Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine. — Guide Toshi
March, 2026
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
- 10:30 Walk from Hotel New Otani, passing along Sophia Street beside Sophia University, heading to Yotsuya Station.
- 10:45 Take the subway from Yotsuya Station toward Tokyo Station.
- 11:00 From Tokyo Station, head to the Imperial Palace. At a glance, Inui Street, which was open to the public for a special viewing, seemed extremely crowded, so we headed to the East Gardens instead.
- 11:45 After strolling through the East Gardens, exit through Kitahanebashi Gate and head to Takebashi Station.
- 12:00 Take the subway from Takebashi Station to Asakusa.
- 12:30 Arrive at Asakusa. First, go up to the observation terrace on the 8th floor of the Tourist Information Center, then have lunch at a restaurant.
- 13:30 After lunch, visit Kaminarimon, Nakamise, and Sensoji Temple.
- 14:30 Take the subway from Asakusa toward Meiji-jingumae.
- 15:30 Visit Meiji Shrine.
- 16:30 After finishing, head to the hotel.
- 17:00 Get off at Akasaka-mitsuke Station, walk to the hotel, and disband.
Title: What Is a Private First-Time Tour of Japan Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were making their first visit to Japan, and they toured cheerfully and enjoyed the day together, appearing to be a close-knit group. They asked me many questions, which I answered as appropriate, though one question — "Who is more important, the Emperor or the female Prime Minister?" — made me smile wryly. At every place we visited, the guests were moved and found everything beautiful. For lunch, everyone ordered the teriyaki chicken lunch, and they all said it was delicious as they ate. They also seemed satisfied with my explanations, and told me it had been a great day. Everywhere was extremely crowded, but the guests did not wander off in different directions, which was very helpful for me as their guide.
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 | Yotsuya～Tokyo | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Takebashi～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Akasaka-mitsuke | 0JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no…
Apr 16, 2026
127dougg
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enjoyable to have a day being toured about with no need for us to do all the advance planning.
We had Mr. Toshihisa as a guide for a day in Hakone. We might have been able to do the route ourselves but it was great to have a day with no planning, it was all done ahead of time by Toshi. We got an early start to avoid spending too much time in queues, which was great. Toshi is very knowledgeable and shared many explanations, stories and anecdotes with us, which was most appreciated. The Hakone FreePass made it very easy to navigate all of the various styles of transportation – highly recommended. Overall for us, this was a great experience.
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a…
Oct 25, 2025
Julia_G
Tokyo gardens and museums.
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi is an excellent guide. He crafted a beautiful tour of places I would not have found on
my own.
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi…
Oct 14, 2025
M
Manohar_S
Superb must see
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very scenic and beautiful trip… Mr Toshi San was a very well educated and friendly guide…
he took us to all the most beautiful and scenic places.. he also was very helpful person and
made sure we had a good vegetarian lunch
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are…
Oct 7, 2025
Robert_H
Lots of walking. We are…
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Lots of walking. We are all 70+ with 1 guest using a walker, and the guide was very
accommodating and flexible to our restrictions. Guide was knowledgeable and interesting.
Excellent English. Very good at helping us navigate the trains and subway.