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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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.

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Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainTokyo International Cruise Terminal Station～Shiodome Station330JPY
Section 2SubwayShimbashi Station～Tokyo Station180JPY
Section 3SubwayOtemachi Station～Asakusa Station180JPY
Total690JPY

Tour Report by Sam

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.

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