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 Blossom Shinjuku
- 2. 09:00 Travel∶On foot
- 3. 09:20 Stay@Tokyo Metropolitan Government North Observatory
- 4. 10:10 Travel∶Subway, train
- 5. 10:30 Stay@Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 6. 11:30 Travel∶Subway
- 7. 12:00 Stay@Tsukiji Uogashi
- 8. 12:30 Lunch@Tsukiji Sushisei New Building
- 9. 13:10 Stay@Tsukiji Outer Market, Tsukiji Hongwanji
- 10. 13:50 Travel∶Subway
- 11. 14:00 Stay@Marunouchi, Wadakura Fountain Park
- 12. 14:35 Travel∶Subway
- 13. 15:10 Stay@Asakusa
- 14: 16:50 Travel∶Subway
- 15. 17:50 Disband@Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
What's an 8-Hour Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania, currently residing in North America. Since one of the guests had an injured leg, we walked slowly throughout the day and chose routes that allowed us to use elevators and escalators as much as possible.
It was a beautiful, clear day after a while, so on the spur of the moment I first took the guests to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Since it opens at 09:30, we had to wait a little at the entrance, but we were able to see a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, so I believe it was a good decision. As it was a long 8-hour tour, I thought we would have plenty of time, but the guests enjoyed shopping and took many photos, so every spot took longer than expected. In Asakusa in particular, the guests purchased a kimono, which took more time than usual.
Since the guests asked me to show them where they could purchase a Hakone Free Pass in Shinjuku, after the tour of Asakusa I took them to Shinjuku Station, and finally saw them off at their accommodation near the station before we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tochomae Station～Yoyogi Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Yoyogi Station～Harajuku Station | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Tsukiji Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Tsukiji Station～Tokyo Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Shinjuku Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,050JPY | ||
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