Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

Title: What's a Private Family Day Tour in Tokyo Like? Asakusa, a Sumida River Cruise, and Tokyo Skytree — A Licensed Guide's Report

This was my third set of guests this month from Oceania, and like the previous two, the group stayed at a hotel near Shiomi. The group purchased Suica cards at Shiomi Station before we set out.

We first went to the JR Café at Tokyo Station, where the group activated their Japan Rail Pass and completed their Shinkansen ticket reservations. During the tour the guests wished to visit Tokyo Skytree, but it turned out that the online ticket the group had booked was only valid for entry at 15:00 and the time could not be changed, so I guided them to Sensoji Temple first. Since I knew from an earlier email that the group was interested in a Sumida River cruise, after exploring Sensoji I suggested taking a cruise down the river. Many cruises departing from Asakusa head toward the Hinode terminal, but on this day we were able to board a boat bound for Toyosu, which saved us the distance of traveling back to Tokyo Skytree afterward.

After arriving at Toyosu, we took the subway with a transfer back to Oshiage, where I guided the group to the restaurant floor of Tokyo Solamachi before we parted ways. The Sumida River cruise ticket cost was covered by the guests.

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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.