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
- 08:00 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
- 08:40 Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko
- 09:10 Meiji Shrine
- 10:40 Imperial Palace
- 12:10 Lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa)
- 13:00 Sensoji Temple
- 14:20 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 15:20 Dismissal @ Hotel Tokyo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 08:00, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel Tokyo, and finished at 15:20. The day ran to 7 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Tanaka Soba Shop (Asakusa) at 12:10.
From there the group visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko at 08:40, Meiji Shrine at 09:10, Imperial Palace at 10:40, Sensoji Temple at 13:00 and Hamarikyu Gardens at 14:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shimbashi to Shibuya by subway (700JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (0JPY); Yurakucho to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Shimbashi by subway (0JPY); Shimbashi to Shiodome by train (190JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,040JPY per person.
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Senso-ji
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to continue to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. At Meiji Shrine, they seemed deeply 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, they were interested to hear about the differences between temples and shrines, and they enjoyed sweets along Nakamise Street. At Hamarikyu Gardens, they appeared impressed by the beautiful Japanese garden. Since I responded to the guests' wishes throughout, 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 | Shimbashi～Shibuya | 700JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Yurakucho～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Asakusa～Shimbashi | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shimbashi～Shiodome | 190JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Tokyo at 08:00, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Tokyo at 15:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 08:00 to 15:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Hamarikyu Gardens.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,040JPY per person across 6 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
our pace, and offered recommendations at each location. Highly recommended!
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U9351HJjakes
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…
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Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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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。