Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara — Guide Ayaka
December, 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
- 9:30 AM Meet at Hotel Higashi-Ginza
- 10:00 AM Meiji Shrine
- 11:00 AM Imperial Palace
- 12:30 PM Stroll around Asakusa
- 1:00 PM Lunch (at Marugame Seimen)
- 1:30 PM Sumida River (photo shoot of Skytree)
- 2:30 PM Akihabara
- 3:15 PM Disband at JR Akihabara
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 09:30 at Hotel Higashi-Ginza and ended at 15:15. The day ran to 5 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (at Marugame Seimen) at 13:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Meiji Shrine at 10:00, Imperial Palace at 11:00, Stroll around Asakusa at 12:30, Sumida River (photo shoot of Skytree) at 13:30 and Akihabara at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Shinjuku to Akihabara by Free Pass (900JPY); Ueno to Akihabara by train (180JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,080JPY per person.
What Is a Private Historical Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Akihabara
The guests were a group from North America. They had been staying in Japan since before Christmas, and had already gone skiing in Nagano and sightseeing in Kyoto, planning to spend their final four days sightseeing in Tokyo. In Tokyo they requested to be shown historical places, so I had proposed Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa in advance and received their approval. They were very interested in Japan and asked many questions.
Since Asakusa was too crowded, we wrapped up early and I guided them to Akihabara. They were not particularly interested in electronics or anime goods, but since they felt uneasy exploring on their own, I think they were able to at least enjoy the atmosphere.
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 | Higashi-Shinjuku～Akihabara | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Ueno～Akihabara | 180JPY |
| Total | 1,080JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel Higashi-Ginza at 09:30, and the tour finished at JR Akihabara at 15:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 09:30 to 15:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Stroll around Asakusa, Sumida River (photo shoot of Skytree) and Akihabara.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,080JPY 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.