Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kei

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

  • １．9:00 Meet at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
  • ２．9:30 Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • ３．11:30 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
  • ４．12:30 Ameyoko Shopping Street
  • ５．12:50 Lunch at Sushi Kikubari
  • ６．13:30 Akihabara
  • ７．14:10 Shibuya Crossing
  • ８．14:30 Meiji Shrine
  • ９．15:40 Disband at Kasumigaseki Station

Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine

At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I responded to questions and gave an overview of the relationship between the shogunate system and the imperial system, as well as the history of the end of the Edo period. We were also able to stroll through the Ninomaru Garden, and although we went over time, I adjusted by reducing the time spent at Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise in Asakusa. For lunch, I chose a sushi restaurant in Okachimachi that I had visited before, and the guests seemed very satisfied, finding it delicious. They enjoyed it so much that they ordered additional pieces of sushi. After exploring the subculture scene in Akihabara, we took the JR line to Shibuya to save time, where the guests were amazed to witness the full experience of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing on a public holiday. At Meiji Shrine, which was holding a regular festival, we were fortunate to come across a stage where a Satsuma biwa performance was being dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Finally, we parted ways at Kasumigaseki Station. Under a perfectly clear blue sky, it was ideal weather for an outing and everywhere was extremely crowded, but I was glad we were able to complete the tour without any trouble.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassNogizaka～Otemachi600JPY
Section 2Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa～Ueno0JPY
Section 4Free PassUeno-hirokoji～Suehirocho0JPY
Section 5TrainAkihabara～Shibuya210JPY
Section 6Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Kasumigaseki0JPY
Total810JPY

Tour Report by Kei

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.

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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 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 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…

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…