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.
Tour Itinerary
- 07:50 Meet up @ Hotel
- 09:30 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
- 09:50 Meiji Shrine
- 11:30 Imperial Palace
- 12:30 Numazu Uogashi Sushi Marunouchi Building Branch
- 14:00 Senso-ji Temple
- 15:40 Shinjuku Gyoen
- 17:50 Disband @ Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 07:50, the group explored Tokyo until the tour ended at 17:50. The day ran to 10 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko at 09:30, Meiji Shrine at 09:50, Imperial Palace at 11:30, Numazu Uogashi Sushi Marunouchi Building Branch at 12:30, Senso-ji Temple at 14:00 and Shinjuku Gyoen at 15:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shin-Takashima to Shibuya by train (510JPY); Shibuya to Harajuku by train (150JPY); Meiji-jingumae to Nijubashimae by subway (700JPY); Tokyo to Ueno by train (170JPY); Ueno to Asakusa by subway (0JPY); Asakusa to Shinjuku-gyoenmae by subway (0JPY); Shinjuku-sanchome to Shin-Takashima by train (510JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 2,040JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji, and Shinjuku Gyoen
The guests were visitors from North America who were coming to Japan for the first time. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to join a cruise tour departing from Yokohama. At Meiji Shrine, they appeared deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere. 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 explanations about the differences between temples and shrines. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they seemed impressed by the cherry blossoms and the beautiful Japanese garden. I accommodated the guests' wishes as requested, so I believe they were satisfied.
Click here for more details: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shin-Takashima～Shibuya | 510JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae～Nijubashimae | 700JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Tokyo～Ueno | 170JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Ueno～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Asakusa～Shinjuku-gyoenmae | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Shinjuku-sanchome～Shin-Takashima | 510JPY |
| Total | 2,040JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 07:50, and the tour finished at @ Hotel at 17:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 10 hours in total, from 07:50 to 17:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Numazu Uogashi Sushi Marunouchi Building Branch, Senso-ji Temple and Shinjuku Gyoen.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,040JPY per person across 7 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
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We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our guide for Kamakura. He was an excellent guide for the whole day and it really made a difference with an experienced person who knew the area. He was very friendly and accommodating with our plans for Kamakura, including me picking out which temples and shrines to visit. He met us at our hotel in Asakusa and dropped us back off at the hotel even if it is an hour from Kamakura. He also recommended a great sushi restaurant that I would not have even known existed, even if I was looking straight at it. I would highly recommend bringing a guide like Seizo if you want to maximize your time in Kamakura to explore the area.
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