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
- 08:55 Meet @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- 09:30 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
- 10:30 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 12:00 Imperial Palace
- 12:50 Tsukiji Market
- 13:20 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushiseishin-kan
- 14:50 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 15:05 Disband @ Shibuya
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku at 08:55, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 15:05. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Tsukiji Sushiseishin-kan at 13:20.
The itinerary covered Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory at 09:30, Shinjuku Gyoen at 10:30, Imperial Palace at 12:00, Tsukiji Market at 12:50 and Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nishi-Shinjuku to Shinjuku-gyoemmae by subway (180JPY); Shinjuku-gyoemmae to Nijubashimae by subway (180JPY); Hibiya to Tsukiji by subway (180JPY); Tsukiji to Shibuya by subway (210JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 750JPY per person.
What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Shibuya
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, despite the unfortunate rainy weather, they seemed impressed by the vast views of Tokyo. At Shinjuku Gyoen, although the cherry blossoms were not yet in full bloom, they were delighted to be able to see them. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. In Tsukiji, they enjoyed a sushi lunch. In Shibuya, after guiding them to the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue, they said they wanted to explore the Shibuya area on their own, so we parted ways in Shibuya. Although the weather was unfortunately not good, I responded according to the guests' wishes, so I believe they were satisfied.
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 | Nishi-Shinjuku～Shinjuku-gyoemmae | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku-gyoemmae～Nijubashimae | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Hibiya～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tsukiji～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku at 08:55, and the tour finished at @ Shibuya at 15:05.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 08:55 to 15:05.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory, Shinjuku Gyoen, Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Market and Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 750JPY per person across 4 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?
Seizo 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 Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
surferbikerdude1
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Seizo Kamiuto was out guide for this wonderful and beautiful area of Kamakura. He was full of cultural and historical knowledge and provided valuable context during our walks and visits. Makes me want to visit again hopefully in the near future.
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
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stacy_grana
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
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U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
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May 20, 2026
HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。