Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

August, 2025

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. 10:25 Meet up @ Tokyo Tower
  • 2. 10:30 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 11:30 Visit @ Ueno Park
  • 4. 11:45 Visit @ Tokyo National Museum
  • 5. 13:10 Lunch @ Obon de Gohan
  • 6. 14:05 Travel: Subway
  • 7. 14:15 Visit @ Asakusa, Matsuchiyama Shoten (Rickshaw Experience)
  • 8. 15:25 Visit @ Sensoji Temple
  • 9. 16:25 Disband @ Tobu Asakusa Station

What Is a Private Tokyo Cultural Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno and Asakusa

This was a very fulfilling and enjoyable tour. I guided the group mostly along the itinerary that had been prepared in advance, and the time allocation turned out to be close to ideal.

The group was based in North America. Since the guests seemed to have a particular interest in Japanese culture and history, I studied in advance before visiting the Tokyo National Museum. Some of the guests also showed interest in artifacts related to archaeology.

Because some of the guests preferred kosher food, I took care with the meal arrangements. The restaurant we used in Ueno is a place that often has a line on weekends, but on this day we were able to get in without much of a wait.

Since we seemed to have some extra time in Asakusa, I arranged a rickshaw experience at the request of the guests. Because the course included Matsuchiyama Shoten, a spot I do not usually visit, I chose that one. I rode along with one of the guests, and I could clearly tell how delighted they were.

As I heard the group planned to visit Tokyo Skytree after the tour, I saw them off at Tobu Asakusa Station at the end and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayKamiyacho～Ueno210JPY
Section 2SubwayUeno～Asakusa180JPY
Total390JPY

Tour Report by Sam

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.

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