Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Sam

April, 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. 08:50 Meet @Hotel 〈Shinjuku Gyoen-mae〉
  • 2. 09:00 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 09:40 Stay @Nezu Shrine
  • 4. 10:15 Travel: Subway
  • 5. 10:35 Stay @Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 6. 11:50 Travel: Train
  • 7. 12:20 Stay @Hamarikyu Gardens
  • 8. 13:10 Disband @Hamarikyu Gardens Otemon Gate

Title: What Can You See on a 4-Hour Private Tokyo Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Although they did not have a messaging app account, we were able to stay in touch easily through text messages sent from a mobile phone number.

The private tour by a [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide covered three locations in Tokyo: Nezu Shrine, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Hamarikyu Gardens. Although it rained heavily in the afternoon, we were able to get through most of the tour without using umbrellas. One of the guests loved plants and, at both the East Gardens and Hamarikyu, took keen interest not only in the cherry blossoms but also in the camellias, eagerly taking photographs. We spent a bit longer at the East Gardens, but since the guests were both strong walkers, we were able to visit all three locations comfortably within four hours. After strolling through Hamarikyu, I guided them to the restaurant floor of Caretta Shiodome across the way before we parted.

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayShinjuku Gyoen-mae～Nezu210JPY
Section 2SubwayNezu～Otemachi (Tokyo)180JPY
Section 3TrainTokyo～Shimbashi160JPY
Total550JPY

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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