Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

Title: What's a Private Family Tour of East Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ueno, Hamarikyu, and Tsukiji

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The guests were a three-generation family group visiting Japan. Since everyone had a Suica card, getting around was relatively easy. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides lead private tours across all 47 prefectures, and this one focused on the eastern side of central Tokyo.

The itinerary concentrated on the eastern part of the city. The first stop, Ueno Park, was very well received, especially Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and the group stayed longer than planned. Since a Japanese garden was on their wish list, I chose Hamarikyu, which is close to Tsukiji. The rape blossoms were in full bloom and I believe the group enjoyed it, though there are still areas under construction, and lately I find it tricky to decide which route to take.

The meal in Tsukiji took a bit of effort. Some of the guests who liked sushi went into a sushi restaurant, while I dined together with those in the group who could not eat raw fish. After talking with them, I understood that some preferred only vegetables and others had specific dietary needs, so I recommended a tempura restaurant serving vegetable and white fish tempura. They seemed reasonably satisfied, which was a relief.

After the meal, I put some of the group who wished to return to their accommodation first into a taxi, and then rejoined the four guests at the sushi restaurant. They had wanted to visit street carts in Shinkiba after the tour, so I intended to see them to the station, but since they were able to confirm the location on Google Maps, they told me the guidance could end there, and we parted ways in Tsukiji.

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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.