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
- 10:20 Meet up @ Hotel
- 11:00 Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko
- 11:20 Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 12:40 Imperial Palace
- 13:40 Lunch @ MR. FARMER (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya)
- 15:10 Sensoji Temple
- 16:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 17:30 Dismissal @ Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:20 at @ Hotel and ended at 17:30. The day ran to 7 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ MR. FARMER (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya) at 13:40.
Over the course of the day the route took in Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko at 11:00, Meiji Jingu Shrine at 11:20, Imperial Palace at 12:40, Sensoji Temple at 15:10 and Hamarikyu Gardens at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shibakoen to Meguro by subway (900JPY); Meguro to Shibuya by train (170JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (0JPY); Nijubashimae to Hibiya by subway (0JPY); Hibiya to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Shimbashi by subway (0JPY); Shiodome to Akabanebashi by subway (0JPY). Across 8 sections the fare came to 1,220JPY per person.
What Is a Private Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, and Hamarikyu
The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo and around Mount Fuji, they were planning to depart on a cruise. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, which was so different from Shibuya. At the Imperial Palace, they listened with great interest to historical explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Senso-ji Temple, they were intrigued by explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they seemed impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. I responded to the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.
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 | Shibakoen～Meguro | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Meguro～Shibuya | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Nijubashimae～Hibiya | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Hibiya～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Asakusa～Shimbashi | 0JPY |
| Section 8 | Subway | Shiodome～Akabanebashi | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:20, and the tour finished at @ Hotel at 17:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 10:20 to 17:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing / Hachiko, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Hamarikyu Gardens.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,220JPY per person across 8 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?
Seizo 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 am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto
Jul 10, 2026
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…
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A wonderful day with an experienced guide
Our guide, Seizo, was amazing. He was informative without being overwhelming, matched
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a great personality, kept us on
schedule, and knew what we would like! He was receptive to our needs at every moment.
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HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
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HugoJ670
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Tokio in de zon
Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende gids. De metro van Tokio is een doolhof en zonder hem zou ik een hoop tijd verloren hebben, we bezochten de highlights en Seizo wist overal wat te vertellen. Het tempo lag wel hoog en het was warm maar Seizo wist ook waar we een frisse pint konden drinken. Kortom ik ben zeer tevreden.
太陽の下の東京
Seizo Kamintoさんは素晴らしいガイドです。東京の地下鉄は迷路のようですが、彼がいなければ多くの時間を無駄にしていたと思います。私たちは見どころを巡り、Seizoさんはどこでもいろいろと説明してくれました。ペースはやや速く、暑さもありましたが、Seizoさんは冷たいビールを飲める場所も知っていました。
要するに、とても満足しています。