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. 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.
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.