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. 09:00 Meet @ Hotel Ginza Gochome
- 2. 09:05 Travel: On foot
- 3. 09:15 Stay @ Hamarikyu Gardens
- 4. 10:15 Travel: Subway
- 5. 10:50 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 6. 11:05 Travel: Subway
- 7. 11:15 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 8. 11:45 Travel: Subway
- 9. 12:25 Stay @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- 10. 12:55 Lunch @ Sushi no Wa
- 11. 13:35 Stay @ Sensoji Temple
- 12. 14:20 Travel: Subway
- 13. 14:45 Stay @ Nezu Shrine
- 14. 15:20 Travel: Subway
- 15. 15:40 Disband @ Hotel Ginza Gochome
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Hamarikyu Gardens and Ginza
The meeting point I had been given in advance was a hotel, but for some reason the guests seem to have changed it. Since communication was only through a messaging app, I should have double-checked whether it was still in Ginza near Tsukiji or a different hotel. Fortunately, the hotel where they were actually staying, in the Ginza 5-chome area, was only about a two-minute walk away, so we were able to meet up without any serious delay.
Among the requested spots was the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, but since it was closed on Monday, I instead guided the guests to Hamarikyu Gardens. As it was nearby, we walked there, and afterwards the guests purchased a one-day subway pass at Shimbashi Station.
I gave some thought to lunch due to a dietary consideration for one of the guests. "Sushi no Wa" is a restaurant I had previously used for a sushi-making experience tour with another group, and it was very helpful that they also had suitable soy sauce available. Since the guests did almost no shopping, we visited a few extra spots before I saw them off at their hotel, where we parted ways.
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 | Shimbashi Station～Shibuya Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Nezu Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Nezu Station～Higashi-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