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. 11:45 Meet up @MIMARU TOKYO STATION EAST
  • 2. 11:50 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 12:30 Visit @Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
  • 4. 12:45 Lunch @Aoi Marushin
  • 5. 13:40 Visit @Senso-ji Temple
  • 6. 14:40 Travel: Subway
  • 7. 15:10 Visit @Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • 8. 16:40 Travel: Subway
  • 9. 17:05 Disband @MIMARU TOKYO STATION EAST

A Private Day Tour of Asakusa and the East Gardens in Tokyo: A Licensed Guide's Report

When I arrived at the meeting point at the Hotel, the guests had just returned from shopping outside, so we were able to meet with zero waiting time. The guests were a group from Oceania. The conversation was especially lively and cheerful, which made for an enjoyable tour. Since they had not yet had lunch, in Asakusa I guided them to the culture and tourism center and then took them straight to a tempura restaurant I often visit. As the weather began to turn, we took our time in both Asakusa and the East Gardens, explaining things at a relaxed pace with breaks along the way. After strolling through the East Gardens, I had planned to take them to Harajuku, but they said they were tired and wished to return to their Hotel, so I took them directly back to the Hotel and ended the tour about an hour early.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassHatchobori Station~Asakusa Station600JPY
Section 2Free PassAsakusa Station~Otemachi Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassOtemachi Station~Hatchobori Station0JPY
Total600JPY

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
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