Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour — Guide Sam

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of the Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, and Yanaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest did not use a messaging app and had replied only briefly to emails beforehand, but arrived early in the hotel lobby, so we were able to start the tour smoothly. As expected, the guest enjoyed taking photos. While guiding through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I realized the guest was especially interested in the Nijubashi Bridge and the Fushimi-yagura Turret, so I also showed them the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. I had been refraining from guiding the Outer Garden during the hot summer season, but I truly felt that it remains popular as a photo spot even among international visitors.

Since lunch was finished quickly, I also took the guest to Yanaka after Nezu Shrine. Nezu Shrine had unexpectedly few worshippers, so we were able to take many photos in front of the "Senbon Torii" (Thousand Torii Gates). The guest seemed a little tired in the afternoon, but I felt they took an interest in the distinctive temples in Yanaka as well. Although it rained in the morning, the weather was fortunately good during the tour, which was a great help.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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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.