Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sally
October, 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
- Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo 9:00 – Tsukiji 9:30 (Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market) – Imperial Palace 10:50 – Meiji Shrine 12:30 (Shrine and Cafe) – Azabudai Hills 13:40 – Tokyo Tower 14:00 – Zojoji Temple 14:30 – Shiba Rikyu 14:40 – Tokyo 15:10
What Can You See in One Day in Tokyo? A Licensed Private Guide's Full-Day Itinerary Report
The guests were a family visiting from North America. They were very friendly and warm throughout the tour. In fact, after leaving the hotel I took a wrong turn and made a roughly 5-minute detour to the Tozai Line Nihonbashi exit. Fortunately I had arrived at the hotel early and the guests also came early, so we did not end up too late, though it was a close call. When I apologized, they kindly forgave me, and we headed to Tsukiji Hongwanji. They were amazed by the difference in the building's exterior appearance. They listened attentively to the historical background of Hongwanji and the changes Tsukiji has undergone, nodding in understanding. At Tsukiji they purchased seafood (dried goods), and they were delighted by how delicious and sweet the melon and shine muscat grapes were. At the Imperial Palace, they said my guided explanations of the Metropolitan Police near Sakuradamon, the Ministry of Justice, the Sakuradamon Incident, the Imperial Palace and Edo Castle, and the Nijubashi Bridge made everything very clear. At Meiji Shrine they offered prayers, and they treated me to an iced coffee at a cafe. After that we went to Kamiyacho and visited Azabudai Hills, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple, and Shiba Rikyu Garden. They toured Zojoji Temple, admiring what a magnificent temple it was, and were moved by how beautiful Shiba Rikyu Garden was. In fact, the places they had requested were Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Meiji Shrine. Since they were staying in Tokyo only for that day, they wanted to see as much as possible. So I created a course by combining spots near their requested locations. At Meiji Shrine I had them walk a little along Omotesando before heading to the subway, and since they did not need to go up Tokyo Tower, this became the course, arranged so they could return smoothly to Tokyo Station for their trip back. They expressed thanks at various points, which I truly appreciated. I said goodbye, wishing them a wonderful time in Japan until their flight the next day.
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 | Subway | Nihonbashi～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tsukiji～Hibiya | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijubashimae～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Kamiyacho | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Hamamatsucho～Tokyo | 170JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
Hello, I’m Hizuru.
I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and love for Japan with visitors from all over the world.
After teaching English and Japanese to Elementary school and Junior high school students for about 15
years, I got the National License of Guide and Interpreter in 2014 which allowed me to officially guide
tourists around Japan.
I have guided many tourists around Tokyo and its vicinities, helping them to discover the hidden gems of the
city and learn about its rich history and traditions.
Whether you’re interested in visiting historical landmarks, trying delicious Japanese cuisine, or experiencing
the vibrant pop culture scene, I can tailor a tour suit your interests.
My experience as a teacher greatly helped me in this role as I was able to efficiently communicate and engage
with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
I am dedicated to providing an unforgettable and insightful experience for all my guests.
I look forward to welcoming you to in and around Tokyo and sharing the wonders of Japan with you.
Oct 14, 2025
vanessajK6787GS
Great day out and about in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hizuru was an absolute delight.…
Oct 14, 2025
vanessajK6787GS
Great day out and about in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hizuru was an absolute delight. Her communication from the beginning was wonderful. She tailored the tour to the things I wanted to see. Her local knowledge was invaluable at the shrines, she is also a wonderful story teller. An important thing for me was to learn how to use the train system and she went above and beyond to help me understand how it all works. Which I am happy to say I navigated well once on my own. I would highly recommend Hizuru to anyone, she was a great companion for the day.
May 23, 2025
Inspire25413313092
Tokyo walking tour 2025
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sally did a great job putting together a…
May 23, 2025
Inspire25413313092
Tokyo walking tour 2025
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sally did a great job putting together a program for us. She reached out early in the week to understand what we were looking for and experience.
I must admit it was nice to be guided through the subway system by a “professional”. That allows me to enjoy the experience and not worry about getting to the right train & connection.
Sally was very knowledgeable and my wife & I learned a lot about the history of Japan and Tokyo.
I would recommend Sally.
May 3, 2025
davidfZ3537PI
Great tour with Hizuru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the…
May 3, 2025
davidfZ3537PI
Great tour with Hizuru!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great private tour with Hizuru! Prior to the tour, she was in email contact with us to find out exactly what we wanted to do – then she arranged the perfect schedule. She met us in the lobby of our hotel, helped us navigate the Tokyo metro and took us to Gotokuji temple, Shinjuku crossing, the Azalea festival at Nezu shrine, then to Ginza (where she dropped us off for our dinner reservation). She gave us great information during the tour, good history lessons and cultural explanations, and was a pleasure to be around. At the end of the tour, she made sure we knew exactly how to navigate on our own back to our hotel. highly recommend the private tour, highly recommend our guide Hizuru!
Apr 17, 2025
Sharon_F
Sampling of everything in one day!
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great sampling of lots of different…
Apr 17, 2025
Sharon_F
Sampling of everything in one day!
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great sampling of lots of different places in the city! Did the palace garden, a Shinto shrine and Buhdist temple, along with Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jungu! I appreciated the instructions at the religious sites and the history at the palace. The gardens were unbelievably beautiful this time of year! Great job on a good combination of places and info!