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. 12:40 Meet up @ The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
  • 2. 12:50 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 13:30 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 4. 14:50 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 15:30 Stay @ Asakusa
  • 6. 16:35 Stay @ Kappabashi Kitchen Town
  • 7. 17:00 Travel: Subway
  • 8. 17:15 Disband @ Ueno-okachimachi Station

**Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like for a Group Interested in Plants and Cuisine? A Licensed Guide's Report

**Body:**

This was a somewhat larger group of six guests visiting from Europe. Almost at the same moment I arrived at the Hotel, everyone returned from being out, so we were able to meet up smoothly.

Since they had shared specific details about their interests by email in advance, planning the itinerary was very easy. As I had heard that many of them were fond of plants, I first took them to Shinjuku Gyoen. More than the roses in full bloom, they showed great interest in the symbolic tulip tree and the early-blooming irises, and I believe they truly enjoyed it. As I had also learned that many of them were interested in cooking, in Asakusa I set aside time for them to explore the nearby Kappabashi Kitchenware Street.

After guiding them through the transfer from Ueno-hirokoji Station to Ueno-okachimachi Station, I explained how to return to Tochomae Station via the Oedo Line, and the tour concluded. Please note that on this occasion the guests paid the admission fee for Shinjuku Gyoen themselves, so it is not included in my reimbursed expenses.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTochomae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station180JPY
Section 2SubwayShinjuku-sanchome Station～Asakusa Station280JPY
Section 3SubwayTawaramachi Station～Ueno-hirokoji Station180JPY
Total640JPY

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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