Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

September, 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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 09:45 Meet up @ Hyatt Regency Tokyo
  • 2. 09:55 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 10:30 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • 4. 12:10 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 12:30 Stay @ Meiji Shrine, Lunch @ Mori no Terrace 2nd
  • 6. 14:10 Travel: Train
  • 7. 14:20 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 8. 14:35 Travel: Train, Subway
  • 9. 15:10 Disband @ Hyatt Regency Tokyo

What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Central Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on the East Gardens, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing

I received a last-minute message that the guests had changed their accommodation, so we met at the Hotel instead. Since it is a hotel I visit frequently, this actually worked out conveniently. The guests purchased PASMO cards at Tochomae Station, and we used both JR and subway lines to get around.

The guests were visitors from North America, both cheerful, and the tour proceeded in an enjoyable atmosphere throughout, with lively conversation. We first visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is a little far from the hotel, and afterward went to Meiji Shrine and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The guests had a strong interest in Japanese history and plants, and the East Gardens in particular were very well received. Progress to Meiji Shrine was smooth, but since lunch and shopping there took more time than expected, we were nearly at the end time by the time the walk was finished. Even so, sensing how much they wanted to also see the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, I extended the tour a little. At the end, I explained how to return to Tochomae Station, saw them back to the Hotel, and we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTochomae～Otemachi (Tokyo)220JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
Section 4TrainHarajuku～Tochomae330JPY
Total910JPY

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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