Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam
June, 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. 08:55 Meet up@Jeffery Skytree Residence Tokyo
- 2. 09:00 Move∶Bus
- 3. 09:25 Stay@Senso-ji Temple
- 4. 10:25 Move∶Subway
- 5. 10:35 Stay@Ueno Park
- 6. 11:35 Move∶Subway
- 7. 11:45 Stay@Nezu Shrine
- 8. 12:25 Move∶Subway
- 9. 12:55 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 10. 13:10 Disband@Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo's Temples and Shrines? A Licensed Guide's Report
The meeting point for this tour was a lodging facility, but its main drawback was that it was far from any station. Since it seemed to take more than ten minutes on foot to reach either Oshiage Station or Asakusa Station, we decided to first take a bus to Asakusa Station. The bus, scheduled to arrive at 09:10, was slightly delayed, but it was not extremely crowded, and since the guests did some shopping at a convenience store during the wait, I think we were able to use our time relatively efficiently. It was also convenient that the guests had Suica cards.
As one of the guests seemed interested in temples and shrines, I mainly guided them to three places: Sensoji Temple, Ueno Park, and Nezu Shrine. Because we moved at a quick pace, we had time to spare, so I decided to guide them last to Shibuya, which they had mentioned wanting to visit for shopping after the tour, and we parted ways after crossing the intersection.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Mukojima 2-chome~Asakusa Kaminarimon | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Asakusa Station~Ueno Station | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Yushima Station~Nezu Station | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Nezu Station~Shibuya Station | 210JPY |
| Total | 780JPY | ||
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.
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience…
Jul 21, 2026
G848SWmaribelm
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
The tour experience with Sam was awesome! He is knowledgeable and accommodating. We would recommend this tour.
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed…
Jul 16, 2026
Cezary P
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour of Tokyo!
Sam, was outstanding! Showed us how and what to look for. Explained the IC cards, subway and way around them. Took us to all places we asked for and explained all about them. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…
Jul 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide – Sam. Sam was professional and personable and helped us tailor the experience y including a tour of the fish market and lunch at his favorite sushi restaurant. Tour was great – good pace and Sam is extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer all our questions- overall a 5 star experience!!
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see…
Jun 18, 2026
David_W
Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Fish Market Tour
Great tour. Got to see both markets (old
and new). Great food options are available at both market locations
