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. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku PREMIER
- 2. 10:05 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:30 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 4. 11:30 Travel: Subway
- 5. 11:40 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 6. 11:50 Travel: Subway
- 7. 12:30 Lunch @ Sushi no Nagi
- 8. 13:10 Stay @ Asakusa
- 9. 14:30 Travel: Subway
- 10. 15:00 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 11. 16:05 Travel: Subway
- 12. 16:40 Disband @ Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku PREMIER
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Higashi Gyoen, and Shibuya
The guests were a very young group visiting from South America. Since I had heard they were fans of anime, I had planned to include Akihabara in the itinerary, but as they had already visited there the previous day, I added Shibuya instead.
Because one of the guests preferred to avoid gluten, I took the group for lunch to a sushi restaurant in the Tawaramachi area that offers gluten-free soy sauce. A large group reservation happened to be there at the same time, so while we were able to have our meal, it was a bit noisy, which was a drawback. Even so, there is also a gluten-free bakery near this sushi restaurant, so personally I would like to use it again.
The time spent at each spot was not long, but after visiting Higashi Gyoen I also guided the group around Marunouchi, and since the hotel was located in Nishi-Shinjuku, quite far from the Asakusa area, before I knew it a fair amount of time had passed. In the end, I saw them back to the hotel and 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 | Nishi-Shinjuku Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Tawaramachi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Otemachi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Tokyo Station～Nishi-Shinjuku Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
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