Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

August, 2024

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

  • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
  • 2. 10:10 Stay @ Ikebukuro Station
  • 3. 10:25 Travel: Subway
  • 4. 11:05 Stay @ Asakusa
  • 5. 12:20 Travel: Subway
  • 6. 13:00 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 7. 13:25 Lunch @ Sobashiki
  • 8. 14:40 Travel: Subway
  • 9. 15:05 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
  • 10. 16:15 Dismissal @ Takeshita Street

What Is a Private Tokyo Tour Like from Ikebukuro to Asakusa and Harajuku? A Licensed Guide's Report

In the email I sent on the morning of the tour, I mentioned that I would be waiting in the hotel lobby, but the guest did not seem to notice the email and was standing outside the hotel entrance. Thanks to another guest going back inside the hotel to check, we did not lose much time.

The guests wished to purchase a 3-day subway pass, so we first completed the process at Ikebukuro Station. To travel from Ikebukuro to Asakusa by subway, it is relatively convenient to transfer to the Oedo Line along the way, but since the distance is considerable, it did take some time.

As it was a Saturday, the restaurants everywhere were crowded. This time, since the spots other than Asakusa were close together, there was no major impact, but I felt that caution will be needed going forward.

At the end, in front of Takeshita Street, I explained how to return to Ikebukuro Station by subway, and then we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassIkebukuro Station～Asakusa Station900JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa Station～Shibuya Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassShibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
Total900JPY

Tour Report by Sam

Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

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Sep 29, 2026
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Sam was a wonderful…

Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
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Best…

Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
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Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

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Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…