Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Northern Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a cheerful group with remarkable stamina. Since I had heard that they were not interested in typical tourist spots or museums, I focused mainly on the quiet areas of northern Tokyo, with the exception of the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.

As on the previous day, I first guided them to Rikugien Garden, but it was far more crowded than the day before, apparently because it had been featured on television. Even so, the weeping cherry trees were even closer to full bloom, and it felt well worth the wait to see them. Since the guests had Suica cards, we traveled by JR from Komagome to the next stop, Yanaka.

For lunch, we visited a rice ball shop near Sendagi Station for the first time in a while. Since we arrived right at lunchtime, we had to wait a little, but I think the guests were able to enjoy a local atmosphere not found at other restaurants.

As the guests were not interested in shopping, we had extra time in the latter half. At the Imperial Palace, I took them all the way to the outer garden and then guided them through Marunouchi. Since their accommodation was near Tokyo Station, we continued on foot and parted ways in front of their hotel.

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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.