Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Sam
October, 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. 09:15 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
- 2. 09:25 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- 3. 10:35 Move: Subway
- 4. 11:05 Stay @ Meiji Shrine
- 5. 12:05 Stay @ Takeshita Street
- 6. 12:25 Move: Subway
- 7. 12:40 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- 8. 13:10 Move: Taxi
- 9. 14:15 Lunch @ Asakusa Umaimon Azuma
- 10. 14:50 Stay @ Asakusa
- 11. 15:55 Move: Subway
- 12. 16:30 Disband @ Hotel Tokyo

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
This was my first time visiting inside the Hotel, and I noticed that the reception and the lobby are located on opposite sides of the elevator hall on the first floor, so care is needed when arranging a meeting point. The guests had contacted me via a messaging app to let me know they would be running late, so I waited near the elevator hall and met them there.
The guests wished to visit as many places as possible, so I guided them in a compact way centered on classic sightseeing spots. Since they offered that it would be fine to use taxis, we took a taxi for the longer stretch between Shibuya and Asakusa so that the guests would not get tired.
For lunch they wanted Japanese cuisine, but since one of the guests did not like fish, it was a bit of a challenge to find a suitable restaurant. We chose a casual place along Shin-Nakamise Street, which was helpful because it had a relatively wide range of menu options.
The guests both enjoyed taking photos, so the tour ended later than scheduled. I received the additional fee for the overtime separately, and we parted ways at the Hotel.
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 | Otemachi Station~Meiji-jingumae Station | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Meiji-jingumae Station~Shibuya Station | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Asakusa Station~Otemachi Station | 180JPY |
| Total | 570JPY | ||
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
