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 Metropolitan Edmont
- 2. 10:10 Move: On foot
- 3. 10:25 Stay @ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 4. 11:25 Move: Train
- 5. 11:55 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing ①
- 6. 12:10 Lunch @ Sendai Henmi
- 7. 13:25 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing ②
- 8. 13:35 Move: Train
- 9. 13:40 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 10. 14:35 Disband @ Takeshita Street
What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Koishikawa Korakuen, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine
The guests were a family from Europe, similar to a tour I had guided in July. Everyone had ICOCA cards, and we used JR trains for getting around. Speaking English a little too fast seemed hard for them to catch, so I made a point of speaking slowly.
Among the places we visited, Koishikawa Korakuen was one I had suggested, and I believe it was fairly well received. It was helpful that we could walk there from the Hotel. In Shibuya, I first showed them the crossing from the second floor of the station, then we had lunch, and finally we actually walked across the crossing. Since I had been informed that one of the guests had a nut allergy, I was careful with the menu choices at lunch.
After guiding them through Meiji Shrine, we had planned to walk along Takeshita Street together, but because it was hot, the guests wished to take a break at a café and then enjoy shopping on their own. So the tour ended a little early at around 14:30 on Takeshita Street.
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 | Iidabashi～Shibuya | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shibuya～Harajuku | 150JPY |
| 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