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
- 1.800-830 Hotel and show Tokyo station
- 2.830-900 Tokyo-Kichijouji
- 3.900-945 Kichijouji Inokashira Park,Tamagawa Josui
- 4.945-1040 Kochijouji-Shibuya Crossing and Hachi
- 5.1040-1055 Shibuya-Harajuku
- 6.1055-1215 Meijijingu+ Lunch
- 7.1215-1300 Takeshita Street+ Omotesando
- 8.1300-1400 Meijijingu Mae-Shinjyuku3 cho-me, Golden Gai+Kabukicho and finish at Shinjuku Station
Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Inokashira Park, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and Shinjuku
The tour began with a pickup at the hotel. I showed the guests where to catch the Shinkansen on the JR line, and since the requested course left us with plenty of time, we made an unusual choice to visit Inokashira Park. I explained the geography of the Musashino Plateau, the origins of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, the history behind the name Inokashira and the Kanda River, and why the area is ranked among the top five most livable neighborhoods.
I explained that the Benzaiten shrine was depicted in ukiyo-e woodblock prints during the Edo period, and that people had settled in this area since the Jomon period. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, which the guests greatly enjoyed. After that, we took the Inokashira Line to Shibuya, took photos at the Hachiko statue, crossed the famous scramble crossing twice, and headed to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine we prayed and drew omikuji fortunes, then had a light lunch on the terrace.
Afterward, we saw Takeshita Street, Togo Shrine, and other sights, passed through Omotesando, and took the Fukutoshin Line to Shinjuku-sanchome. I had considered Shinjuku Gyoen as well, but the guests felt they had seen enough parks, so we walked through and I explained Golden Gai and Kabukicho before parting ways at Shinjuku Station. One of the guests was collecting stamps, and I assisted with that as well. Overall, the guests were very appreciative. The review card file was left at home, so please obtain the customer feedback through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/).
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 | Okachimachi～Kichijoji | 440JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kichijoji～Shibuya | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Shinjuku-sanchome | 180JPY |
| Total | 1,010JPY | ||
My name is KAZU HAKATA. 73years old (as of end AUG2025). I started as a guide from March 2023. Graduated from KYOTO Univ Intl Economics and MBA from INSEAD in France. (14 years in overseas, LUX, Paris, Hong Kong) . I used to work in Banking, Telecommunication, Air Line, Financial Trading as CFO. I did more than 150 days of Guide since 2023,Tokyo( most of the Guides), Nikko, Hakone, Kamakura, and other area. Born in Hyogo Pref. I lived 26 years in Kansai and know quite well Kyoto, Nara, Osaka ,Kobe, Wakayama ( Koya san + Kumano Kodo).
I know not only touristic sites, but I can show you hidden charming points of JAPAN. If you can enjoy your tour in JAPAN, it is also my pleasure. I will do as much as I can to assist you to understand Japanese history, culture, nature, and a real life in JAPAN.
[FRANCAIS]
J’ai commencee a Guide apres avoir obtenu Diplome de Francaise en fevrier 2023. Jusqu’a maintenant j’ai effectue plus de 150 guides dont 1/4 francais. Principalement a Tokyo , mais de temps en temps aux Nikko, Kamakura, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Okayama, Naoshima.
A Tokyo, les sites frequentes sont Tsukiji, Hama Rikyu, Asakusa, Jardin Imperial, Rikugi-En , Yanaka, Ueno, Ameyoko, Musee Nationale, Akihabara, Jardin de Korakuen , Harajuku, Sanctuaire de Meiji, ruelle de Tekeshita , Aoyama, Shibuya, Temple de Gotokuji, etc.
Comme je suis ne a Hyogo ( ouest du Japon) et etudie a Kyoto, Je connais bien Kyoto,Nara,Osaka, Mont Koya, Hieizan. En plus j’ai travaille a Osaka 2017-2019.pendant cette periode j’ai souvent visitee des sites touristiques a Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. J’ai fait les randonnes a Kumono Kodo et 33 temples en Kansai.
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance…
Apr 4, 2026
Rebecca_M
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazu Rocks!!
Kazu was a gem! From our booking well in advance of our trip until we parted ways, his communication and attentiveness to our wants and needs was amazing. We were able to say where we wanted to explore and he found some great spots for us. He helped us figure out Tokyo’s train system, gave great facts about the area, gave us travel tips, and provided us with an unforgettable day. Oh, and we walked about 23,000 steps that day and he was only about 3 weeks post op from a knee replacement! That’s dedication!
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour,…
Oct 19, 2025
geoffreysE7617EB
6-hour Tokyo Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide, Kazuyasu Hakata, modified some of the tour, at my request, to visit older (traditional) Temples/Shrines in the Tokyo area. The 6-hour tour included: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongan-ji Temple, Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon) Temple, Zuirin-ji Temple, Temples in the Taito – Yanaka Area, Daien Ji Temple (lunch break at the neighborhood festival), Nezu Shrine, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and the Kyu Asakura House. Kazuyasu Hakata was very informative about each site and answered all my questions.
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was…
Oct 9, 2025
zglus
6 Hr walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kazuyas brought us all around Tokyo and was a great guide. It is very informative to get a
personalized tour from a Japanese local. The 6 hours flew by! Definitely a recommendation
to do early on in your time in Tokyo to learn the city. Kazuyas was great!
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed…
Sep 26, 2025
JulieD4351
We saw the fish market, many shrines, the busy walkway, and much more!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The absolute best guy. We had kazuyasu Hakata. He was absolutely wonderful. Showed us
all around Tokyo. Took us where ever we wanted to go and recommended a bunch of
places for us. Highly recommend!! We had the best day.