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 @ Hotel
- 2. 10:10 Stay @ JR Shibuya Station
- 3. 10:20 Travel: Train (one person leaves the group during this time)
- 4. 11:00 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 5. 12:30 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 6. 13:40 Travel: Train
- 7. 14:10 Lunch @ Akihabara UDX
- 8. 15:00 Stay @ Akihabara
- 9. 15:55 Disband @ JR Akihabara Station
Title: What Is a Private Family-Friendly Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Akihabara
The meeting point was a hotel in Shibuya, but the guests were actually staying at an accommodation near "Omokado" in Harajuku. The group visited Japan together, and one member of the group had to leave before we stopped at Meiji Shrine due to feeling unwell. As a result, the photo shows some of the guests. Because we returned to their accommodation twice—once before heading to Meiji Shrine and once after strolling along Takeshita Street—the time spent in Harajuku ended up being quite long.
After departing from the Hotel, we first visited JR Shibuya Station so the guests could activate their Japan Rail Pass. From that point on, we traveled entirely using JR lines.
I suggested visiting Takeshita Street, and since some of the guests wished to spend time at a dog café, our stay on Takeshita Street was longer than usual. I had initially considered guiding them to Yanaka as well, but we also spent time shopping for souvenirs in Akihabara, and in the end the tour concluded in Akihabara.
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 | Train | JR Shibuya Station～JR Harajuku Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Harajuku Station～Akihabara Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 330JPY | ||
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