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. 10:10 Meet up @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
  • 2. 10:20 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 11:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 4. 11:20 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 12:05 Stay @ Asakusa
  • 6. 13:10 Travel: Subway
  • 7. 13:35 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens Otemon Gate
  • 8. 13:55 Travel: Subway
  • 9. 14:20 Disband @ Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho

What Is a Private Tokyo Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa and the Imperial Palace

The guest's arrival at the lobby was slightly delayed. Because some travel fatigue remained and walking the full course together was not feasible, I ended up guiding one member of the group on their own. The guest, who mentioned having a background in nursing, was very sociable, and we were able to conduct the tour while enjoying conversation throughout. Since there was a request not to spend too much time on meals, we had a light snack near Nakamise-dori. Because the hotel was located somewhat far away and we spent more time than expected in Asakusa, at the Imperial Palace I limited the tour to the area around Otemon Gate. As the guest wished to leave the hotel at 15:00 to head to Yokohama, we went directly from Otemachi to Kinshicho and parted ways in front of the Hotel.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassKinshicho Station～Shibuya Station700JPY
Section 2Free PassShibuya Station～Asakusa Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassOtemachi Station～Kinshicho Station0JPY
Total700JPY

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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