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. 10:20 Meet up @ Carrot Tower (Tokyu Sangenjaya Station)
- 2. 10:35 Travel: Train, Subway
- 3. 11:25 Visit @ Nezu Shrine
- 4. 12:20 Travel: Subway
- 5. 12:45 Lunch @ Obon de Gohan
- 6. 13:50 Visit @ Ameyoko, Ueno Park
- 7. 15:05 Travel: Train
- 8. 15:20 Visit @ Yanaka
- 9. 16:30 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Sendagi Station
What Is a Private Hidden-Gems Walking Tour of Yanaka and Nezu in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan. Recently, more travelers using vacation rentals and similar accommodations have requested a nearby station as the meeting point, and this time Sangenjaya Station was somewhat large, so I had to think carefully about where exactly to meet. There is a fairly spacious area on the second floor of Carrot Tower, a building directly connected to the station, so I designated this as the meeting point, and thanks to its good visibility we were able to meet up easily.
Since this was a "hidden gems" tour, the requested spots were around Nezu and Yanaka. However, both areas are a little too cramped for taking a meal break, so after guiding the group through Nezu Shrine, I took them to Ueno Park and we had a meal at a fairly spacious restaurant in Ueno. For the first time in a while, I also guided them through Yanaka Cemetery. It is a large area, and finding the graves of famous figures was a challenge, but the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, arguably the most famous of all, was easy to locate, so I was able to guide them there without any trouble.
Finally, I explained how to transfer at Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro before we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sangenjaya～Nezu | 390JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nezu～Yushima | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Ueno～Nippori | 160JPY |
| Total | 730JPY | ||
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.