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.
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.
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful…
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful guide. So knowledgable and friendly. He turned a rainy day into a great experience! We had so much fun at the sites we visited and would highly recommend him to anyone who would like to have some help navigating all of the things you can do in Tokyo. If you are even considering a guide, book a tour with him right now!
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best…
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best tour and the best tour guide ever (thank you Sam!!)! I cannot recommend this for anyone who is in Tokyo. Today was our first full day in Tokyo and we started at 9am with Sam who kindly picked us up at our hotel and reviewed our customized plan for our day. It was more than perfect.
Sam – we simply cannot thank you enough for making today a special memory for us. We hope to see you again soon!!
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!! He communicated well throughout the process and was extremely personable. He went above and beyond to meet our every wish. This was a wonderful introduction to Tokyo!!
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was a pleasure touring Tokyo with him.