Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

Can You Do a Private Day Trip Through Tokyo Visiting Asakusa, the East Gardens, and Meiji Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Before the tour, one of the guests had shared details about the group in an email, which made communication easy from the start and was very helpful.

Because their accommodation was located right behind Senso-ji Temple, we were able to visit the temple in the morning and avoid the crowds. At the East Gardens, the group did some shopping, so we spent a little more time there than usual. The restaurant I chose for lunch was a real find on this occasion. Despite the crowds at Meiji Shrine, this restaurant located within the same grounds had plenty of seats available and was uncrowded, and I felt it would be useful going forward, especially when guiding larger groups. Although the tour included many stops, the group was able to move at a brisk pace, so I rarely had to worry about time. At the end, I introduced some recommended shops around Nakamise Street before seeing the guests back to their accommodation, ending the tour.

This private tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.

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

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.