Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kei

January, 2025

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 Mimaru Tokyo Kinshicho
  • 2. 9:30 Asakusa Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise
  • 3. 11:30 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 4. 13:00 Meiji Shrine
  • 5. 14:00 Lunch at Santouka Ramen
  • 6. 15:00 Shibuya Crossing
  • 7. 16:00 Disband at Shimbashi Station Yurikamome

Title: What Is a First-Day Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, and this was their very first day in the country. Since they had just arrived the day before from Oceania, where it was summer, I offered them heat packs to help with the cold. In Asakusa, they bought ningyo-yaki and fruit from the street stalls, and they were very fond of the warm tea from the vending machines. On the way to Kuramae Station, they enjoyed taking photos with the anime characters displayed at the Bandai headquarters. At Iidabashi Station, on the way to Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, we took a slightly wrong exit but corrected it right away. We had intended to get off at Yoyogi Station to head to Meiji Shrine, but ended up getting off at Kitasando Station instead. As it was Coming of Age Day, Meiji Shrine was crowded together with New Year's worshippers, and the worship route was restricted, but we were able to enter through the north torii gate and exit through the first torii gate to the south. From there, for lunch at Santouka Ramen, we were fortunate that a terrace seat opened up right away and we were able to sit. For guests who do not mind the cold, Santouka Ramen with its terrace seating is a great help. After viewing the Shibuya crossing, we parted ways at Shimbashi. The guests seemed to really enjoy the ramen.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassKinshicho～Asakusa900JPY
Section 2Free PassKuramae～Iidabashi0JPY
Section 3Free PassIidabashi～Kitasando0JPY
Section 4Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Shibuya0JPY
Section 5Free PassShibuya～Shimbashi0JPY
Total900JPY

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…