Tokyo: Hamarikyu Gardens & Shibuya Scramble Crossing — Guide Lily

February, 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

  • 13:00 Meet @ Hotel
  • 13:30 Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 14:50 Departure
  • 15:10 Meiji Jingumae
  • First Torii Gate
  • 15:30 Takeshita Street, Withharajuku, Harakado
  • 17:05 Departure
  • 17:15 Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • Shibuchika
  • 17:45 Departure
  • 18:30 Dismissal @ Hotel

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 13:00 at @ Hotel and ended at 18:30. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.

Over the course of the day the route took in Hamarikyu Gardens at 13:30, Departure at 14:50, Meiji Jingumae at 15:10, Takeshita Street, Withharajuku, Harakado at 15:30, Departure at 17:05, Shibuya Scramble Crossing at 17:15 and Departure at 17:45.

What Is a Private Car Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a family visiting Japan from North America, and this was a tour with a private car.

At Hamarikyu Gardens, the guests enjoyed matcha and sweets while taking in the view of the garden. On the way to Harajuku, we passed through Roppongi, the expressway, and Aoyama, so I was able to talk about the different areas and Tokyo's postwar development, offering a perspective different from what you would get by train. The guests listened with great interest and asked many questions. At Meiji Shrine, I focused only on explaining the torii gate and Shinto. Since carrying the baby for a long time seemed tiring, after a crepe break in Harajuku I suggested a diaper change, and the timing worked out well for a change of who was holding the baby. Afterward, as the guests were tired from starting the tour early in the morning, they mentioned wanting to wrap up a little earlier. In the underground shopping area of Shibuya, they bought some sweets and yakitori, got into the car, and headed home. It was a calm and pleasant family throughout, which made me feel happy as well. Overall, I believe they enjoyed the tour very much.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Local Shopping Streets Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Lily

Hi there! Thank you so much for hitting my page!
I’m Yuriko, but please call me Lily!
I’m a qualified guide and interpreter, proud to be awarded as one of the finalists of Japan guide awards 2025.

I have conducted over 100 tours a year since March 2024, with more than 90% of my clients awarding a five-star rating.

I love Japanese food(eating and cooking!), cultures such as traditional arts and crafts, and so much more! I’ve always explored places seeking new things and love to share them with you.

I was born and raised in Tokyo(for over 40 years!) but used to live in the U.S. for a couple of years as a child.
I am proud to be able to introduce the charms of Japan from multiple perspectives based on my experience of interacting with people from many different nationalities.

I am happy to tailor an original plan or to arrange your bucket list advancing it to a better option.
The following is my contact information:
lilyjapanguide@gmail.com

I’m looking forward to guiding and sharing the excitement of Japan!!

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