Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

August, 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. 08:50 Meet up@Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
  • 2. 09:00 Travel∶Subway
  • 3. 09:35 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 4. 10:00 Travel∶Subway
  • 5. 10:15 Stay@Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 11:15 Travel∶Subway
  • 7. 11:40 Stay@Imperial Palace (exterior), Marunouchi
  • 8. 12:20 Travel∶Subway
  • 9. 12:40 Stay@Senso-ji Temple
  • 10. 13:30 Disband@Senso-ji Temple Kaminarimon Gate

Title: What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like from Shimbashi to Asakusa? A Licensed Guide's Report

The meeting-point hotel for this tour was one I had visited several times before, and while I usually meet guests in the lobby on an upper floor, this time the guests were waiting on the ground floor where the taxi stand is located. I could tell from their message beforehand, and it was helpful that I already knew the layout of the hotel well. The guests purchased a one-day subway pass at Shimbashi Station, and to avoid rush hour we started the tour from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Line.

The guests were visiting from North America and had told me they would be returning home the following day, so I arranged the itinerary to cover as many spots as possible in a short time, including showing the exterior of the Imperial Palace. Although they walked at a steady, comfortable pace, I was able to guide them efficiently. After finishing the tour of Senso-ji Temple, we parted ways on site.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassShiodome～Shibuya900JPY
Section 2Free PassShibuya～Meiji-jingumae0JPY
Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae～Otemachi0JPY
Section 4Free PassOtemachi～Asakusa0JPY
Total900JPY

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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