Tokyo in One Day: Hotel @ Shinjuku & Asakusa — Guide Taku
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
- 10:00 Hotel @ Shinjuku
- 10:30-11:30 Takeshita Street
- 11:50-13:00 Shibuya Scramble + Lunch
- 13:20-13:40 Imperial Palace
- 14:00-14:50 Ginza
- 15:10-16:00 Asakusa
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa
After meeting the guests at the hotel, we discussed where to go. Since they had already visited the popular spots of Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, and Tsukiji, I suggested various other places, and we decided to start at Takeshita Street.
On Takeshita Street, the guests enjoyed visiting a Shiba Inu cafe. After that, we saw the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue before having lunch.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace were closed for the New Year holidays, so we only viewed Nijubashi Bridge. In Ginza, the guests enjoyed a cafe latte at a car showroom.
In Asakusa, the group enjoyed drawing omikuji fortunes together, and they also purchased omamori charms.
Since one of the guests found it difficult to walk long distances, we made full use of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, and took frequent breaks while getting around.
When I asked for their impressions at the end, it seemed the guests had enjoyed themselves.
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 | Shinjuku～Harajuku | 167JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meiji-jingumae～Shibuya | 178JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Sakuradamon | 178JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Sakuradamon～Ginza-itchome | 178JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Ginza～Asakusa | 209JPY |
| Total | 910JPY | ||
Hello! I’m TAKU.
Don’t worry I’m NOT TAX!
With an extensive knowledge of history and love for this amazing city, I am dedicated to giving unforgettable experiences that reveal the essence of Tokyo and surrounding area. Tokyo offers such a variety of attractions and beautiful places such as historical and cultural places, parks, museums and modern buildings & towers.
I have deep knowledge to guide from the historical point of view, Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, off-the-beaten-tracks and many other spots in Tokyo. In addition, I have specialized skills to explain Sumo, viewing tournaments or stable practice tour because I have been a fan of Sumo more than 50 years.
Beyond my tour guiding expertise, I hold a master’s degree in Medical administration and financial planning, and I had worked for health insurance societies and pension fund, I can explain Japanese Social Security system while my guiding.
Tokyo has convenient public transportation system, but it is still difficult for visitors to use without any difficulties because of using Japanese signs. That is when you need a guide, too.
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We were in Tokyo as part of a business trip and only had one day free to explore the city. This 6 hour tour with our guide Taku, was the perfect way to get to see the major sights, learn interesting historical facts and get an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and tradition. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and also flexible to our own specific interests. He also worked very well with our personal driver to maximise our time. I would highly recommend this tour and our guide Taku.
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Touring Tokyo with our guide, Taku, was amazing!! From the moment we booked, Taku was in touch via WhatsApp and inquired about our preferences for the tour and he absolutely delivered! He met us at our cruise ship right on time to begin our adventure. He is polite, friendly and incredibly knowledgable about Japan’s history, culture, art and religion. He knows the best places to see and how to navigate the crowds, not to mention the complex, but efficient subways and trains. We wanted to see as much as possible of Tokyo, so we decided to use the subways to avoid traffic and, because of Taku, it was fantastic! In one day, he showed us the Asakusa Temple, where we were purified with water and smoke and make offerings for blessings. We saw the beautiful Meiji Shrine and learned about the Emperor Meiji and his incredible impact on Japanese culture. We strolled through Ueno Park and Museums, At the Imperial Palace we learned about the Samari and Shogun era and enjoyed the most beautiful gardens in the middle of the city. Throughout the day, Taku even found us many early blooming Cherry Blossoms!!! We also did the sights and shopping on Takeshita Street, Ginza and the busy Shubaya Crossing with the Hatchi Statue!
Taku showed us many opportunities for unique street food and snacks such as springtime Strawberry Mochi! The vendors stalls and carts were very clean and they artistically presented their specialties, which was delightful to see!
Taku found us a tiny local restaurant for lunch that offered a variety choices from Sushi to Ramen to Tempura. The food was delicious with local Akira beer and not too expensive!
It was a whirlwind tour and when we were finished 8 hours later, Taku graciously escorted us on the train back to Yokohama port and our cruise ship. If you want to experience Tokyo in the best possible way, book this tour and make sure to ask for Taku-san as your guide!!!
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To top it off took us to an amazing ramen restaurant. Thanks.
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