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. 09:50 Meet @ Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:40 Stay @ Rikugien Garden
- 4. 11:30 Travel: Train
- 5. 11:40 Stay @ Yanaka
- 6. 12:15 Lunch @ Risaku
- 7. 13:30 Travel: Subway
- 8. 13:40 Stay @ Nezu Shrine
- 9. 14:20 Travel: Subway
- 10. 14:30 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 11. 15:30 Stay @ Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Marunouchi
- 12. 16:20 Dismissal @ Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Northern Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a cheerful group with remarkable stamina. Since I had heard that they were not interested in typical tourist spots or museums, I focused mainly on the quiet areas of northern Tokyo, with the exception of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
As on the previous day, I first guided them to Rikugien Garden, but it was far more crowded than the day before, apparently because it had been featured on television. Even so, the weeping cherry trees were even closer to full bloom, and it felt well worth the wait to see them. Since the guests had Suica cards, we traveled by JR from Komagome to the next stop, Yanaka.
For lunch, we visited a rice ball shop near Sendagi Station for the first time in a while. Since we arrived right at lunchtime, we had to wait a little, but I think the guests were able to enjoy a local atmosphere not found at other restaurants.
As the guests were not interested in shopping, we had extra time in the latter half. At the Imperial Palace, I took them all the way to the outer garden and then guided them through Marunouchi. Since their accommodation was near Tokyo Station, we continued on foot and parted ways in front of their hotel.
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 | Subway | Nihonbashi Station～Komagome Station | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Komagome Station～Nippori Station | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sendagi Station～Nezu Station | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Nezu Station～Otemachi Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
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.