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. 09:50 Meet @ Hotel
- 2. 10:00 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 3. 10:15 Transfer: Subway
- 4. 10:45 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 5. 11:50 Transfer: Subway
- 6. 12:20 Lunch @ Aen
- 7. 13:30 Stay @ Shinjuku Gyoen
- 8. 14:50 Transfer: Train
- 9. 15:00 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 10. 15:50 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 11. 16:05 Transfer: Train
- 12. 16:25 Disband @ Hotel
What's a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A Report on Shinjuku, Shibuya, and the East Gardens
The guests came down to the lobby early, so we were able to meet up smoothly. Since they had Suica cards, we traveled between Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station on the Yamanote Line. The guests were a refined group. As they had not yet seen the Scramble Crossing, I showed it to them before we took the subway. Among the spots they wanted to visit, only the East Gardens were located separately, so I first took them to Otemachi and then we returned to Shinjuku. For lunch I chose a restaurant inside a department store building, and although we had to wait a little, I believe they enjoyed a traditional Japanese lunch. All the afternoon spots were close to their hotel, which was helpful as I did not have to worry about travel time. At the end I saw them back to their hotel before we parted ways. Please note that the admission fee for Shinjuku Gyoen was paid by the guests, so it is not included in the reimbursement expenses.
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 | Subway | Shibuya Station～Otemachi Station | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi Station～Shinjuku-sanchome Station | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shinjuku Station～Harajuku Station | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Harajuku Station～Shibuya Station | 150JPY |
| Total | 730JPY | ||
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