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. 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
- 2. 09:05 Travel: Subway
- 3. 09:30 Stay @ Asakusa
- 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
- 5. 11:30 Stay @ Tsukiji Hongwanji, Tsukiji Uogashi
- 6. 12:10 Lunch @ Tsukiji Uogashi Shokudo
- 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway
- 8. 13:50 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 9. 14:10 Travel: Subway
- 10. 14:25 Stay @ Harajuku, Takeshita Street
- 11. 15:15 Travel: Subway
- 12. 15:45 Disband @ Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan. At Shimbashi Station, which was near the Hotel, they purchased a combined one-day pass for the Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro, and we traveled by subway.
Just before the tour, we received a request to change Meiji Shrine, which had been listed as a desired spot, to Takeshita Street. Originally we had planned to visit the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Meiji Shrine in the morning, but with this change I decided to take the group to Asakusa first. This decision seemed to work out quite well. Around the Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, many shops were already open by around 10:00, so the guests were able to enjoy shopping from early in the day. They had mentioned being interested in the Tsukiji market but not fond of raw fish, so I chose the Uogashi Shokudo as the lunch venue, since it offers not only seafood but also chicken dishes and pastries, and this time as well the guests seemed satisfied with menu items such as teriyaki chicken and a mixed fry.
Since one of the guests appeared to be having trouble deciding on a souvenir, on Takeshita Street I took the group even to a tucked-away shop that I usually skip, and in the end they seemed to find their favorite character goods, which was a relief. At the end, I saw the group off to the Hotel before we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Shimbashi Station～Asakusa Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Tsukiji Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Tsukiji Station～Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Shimbashi Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
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.