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
- 9:00 Meet at hotel
- 9:45 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 11:00 Meiji Shrine
- 12:30 Shibuya & Cafe Time
- 14:30 Asakusa Stroll
- 15:30 Lunch (at Kanaya)
- 16:30 Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at hotel and ended at 16:30. The day ran to 7 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (at Kanaya) at 15:30.
Over the course of the day the route took in Shinjuku Gyoen at 9:45, Meiji Shrine at 11:00, Shibuya & Cafe Time at 12:30 and Asakusa Stroll at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku 3-chome to Shinjuku Gyoen by Free Pass (700JPY); Shinjuku 3-chome to Meiji-jingumae by Free Pass (0JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY); Shibuya to Asakusa by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 860JPY per person.
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The guests were friends visiting Japan for the first time from Asia. They mentioned that the night before, they had trouble using the air conditioner at their hotel and could not sleep well due to the heat.
Shinjuku Gyoen required advance reservations that day, but since entry before 10:00 did not require a reservation, we changed the meeting time to 9:00. As the guests had already purchased PASMO cards, we were able to enter smoothly. Shinjuku Gyoen was in full bloom, and the guests seemed very satisfied. After that, we went from Meiji Shrine to Shibuya.
At the Starbucks in Shibuya, despite waiting in a long line, cash could not be used, so we moved to a different cafe. The guests seemed quite tired, so we took a cafe break for a rest. Asakusa was very crowded, and after strolling around the main highlights, we had lunch at an udon restaurant. I also assisted with purchasing medicine at a drugstore, and although the tour ran significantly over the scheduled time, the guests were very pleased.
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 | Free Pass | Shinjuku 3-chome～Shinjuku Gyoen | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shinjuku 3-chome～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Total | 860JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 9:00, and the tour finished at at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya & Cafe Time and Asakusa Stroll.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 860JPY 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?
Ayaka 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.
Hello! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.