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. 10:00 Meet up@THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
- 2. 10:10 Stay@Shimbashi Station (purchase one-day pass)
- 3. 10:30 Travel∶Subway, walking
- 4. 11:30 Stay@Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 5. 12:35 Travel∶Subway
- 6. 13:10 Lunch@Sushizanmai Asakusa Kaminarimon Branch
- 7. 14:00 Stay@Asakusa
- 8. 15:00 Travel∶Subway
- 9. 15:45 Stay@Meiji Shrine
- 10. 16:50 Travel∶Subway
- 11. 17:35 Disband@Omoide Yokocho
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
This was a booking that had once been canceled, but thanks to the consideration of the coordinator, I was able to take charge of it again. I am grateful for everyone's support this time.
The guests wished to purchase a 48-hour metro free pass, so we first visited the information center at Shimbashi Station. Afterward, they requested to know where the Tokaido Shinkansen platform was at Tokyo Station, so before heading to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, we decided to walk from Nihonbashi Station to Tokyo Station. Since they also asked me to show them how to get to Ryogoku Station the next day, I took them to the somewhat hard-to-find entrance of Shiodome Station, and we transferred between the Oedo Line and the Asakusa Line.
The time spent at each spot tended to be relatively long. Since the guests had mentioned wanting to visit the drinking district in Shinjuku after the tour, I showed them the locations of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho after visiting Meiji Shrine, then extended the time and concluded the tour.
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 | Shiodome Station～Nihombashi Station | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tokyo Station～Otemachi Station | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Asakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae Station～Shinjuku-sanchome 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