Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

What Is a Private Day Tour to Gotokuji, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Asakusa in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Since I had learned from an email beforehand that they were staying at a hotel in Ginza, we met there.

By coincidence, following the previous Saturday, I once again had the opportunity to guide guests to Gotokuji Temple. This time, however, the guests had Suica cards, so getting around was easier than before. On this occasion as well, they did some shopping within the grounds of Gotokuji Temple and at the shopping street in front of the station. I became convinced that walking the stretch between the station and the temple is an important part of the experience. Although it was still a bit early to enjoy the autumn foliage at Koishikawa Korakuen, it was surprisingly well received. It is very helpful that the metropolitan gardens are open almost all year round.

In Asakusa, I kept the tour focused mainly on Nakamise Street. Although time was tight, since a single subway line runs back to the hotel in Ginza, I took them there last as originally planned and we parted ways on site.

[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.