Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam
April, 2025
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. 09:55 Meet up@Tokyo International Cruise Terminal
- 2. 10:00 Travel∶Train
- 3. 10:40 Stay@Hamarikyu Gardens
- 4. 11:30 Travel∶Subway
- 5. 12:00 Stay@Marunouchi, Wadakura Fountain Park
- 6. 12:20 Travel∶Subway
- 7. 13:00 Lunch@Santei
- 8. 13:40 Stay@Nakamise Street
- 9. 14:00 Stay@Kaminari Issa Matcha Experience Shop
- 10. 14:40 Disband@Okuyama Omairimachi
What Can You See on a Private Tokyo Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report from Hamarikyu to Asakusa
The guests were visiting from Europe. They seemed very knowledgeable about world affairs. Since it was close to the terminal, I first took the guests to Hamarikyu Gardens. Some late-blooming cherry blossoms still remained, and they seemed to enjoy this oasis in the middle of the city. As the East Gardens were closed, at the Imperial Palace I guided them around the exterior views, including the Marunouchi area. Since they were interested in tea rooms, at the end of the tour I took them to a shop in Asakusa where they could experience matcha. I had made a reservation for 2:00 PM the day before, and as there were no other participants, it was almost like having the place to ourselves. Because of this, it took less time than expected, and I was able to accompany them for shopping afterward as well. Since they wished to stay in Asakusa and explore on their own, we parted ways in front of the shop. Also, considering the return trip from Asakusa to the cruise terminal, I had them purchase a one-day pass at Shimbashi Station, and we traveled by subway except for the Yurikamome line.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station～Shiodome Station | 330JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shimbashi Station～Tokyo Station | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
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.