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
- 10:00 Meet at Hotel in Shibuya
- 10:30 Meiji Shrine
- 12:00 Azabudai Hills
- 13:30 Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple
- 15:00 Asakusa, Sensoji Temple
- 16:30 Drive back to the hotel in Shibuya and disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Meiji Shrine at 10:30, Azabudai Hills at 12:00, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple at 13:30, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple at 15:00 and Drive back to the hotel in Shibuya and disband at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibuya to Harajuku by train (180JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Kamiyacho by subway (180JPY); Daimon to Asakusa by subway (220JPY); Asakusa to Shibuya by subway (320JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Zojoji, and Azabudai Hills
The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan. They were very energetic, even choosing to take the stairs instead of the escalator. Since they preferred not to have a full lunch, they had coffee and sweets at Azabudai Hills instead. Being in Japan for the first time, they were delighted by every place we visited and took many photos. We were lucky to encounter several happy coincidences: a chrysanthemum flower exhibition was being held at Meiji Shrine, and at Zojoji Temple we were able to hear a rehearsal for a koto concert. One of the guests works in a field related to architecture, so at Azabudai Hills they were very curious, touching the walls and checking the materials of the floors. They were very pleased to say they had gained some inspiration for their work.
Registered Suica cards had become available for purchase, so we bought one at a vending machine at Shibuya Station at the start of the tour, but it was inconvenient because a bank card could not be used. The guests were surprised that, unlike back home, there are still places in Japan where cards cannot be used. They seemed relieved afterward when they were able to withdraw cash at a convenience store.
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 | Shibuya～Harajuku | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Kamiyacho | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Daimon～Asakusa | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Asakusa～Shibuya | 320JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Azabudai Hills, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple and Drive back to the hotel in Shibuya and disband.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY per person across 4 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?
Yumi 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.
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.