Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

June, 2026

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. 12:00 Meet up @ Toei Subway Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station
  • 2. 12:05 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 12:30 Stay @ Asakusa
  • 4. 13:40 Lunch @ Sushizanmai
  • 5. 14:25 Travel: Subway
  • 6. 15:00 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 7. 16:10 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Asakusa and the East Gardens Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since their accommodation was near Kagurazaka, I designated Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station on the Toei subway as the meeting point. Because this station has only one ticket gate, meeting up went smoothly.

From Ushigome-Kagurazaka, we took the Oedo Line, got off at Kuramae Station, and decided to walk to Asakusa. It is also possible to transfer to the Asakusa Line, but since Senso-ji Temple is a bit of a distance either way, I find it more convenient to walk from Kuramae Station without transferring. The start time was a little awkward, and I was unsure how to handle the lunch break, but I addressed this by having them enjoy a light meal at a sushi restaurant.

At the end, I had intended to see them off from the East Gardens toward the Ushigome-Kagurazaka area, but I learned that they had signed up for an evening tour in Shinjuku, so I guided them to the Marunouchi Line platform at Otemachi before we parted ways.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayUshigome-Kagurazaka～Kuramae220JPY
Section 2SubwayAsakusa～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Total400JPY

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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