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

  • 8:00 Hilton Tokyo (Shinjuku)
  • 8:00-8:30 Shinjuku (JR Line) – Harajyuku
  • 8:30-9:30 Meiji Shrine
  • 9:30-10:30 Harajyuku (JR Line)- Shibuya Shibuya crossing
  • 10:30-11:00 Shibuya (Ginza Line) – Ginza (Hibiya Line) – Tsukiji
  • 11:00-11:30 Tsukiji Honhanji
  • 11:30-12:30 Tsukiji Fish Market Lunch at Sushikou
  • 12:30- 13;00 Tsukiji (Hibiya Line platform1 forNakameguro) –Hibiya (Chiyada Line)
  • Nijyubashi-mae(Exit 6)
  • 13:00 – 14:00 Imperial Palace (Sakashita Gate Inui street Kitahanebashi Gate)
  • 14:00 – 14:30 Ootemachi (Touzai Line) → Kudanshita Chidori-ga-huchi Moat

Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour of Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Chidorigafuchi? A Guide's Report

We visited Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, where I explained to the guests the historical background of how many Japanese people came to follow both Shinto and Buddhism, and they listened with great interest. The Inui-dori promenade at the Imperial Palace was open to the public, so we walked through it and entered the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace via the Kitahanebashi-mon Gate. Afterward, we exited through the Otemon Gate and took the subway to Chidorigafuchi, where the guests enjoyed the cherry blossoms. In addition, they enjoyed their first visit to Japan, taking in the quiet atmosphere of Meiji Shrine and the sushi at a restaurant near Tsukiji Market. This sushi restaurant is located near Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (in the outer market area), and I think it is a good choice as it is less crowded than the sushi shops inside the market.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShinjuku~Harajuku160JPY
Section 2TrainHarajuku~Shibuya160JPY
Section 3SubwayShibuya~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 4SubwayTsukiji~Nijubashimae180JPY
Section 5SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Kudanshita180JPY
Total890JPY

My name is Keiji Iwasaki. I am male holding the certification of National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. The members of my family are a wife , two daughters both of whom are married and four grandchildren. I have been a researcher in the field of pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics. I have experience in working in the United States for 3 years when I was thirties and have Ph.D. degree from Kyoto University in biochemistry.
My interests are Japanese culture including Kabuki along with Japanese nature including climbing mountains such as Mt. Takao in the suburb of Tokyo and strolling Japanese traditional gardens. I also love Japanese cuisines such as Sushi and Tempura especially with beer or Japanese sake.
Let us enjoy Japanese culture, nature, and cuisines with me during your stay in Japan.

May 14, 2026
wibblephil
Great tailored tour.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide for Tokyo was Keiji Iwasaki and he…

Apr 3, 2026
Travelalerter
Wonderful Guided Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My husband and I had a wonderful tour with…

Mar 28, 2026
A
Adventure66869898889
Good day in Tokyo.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great day with Keiji.…

Jun 19, 2025
C
Cydney_A
Great overview of the markets
Viator review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a great walking…