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. 09:50 Meet up @ Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:30 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 4. 11:45 Travel: Subway
- 5. 12:05 Stay @ Tsukiji Uogashi
- 6. 12:35 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo
- 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway, Train
- 8. 14:00 Stay @ Odaiba
- 9. 14:30 Travel: Train
- 10. 15:00 Stay @ Excelsior Caffé Wing Shimbashi Station
- 11. 15:25 Travel: Subway
- 12. 15:40 Stay @ Akihabara
- 13. 16:10 Travel: Subway
- 14. 16:45 Disband @ Hotel Metropolitan Edmont
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. The group arranged the itinerary to match the wishes of some of the guests, so it turned out a little different from the usual route.
At the East Gardens, we were still able to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The day was as cold as midwinter with strong wind and rain, but this was the best spot for taking photos. Since the group's food preferences varied, at Tsukiji I took them to a food court for a lunch break.
Although I have visited Odaiba many times as a meeting point, this was my first time guiding there. Surprisingly, the Gundam statue was quite well received. However, the wind here was so strong that it was almost impossible to walk while holding an umbrella. Before heading to Akihabara, we decided to take a break at Shimbashi Station, which was very convenient on a day of bad weather since there is a coffee shop underground. In Akihabara I gave only a brief explanation, and finally I saw the group off at their Hotel before 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 | Iidabashi Station～Otemachi Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Tsukiji Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tsukijishijo Station～Shiodome Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shiodome Station～Daiba Station | 330JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Daiba Station～Shimbashi Station | 330JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Shimbashi Station～Suehirocho Station | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Free Pass | Suehirocho Station～Iidabashi Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,560JPY | ||
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