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 Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise
  • 3. 11:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 4. 12:30 Lunch Ramen Santouka
  • 5. 13:00 Omotesando
  • 6. 14:00 Meiji Shrine
  • 7. 15:00 Disband at Nogizaka Station

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

The itinerary prepared by the travel agency was nearly perfect, so I followed it almost entirely, but for the Imperial Palace, with the guests' consent, I changed the plan from the Outer Garden to the East Gardens. Some of the guests were already familiar with Japanese culture, while others were visiting almost for the first time, and the guests showed great interest in the townscape of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Nakamise, which was completely different from the area around their accommodation. At the Imperial Palace East Gardens, I gave a clear explanation of the imperial system and the feudal domain system. In particular, the guests seemed to accept that one aspect of Japanese culture lies in the way stone walls are built, which respects natural stones and differs from the Western approach. At Meiji Shrine, the guests experienced a different culture through the chrysanthemum exhibition of the autumn grand festival and the bonsai. As for ramen, since one of the guests had eaten Sapporo ramen the previous day, we enjoyed the difference with Asahikawa ramen at Santouka, which they liked very much.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassRoppongi～Asakusa600JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa～Otemachi0JPY
Section 3Free PassOtemachi～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Nogizaka0JPY
Total600JPY

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…