Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine — Guide Rumi
October, 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
- 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
- 10:30 Meiji Shrine
- 11:40 Takeshita Street
- 12:10 Gonpachi Lunch
- 13:30 Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko
- 14:20 Asakusa (Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple)
- 15:50 Ginza Nissan Crossing Cafe
- 16:00 Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 10:00, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 10:30, Takeshita Street at 11:40, Gonpachi Lunch at 12:10, Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko at 13:30, Asakusa (Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple) at 14:20 and Ginza Nissan Crossing Cafe at 15:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Harajuku by train (160JPY); Harajuku to Shibuya by train (160JPY); Shibuya to Asakusa by subway (260JPY); Asakusa to Ginza by subway (210JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 790JPY per person.
What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Meiji Shrine to Ginza
The guests were a group visiting from North America. It rained a little in the morning, but fortunately it had stopped by the time we arrived at Meiji Shrine. As it happened to be an auspicious day on the Japanese calendar, we were able to see two wedding ceremonies and a shrine visit for a newborn, which delighted everyone. On Takeshita Street, the guests were surprised to find so many animal cafes, including a pig cafe and a capybara cafe. For lunch we had maki sushi at a restaurant, and they were very pleased that allergy accommodations were handled carefully. After Shibuya and Asakusa, we finished at a cafe in Ginza, where I introduced some recommended spots in the area before saying goodbye. They were very friendly, and it was an enjoyable tour. A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in a large forested area near Harajuku in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Completed in 1920, the shrine is surrounded by around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, creating a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors often come to see traditional wedding processions, write wishes on wooden plaques, and experience a quiet moment of tradition just steps away from the bustling streets of Harajuku.
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 | Harajuku～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shibuya～Asakusa | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Ginza | 210JPY |
| Total | 790JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Gonpachi Lunch, Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, Asakusa (Nakamise, Senso-ji Temple) and Ginza Nissan Crossing Cafe.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 790JPY 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?
Rumi 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,
I’m Rumi.Welcome to Japan!!
I’m a government-licensed guide in the Tokyo area.
I’m so excited to have a chance to show you my favorite places in Tokyo.
Tokyo is a fantastic city with many aspects like history,culture and food.
What interests you about Tokyo?
What kind of Japanese food would you like to try?
I’ll take you to various places according to your request.
My favorite spot is Meiji Shrine.
It’s so peaceful that I’m sure you like it.
I really like to talk with foreigners about various topics.So, I love my job.
I look forward to meeting and guiding you soon.
Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took…
Sep 29, 2026
Darrin_T
Tokyo Tour with Rumi
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Local tour guide Rumi took us on an efficient and enjoyable afternoon tour. Very much enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend the tour
Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi…
Sep 29, 2026
anettesoegaardn
Rumi Hosoya is a very good tour-guide.
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide was Rumi Hosoya, and it was a real pleasure. She introduced us to Japaneese culture and was a very skilled guide, indeed.
Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided…
Sep 25, 2026
Frances_K
Rumi was a wonderful…
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Rumi was a wonderful guide that provided a comprehensive overview and tour of the highlights of Tokyo, navigating the complex subway system with ease. It was a long day but well worth it!
Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very…
Sep 19, 2026
K6328IFcarolinel
Tokyo highlights
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Had a great day
Rumi was very knowledgeable and took us to major tourist attractions like Meiji Shrine Senso ji temple as well as Gina shopping district. She helped us navigate the confusing train and subway system