple, and talked about the blessings of Shusse Fudo before moving on to the Fukagawa Edo Museum. At the museum, the guests came to understand the daily life of people during the Edo period through the exhibits. We then took the subway to Harajuku, and since the guests had requested a meal, we had lunch at a restaurant I had researched in advance. At Meiji Shrine, I spoke about Emperor Meiji, the history of the shrine, and the differences between shrines and temples, after which we paid our respects. We then passed through Takeshita Street, Yoyogi National Gymnasium, and the area in front of Shibuya Station, and finally took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue, ending the tour in front of the Ginza Line station.
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 | Kokkai-gijidomae～Kiyosumi-shirakawa | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kiyosumi-shirakawa～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Total | 420JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guests at the hotel at 9:00, and the tour finished at at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kiyosumi Garden, Reiganji Temple, Fukagawa Edo Museum, Harajuku (lunch), Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Yoyogi National Gymnasium and Shibuya, in front of Hachiko.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 420JPY per person across 2 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?
Shigeru 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 a certified guide-interpreter based in Tokyo.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, so I am familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Please leave anything related to the Tokyo area to me.
Tokyo is not only full of Japanese charm but also has many unique aspects.
The always-bustling Tsukiji Outer Market conveys Japan’s food culture.
Asakusa conveys Japanese traditions and culture through old temples, shrines and long-established stores.
Shibuya spreads Japanese pop culture.
You can immerse yourself in history and culture in the quiet natural surroundings such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace or Meiji Shrine.
Tokyo is a treasure trove of attractions for travelers. Please come and experience the wonderful Tokyo with me.
Sep 29, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
We were fortunate to have had Shigeru to guide us from Yokohama to Tokyo. He gave a lot of historical information about Japan, brought us to the places we wanted, and ensured that we were always within reach. He also broughr us to his favourite ramen restsurant in Tokyo. Excellent lunch. He is well versed on the intricacies of customs and modern societal influences, culture.
A very kind and patient man.
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic…
Sep 28, 2026
G3219WFjoshp
A great day with Shigeru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shigeru is a fantastic guide, very knowledgeable, an excellent guide with great recommendations. I highly recommend this tour!
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very…
Sep 28, 2026
E8957WUnathanb
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Shingeru was great and very knowledgable. 10/10 would book again
Sep 23, 2026
scottmR2068WG
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We had an excellent time being…
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had an excellent time being guided by Shigeru. He was gracious and full of interesting information. Would definitely recommend. 😁