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 up @Hotel
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:45 Stay @Ueno Park
- 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
- 5. 11:25 Stay @Asakusa
- 6. 12:50 Lunch @Doutor Kaminarimon 2-chome Store
- 7. 13:20 Travel: Subway
- 8. 14:10 Stay @Shinjuku Gyoen
- 9. 15:20 Travel: Subway
- 10. 15:35 Stay @Takeshita Street
- 11. 16:10 Travel: Subway
- 12. 16:30 Disband @Toei Mita Line Hibiya Station
What Is a Private Day Tour of Tokyo's Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They had a wonderful rapport with one another. At Onarimon Station, which was nearest to their Hotel, they purchased a one-day pass, and we traveled entirely by subway.
I suggested Ueno Park as our first destination. At this time of year, lotus flowers can be enjoyed in the morning, and I believe the guests found this delightful. It was an extremely hot day, but one of the guests had a habit of sitting down as soon as a bench was found, and since everyone kept to that relaxed pace, we were able to take breaks and comfortably walk to the very end. Shinjuku Gyoen was a spot the guests had particularly wished to visit, and although the seasonal flowers were not in bloom, they seemed very satisfied with the beauty of the Japanese garden.
Since the guests said they knew how to make their way back from Hibiya Station to Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line, we parted ways at Hibiya Station. The admission fee for Shinjuku Gyoen was paid by the guests.
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 | Onarimon～Ueno | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Ueno～Asakusa | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Asakusa～Shinjuku-sanchome | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Shinjuku-sanchome～Meiji-jingumae | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Meiji-jingumae～Hibiya | 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