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
- 11:00 Depart from hotel (Hotel Groove)
- 12:00 Senso-ji Temple
- 13:20 Lunch
- 14:45 Depart from Asakusa
- 15:30 Meiji Shrine
- 16:50 End at Shibuya
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 11:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel (Hotel Groove), and finished at 16:50. The day ran to 5 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:20.
From there the group visited Senso-ji Temple at 12:00, Asakusa at 14:45 and Meiji Shrine at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku to Asakusa by train (390JPY); Asakusa to Meiji-jingumae by train (260JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Shibuya by train (160JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 810JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Asakusa and Meiji Shrine Day Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were older visitors of Chinese descent living in North America. The tour was originally planned for two groups totaling four people, but due to a flight delay only one group was able to join. We met at the hotel, and upon arriving in Asakusa we first went out toward the Sumida River and saw the Asahi Beer Building and other sights. When other foreign tourists came by and asked what the yellow object was, I explained it, which made them laugh. Since the guests could read kanji, they joked that Azuma Bridge looked like "My Wife Bridge," and we spent some time talking about the readings of Japanese kanji. At Senso-ji Temple, the architecture seemed unusual to them, and they took many photographs. As gifts for family, matcha and food items were purchased along the Nakamise shopping street, along with a lucky charm, and together we drew omikuji fortunes and offered prayers at the main hall. Since we were running a bit behind schedule, we passed lightly through Asakusa Shrine and had lunch near the Nitenmon Gate. After the meal we also shopped at a drugstore, and as we were running about 50 minutes late, we skipped the planned Nezu Shrine and headed to Meiji Shrine. A light rain began to fall here, but we managed to get through it. In front of the main hall we again offered prayers and dedicated an ema votive tablet. The tour concluded in Shibuya, where I saw the guests off at the end.
A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a dense forest of some 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan, it offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Visitors often take part in traditional customs such as drawing fortunes, purchasing lucky charms, and writing wishes on wooden ema tablets.
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～Asakusa | 390JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Asakusa～Meiji-jingumae | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Total | 810JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel (Hotel Groove) at 11:00, and the tour finished at Shibuya at 16:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 50 minutes in total, from 11:00 to 16:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 810JPY 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?
Kazuo 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. My name is Kazuo Fukuda. I was born in 1958 and grew up in Okayama Prefecture, located in western Japan. I majored in physics at university and worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry. During that time, I moved around various parts of Japan before settling in Tokyo in 2009. I personally love traveling and have a deep interest in art and history. I have traveled to Europe many times. In 2018, I left my company and started working as a tour guide. Tokyo developed into a modern city after being destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, but many historical aspects still thrive there. Recent pop culture is also fascinating. Discovering these cultural aspects will surely be an enjoyable experience for you. I would be happy to help you make such discoveries and understand their origins. If you tell me your favorite tourist destinations, I will create the perfect itinerary for you. And with heartfelt hospitality, I will make your tour the best it can be. I am looking forward to meeting you.