Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
August, 2024
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 1. 08:25 Meet @ Toei Subway Ushigome-Yanagicho Station, outside the ticket gate
- 2. 08:30 Transfer: Subway
- 3. 08:50 Visit @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 4. 10:10 Transfer: Subway
- 5. 10:35 Visit @ Asakusa
- 6. 11:45 Lunch @ Yoroiya
- 7. 12:20 Transfer: Subway
- 8. 13:05 Visit @ Meiji Shrine
- 9. 13:55 Visit @ Takeshita Street
- 10. 14:15 Disband @ Jingumae Intersection
Title: What's a Private Full-Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Higashi Gyoen, Asakusa, and Harajuku
The guests were visitors to Japan staying at a private rental, so the meeting point was set at Ushigome-yanagicho Station, close to their accommodation. Otemachi Station turned out to be surprisingly nearby, which made the travel easier than expected.
At the East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen), I guided them, as on the previous day, to the bamboo grove beside the main keep's large lawn. It is a slight detour, but since the reaction from guests is so positive, I would like to keep incorporating it into the course whenever there is enough time.
Since they seemed to enjoy ramen, I took them to Yoroiya, a popular shop in Asakusa. We were fortunate to visit in the morning before it got crowded.
At every spot we avoided spending too much time, and the tour progressed steadily from start to finish. I heard that they had a reservation at a cafe in Omotesando after 4:00 p.m., so after guiding them along Takeshita Street, we parted ways at the Jingumae intersection.
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 | Ushigome-Yanagicho Station～Otemachi Station | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Otemachi Station～Asakusa Station | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa Station～Meiji-jingumae Station | 260JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
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.
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful…
Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sam was a wonderful guide. So knowledgable and friendly. He turned a rainy day into a great experience! We had so much fun at the sites we visited and would highly recommend him to anyone who would like to have some help navigating all of the things you can do in Tokyo. If you are even considering a guide, book a tour with him right now!
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best…
Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Best tour and the best tour guide ever (thank you Sam!!)! I cannot recommend this for anyone who is in Tokyo. Today was our first full day in Tokyo and we started at 9am with Sam who kindly picked us up at our hotel and reviewed our customized plan for our day. It was more than perfect.
Sam – we simply cannot thank you enough for making today a special memory for us. We hope to see you again soon!!
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…
Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
Tripadvisor review: Tsukiji & Asakusa Local Food Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Our guide, Sam, was amazing!! He communicated well throughout the process and was extremely personable. He went above and beyond to meet our every wish. This was a wonderful introduction to Tokyo!!
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…
Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
First Day In Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable and energetic. It was a pleasure touring Tokyo with him.