Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam
November, 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. 11:25 Meet up@Conrad Tokyo
- 2. 11:35 Travel∶Subway
- 3. 11:45 Visit@Tsukiji Uogashi
- 4. 12:20 Lunch@Koragumi
- 5. 13:00 Travel∶Subway
- 6. 13:20 Visit@Nezu Shrine
- 7. 14:10 Travel∶Subway
- 8. 14:25 Visit@Ginza
- 9. 15:25 Travel∶Subway
- 10. 15:40 Disband@Conrad Tokyo

Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Nezu Shrine, and Ginza
The guests were a group with a clear and long-standing interest in Japanese culture. Some of the guests had visited Japan a few years earlier and were able to use simple Japanese words and phrases. Another member of the group had been learning Japanese from within the group and could read katakana.
Hie Shrine was among the spots they had hoped to visit, but during a site check the day before, I found that it was partially under construction, so I guided them to Nezu Shrine instead, and this decision worked out very well. In particular, the guests especially enjoyed the contrast between the lively atmosphere of Tsukiji and the quiet calm of Nezu Shrine.
There was a request for recommendations of places to have a casual meal in Ginza, which was close to the Hotel, so in Ginza we took a wide walking route that included Higashi-Ginza with its Kabukiza Theatre, and I also took them to the back streets lined with izakaya and other eateries.
After showing them around Ginza thoroughly, I walked them back to the Hotel and we parted ways there.
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 | Shiodome~Tsukijishijo | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tsukiji~Nezu | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nezu~Ginza | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Ginza~Shimbashi | 180JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
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
