Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
January, 2025
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. 09:20 Meet up @ The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
- 2. 09:30 Move∶Subway
- 3. 10:10 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 4. 10:25 Move∶Subway
- 5. 10:40 Stay @ Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 6. 11:50 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 7. 12:20 Move∶Subway
- 8. 13:00 Lunch @ KOMEDA is □
- 9. 14:00 Stay @ TOKYO PEARL Ginza Store
- 10. 14:40 Move∶Subway
- 11. 15:00 Stay @ Wadakura Fountain Park
- 12. 15:30 Move∶Subway
- 13. 15:50 Stay @ TOKYO PEARL Ginza Store (Revisit)
- 14. 16:10 Move∶Subway
- 15. 16:40 Stay @ Asakusa
- 16. 17:10 Disband @ Hoppy Street
Title: What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginza, the Imperial Palace, and Asakusa
The guests were visitors from North America. Since they did not have a Suica card, we first went to Akasaka-mitsuke Station so they could purchase a one-day pass for the Tokyo Metro. The guests loved taking photos, so the time spent at each spot was a little longer than usual. I had been informed in advance about a dietary preference, so for lunch I took them to a vegan cafe in East Ginza.
During lunch, one of the guests expressed a wish to visit a pearl shop, so I took them to a specialty store near the cafe. A considerable amount of time was spent on price negotiations and similar matters. While waiting for size adjustments, I gave a brief explanation of the Imperial Palace from the outside, and we returned to the shop to pick up the purchased items. By the time we left the pearl shop, the scheduled end time had arrived, but since one of the guests also wished to visit Asakusa, we extended the tour. I gave a brief explanation of Sensoji Temple, and finally took them to Hoppy Street before ending the tour.
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 | Akasaka-mitsuke Station～Shibuya Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Higashi-ginza Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Higashi-ginza Station～Otemachi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Station～Higashi-ginza Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Higashi-ginza Station～Asakusa 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