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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 09:00 Meet up@MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho
  • 2. 09:05 Travel: Subway
  • 3. 09:55 Stay@Shibuya Scramble Crossing
  • 4. 10:10 Travel: Travel
  • 5. 10:25 Stay@Meiji Shrine
  • 6. 11:25 Stay@Takeshita Street
  • 7. 12:05 Lunch@BUTTER MILK CHANNEL Harajuku
  • 8. 12:55 Travel: Subway
  • 9. 13:25 Stay@Akihabara
  • 10. 14:45 Travel: Subway
  • 11. 15:15 Dismissal@MIMARU Tokyo Kinshicho

What Is a Family-Friendly Private Tour of Harajuku and Akihabara in Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I had been informed in advance that the group was visiting from Oceania, so I planned a course suited to their interests. Their requested spots included Yoyogi Park, but I suggested that Takeshita Street would offer more enjoyable shopping, and I added Meiji Shrine to the itinerary beforehand so they could get a little taste of history first.

I had originally considered having lunch in Akihabara, but since the group seemed hungry, I guided them to a restaurant in Harajuku famous for fried chicken and pancakes.

Some of the guests were delighted to be treated to a pair of cute earrings on Takeshita Street, while another member of the group had a hard time finding a toy they liked, which worried me. In the end, they found an airplane from "Porco Rosso" at Radio Kaikan in Akihabara and gave me a smile, which was a relief. I noticed that the upper floors of Radio Kaikan are best for finding interesting items, but floors 2 through 4 are more convenient for buying affordable souvenirs.

The Hotel was far from the spots, so travel took some time, but I brought the group back to the Hotel almost on schedule and ended the tour.

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Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1Free PassKinshicho Station～Shibuya Station600JPY
Section 2Free PassShibuya Station～Meiji-jingumae Station0JPY
Section 3Free PassMeiji-jingumae Station～Akihabara Station0JPY
Section 4Free PassAkihabara Station～Kinshicho 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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Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
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Excellent tour of Tokyo!
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