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 Meet at Hotel, then purchase medicine at the pharmacy
- 10:00 Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 13:00 Tsukiji Market
- 15:00 Meiji Shrine
- 16:00 Disband at Meiji Shrine
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 9:30, when the guide met the guests at Hotel, then purchase medicine at the pharmacy, and finished at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Imperial Palace East Gardens at 10:00, Tsukiji Market at 13:00 and Meiji Shrine at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Shinjuku to Takebashi by subway (290JPY); Hibiya to Tsukiji by subway (180JPY); Tsukiji to Meiji-jingumae by subway (210JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private 2-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine
Body: As this was the second day following the previous one, the conversation flowed easily from the start and we began smoothly. Since some concern about knee swelling was mentioned, we bought an anti-inflammatory at a pharmacy before beginning the tour. The guests were interested in Japanese culture and gardens, so at the Imperial Palace we spent time carefully exploring Bairin-zaka Slope, the Tenshudai Donjon Base, the Fujimi-yagura Keep, and the Ninomaru Garden. Camellias, Kawazu cherry blossoms, and plum blossoms were in full bloom, and the guests seemed to enjoy taking in the fragrances and taking photos. At Tsukiji Market, we energetically sampled grilled wagyu skewers, shumai, tuna sushi, and more. Meiji Shrine was crowded as it was a Saturday, but the guests seemed to like its quiet atmosphere. We had planned to go to Shibuya, but since the Yamanote Line was suspended and it was already 4 o'clock, we ended the tour there. There were times I had to ask them to repeat things, and the guests kindly said they were used to being asked to repeat themselves and spoke slowly for me. It was a very fulfilling tour spent over two days with a wonderful group. The total step count exceeded 40,000 steps.
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 | Subway | Higashi-Shinjuku～Takebashi | 290JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Hibiya～Tsukiji | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tsukiji～Meiji-jingumae | 210JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel, then purchase medicine at the pharmacy at 9:30, and the tour finished at Meiji Shrine at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:30 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tsukiji Market and Meiji Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY per person across 3 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?
Yumi 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.
I’m YUMI. Japan is full of history, nature and culture. I would like to talk about them from many aspects. When you have some questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. There’re many off the beaten paths in Japan. If you want to walk in a hidden local area, I’ll tailor the special course as you wish.
Experiencing new foods is also one of many intriguing things during your trip. I would recommend anything from street foods such as Ramen, Yakitori to authentic Sushi or elegant courses. My policy is to cherish your feelings and time. Let’s enjoy talking and walking with me!
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time…
Jun 6, 2026
Michelle0309
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Off the tourist track in Tokyo
We had such a lovely time with our guide, Yumi. We wanted to visit places that showed us
life for Tokyo residents plus some architecture heroes. The four hours disappeared so
quickly and Yumi had planned our tour so efficiently, no wasted time. Yumi is a star!
May 25, 2026
lynnv748
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Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day…
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lynnv748
Tripadvisor review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakone was a highlight of our vacation
We loved our day with Yumi. She was so warm and friendly and very knowledgeable. She
took us to the major attractions in Hakone efficiently and helped us avoid long lines. We
took cable cars, a lovely boat ride and the bus.
May 20, 2026
Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty…
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Suzana F
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji Food and Toyosu Market with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned and enjoyed every minut
Yumi was a fanty guide. She make us feel welcomed and tried to capture and pass to us
the history and current vibe of the markets. Also she give us insides into food and Japanese
culture.
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is…
May 14, 2026
Robert_L
Excellent tour with our outstanding guide, Yumi
Viator review: Tokyo 6 hr Private Guided Tour & Tea Ceremony Experience
Yumi is an outstanding guide. She greatly assisted in guiding us in our choices of areas Tokyo to tour based on our likes. Yumi gave us a wealth of information on Japanese history and culture specific to the areas we toured. She met us in the lobby of our Tokyo hotel and guided us with travel using the Tokyo train and subway. We choose to see the Rikugien garden, the Asakusa area of Tokyo and the Sensoji Temple. The Japanese Tea ceremony was beautiful, calming and informative. Yumi helped us arrange to add wearing Kimonos for this experience. She graciously took our photos throughout this tour. She is such a lovely lady. We highly recommend this tour and have high praises for Yumi.