Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
November, 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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 10:20 Meet up @Hotel
- 2. 10:35 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:55 Stay @East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 4. 12:10 Travel: Subway
- 5. 12:35 Stay @Asakusa
- 6. 13:55 Lunch @Sushizanmai Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
- 7. 14:35 Travel: Subway
- 8. 15:30 Stay @Meiji Shrine
- 9. 16:10 Stay @Omotesando, Cat Street
- 10. 16:45 Stay @Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 11. 17:00 Travel: Subway
- 12. 17:30 Disband @Ginza 4-chome Crossing

What Does a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya
The guests were a family visiting from North America. I was a little concerned about dietary matters, but there was no particular problem, and they enjoyed sushi at a sushi restaurant with great pleasure.
For the itinerary, I chose the classic spots of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine, and decided to end by showing them the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. I had initially planned to guide them to Asakusa first, but since it seemed they had eaten breakfast rather late, I took them to the East Gardens first. In Asakusa, a Hirosaki Neputa event was being held, so I was able to show them a livelier atmosphere than usual. Meiji Shrine was more crowded than usual, perhaps due to the Niiname-sai harvest festival, and even at the late hour there were several wedding ceremonies taking place, which I believe the guests enjoyed. Before heading to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, there was a request to see Cat Street, so I decided to guide them on foot from Meiji Shrine to Shibuya. It was a great help that the guests had no trouble at all with long walks. At the end, I showed them some places where they could have dinner around the Ginza 4-chome intersection before we parted ways.
Also, this guest has kindly left a high review. I would like to reply, so I would appreciate it if you could confirm.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Hibiya Station~Otemachi Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station~Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station~Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station~Ginza 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.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations
