Tokyo: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden & To the hotel — Guide Yuki
September, 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
- 10:00 Meet at hotel lobby
- 10:50 Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 12:30 Rikugien Garden
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:50 Hamarikyu Gardens
- 15:45 To the hotel
- 16:10 Tour ends / Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Tokyo began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel lobby, and finished at 16:10. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:30.
From there the group visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden at 10:50, Rikugien Garden at 12:30, Hamarikyu Gardens at 14:50 and To the hotel at 15:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinjuku West Exit to Iidabashi by subway (220JPY); Korakuen to Komagome by subway (180JPY); Komagome to Hamamatsucho by train (210JPY); Shiodome to Shinjuku by subway (220JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 830JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Japanese Garden Tour in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The hotel was located in Kabukicho, and although the surrounding area was a busy entertainment district, the guests were not particularly bothered by it, which was reassuring. The guests had hoped to take photos of autumn leaves, but the colors had not yet fully developed, so they seemed a little disappointed. However, they had a strong wish to visit Japanese gardens, so we first went to Koishikawa Korakuen, then Rikugien, and finally Hamarikyu. Since Shinjuku Gyoen, which we had originally planned to visit, was closed for the day, we changed the itinerary to Hamarikyu instead. At each garden, the guests enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, the trees, and the ponds, and took many photographs. For me as well, since my usual tours often involve walking through bustling city streets, this garden tour was a valuable experience.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shinjuku West Exit～Iidabashi | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Korakuen～Komagome | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Komagome～Hamamatsucho | 210JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Shiodome～Shinjuku | 220JPY |
| Total | 830JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Tokyo tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel lobby at 10:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends / Dismissal at 16:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Rikugien Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens and To the hotel.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 830JPY per person across 4 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?
Yuki 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.
Hello, I’m Yuki.
With a decade of experience as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government volunteer guide, I embody the spirit of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. I’ve introduced Tokyo from the observatory at the height of 202 meters and guided visitors to popular spots in the city. I have also lived in several foreign countries for studying, working, and staying as an expatriate. Additionally, I guide both individuals and large groups of around forty people, primarily in the Kyoto and Tokyo areas.
I enjoy watching movies and visiting temples and shrines, both in Japan and abroad. Eager to share Japan’s seasonal beauty and culture, I invite you to join me in exploring the excitement of Japan and creating a memorable tour together.
Jul 17, 2026
Daydream320684
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent start for first timers to Tokyo
We had…
Jul 17, 2026
Daydream320684
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent start for first timers to Tokyo
We had Yuki for our guide, and she was lovely and very knowledgeable. Yuki really took on board what we wanted to do for the day, and was flexible during the day when we needed to stop for rest breaks, food, etc. From the start, Yuki made us feel extremely comfortable. I mentioned that we wanted to collect Edo stamps, and Yuki even bought note pads for our children to enable us to do it. I would highly recommend undertaking a tour if this is your first visit to Tokyo, and Yuki as your guide. Thank you Yuki for a great start to our trip!
Jul 17, 2026
811katriens
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We learned a lot on a pleasant tour!
We…
Jul 17, 2026
811katriens
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We learned a lot on a pleasant tour!
We had a great dat with Yuki-san! We learned a lot and saw plenty of things. Thank you for the guidance!
Jun 7, 2026
N4293NMdiannad
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful Day out in Tokyo
We had a wonderful tour guide Yuki.…
Jun 7, 2026
N4293NMdiannad
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful Day out in Tokyo
We had a wonderful tour guide Yuki.
Yuki was very knowledgeable and helpful with all our questions and our needs. It was like going out for the day with a friend. Nothing was a problem for her. We couldn’t have done as much without her. We were looked after right to the end. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you Yuki it was an absolute pleasure.
Jun 7, 2026
V2134TIterryp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank You Yuki-san!
Private tours are the way to go! You do…
Jun 7, 2026
V2134TIterryp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank You Yuki-san!
Private tours are the way to go! You do not have to worry about losing your group or not being able to hear the information shared while walking. Our tour guide, Yuki, was fantastic. She created our personalized itinerary and made sure we could fit in the stops we requested. We were able to ask many questions and have great conversations. She went above and beyond accommodating us, from start to finish. This was one of our favorite days in Tokyo by far!