Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kei
August, 2024
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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- １．10:30 Meet at Hotel
- ２．11:00 Tsukiji Outer Market
- ３．12:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
- ４．13:45 Meiji Shrine
- ５．15:00 Lunch at Akasaka Yakiniku Restaurant Kusa no Ie
- ６．16:00 Imperial Palace Outer Garden
- ７．17:00 Shiomi Station (nearest station to the hotel)
Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace
Since the guests enjoy cooking, I took them to the Tsukiji Outer Market to introduce Japanese kitchen knives. After carefully examining the selection, they purchased two knives and were very satisfied. Because of the extreme heat, we used the subway even for the stretch from Tsukiji to Shiodome, entering and exiting through the Nakanomon gate to minimize walking under the blazing sun. At Meiji Shrine as well, we entered through the north torii and exited through the first torii to avoid retracing our steps. Since somewhere along the Chiyoda Line was the most efficient choice for lunch before heading to the Imperial Palace, we went to a long-established restaurant in Akasaka, a mecca for yakiniku, and the guests seemed to enjoy the tenderness of the wagyu beef. My major regret was that, due to my own insufficient checking, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed (the site was open on Monday, which is normally its closing day, because it was a substitute holiday, so it was irregularly closed on Tuesday instead), and I ended up guiding them around the Outer Gardens. I honestly admitted my mistake and apologized. The guests understood, but I felt truly sorry, so I voluntarily extended the tour time and saw them off at Shiomi Station, the nearest station to their accommodation. As they were gentle and easygoing, they seemed satisfied overall, but I reflect deeply on my error.
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 | Shiomi～Hatchobori | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Hatchobori～Tsukiji | 900JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tsukiji～Shiodome | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shiodome～Yoyogi | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Akasaka | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Akasaka～Otemachi | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Tokyo～Shiomi | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,240JPY | ||
Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.
Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…
Oct 22, 2025
I5562SWphilipk
Great intro to Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who gave us really interesting insights into Japanese society and culture as well as explaining and interpreting what we were seeing. Our tour was relaxed and enjoyable, and he adapted it to our needs and interests both before and during the tour. I would highly recommend.
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was…
Oct 12, 2025
Gary H
Great tour of Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We loved our tour! Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable & professional. He provided in
depth knowledge of every location we visited.
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo…
Oct 5, 2025
C
Cindy_S
Had one day in Tokyo and…
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Had one day in Tokyo and Kei provided a great experience for us! His knowledge of history
and the city was so valuable. Would highly recc this tour with him.
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had…
Sep 15, 2025
chrishN2970OC
A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Kei. He was most helpful all day with his local practical knowledge of using subways etc, and his extensive knowledge of Tokyo. We saw a variety of streets, temples and gardens and he patiently explained the significance of these, as well as features of their architecture. We also had a lovely ramen lunch and at the end he directed us to some suggested places for dinner. He was very friendly and his English was very good. All in all a great introduction to Tokyo