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 Tokyo
- 2. 10:00 Travel: Subway
- 3. 10:35 Visit @ Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku Golden Gai
- 4. 11:10 Travel: Subway
- 5. 11:20 Visit @ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory
- 6. 11:50 Travel: Subway, Train
- 7. 12:15 Visit @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing, MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109
- 8. 13:00 Travel: Subway
- 9. 13:35 Visit @ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Outer Market
- 10. 14:10 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushi Sei Shinkan
- 11. 14:50 Travel: Subway
- 12. 15:30 Visit @ Kappabashi Kitchen Town
- 13. 15:50 Travel: Subway
- 14. 16:15 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. We set off after they downloaded Mobile Suica at their hotel.
The guests enjoyed drinking, so I first took them to Shinjuku to show them Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. Since there did not seem to be enough time to visit Nezu, which had been among their requested spots, we also stopped by Hanazono Shrine here. After that, I took them to two observation decks—the north observatory of the Metropolitan Government Building and MAGNET in Shibuya—though the occasionally heavy rain was a bit disappointing.
At lunch, preferences differed within the group, as some liked nigiri sushi while others were not fond of raw fish, so at the sushi restaurant I arranged for steamed shrimp, cucumber rolls, and similar items to be enjoyed. I had originally planned to part ways at Kappabashi Kitchen Town, but on this day they decided to check the location of the shops and return another day, so I kept the tour there brief, saw the guests back to their hotel, and we parted ways.
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 | Subway | Ginza～Shinjuku-sanchome | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shinjuku West Exit～Tochomae | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tochomae～Yoyogi | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Yoyogi～Shibuya | 160JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Shibuya～Tsukiji | 210JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Tsukiji～Tawaramachi (Tokyo) | 210JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Tawaramachi (Tokyo)～Ginza | 210JPY |
| Total | 1,360JPY | ||
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