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. 10:05 Meet up @ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
- 2. 10:10 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:45 Stay @ Tsukiji
- 4. 12:35 Travel: Subway
- 5. 13:05 Lunch @ Sansada
- 6. 13:45 Stay @ Asakusa
- 7. 14:40 Travel: Subway
- 8. 14:50 Stay @ Akihabara
- 9. 15:15 Travel: Train
- 10. 15:40 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 11. 16:10 Disband @ Jingumae Intersection
What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Harajuku
The guests arrived a little later than scheduled, but they had gone out to have breakfast and had let me know in advance, so I was able to wait without any concern.
The guests were visitors from North America. They seemed interested in Tsukiji, so I guided them there first. Including Namiyoke Shrine, I explained things in more detail than usual, and since they also spent time shopping, we spent about two hours here. We had lunch in Asakusa. In the past I often took guests to one particular restaurant, but another restaurant offers summer-friendly menu items such as soba and usually has shorter waiting times, so recently I have been using this one.
Since some of the guests seemed a little tired, I made sure not to spend too much time in the latter half of the tour. As the guests had Suica cards, we traveled from Akihabara to Harajuku by JR. After guiding them along Takeshita Street, they wished to continue exploring Harajuku on their own, so we parted ways there.
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～Tsukiji Station | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tsukiji Station～Asakusa Station | 290JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa Station～Suehirocho Station | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Asakusa Station～Harajuku Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 860JPY | ||
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