Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

May, 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. 09:50 Meet up@The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
  • 2. 09:55 Move∶Subway
  • 3. 10:25 Stay@Imperial Palace East Gardens, Marunouchi
  • 4. 11:55 Move∶Subway
  • 5. 12:40 Lunch@Aoi Marushin
  • 6. 13:30 Stay@Asakusa
  • 7. 14:10 Move∶Subway
  • 8. 14:40 Disband@Ginza 4-chome Intersection

# What Can You See on a Private Tokyo History Tour of the East Gardens, Asakusa, and Ginza? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors to Japan, and I had wondered about the pronunciation of their name and where they were originally from, but it turned out they had relocated to North America from Europe. I did not ask for details, but they appeared to be part of the same group.

Since I had heard that they were interested in historical spots, I guided them mainly around the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Asakusa. After strolling through the East Gardens, we also stopped by Tokyo Station, where I explained the Shinkansen platforms as well.

As they were also interested in shopping streets, after showing them around Asakusa I took them to Ginza, where we parted at the Ginza 4-chome intersection. Considering the convenience of their return to their accommodation, we mainly used the Ginza Line, which passes through Akasaka-mitsuke.

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke Station～Otemachi Station180JPY
Section 2SubwayTokyo Station～Asakusa Station210JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa Station～Ginza Station210JPY
Total600JPY

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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