Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam

September, 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. 08:40 Meet up @ Mercure Tokyo Hibiya
  • 2. 08:45 Move: Subway
  • 3. 09:15 Stay @ Asakusa
  • 4. 10:10 Move: Subway
  • 5. 10:40 Stay @ Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 6. 11:40 Move: Subway
  • 7. 12:00 Stay @ Tsukiji
  • 8. 12:15 Lunch @ Tsukiji Sushisei Shinkan
  • 9. 13:05 Move: Subway
  • 10. 13:30 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
  • 11. 14:15 Stay @ Takeshita Street
  • 12. 14:35 Disband @ Takeshita Street

Can You Do a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji, and Harajuku

I arrived at the meeting-point hotel about 20 minutes early, but the guests were already in the lobby, so we were able to meet up right away. The guests were visitors from South America, and since they were fluent in English, communication was easy.

That day we were troubled by rain throughout. Thinking the weather might worsen in the afternoon, we visited the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in the morning, but it started to rain while we were exploring the main keep, and we ended up walking through the Ninomaru Garden in heavy rain. The guests were well prepared and had brought raincoats, so I was relieved that there was no need to worry about getting wet.

During our conversation I learned that sushi was a particular favorite, so I changed the original plan and we had lunch at a sushi restaurant in Tsukiji. They also enjoyed grilled eel skewers and sake, and I believe they were very satisfied.

Because we started early, we had plenty of time to spare, and in Harajuku I also showed them Takeshita Street. I heard they would be moving to a hotel inside Tokyo Disneyland after the tour, so I explained how to get from Harajuku Station to Maihama Station before 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 1Free PassShimbashi Station～Asakusa Station600JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa Station～Otemachi Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station～Tsukiji Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassTsukiji Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
Total600JPY

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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Sep 29, 2026
Y9791IZnicks
Making the most of a rainy day
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Sam was a wonderful…

Sep 25, 2026
910lorig
Best experience for a perfect day in Tokyo!
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Best…

Sep 15, 2026
R8612KOjanicea
Highly recommend 👍
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Our guide, Sam, was amazing!!…

Sep 1, 2026
greasygrandpa
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Our tour guide Sam was very knowledgeable…