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
- 8:30 Meet at your hotel Monetary Ginza
- 8:30 – 8:50 Move to Tokyo Station by a taxi
- 9:00 – 10:20 Imperial Palace East Garden -walking tour
- 10:20 – 10:40 Move to Meijijingu Shrine by train
- 10:40 – 11:40 Meijijingu Shrine -walking tour
- 11:40 – 12:10 Move to Asakusa by train
- 12:10 – 12:30 Asakusa Nakamise shopping street
- 12:30 – 13:20 Lunch
- 13:20 – 14:00 Asakusa area/ Sensoji
- 14:00 – 14:30 Move to Shinbashi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Tokyo Station by a taxi at 8:30, Imperial Palace East Garden -walking tour at 9:00, Meijijingu Shrine by train at 10:20, Meijijingu Shrine -walking tour at 10:40, Asakusa by train at 11:40, Asakusa Nakamise shopping street at 12:10, Asakusa area/ Sensoji at 13:20 and Shinbashi at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Takebashi to Meiji-jingumae by train (210JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Asakusa by train (260JPY); Asakusa to Shinbashi by train (220JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 690JPY per person.
What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Asakusa
This was the second day of the guests' visit to Japan. In contrast to the summer-like heat of the previous day, it was a pleasant, comfortable temperature all day. The tour started at the Marunouchi side of the historic Tokyo Station building, and the route walking along Gyoko-dori Avenue toward the Imperial Palace was very well received. Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain two days prior, the Otemon Gate of the Imperial Palace was flooded and impassable, so we entered through the Hirakawamon Gate instead, but the guests were deeply impressed by the grand scale of Edo Castle. At Meiji Shrine, a light rain began to fall, but the guests thoroughly enjoyed the harmony between Shinto and nature, and purchased a good-luck charm for safe childbirth. After experiencing the liveliness of Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa area, I saw the guests off at Shimbashi for their next plans, bringing the tour to a close. The guests were very knowledgeable about Japan, having watched works such as Shogun, Perfect Days, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, and Midnight Diner, so the conversation was lively and it was a very enjoyable tour.
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 | Takebashi～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Asakusa～Shinbashi | 220JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tokyo Station by a taxi, Imperial Palace East Garden -walking tour, Meijijingu Shrine by train, Meijijingu Shrine -walking tour, Asakusa by train, Asakusa Nakamise shopping street, Asakusa area/ Sensoji and Shinbashi.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 690JPY per person across 3 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?
Yosh 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 I am Yosh, very nice to meet you!
I am a tour guide around Tokyo and surrounding areas including Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone and Mt. Fuji area with qualification of nationwide professional tour guiding.
I have been practicing Japanese martial arts, Karate and Aikido, from my childhood and I teach kids and beginners at Dojo school as an instructor.
From my background I am especially into a tour guiding about Samurai, Sumo and Zen style temples deeply related with Japanese martial arts.
I was born, raised and live in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture for over 50 years, so I am familiar with Tokyo capital area and I can arrange the free choice tour for you based on your taste and interest.
I also want you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and Sake at traditional or modern restaurants as part of Japanese precious culture experience.
I really like my profession of tour guide because I am always shared with happy emotion of the guests through the tour.
I am really look forward to seeing you soon!
Yosh
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo…
Sep 28, 2026
K3747HYmarks
A wonderful day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our day in Tokyo with Yosh was like being shown around town by an old friend. Yosh was great company and fun to be with. He planned our route well, was informative, offered thoughtful suggestions that were always spot on, found a great lunch place and went out of his way to get us on the right train at the end of the tour. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. The Meiji Shrine was a highlight.
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative…
Aug 24, 2026
kennethtK422SR
Tripadvisor review: Hakone Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great Hakone experience
Yosh was great. Very knowledgeable, informative and flexible responding to the weather and what we wanted to do.
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our…
Apr 28, 2026
W2790JIlorih
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun and Informative
We had a wonderful 4hr walking tour with our host Yosh while in Tokyo. Yosh took the time to develop our tour based on our interests. He provided history and background to all the places we visited, seamlessly guided through the route. Highly recommend his professional services. It was the perfect tour to start our visit to Japan
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful…
Mar 21, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
100% worth the money and time
Amazing tour walking through beautiful Japanese gardens and seeing a temple. Our guide
was super knowledgeable and very friendly. Highly recommend.