Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Jingu shrine & Shibuya — Guide Motoko
September, 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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Meeting up
- 8:30-9:20 Meiji Jingu shrine
- 9:45-10:30 the Imperial Palace
- 10:50-11:40 Shibuya
- 12:00-12:40 Walking around Shinjuku, Godzilla head and Jouinji Temple
- 12:40-13:40 Lunch
- 14:00 End the tour at Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 8:00, when the guide met the guests at Meeting up, and finished at 14:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:40.
From there the group visited Meiji Jingu shrine at 8:30, Imperial Palace at 9:45, Shibuya at 10:50 and Shinjuku, Godzilla head and Jouinji Temple at 12:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Sakuradamon by train (180JPY); Nijubashimae to Shibuya by train (210JPY); Shibuya to Shinjuku by train (200JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 750JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Tour During a Typhoon? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests came to Tokyo for the first time via cruise, visiting from North America. Due to an approaching typhoon, we moved the start of the tour one hour earlier. Since public transportation might have stopped, we gave up on Asakusa and instead visited Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. Meiji Shrine was quiet with few people, so we were able to enjoy it slowly and peacefully. We were able to show them the center of Tokyo, including Kasumigaseki, the Imperial Palace, and Marunouchi. After that, we enjoyed Hachiko and the scramble crossing in Shibuya, and while looking at fruits, beef, and fish in the basement of a department store, I introduced Japanese food culture before returning to Shinjuku. After guiding them through Kabukicho, we stopped at Joenji, a small but quiet temple. We then had lunch together, and while checking the weather forecast, I consulted with the guests and, to ensure safety, wrapped up the tour early and saw them off at the Hotel, bringing it to an end. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a vast, tranquil forest of some 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. Located near the busy Harajuku district, it offers a peaceful retreat from the city and is one of the most visited shrines in Tokyo, especially during the New Year period.
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 | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 160JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Sakuradamon | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nijubashimae～Shibuya | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shibuya～Shinjuku | 200JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Meeting up at 8:00, and the tour finished at tour at Hotel at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 8:00 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Jingu shrine, Imperial Palace, Shibuya and Shinjuku, Godzilla head and Jouinji Temple.
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?
Motoko 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.
Hi,
Thank you for contacting the Japan Guide Association to request a licensed guide for your upcoming visit to Japan. My name is Motoko Tanaka. I’m so happy to be assigned to you.
Let me introduce myself. I was born and raised in Tokyo, so it is nice to hear that you are excited about your visit to this wonderful city. There is much to be excited about here in Tokyo. I have really enjoyed guiding in Tokyo and the surrounding areas for more than 10 years.
I live with my husband and a dog named Alice. She was a rescue dog and I adopted her about 4 years ago. Now she is a very precious family member. I have two daughters, the elder one has a child and the younger has a aroma shop in a town near Mr. Fuji. I sometimes visit there with Alice.
I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to create a special day.
Regards,
Motoko
Sep 21, 2026
Keith_S
Wonderful Experience
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful guide, Motoko, who…
Sep 21, 2026
Keith_S
Wonderful Experience
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful guide, Motoko, who was enthusiastic, conscientious and very personable. She wanted us to enjoy our time in Japan and laid out a tour to meet our needs. She also provided some additional guidance on seeing other sites and experiences while on our own. We would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in having her as your tour guide.
Apr 25, 2026
catvila
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Primeira vez em Tóquio
A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos…
Apr 25, 2026
catvila
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Primeira vez em Tóquio
A Motoko foi excelente para nos guiar pelos bairros de Tóquio. Foi super simpática com
ótimo inglês o que facilita a comunicação e o entendimento ( algo que nem sempre é fácil
no Japão…😅).
東京は初めてでした。
モトコさんは東京の各エリアを案内してくれる素晴らしいガイドでした。とても親切で、英語も上手だったため、コミュニケーションや理解がしやすく（日本では必ずしも簡単ではないので…😅）、とても助かりました。
Apr 22, 2026
72breannaj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
We had an amazing…
Apr 22, 2026
72breannaj
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour highly recommend! And loved our guide
We had an amazing experience on this tour and couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Japan. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made everything easy to understand while sharing so much interesting history and local insight. She took us to a variety of places we wouldn’t have found on our own and made sure we were comfortable the entire time.
This tour is perfect for first-time visitors—it really helps you get familiar with the area, culture, and transportation without feeling overwhelmed. Everything was well-organized, informative, and enjoyable from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan!
Apr 17, 2026
denisemD3032GY
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Tokyo walking tour
Our guide Motoko was so polite &…
Apr 17, 2026
denisemD3032GY
Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Tokyo/Kawagoe dep)
Tokyo walking tour
Our guide Motoko was so polite & engaging. She customised the tour around things we enjoy and took us to a traditional Japanese restaurant for lunch which we would never have found.
We only had a couple of days in Tokyo so wanted to make the most of it. I would highly recommend this tour & Motoko if you are in the same position.