Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

February, 2026

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 @ Hyatt Centric Ginza
  • 2. 09:10 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 09:35 Visit @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
  • 4. 10:35 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 11:00 Visit @ Sensoji Temple
  • 6. 11:55 Travel: Subway
  • 7. 12:30 Visit @ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Uogashi
  • 8. 13:05 Disperse @ Tsukiji Higashi-dori

What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Asakusa, and Tsukiji

The guests were visitors from North America. The highlight of the tour was Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, which we visited first. The plum blossoms had only just begun to bloom, but there were plenty to enjoy for both their appearance and their fragrance. The weather was fine, and I believe the guests were able to relax in this urban oasis. Asakusa was more crowded than expected, likely due to the Lunar New Year and school trips, but this may have made a nice contrast with Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, which we had visited in the morning. In Tsukiji, after taking them to Honganji Temple, I guided them along the shops on Higashi-dori, including a knife shop, and ended the tour in front of a recommended sushi restaurant.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayGinza～Korakuen180JPY
Section 2SubwayKasuga (Tokyo)～Asakusa290JPY
Section 3SubwayAsakusa～Tsukiji210JPY
Total680JPY

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.

Request Booking

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 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 9, 2026
Michael_C
Tokyo tour
Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

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…