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

  • 1000 Meet at Hotel Tokyo (8 min from Shirokanedai Station on the Metro Namboku Line)
  • 1030 Shibuya: Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing
  • 1050 Harajuku: Takeshita Street, visit Meiji Shrine
  • 1300 Imperial Palace Outer Garden: Tatsumi Yagura Turret, Gyoko-dori Avenue, Marunouchi Building pine pilings, Tokyo Station
  • 1400 Nezu Shrine
  • 1505 Asakusa: Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine
  • 1600 Tour ends on the temple grounds
  • On the way back, we will escort you to Tameike-Sanno Station, see you off on the Namboku Line, and say goodbye

**Tour Title:** What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time and Returning Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. They had arrived the previous day. Some of the group had been to Japan before, while another member was visiting for the first time. One member of the group was taking part in an activity group and had gone for a run near a hotel in the morning to attend a meeting. They mentioned they would run somewhere in central Tokyo the next day and in Kyoto on Sunday. This time the group had around twenty participants, whereas on a previous occasion there had been more than forty. They did not go into further detail about the group.

The other members of the group did not take part in the running. They appeared to be involved in research related to plants and trees, and they were very impressed by the forest of Meiji Shrine. They asked whether there was a botanical garden nearby, and I explained that Jindai Botanical Gardens was a little far, so instead I suggested Shinjuku Gyoen and explained how to get there.

A notable stop on the tour was Meiji Shrine. Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a vast man-made forest of around 100,000 trees donated from across Japan when the shrine was established in the early twentieth century. The tranquil forested grounds offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city and are especially appreciated by visitors interested in nature and traditional Japanese culture.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassShirokanedai~Meguro700JPY
Section 2TrainMeguro~Shibuya200JPY
Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku160JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae~Nijubashimae0JPY
Section 5Free PassNijubashimae~Nezu0JPY
Section 6Free PassNezu~Nishi-Nippori0JPY
Section 7TrainNishi-Nippori~Ueno160JPY
Section 8Free PassUeno~Asakusa0JPY
Section 9Free PassAsakusa~Tameike-Sanno0JPY
Total1,220JPY

I had worked in the international business scene for over 40 years and traveled to North America and European countries over 1000 days.
After I retired from the business, I traveled to most of the major sightseeing spots in all 47 prefectures in Japan.

My guide is starting from a brief history of the site where I am going to guide. I usually add a briefing about Japanese culture based on religions, such as Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples. A geographic background behind the history is also important.
My course includes 4 to 5 (in 6 hours) sites from the following depending on where I will pick the guests up;
– Senso ji Temple
– Kappabashi Kitchenware Market
– Tokyo Skytree
– Ueno Park
– Nezu Shrine
– Imperial Palace outer park
– Tokyo Central Station, Marunouchi historic district
– Tsukiji Fish Market
– Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
– Ginza
– Odaiba
– Hama Rikyu Garden
– Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
– Roppongi
– Meiji Shrine
– Harajuku & Takeshita Street
– Shibuya
– and Any of your interest.

I am happy to introduce Japanese Manga/Anime cultures such as Akihabara, Nakano Broadway and Ghibli related sites.
Travelling along the JR central line where guests can stopover at major animation studios (it is not accepted to visit the inside). The majority of animation studios such as TMS Entertainment, SUNRISE, A1 Pictures etc. are located in this area. Suginami Animation museum, Studio Ghibli and Ghibli Museum are also located.
Guests can feel old houses in the Spirited Away scene in the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.

I can also provide a pilgrimage to the sacred place (shooting location) for the Shinkai Makoto animation movies such as Your name, Weathering with you, and Suzume.

Another interesting feature is to visit authentic Japanese style pub meals such as Yakitori, Karaage, and Sushi etc.
Asakusa Hoppy Street, Ameyoko Street, Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku Golden gai, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho are nice to visit.

A Sake tasting at Sake Cellar can be an option.

In addition to the above, I am available in the neighboring cities.

Kawagoe is an old town developed in the 17th century. It has very close relationship with the Edo central government. Kawagoe castle ruins, Kitain temple and 500 Buddha statues will welcome the guests.
These areas are renovated and provide an old days atmosphere.
Japanese style sweets food stands will fascinate the guests.
Kawagoe is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

Kamakura is the first Samurai worriers government established in the late 12th century.
The Buddhism are introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and flourished at Nara and Kyoto later. A newer Buddhism sect such as Zen has well developed at Kamakura area.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Gigantic Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple and the flower temple Hasedera Temple are must-see.
Kamakura is about 1 – 1.5 train trip from Tokyo.

I am also happy to develop any other site the guests have interest.

Sep 24, 2026
Leslie_R
Good tour on first day
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