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. 10:00 Meet up Tokyu Stay Takanawa Sengakuji-Ekimae
  • 2. 10:45 Imperial Palace (Outer Garden, East Gardens)
  • 3. 13:15 Asakusa (Sensoji Temple)
  • 4. 14:00 Lunch Umaimon Azuma
  • 5. 15:35 Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 16:20 Shibuya (Hachiko Statue, Scramble Crossing)
  • 7. 16:50 Disband Shimbashi Station

What Does a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa

Although there was a small miscommunication beforehand, the tour started without any real issues and finished smoothly. For the itinerary, I guided the group along a classic route that included the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya, which they had requested in advance, with Asakusa added as well, and I believe they were satisfied. We caught a little rain at the Imperial Palace, but the weather was overall reasonable, and I think they were able to enjoy the day fully. This time they had also climbed Mount Fuji, yet they showed no signs of fatigue right through to the end. For the meal, the group had requested "ordinary Japanese food" such as ramen, tonkatsu, and tempura, so I guided them to a restaurant in Asakusa, and they were very pleased. Before meeting the guests, I had the impression they might be a little difficult, but they turned out to be cheerful and easy to get along with, and the tour ended on a very enjoyable note.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwaySengakuji~Hibiya220JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi~Asakusa178JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae252JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya146JPY
Section 5SubwayShibuya~Shimbashi178JPY
Total974JPY

Hi, I am Nobu, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English).
I have been an English guide in Tokyo area since January 2017.
Tokyo is a wonderful city, and you may enjoy this city by yourselves.
Even so, I recommend you go around with a guide, especially if it is your first time visit to Tokyo.
A good guide will help you to understand about Tokyo and Japan as well as how to use convenient but complicated public transportations more effectively.
I am glad if I can help you to make your tour more enjoyable.
I am looking forward to meeting you in Tokyo soon!
Nobu

Jun 2, 2026
amandavW9846AW
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Tokyo day trip!
We had a wonderfull day with Nobu! He…

May 25, 2026
Matthew_C
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nobu was an excellent and…
Nobu was an excellent and informative guide…

May 24, 2026
Diane D
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pleasant Intro to Tokyo
Nobu was an experienced and informative guide.…

Apr 28, 2026
GrandTour57165664797
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome!
It was our first visit to Japan. Nobu was very knowledgeable…