Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour — 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. 09:20 Meet up @ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- 2. 09:30 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:10 Visit @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 4. 11:10 Visit @ Imperial Palace Outer Gardens
- 5. 11:30 Travel: Subway
- 6. 12:00 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 7. 12:20 Lunch @ Ginza Lion
- 8. 12:55 Travel: Subway
- 9. 13:25 Visit @ Nezu Shrine
- 10. 13:55 Travel: Subway
- 11. 14:00 Visit @ Yanaka
- 12. 14:40 Travel: Subway
- 13. 15:25 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station
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.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Shinjuku Station～Otemachi Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Hibiya Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Nezu Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Nezu Station～Sendagi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Sendagi Station～Shinjuku Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
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.
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful…
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful guide. So knowledgable and friendly. He turned a rainy day into a great experience! We had so much fun at the sites we visited and would highly recommend him to anyone who would like to have some help navigating all of the things you can do in Tokyo. If you are even considering a guide, book a tour with him right now!
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best…
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best tour and the best tour guide ever (thank you Sam!!)! I cannot recommend this for anyone who is in Tokyo. Today was our first full day in Tokyo and we started at 9am with Sam who kindly picked us up at our hotel and reviewed our customized plan for our day. It was more than perfect.
Sam – we simply cannot thank you enough for making today a special memory for us. We hope to see you again soon!!
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!! He communicated well throughout the process and was extremely personable. He went above and beyond to meet our every wish. This was a wonderful introduction to Tokyo!!
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was a pleasure touring Tokyo with him.