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

  • 11:00 The Westin Tokyo
  •   •Meet at Lobby floor (1st floor)
  •   (Transportation: Taxi)
  • 11:15-11:40 Nakameguro
  •   •Enjoy viewing “SAKURA” cherry blossom.
  •   (Transportation: Subway)
  • 12:20-13:10 Tsukiji Fish Market
  •   •A lively food market where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local street food.
  • 13:20-14:10 Lunch at Sushi Restaurant
  •   •Lunch at Sushi Tomi.
  •   (Transportation: Taxi)
  • 14:30 Imperial Palace
  •   (Transportation: Taxi)
  • 15:10 – 16:00 Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
  •   (Transportation: Walk)
  • 16:10-16:35 Ohta Museum
  •   (Transportation: Subway + Walk)
  • 16:50 Aoyama Flower Market
  • 17:10 Officially Tour end at Flower shop in Aoyama near Omote-sando.
  • =============================
  • 17:15-18:00 Guide supported the guests on how to get to the hotel by train and taxi, and accompanied them to the taxi stand in Shibuya.
  •      Even though plenty of taxis were passing by, they were all occupied, and we couldn't catch an empty one around Omote-sando.
  •      So we moved to Shibuya taxi stop.
  •      Since it was also the evening rush hour for the subway, it may have required quite a bit of patience from the guests.

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace and Omotesando

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and they enjoyed all of the spots that had been planned. Because slower walking was requested, taxis were used frequently for getting around. Thanks to this, the Imperial Palace was also added to the itinerary.

The challenge came after the scheduled tour had ended. Given the circumstances, the guests did not seem confident about returning to their accommodation on their own, so I provided support until I could confirm that they would be able to get back safely. However, in the Omotesando area in the evening, no taxis could be found at all, so we gave up and took the subway to a taxi stand in Shibuya. Traveling on the crowded subway was likely a demanding time for the guests.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayNakameguro~Tsukiji210JPY
Section 2SubwayOmote-sando~Shibuya180JPY
Total390JPY

Hi everyone! I’m Atsushi.
Born in the historic fishing port of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture and raised in Tokyo and Kanagawa, I’ve spent my life immersed in Japanese culture.
During my six years in the countryside as a university student, I fell in love with hiking and visiting temples.
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural science, I spent 40 years in R&D at a food manufacturing company before transitioning from part-time guiding to becoming a full-time professional tour guide at the end of 2025.
My true passion lies in Japan’s rich culinary and sake traditions.
I specialize in FIT tours around Tokyo and Hakone, and I even lead sumo culture tours!
I’m dedicated to making your journey truly unforgettable, and I look forward to helping you get the absolute most out of your stay in Japan.
I can’t wait to meet you!

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