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. 10:30 Meet up @ Hotel & Resort 〈Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome Station Tower〉
- 2. 10:40 Travel: Subway
- 3. 11:30 Stay @ Asakusa
- 4. 13:10 Travel: Sumida River Water Bus
- 5. 14:15 Stay @ Odaiba
- 6. 14:30 Travel: Train, Subway
- 7. 15:10 Disband: Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station

What's a Private Tokyo Tour with Asakusa and a Sumida River Cruise Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. After they purchased PASMO cards at Nishi-Shinjuku-gochome Station, which was the nearest station to their hotel, we began our tour.
Their initial requests were to visit Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, and to take a Sumida River cruise down to Odaiba. Since visiting Tokyo Skytree would not have fit within the available time, after touring Asakusa we decided to take a water bus down the Sumida River to Odaiba. Although it rained, I believe the water bus was reasonably well received.
Since the guests wished to have a meal and go shopping in Shibuya after the tour, I guided them through the train transfers from Odaiba to Shibuya, and we parted ways near Shibuya Station.
I have attached the receipt for the Sumida River water bus tickets. Thank you for your kind attention.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Nishi-Shinjuku Gochome~Asakusa | 280JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Daiba~Shimbashi | 330JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shimbashi~Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Total | 790JPY | ||
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
