Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
November, 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. 08:25 Meet up@Hotel Ueno Tokyo
- 2. 08:35 Travel∶Subway
- 3. 08:55 Stay@Sensoji Temple
- 4. 10:00 Travel∶Subway
- 5. 10:30 Stay@Nezu Shrine
- 6. 11:20 Travel∶Subway
- 7. 11:50 Stay@Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- 8. 13:05 Travel∶Subway
- 9. 13:40 Lunch@Aen
- 10. 14:35 Stay@Shinjuku Golden Gai, Kabukicho
- 11. 15:00 Disband@JR Shinjuku Station East Exit

Title: What Can You See on a Private Full-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. They had originally planned to travel elsewhere in Asia, but their flight was canceled due to a typhoon, so they moved up their schedule and came to Japan instead. Because of this, they had not yet decided which spots they wanted to visit, so I listened to their preferences and helped plan the route before the tour began.
I had initially intended to include Ueno Park in the itinerary, but since they had already walked there the previous day, I first guided them to Senso-ji Temple and then headed west. Both Nezu Shrine and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden were well received. In particular, at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a musician was rehearsing for a concert at the adjacent Tokyo Dome, and the guests enjoyed the contrast between the serene Japanese garden and the powerful music that could be heard.
For lunch I had considered the restaurant inside Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, but it was quite crowded, so I took them to a Japanese restaurant in Shinjuku that I often use. Since it was past peak time, we were seated right away, and they enjoyed the local food.
After the tour, the guests wished to visit Shibuya, so I guided them around places such as Golden Gai in Shinjuku, then saw them off at JR Shinjuku Station to conclude the tour.
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 | Ueno~Asakusa | 900JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Asakusa~Ueno-hirokoji | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Yushima~Nezu | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Nezu~Korakuen | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Free Pass | Iidabashi~Shinjuku-nishiguchi | 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
