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. 09:55 Meet up @ The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:40 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
- 4. 11:40 Travel: Subway
- 5. 12:00 Stay @ Doutor Harajuku Store
- 6. 12:35 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway
- 8. 13:30 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 9. 13:45 Travel: Subway
- 10. 14:20 Stay @ Asakusa
- 11. 15:30 Travel: Subway
- 12. 15:45 Stay @ Akihabara
- 13. 16:05 Travel: Subway
- 14. 16:10 Disband @ Toei Subway Ueno-okachimachi Station

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from Europe. Since I had received frequent emails in advance, the tour proceeded smoothly.
I first guided the guests to Shinjuku Gyoen, which was close to their Hotel. Shinjuku Gyoen offers a wide variety of cherry blossom species, and thanks to its spacious gardens, it is helpful that trees in full bloom can still be seen even into April. Before guiding them to Meiji Shrine, we took a break at a café. I had been told they did not intend to eat much at lunchtime, and in the end they did not have lunch that day, so this became the only break of the day. As they did hardly any shopping, some time remained after strolling through Asakusa, so I decided to give them a brief tour of Akihabara. Since they said there was no need to see them back to their Hotel, I explained how to return from Ueno-Okachimachi Station via the Oedo Line to the nearby Tochomae Station, and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Tochomae Station~Shinjuku Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Shinjuku-sanchome Station~Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shibuya Station~Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station~Suehirocho Station | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Free Pass | Suehirocho Station~Ueno-hirokoji Station | 0JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
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
