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 Depart from Shinjuku
- 9:15–10:05 Meiji Shrine
- 10:40–11:30 Imperial Palace
- 11:30–12:20 Lunch Break
- 12:45–1:45 Sensō-ji in Asakusa
- 2:20–3:00 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- 3:00 Return to Shinjuku / Tour Ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Shinjuku at 9:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 3:00. It included lunch Break at 11:30.
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 9:15, Imperial Palace at 10:40, Sensō-ji in Asakusa at 12:45 and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at 2:20.
What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from Europe, and while some of the group had been to Japan several times before, it was a first visit for others. They mentioned that they had booked a licensed guide this time because they wanted to gain knowledge about shrines and temples. We arrived at Meiji Shrine early and spent a relaxed time there, and they purchased many charms and other items. They were also very satisfied with the historical explanations at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The Sanja Matsuri festival in Asakusa was crowded, but I had a special spot from which we could watch at a leisurely pace, and they were amazed by the sheer number of people. After that, I guided them through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Although it was hot, they walked through it thoroughly.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
I am certified as a Top Guide by the JGA.
Drawing on my past experience as a guide, where I have consistently received positive feedback from guests, I will focus on the following key points in my guiding:
Explain the historical transition from Edo to Tokyo through engaging episodes and stories.
Offer a cross-cultural perspective on why concepts such as honji suijaku (the idea of local deities being manifestations of Buddhist figures), as seen at places like Meiji Shrine, represent a worldview that Japan can be proud of.
Provide warm and humorous interaction, incorporating the spirit of hospitality I learned while studying at Columbia University in the United States.
Use my experience working at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to explain Tokyo’s present-day situation with the support of statistical data.
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time…
Jul 7, 2026
Ruppa_L
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great guide and first experience in Tokyo
It was our first time to Japan. Mitch was a great guide, recommending the key sights in Tokyo. He contacted us before the trip so that he could set up an itinery that worked for our family. We learned about the culture and also how to navigate the trains! Mitch even took us back to our hotel at the end. Thank you for a great first experience in Japan!
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots…
Jun 8, 2026
TAMARA_R
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience!
Great experience, learning a lot. Get to see a lots of locations in one day. Mitch our guide is
very knowledgeable and the nicest person we have ever met.
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He…
May 7, 2026
Marianela25
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great customized Itinerary with Mitch!
Mitch was a fantastic tour guide. He was very polite and knew the city very well, so there wasn’t a lost minute in our day. He asked me what my preferences were so he could customize my itinerary, and it was great! I was taken to see some hidden gems out of the traditional touristic circuits (and for that Im really thankful). I feel I learnt a lot about the history and culture of Japan, and I got to listen to many good anecdotes from Mitch. I also had a great soba for Lunch, in a very small and cozy restaurant. Arigatou gosaimasu, Mitch!
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic…
Apr 29, 2026
163neilh
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Asakusa Sensouji Temple, Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine.
We had a fantastic day with our guide Mitch, he was very knowledgeable, a kind man & very generous with his time.
Mitch suggested sushi train for lunch pleasing our granddaughter greatly.
I would recommend Mitch for any type of tour, given he has excellent English.
Deb, Neil, Kate, Joel, Calla & Bodhi
Adelaide, South Australia 😃