Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Asakusa — Guide Ayaka
November, 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
- 8:45 Coral Princess ship Meet and briefing at 2nd floor Immigration
- 9:00 Yurikamome (Tokyo International Terminal Station)
- 10:00 Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 Stroll along Harajuku Takeshita Street
- 12:00 Lunch in Tsukiji (Sushisei)
- 13:30 Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge)
- 14:45 Asakusa
- 15:15 Dismiss at Asakusa
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 8:45, when the guide met the guests at Coral Princess ship Meet and briefing at 2nd floor Immigration, and finished at 15:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch in Tsukiji (Sushisei) at 12:00.
From there the group visited Yurikamome (Tokyo International Terminal Station) at 9:00, Meiji Shrine at 10:00, Stroll along Harajuku Takeshita Street at 11:00, Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge) at 13:30 and Asakusa at 14:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Asakusa by Free Pass (900JPY); Tokyo International Cruise Terminal to Shimbashi by train (390JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,290JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report
Throughout our email exchanges beforehand, the guests always replied promptly, and when we met in person they turned out to be very friendly and lovely. For meeting cruise ship passengers, the Immigration area on the second floor works well, as the pillars are numbered and easy to identify.
The guests were traveling by cruise ship and had only this one day to sightsee in Tokyo, so I made every effort to help them create as many wonderful memories as possible. At Meiji Shrine, an autumn grand festival was being held, so they were able to see the ceremony as well as displays of chrysanthemums and fresh flowers at just the right time. In Harajuku, the guests purchased a Tokyo-limited T-shirt at a guitar shop (FENDER FLAGSHIP TOKYO). The design was very stylish and refined, and I thought 4,400 yen was great value.
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 | Free Pass | Shimbashi～Asakusa | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tokyo International Cruise Terminal～Shimbashi | 390JPY |
| Total | 1,290JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Coral Princess ship Meet and briefing at 2nd floor Immigration at 8:45, and the tour finished at Asakusa at 15:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 8:45 to 15:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Yurikamome (Tokyo International Terminal Station), Meiji Shrine, Stroll along Harajuku Takeshita Street, Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge) and Asakusa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,290JPY per person across 2 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?
Ayaka 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.
Hello! My name is Ayaka.
I originally come from Osaka, but now live in Saitama . I have a 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son.
My hobbies are cooking, baking sweets, playing the piano and watching movies.
On weekdays, I work as a part-time English teacher at a boys’ junior high school and a high school. Since 2023, I have started working as a tour guide on weekends and long vacations. It is mainly private tours for small groups.
I strongly believe that it is my calling to tell the greatest points of Japan to many foreigners. Through my guiding, I will do my best to give you as good an impression of Japan as possible.
Mar 28, 2026
Destination424937
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Japan
Ayaka was knowledgeable and she took us to some historical highlights of Tokyo .
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We…
Mar 19, 2035
L9685HWdianan
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing Tokyo Tour with Ayaka ? Kind, Knowledgeable & Memorable Experience
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ayaka, in Tokyo. She was incredibly kind, professional, and knowledgeable, making the entire day both enjoyable and informative. Ayaka took the time to understand our preferences and thoughtfully guided us to some of Tokyo’s highlights that suited our interests perfectly.
She also showed us how to navigate the public transportation system, which made the rest of our trip much easier and less stressful. Throughout the tour, she shared personal and family experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of Japanese culture?something we truly appreciated.
Ayaka even took beautiful photos of our family, which was such a thoughtful touch and gave us wonderful memories to take home. We had a fantastic time and couldn’t have asked for a better guide.
Highly recommend! Thank you, Ayaka!
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She…
Oct 10, 2025
Maxkerry
Great day in Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An excellent day with Ayaka in Tokyo. She was so hospitable and knowledgeable about the
places we visited. Highly recommend her as a guide.
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very…
Oct 4, 2025
D
Donna_S
Private tour of Tokyo with Ayaka of Japan Guide Agency
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very flexible. Ayaka suggested an itinerary but can accommodate your preferences. Very
Interesting culture information.