Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

September, 2025

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. 09:45 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyu
  • 2. 09:55 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 10:30 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 11:35 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 12:25 Lunch @ Mori no Terrace 2nd
  • 7. 13:05 Travel: Walk
  • 8. 13:20 Stay @ Omotesando
  • 9. 14:10 Disband @ Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Meiji Shrine and Omotesando in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest was a person visiting Japan. At the station nearest the Hotel, the guest purchased a PASMO card. Since I had received a message beforehand saying that the guest wished to decide on the spots after we met, I asked about their preferences when we gathered. The guest was looking for a vintage Hermès bag, and since all the shops they wanted to visit were located in Omotesando, we decided to explore Meiji Shrine first and then head to Omotesando at the end. On this day, there happened to be a wedding ceremony taking place at Meiji Shrine, which made for a nice surprise. At the East Gardens, I limited the guidance to the Ninomaru Garden only.

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Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayTameike-Sanno～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 2SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)～Meiji-jingumae210JPY
Total390JPY

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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