Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

October, 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. 09:00 Meet up@Hotel New Otani Tokyo
  • 2. 09:10 Travel∶Subway
  • 3. 10:00 Stay@Shinjuku Gyoen
  • 4. 11:05 Travel∶Subway
  • 5. 11:40 Stay@Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 12:50 Travel∶Train
  • 7. 13:00 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 8. 13:10 Disband@Shibuya Mark City

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku Gyoen and Shibuya

The meeting point was at a hotel where the reception desks for two different buildings are located on the same floor but separately, and the guests had initially been waiting at one of the reception areas, but thanks to the hotel staff, we were able to meet up without any problems.

The guests were a group. I proceeded slowly, taking more breaks than usual to accommodate their pace.

Although the weather was unfortunately not ideal, the guests seemed to enjoy gardening, and Shinjuku Gyoen was even more popular than expected. After showing them the Scramble Crossing in Shibuya, we ended the tour.

I have attached the receipt for the admission fee to Shinjuku Gyoen. Thank you for your kind confirmation.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke～Shinjuku-sanchome180JPY
Section 2SubwayShinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae180JPY
Section 3TrainHarajuku～Shibuya150JPY
Total510JPY

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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